Economic development update: Sprouts permit issued, downtown placemaking and housing pipeline noted
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Summary
Director Amanda Jacobs reported that Sprouts received its building permit, the View restaurant site is expected to reopen as a restaurant, public art and placemaking efforts continue, and the town's apartment pipeline shows limited new supply.
Amanda Jacobs, the town's director of economic development, delivered a quarter‑end update covering October through December and highlighted recent local economic activity.
Sprouts and commercial activity: Jacobs confirmed "the building permit was issued today for Sprouts," saying construction activity will be visible and the hope is the store will open later in the year. She listed recently licensed businesses and said several new businesses will contribute to keeping sales tax dollars in Fountain Hills.
Downtown placemaking and public art: Jacobs described a national call to artists that produced four regional selections to paint utility boxes near key locations (Dark Sky Discovery Center, the museum and library, and Fountain View Coffee). She highlighted artists by name and said the placemaking work supports tourism and community identity.
Housing and tourism: Jacobs reported apartment occupancy metrics and pipeline changes: Boardwalk Apartments were added to listings, Red Rock Center units decreased from 17 to 15, and some pipeline projects had expired and must restart the process. Tourism metrics included nearly 60,000 views for the fountain live feed (EarthCam) and more than 42,000 new visitors to the Experience Fountain Hills website.
Public outreach and partnerships: Jacobs noted partnerships with local communications firms and a grant from the Arizona Office of Tourism to create historical videos about the town and the greening of the fountain, which staff will promote through Experience Fountain Hills.
