Office of Economic Development EDAB Approved Meeting Minutes 02-03-2026

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  
ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES 
February 3, 2026 
The Economic Development Advisory Board of the City of Mesa met in the boardroom at the Office of Economic 
Development, 120 N. Center St., on February 3, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. 
BOARDMEMBERS PRESENT  
BOARDMEMBERS ABSENT 
STAFF PRESENT  
J. Steven Beck  
Kurt D. Ferstl 
Michelle Genereux  
Charles Gregory * 
Anthony Ruiz  
Frank Sanders * 
Andrew Schreiner 
Susan Stephensen 
  
 
  
Jaye O’Donnell 
Maribeth Smith  
Benjamin Snow 
Rob Stirling 
Brent Stoddard 
 
   
   
   
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS PRESENT  
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS ABSENT 
GUESTS 
Scott Butler, City Manager  
Sally Harrison  
Richard Blake * 
Sonny Cave 
Mark Drayna 
Mark Freeman, Mayor (excused) 
Natascha Ovando-Karadsheh (excused)  
 
Jeff McVay 
Jeff Robbins 
Councilmember Jenn Duff 
 
 (*Participated in the meeting via video conference equipment) 
 
 
1. 
Call meeting to order.  
 
Chair Michelle Genereux called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m. 
 
 
Chair Genereux excused Board member Frank Sanders from the beginning of the meeting. He arrived at 
7:36 a.m. 
 
2. 
Approval of minutes from the January 6, 2026, Economic Development Advisory Board meeting. 
 
It was moved by Vice Chair Kurt Ferstl, seconded by Board member Andrew Schreiner, that the January 6, 
2026, Economic Development Advisory Board meeting minutes be approved. 
 
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed: 
 
AYES – Beck-Ferstl-Genereux-Gregory-Ruiz-Schreiner-Stephensen 
 
NAYS – None 
 
ABSENT – Sanders 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chair Genereux declared the motion carried unanimously.

Economic Development Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Page 2 
 
 
4. 
Hear a presentation regarding City of Mesa redevelopment efforts, followed by a discussion. 
Chair Genereux stated items 4 and 5 would be a combined presentation. 
 
Senior Economic Development Project Manager Jeffrey Robbins presented an overview of the City’s 
Redevelopment Program, emphasizing that redevelopment had become a strategic priority. He explained 
that while redevelopment had always been part of the City’s long-term planning, the focus was now on 
adapting aging properties to meet current needs and working collaboratively across departments and with 
the private sector to facilitate building conversions and reinvestment. Robbins discussed the Fiesta Mall 
site, noting that while no renderings were currently available, the property was being carefully curated for 
a transformative regional or national development. He stated that City Council had supported the use of 
a special taxing district to unlock financing tools, clarifying that the intent was not to create a theme park 
but to enable entertainment-oriented uses with tax advantages and bonding capacity. He reported that 
Mayo Global had begun acquisition efforts, in partnership with LG NOVA and Blue Cross Blue Shield, with 
plans for Arizona’s first women-focused health and athletics campus, potentially including professional 
soccer. The project was described as a future economic engine for southwest Mesa. (See pages 13-15 in 
Attachment 1) 
 
Mr. Robbins also outlined redevelopment efforts in areas identified by City Council as experiencing blight 
or underinvestment. He explained that staff had presented a series of tools to Council in January aimed at 
encouraging reinvestment, noting that Arizona lacks mechanisms such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), 
which are widely used in other states. The proposed tools included demolition and remediation assistance 
for obsolete or contaminated properties; enhanced code enforcement paired with reinvestment grants; 
commercial space activation to help older buildings meet modern code requirements; vacant property 
registration to better understand barriers to occupancy; the establishment of a revolving loan fund to 
address financing gaps; public infrastructure funding to support redevelopment in underserved areas; and 
placemaking and strategic acquisition to catalyze investment and strengthen community identity. (See 
pages 16-18 in Attachment 1) 
 
