Prescott City targets aviation, advanced manufacturing and health-care recruitment in economic strategic plan

At the Oct. 14, 2025 Prescott City Council study session, John Hiney, director of economic initiatives, presented progress on the city's economic strategic-plan priorities and recruitment work with industry-sector focus groups.

Hiney said staff convened sector groups in three areas ' healthcare, advanced manufacturing and aviation ' and that recruitment emerged repeatedly as a priority. "We see the need to recruit businesses that will help our students stay here," Hiney said, describing workforce-development goals and industry engagement.

Hiney said the city is prioritizing recruitment of aviation and avionics companies, in part due to the airport's capabilities and partnerships with Embry'Riddle. He said an innovation center for entrepreneurs and collaboration with Embry'Riddle is on the list of recruitment priorities and noted interest in advanced air mobility and unmanned-systems testing because Prescott's elevation and operating environment could be attractive to firms seeking unique test conditions.

Hiney also said Prescott staff are watching statewide semiconductor-industry developments and identifying follow-on firms that can locate outside the Phoenix metro area. "There are companies that make sense, follow-on companies that may want something different that don't have to be in the valley or use a lot of water but can be here in this great environment," he said.

The presentation described business-outreach work including a business survey on participateprescott.com, use of hotel/retail feasibility studies in marketing, and an in-progress hiring or offer for an economic-development candidate to assist implementation. Hiney said commercial developers have expressed interest in northern Prescott where residential growth is occurring, but he said details are limited and sensitive while negotiations continue.

Council members asked about healthcare recruitment and whether a steering committee is formed; Hiney said physician recruitment is an early focus and that Civic Solutions remains under contract to support the city's economic planning through the end of the year. Hiney said staff will evaluate consultant needs for recruitment and retention support as the plan moves from planning to implementation.

Hiney said updated marketing will include commute-time messaging for potential residents and noted visitor spending figures the city tracks to support tourism-related economic strategy.