City of Mesa, Arizona - Official Web Site

Office of the Mayor

For Release: Jan. 24, 2013
            Contact: Melissa Randazzo
Public Information & Communications Specialist
480-644-3219 Tel
                                                                                                                                                                        melissa.randazzo@mesaaz.gov

            During his state-of-the-city address, Mayor Scott Smith said that cities, schools/universities and community leaders will be the drivers of job creation in America. The changes won’t come from Washington, D.C.; they will come from the ground up where 85 percent of new jobs are currently being created.
            The world has changed over the last 20 years with the end of the Cold War and the evolution of the Internet. Competition brought on by a connected world economy means that cities need to step up to the challenge.
            To focus Mesa’s efforts on innovation, Mayor Smith introduced the concept of four Innovation Districts, which will create hubs where educators and entrepreneurs can come together to turn ideas into viable business models. 
            The four Innovation Districts will be:    
                ·         Downtown    
                ·         Fiesta
                ·         Falcon Field
                ·         Gateway 
            The Innovation Districts are part of the second phase of the iMesa program that Mayor Smith announced during his 2010 state-of-the-city breakfast. Phase one led to a $70 million parks bond package full of projects suggested by Mesa residents. 
            If you missed the presentation, the full program is now posted online at www.mesachannel11.com/mayorsbreakfast and will rebroadcast on Mesa Channel 11. Look for program listings at www.mesachannel11.com/mayorsbreakfast/schedule.               

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