Maricopa plans 1200-acre rail-served industrial park to create 10000 jobs

The City Council of Maricopa, Arizona, convened on June 17, 2025, to discuss significant developments in the city's economic landscape, particularly focusing on a new industrial park initiative. The meeting highlighted plans for a sprawling 1,200-acre industrial park that aims to accommodate over 10 million square feet of manufacturing and industrial facilities, with a substantial portion rail-served. This development is projected to create approximately 10,000 jobs, a critical factor in retaining employment within the city.

The industrial park will feature over 11 miles of rail infrastructure, connecting to a major freight line that runs from Los Angeles to Houston. This strategic positioning is expected to facilitate transloading activities and enhance manufacturing capabilities in Maricopa. The park's layout includes designated areas for light industrial and warehouse spaces, as well as heavy industrial uses, such as chemical storage.

Christian Price, a city staff member, emphasized the importance of economic development as a collaborative effort. He outlined the city's proactive approach to attracting businesses, including partnerships with organizations like the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA). Price reported that from January to June 2025, the city received 52 project information forms (PIFs) from these partners, responding to 18 of them. The average wage for potential jobs from these submissions was reported at nearly $66,000, indicating a strong economic opportunity for the region.

The council discussed the need for ongoing marketing efforts to promote Maricopa as a viable location for businesses. Price noted that the city must continuously engage with site selectors and potential investors to ensure Maricopa remains competitive in attracting new enterprises.

In response to questions from council members, it was clarified that while there is an existing rail spur serving some businesses, further steps are needed to fully realize the rail-served capabilities of the new industrial park. The timeline for completion remains uncertain, as developers are currently navigating the planning and approval processes.

Overall, the meeting underscored Maricopa's commitment to economic growth and job creation through strategic development initiatives, positioning the city as a key player in the regional industrial landscape. The council plans to continue monitoring progress and engaging with stakeholders to ensure the successful realization of these ambitious projects.