The following five states are seen as competitors to Arizona for economic development. (I listed them in order I personally feel are most competitive to least competitive)
- Oregon
- Utah
- Colorado
- New Mexico
- Nevada
I think that Portland, OR and Boulder, CO are two cities that are really attracting the right kind of people for innovation. I firmly believe we need to play to our strengths and not try to replicate their success. However, it is worth taking a look at what policy decisions especially at a State level have been made to help those cities foster a talent pool.
Texas…specifically Austin/San Antonio are competing right now vs Chandler for major deals. Texas also has funds set aside to help close new business deals and currently has a better corporate tax climate.