Tucson stands at a critical juncture. To ensure a thriving future, we must attract projects that generate jobs, cultivate talent, and boost economic vitality. However, setbacks like the decline of tourism drivers—such as the film industry and spring training—and the high-profile failures of transformative projects like the 2012 Grand Canyon University (GCU) proposal and the 2025 rejection of Amazon’s Project Blue have tarnished Tucson’s reputation as a business-friendly hub. These missed opportunities offer vital lessons for building a sustainable economy.
In 2012, GCU proposed a Tucson campus, potentially at El Rio Golf Course, with a $100 million initial investment promising diverse jobs—union trade, clerical, executive, and academic—while producing skilled graduates to address our talent shortage, a key barrier to attracting businesses. The project could have spurred competition with the University of Arizona, possibly lowering tuition costs. Yet, the Tucson City Council, led by then-Councilmember Regina Romero and Councilmember Steve Kozachik, rejected it. Romero cited insufficient community support, stating, “I can no longer in good conscience support a proposal that does not have the support of the community I represent.” Kozachik called negotiations a “big mistake.” Concerns about voter backlash and ties to UA overshadowed the chance to diversify Tucson’s economy, leaving us to wonder: What might have been?
Fast forward to 2025, the rejection of Project Blue—a $3.6 billion Amazon Web Services data center near the Pima County Fairgrounds—exposed similar flaws. The project promised jobs and tax revenue but faced opposition over water and energy demands and lack of transparency. As a City Council candidate, I had concerns about resource use but was open to supporting the project if data confirmed its sustainability. Instead, opaque decision-making by the county and city eroded trust. Sources suggest the City Council was likely aware of the proposal, raising questions about coordination behind closed doors. Community outcry and a few regrettable tantrums—yes, you know who you are—led the Council to abandon Project Blue, prioritizing environmental concerns over economic growth. This highlights the challenge of balancing sustainability with progress, a balance Tucson must master.
Tucson faces persistent challenges: a limited talent pool, violent crime, homelessness, aging infrastructure, and a housing shortage driving up costs. These deter investment. Yet, our strengths—low natural disaster risk, mild winters, stunning landscapes, and recreational assets like golf courses and parks—are powerful draws if leveraged effectively.
To chart a bolder path forward, Tucson must act decisively:
- Reengage with GCU: Now thriving in Phoenix, GCU remains open to a Tucson campus, stating, “All indicators tell us that the greater Tucson area is a wonderful place for a GCU campus, and we remain committed to evaluating this option in the future.” The City Manager and economic development team should offer incentives to make this a reality, boosting our talent pool and creating jobs with minimal resource strain.
- Prioritize Sustainable Development: Instead of resource-intensive projects, pursue developments like a luxury resort near the former Project Blue site. Its proximity to I-10 leverages Tucson’s tourism potential and natural beauty, creating jobs and revenue while aligning with environmental priorities. Crucially, the location’s direct access from the airport allows visitors to bypass areas with higher crime and poor road conditions. The resulting tax revenue could then be allocated to address infrastructure and safety challenges in the inner city.
- Revitalize Tourism: Incentivize the return of Hollywood film productions and professional baseball spring training, perhaps through innovative formats like Banana Ball. These would diversify entertainment, aid graduate retention, and boost tourism at minimal cost.
- Supercharge the Tour de Tucson: Partner with organizers to expand the race with a challenging Mount Lemmon climb to attract elite cyclists. Ensure a vehicle-free route for safety and appeal, avoiding Tucson’s rougher roads. This could position Tucson as a cycling hub, boosting tourism and civic pride.
- Address Structural Challenges: Streamline permitting, reduce regulations, and enhance public safety to make Tucson business-friendly. Transparent, community-driven project evaluations can rebuild trust and align development with our values.
The GCU and Project Blue rejections highlight how indecision and short-term politics can stifle progress. Tucson needs leaders who champion long-term prosperity through bold partnerships, sustainable projects, and solutions to housing, infrastructure, and crime. By leveraging our unique strengths, we can transform Tucson into a vibrant, prosperous city that attracts transformative projects and fosters community pride. The opportunity is ours—let’s seize it.
Janet “JL” Wittenbraker is running for election to the Tucson City Council to represent Ward 3 in Arizona. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025. She advanced from the Republican primary on August 5, 2025.
Tired of Tucson and Pima County…come to Cochise County!
I have read all the responses but again they DO NOT reflect what tucon/pima county represent. You can go back many years and find that the city/country groups have never been pushing for a local economy. Years ago a mayor dont remember which one, said we dont need an economy as we have jobs (service types) because of climate, culture, and some other stuff. Sorry getting older and have episodes of CRS. One time motorola wanted to build a facility here on land they help up north, the NIMBYS said no build it down south and we will go to work there. The established it in Nogales instead (now long gone). They pushed out many local business’ such as the door lock company, a couple of well known local custom rifle business (who went to the dakotas I believe). So the area has really never been for developement of an economy. Over the years they have tried to close down DMAFB, a couple of years ago they wanted to become their own welfare state (pima co /baja az) until someone told them they would need to develope an economy and not depend on gov’t handouts. So now we are reportedly the 5th poorest county in the US. I am a tucson native so I have had roots here for many years and yes it has good and bad, but the worst is the city wide voting aas has already been escribed. We have been to areas where they relied on the gov’t to develope, but when the local mil moved out they became slum towns with no real prospect for the people. I worked for a defense contractor that wanted to build a facility here, the clowncil (mayor bob Rino) did not support the effort and it was built up in Sierra Vista with limited growth as a result. Tucson gets what it wants, a cradle to grave dependency and the resulting over building of not affordable housing, poor roads and a gov’t that cares less about people only self.