5. 
Hear a presentation regarding downtown Mesa, followed by a discussion. 
Downtown Transformation Manager Jeff McVay provided an update on residential development, noting 
that The Grove on Main had helped establish market demand and demonstrated the viability of additional 
similar projects, including potential expansion through Eco Mesa. He reported that Forge Towers, formerly 
senior apartments, had been converted to market-rate units, and that Edge on Main was currently under 
construction at Country Club and Main with planned ground-floor retail. Residences on Main was expected 
to be completed by February, delivering approximately 200 units along with retail space. He also discussed 
The GRID (The 233), the City’s first large-scale residential agreement, which had entered bankruptcy. The 
City worked closely with the lender, trustee, and courts to stabilize the project, and a purchase was 
expected to be completed by October. Planned ground-floor tenants included Crust Italian, Babalino’s 
Sorbet, and Nightingale. Mr. McVay further noted that between 2010 and 2020, 254 residential units had 
been added, while 1,055 units had been added since 2020, with approximately 800 additional units 
currently under construction, reflecting strong ongoing residential growth. (See pages 1-3 in Attachment 
1)

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February 3, 2026 
Page 3 
 
Jeff McVay also highlighted several City projects and downtown initiatives, including City Hall and The Post, 
which had proven to be a successful event space. The Neon Garden had been refurbished the previous 
year, with restored signage that was illuminated nightly and available for rental as a collective feature. He 
emphasized the uniqueness of the downtown business community, noting that since 2020, 20 new locally 
owned and operated businesses had opened. He shared that a business incubator was expected to be 
completed in the fall, and that the City was partnering with Local First to introduce seven to eight food 
vendor stalls that would serve as a pipeline for future brick-and-mortar businesses in Mesa. (See pages 4-
7 in Attachment 1) 
 
Additional development updates included the Council-approved Culdesac project at Site 17, with 
approximately 1,000 residential units and 50,000 square feet of amenities. A pre-submittal had been 
received, and the first phase would include 140 for-sale townhomes, representing the first such product 
type in Mesa since the mid-1980s. Mr. McVay also reported that a proposal for Arizona State University at 
the Post Office site would be presented to Council, focusing on creative technologies and academic 
programming, and incorporating the concept of a “Light Walk” as a public spine connecting key downtown 
amenities. A feasibility concept was underway for 51–55 East Main Street, with a request for proposals 
anticipated in early 2026 to support higher-density, mixed-use development in partnership with private 
developers, including opportunities for modern office space for the City or ASU. He also noted plans for 
an AC by Marriott hotel with 156 rooms at the northeast corner of Centennial and Main, and that the 
adjacent park-and-ride lot was being evaluated for potential repurposing through a future RFP for the six-
acre site. (See pages 8-12 in Attachment 1) 
 
Board discussion followed on a range of topics. Members discussed the challenges of attracting a grocery 
store to downtown Mesa, with McVay noting that such projects typically require sufficient residential 
density and income levels to be viable, though smaller-scale markets may emerge in developments like 
Culdesac. Housing supply and affordability were also discussed, with staff noting that while multifamily 
production had been strong, there remained a significant shortage of housing for residents below median 
income, and continued demand at both the high and low ends of the market. The importance of 
townhome development in establishing market comparables and encouraging lender confidence was 
emphasized, along with ongoing efforts to advance infill housing policies. 
 
Transportation and infrastructure considerations were also discussed, including the need to transition 
from surface parking to structured parking, opportunities for shuttle systems and emerging autonomous 
transit, and the importance of maintaining transit ridership requirements in coordination with Valley 
Metro. Councilmember Duff emphasized the importance of vertical development and integrated parking 
solutions, while other members discussed connectivity and pedestrian improvements. 
 
6. 
Hear from District 4 Councilmember Jenn Duff regarding her priorities and economic development, 
followed by a discussion. 
District 4 Councilmember Jenn Duff discussed the vision for an Arts and Innovation District anchored by 
the Mesa Arts Center, Arizona State University, and other downtown assets. Central to this vision was the 
Light Walk, a pedestrian-oriented corridor intended to physically and conceptually connect key 
destinations, encourage walkability, and support the growth of creative industries, including gaming and 
emerging technologies. The discussion highlighted the importance of placemaking, public investment, and 
creating a cohesive downtown environment that would attract private investment, venture capital, and

Economic Development Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Page 4 
 
professional employment opportunities. Members emphasized the need for shaded walkways, public art, 
and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure to support this vision. 
 
