What Does 2023 look like in terms of Freeway & Transit and Overall Economic Growth, for the Phoenix Metro Area?
Arizona Living with Chérie Stall and Your Real Estate Matters brings you the highlights from a recent very insightful meeting.
Wowza! I just attended this power-packed hour with information concerning Arizona’s freeway expansions to I-17, I-10 going West, and the I-10 at the Broadway curve.
Important!
Also mentioned is the expiration of Prop 400 tax which is greatly needed to continue to meet the needs of our growth. Watch for more conversations around this.
Rubberized Asphalt is short-lived as the materials are not long-lasting, and potholes are already rising. The plan going forward is to take our highways down to original concrete as needed. It is said that concrete is durable and wears better under heavy traffic.
Air Quality - We've seen many air-quality alerts already this year. Due to both ozone and dust but also mentioned was that a lot of our air quality concern comes from other states and countries.
Maricopa County has recently been reclassified into a higher level of ozone non-attainment by the EPA, meaning the health-based ozone standard (we have too high of it) in concentrations in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. It's not just an urban core issue. Our levels of ozone exceed even in our Tonto National Forest.
If we cannot continue to trend down, we put economic development at risk. This would require our incoming industry coming into the region to offset the amount of ozone produced at a higher level than they are doing today, resulting in permits not being issued and finding those offsets. In part, one of those is using the air quality bank to leverage those opportunities in Arizona. There are no offsets currently in Arizona. We are challenged to find solutions and to have conversations with the State and EPA. Most of the ozone picked up on our monitors doesn't originate in the region. If these standards continue increasing, we will see a pinch in our economic development and prosperity.
Transportation: Light Rail remains a very popular investment expanding and improving. Hoping Prop 400 continues the plan for 2 light rail expansions from the I-10 corridor from Phoenix going West is in plan development. The second light rail location is in a study for exact location though camelback was mentioned.
Almost forgot! SR-30 connecting the 202 and the 303 would be a huge benefit bringing relief to both truckers and passenger cars. I am sure the feeling is mutual, having to share the road. The monies for this project, yes, you guessed it. It is in the continuation of Prop 400.
Concerns also being addressed is the availability of transit in the suburbs' far east and west valleys. Shortening the wait times and designated lanes improve public transit popularity.
The workforce is a concern for Maricopa, both in the private and public sectors, as the demand for laborers between both remains high.
If you know me, you know I take copious notes. I could go on but taking into consideration that I may be one of the few geeks in the room, I'll wrap up this information with 2 links you might find helpful.
maps.azmag.gov and data.azmag.gov
I would be amiss if I didn't add this incredible handout regarding our Arizona Water information flyer and resource sheet. Arizona Water
As an active committee member of WeSERV - West & SouthEast Realtors of the Valley and important forums like this today, I can obtain, participate and inform my community, clients, and customers about the topics concerning these important issues.
If you want to be on my (e)mailing list, text "mailing list" to Cherie Stall at 602.796.744 with your name and number.