Northern AZ Economics | LAZOK INDUSTRIES

Municipal and County Support Interface
Fueling Growth in Northern Arizona’s Economy

Why Northern Arizona is Poised for Economic Success

Arizona’s economic development in Fiscal Year 2025 (ending June 30, 2025) hit record highs: 24,285 new jobs committed by companies working with the state and local agencies.
These jobs have an average annual wage of $95,928, significantly above many other benchmarks.
Companies also committed over $31 billion in capital investment across Arizona in FY25.
These numbers represent thousands of quality jobs and major investments not just in Phoenix or the big metro areas, but also in many Northern Arizona and rural communities. Expansions occurred in places like Coconino County, Flagstaff, Prescott, Prescott Valley, and Snowflake.

The I-40 TradePort Corridor project is projected to generate up to ~60,000 jobs in Arizona and New Mexico hubs once fully in operation.
With GADA (Greater Arizona Development Authority) reactivated, investments in rural infrastructure are likely to increase significantly (state estimates suggest GADA will finance $50-100 million in its near term, helping unlock multiple smaller projects).
Continued expansion of entrepreneurship and tech innovation, with NAU + NACET + ECoNA supporting new business formation, especially in sectors aligned with local strengths (forestry, clean energy, tourism).
Population growth and residential development will likely increase in communities that have good access to infrastructure, education, outdoor amenities, and transportation — especially Flagstaff, Winslow, Prescott etc.
Challenges may include ensuring affordable housing keeps up with demand, managing infrastructure costs, ensuring sustainable use of water and environmental resources, and aligning workforce skills with the needs of new industries.

Communities like Flagstaff, Prescott, Snowflake and Coconino County are already part of the economic expansion. There’s momentum that can be leveraged for further growth.
Northern Arizona can benefit from the strong investment inflows, high-wage job creation, and statewide policy support.
With its natural resources, quality of life, educational institutions, and rural communities, Northern Arizona has unique value in the broader Arizona economic ecosystem.