The Sahuarita Town Council meeting on May 12, 2025, spotlighted a significant discussion on the challenges and opportunities surrounding commercial development in the area, particularly the ongoing issue of "rooftops"—a term used to describe the residential base needed to attract larger retailers.

Council members expressed concerns about the current commercial landscape, questioning whether the town has enough rooftops to entice major retailers like Target and Costco. Council member Morales highlighted the historical struggles with attracting commercial businesses, asking, “Are they doing their due diligence? Or are we still gonna struggle with that?”

The conversation shifted as data from Placer AI revealed that Sahuarita's trade area extends beyond its immediate borders, pulling in consumers from nearby regions, including parts of Tucson and even Mexico. This data is seen as a game-changer, providing a more optimistic outlook for attracting smaller operators and regional chains. “I feel much more optimistic with the data that we have now at hand,” said one council member, emphasizing the potential for growth beyond traditional metrics.

The council also discussed the importance of targeted incentives for businesses, with members advocating for a strategic approach rather than a blanket policy. “I think with targeted incentives for the businesses, types of businesses we want, yeah, that’s a good plan,” noted one member, reinforcing the need for a tailored strategy to attract the right commercial partners.

As the meeting concluded, there was a clear consensus on the need for innovative approaches and the utilization of new tools to enhance the town's appeal to businesses. The council is set to explore these strategies further in upcoming meetings, aiming to leverage the latest data and insights to foster economic growth in Sahuarita.