Bold, Innovative Change? Yes! Whatever. Suck out all the water… be it a “Project Blue” (Blue is symbolic of water???), more developments, plant a milliion trees AND similtaneously cut back Tucson’s water entitlement, or whatever else some political dolt or developer can think of… cuz ALL change iz good. BTW… listening to constituents ain’t ALL bad Janie…
My name is Janet, JL, Ms. Wittenbraker, but not Janie, did you read the opinion piece or are you just angry. Tucson is no longer a small town and if we create innovative, sustainable economic development we can lift our residents out of poverty and build a stronger future. Elect me and I promise you will have my full attention.
Sustainable economic development by building data centers. Wasting water. Yeah… whatever. Am I angry?… fed up up is more like it. I still remember the IBM fiasco of the 80’s… concessions for IBM who brought in their own workers, promised NOT to pollute the air but instead were in the top 10 water polluters in no time. House prices skyrocketed and then the bast**ds left town.
We don’t want blue here .
The liberals in the Dirty T believe in the democrat montra of keep them dumb and on the government dole and you will have a democrat voter for life. With the liberals its about power pure and simple…..they don’t want good jobs, they don’t want an outstanding education (people might realize they are being played) they don’t want to anything to get in the way of their power and even question it. The GCU fiasco was totally racist on the part of the Grijalva mafia……they simply didn’t want a white, religious school in the middle of the west side….let alone compete with and make the Uof A look like the trash school it really has become.
I respect your perspective and would be curious to hear about any steps you’ve taken to help improve our community. I assume you vote regularly, which is great. Have you considered taking it a step further by encouraging others in your neighborhood to vote as well? In Tucson, with voter turnout around 24%, low participation tends to maintain the status quo. Increasing voter engagement could really shift the dynamic.
4 open pit mines! are scheduled for the Santa Rita area – a MINE BOOM is coming – With that I’m sure infrastructure of rail etc. A mine town ‘again’.. I do remember when the smoke of the smelters would fill the valley during my early years here. That won’t come – but all the processing.. will. With it lots of ‘nationals’ from ‘out of country’ again.. Does Tucson want to be a mining town again.. don’t think there is a choice – it’s in progress NOW. The rest.. will just happen. The old saying “EARTH FIRST!” We’ll mine the other planets later” is coming our reality way.
I wish we lived in a world where mining is no longer a necessary compromise. However, mining in the United States adheres to stricter environmental and ethical standards compared to many other countries. While mining remains essential for now, we must prioritize innovative, sustainable alternatives for the future. Establishing another university in Tucson would foster competition and drive advancements in this critical area.
As long as Tucson has city wide election and not ward only we will continue to have a liberal government in Tucson.
I have said and suggested this exact thing. SOMEONE please come up with a SINGLE issue proposition and get it on a ballot!
Scott, that someone is you! contact me and I’ll show you the way. janetfortucson.com
Howard, I respectfully disagree with your perspective. Approximately 75% of registered voters do not participate in city elections, enabling a small, often more extreme, 25% to determine electoral outcomes. I assure you that by voting and encouraging your neighbors to do the same, we can achieve a more representative result and secure a victory.
Sorry JL I have to disagree with you. I’ve lived here since 1973 and have seen what our government was like when we had ward only elections. We had both Republicans & Democrats holding clowncil cheats. The city was more business friendly than it is today. When they changed to city wide elections suddenly those who held seats that were Republican were ousted thanks to people from one ward voting for someone who represents a different ward and suddenly we have a democrat super majority. Even when we have had R Republican Mayors they just turned out to be RINO’s and go hand in hand with the Democrat clowncil. At this point if you are running for office you don’t have my vote for dog catcher Busch less the mayor’s office or city clowncil.
JL is making a huge, faulty assumption. Leadership in Tucson/Pima County don’t want the economy to thrive. They’re communists.
The motto of Tucson/Pima County- “Just Say No to Prosperity”. Been doing that for 40 years. And with that track record any company considering locating here must be totally ignorant or like Mark Kelly, running a scam.
Regarding GCU – the Communists of Tucson/Pima County will NEVER allow that to happen. They hate Christians.
Correcto Mundo. IMHO it’s time for the rest of America to find out about Tucson.
Bill, I’ve been saying this since my first candidacy in 2023, flipping CD7, Tucson, and Pima County could create a transformative impact with national resonance. I respectfully request your support—please consider contributing, volunteering, and, most critically, voting to help make this vision a reality.
Dear Mr./Ms. MXB4Freedom, Your assessment of the current Tucson government is accurate, but I believe the situation is well within our control. I urge the residents of Tucson and Pima County to take action: run for office, volunteer for your preferred candidate, engage in get-out-the-vote efforts, and, most importantly, vote. Collective action is key to effecting change.
Dear JL – I appreciate your enthusiasm but after being a resident for 50 years I’ve seen the destruction wrought by the Communists that took over City and County politics. The Mexican Mafia is still very real. Tucson/Pima County is a lost cause, it cannot change. It’s one of the worst places in America to raise children. The public schools are horrible indoctrination centers and there are no jobs and never will be because the senior hippy residents aligned with Grijalva’s Mexican Mafia only do one thing, stop all prosperity to keep the population poor and themselves in power. Only solution – leave – one of the greatest life decisions I’ve made and got my son out of the sh@t metro known as Tucson/Pima County and he is now thriving. Freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is what most of America offers, but not Tucson/Pima County.