7. 
Economic Development Director’s current events summary including conferences attended. 
Economic Development Director Jaye O’Donnell summarized recent economic development activity, 
including multiple grand openings and groundbreakings, and noted upcoming events such as ULI Trends 
Day and the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit. She announced that Hayley 
Freestone had been promoted to Project Manager with a focus on retail development. Board members 
were encouraged to share current advisory board opportunities within their networks, including an 
Advisory Board Open House scheduled for March 3, 2026, at The Post. 
 
8.  
Introduction of new business to be discussed at a future meeting. 
No new business was introduced; however, Vice Chair Kurt Ferstl announced that he had accepted a new 
position with Boeing in Asia for the next three years. The timing of his departure had not been determined 
yet. 
 
9. 
Schedule of meetings.  
 
Next meeting scheduled for March 3, 2026, at the Office of Economic Development. 
 
10. 
Adjournment. 
 
Without objection, the Economic Development Advisory Board meeting adjourned at 8:48 a.m. 
 
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Economic 
Development Advisory Board meeting of the City of Mesa, Arizona, held on the 3rd day of February 2026. I further 
certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.  
Submitted by: 
 
_____________________________________ 
Jaye O’Donnell 
Economic Development Director 
 
ms

DOWNTOWN AND 
REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE
Economic Development Advisory Board
February 3, 2026
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 1 of 18

RECENT RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
2
The Grove on Main – 285 Units
Eco Mesa – 105 Units
2nd Avenue Commons – 140 Units
Forge Tower – 175 Units
Melody on Main – 340 Units
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February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
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UNDER CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
3
Edge on Main – 400 Units
Residences on Main – 200 Units
The 233 – 200 Units
Economic Development 
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February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 3 of 18

CITY PROJECTS
4
City Hall
City Hall
The POST
Neon Garden @ The POST
Neon Garden @ The POST
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 4 of 18

UNIQUELY LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY
5
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 5 of 18

LOOKING FORWARD
6
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 6 of 18

RESTAURANT INCUBATOR
7
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 7 of 18

CULDESAC
8
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 8 of 18

ASU AND MESA CITY CENTER
ASU @ Post Office 
Adaptive reuse of current Post 
Office for future ASU use
9
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 9 of 18

ASU AND MESA CITY CENTER
51-55 E. Main
RFP for redevelopment in early 2026
10
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 10 of 18

LOOKING FORWARD
AC by Marriott
New 156 room hotel
Mesa Drive Park-n-Ride
RFP for 6.0± acre redevelopment in 
early 2026
11
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 11 of 18

BY THE NUMBERS
254 Residential units added 
2010-2020
1,055 Residential units added 
since 2020
800 Residential units under 
construction
1,100 Residential units in 
planning and negotiation
25+ New businesses added since 
2020
12
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 12 of 18

REDEVELOPMENT
13
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Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 13 of 18

14
TRANSFORMATIONAL – PALO DISTRICT
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February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
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REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Dobson
Alma
School
Country
Club
Hobson
Gilbert
Stapley
Center
University
Main
Broadway
Southern
US 60
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 15 of 18

Strategic and 
sustained 
reinvestment
Businesses and
 jobs leave
Disinvestment
 spreads
Economic shock
Property owners 
hesitate to invest
 
Lenders pull back
Initial Investment 
attracts additional 
private investment
New jobs emerge
Tax base grows
16
REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Decline 
Phase
Disinvestment 
Phase
Intervention
Phase
Revitalization 
Phase
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 16 of 18

REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
17
PROGRAM TOOLS UNDER CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERATION
1) Demolition and Remediation Assistance
2) Enhanced Code Enforcement
3) Commercial Space Activation
4) Vacant Property Registration
5) Revolving Loan Fund
6) Public Infrastructure
7) Placemaking and Strategic Acquisitions 
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 17 of 18

Thank You
Economic Development 
Advisory Board 
February 3, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 18 of 18