Tucson Area Looks to Consolidate ED Efforts

A panel of top-ranking community leaders believes one entity needs to be in charge of the region's economic development efforts.

The panel has looked at how other bustling cities handle economic development.

And later this month the panel may have suggestions on how to revamp and coordinate Tucson's efforts to create jobs, assist business expansion and keep companies from leaving town.

Some may include what members have learned about Minneapolis, San Diego, Pittsburgh or Raleigh, N.C. Or not.

Broadly speaking, the Tucson Office of Economic Development handles business expansion and retention, Pima County focuses on work force development, the Greater Tucson Economic Council specializes on recruiting high-tech companies to Tucson, and the chamber does a bit of all these functions.

Stay tuned.

More here.