🏙️ Sun Corridor CEO Unveils Tucson's Hidden Economic Gems and Pitfalls
🇲🇽 Border Bonanza: How Mexico Could Fuel Tucson's Growth 🏥 Code Blue: Tucson's Healthcare System on Life Support
Based on the 10/15/24 Jump In Tucson on KVOI-1030AM.
🙊 Notable quotes from the show
"We went from about 90, 95% public funding to right around 80 to 85% private funding. So we inverted that. And I think that's what's kept us around for 20 years, frankly, to out-survive a lot of the other groups." - Joe Snell, discussing Sun Corridor's funding model
"I think as a market, we're probably the most hesitant to grow. It's the biggest obstacle facing us." - Joe Snell, on Tucson's resistance to growth
"Both internal and external audiences are frustrated with the shape of our infrastructure, specifically our roads." - Joe Snell, highlighting Tucson's infrastructure challenges
"We can win all day long on companies that employ 250 to 1,000 jobs." - Joe Snell, on Tucson's strategy for attracting businesses
"I think we have a real opportunity by creating some photonic foundries." - Joe Snell, discussing potential high-tech industry opportunities
⏮️ ICYMI: From the Last Show…
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
📻 On a radio show, a man named Joe talked about making Tucson better for businesses. 🏙️ He said downtown is cool now, but the roads are bad. 🛣️ He wants more doctors to come here because there aren't enough. 🩺 Joe thinks Tucson could grow a lot, but some people don't want it to change. 🌵 He's trying to get companies to build stuff in Tucson, but it's hard because Phoenix is bigger. 🏭 Joe thinks the university can help bring in cool tech jobs. 🎓 He wants everyone to work together to make Tucson better! 🤝
🗝️ Takeaways
🏙️ Downtown Tucson has transformed from a liability to a major asset
🛣️ Poor infrastructure, especially roads, is hindering economic growth
🩺 A growing physician shortage threatens Tucson's appeal to new residents and businesses
🎓 The University of Arizona is key to attracting high-tech industries
🌵 Community resistance to growth is seen as a major obstacle to economic development
💼 Tucson is focusing on attracting mid-sized companies (250-1000 employees) rather than large corporations
🤝 Multiple competing economic development efforts are causing confusion and inefficiency
🇲🇽 Proximity to Mexico is viewed as an untapped opportunity for growth
⏬ Jump to the 🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary based on:
📻 What They Discussed
On October 15, 2024, the conservative radio show "Jump in Tucson" hosted by Ted Maxwell featured a compelling discussion with Joe Snell, the President and CEO of Sun Corridor, Inc. Sun Corridor is the primary economic development organization for Southern Arizona, making Snell a key figure in shaping the region's economic future. The show, which airs on 1030 The Voice, delved into Tucson's economic landscape, exploring its progress and its challenges in its quest for growth and prosperity.
🏙️ Tucson's Economic Renaissance: Triumphs and Tribulations
Drawing from his extensive experience in economic development across various cities, Joe Snell provided a comprehensive overview of Tucson's economic situation. He highlighted several key areas:
Downtown Revitalization: Once considered a weakness, downtown Tucson has undergone a remarkable transformation. Snell emphasized, "Downtown. Everybody raved about it." This turnaround mirrors successful urban revitalization models seen in other cities like Denver, signaling Tucson's progress in creating an attractive urban core.
University Assets: The University of Arizona and Pima Community College were identified as crucial assets for the city's economic development. Snell particularly emphasized the University of Arizona's potential role in attracting high-tech industries, especially in the semiconductor ecosystem.
Mexico Proximity: Tucson's geographical location near the Mexican border was highlighted as a significant opportunity for economic growth, suggesting potential for increased cross-border trade and collaboration.
🛣️ Infrastructure Hurdles: The Road Less Traveled
Despite the positive developments, Tucson's infrastructure, particularly its road network, emerged as a significant concern.
Snell stated, "Both internal and external audiences are frustrated with the shape of our infrastructure, specifically our roads."
This issue affects current residents and the city's ability to attract new businesses and talent. The discussion revealed a need for greater regional cooperation to address these infrastructure challenges effectively.
🩺 Health of the City: Tucson's Physician Predicament
Tucson's growing physician shortage was a surprising and worrying trend highlighted in the discussion.
Snell expressed his concern, saying, "We have a growing physician's shortage in certain skill sets. It's getting harder and harder to find... certain docs in certain areas."
This shortage could deter people from moving to Tucson, as access to quality healthcare is crucial in relocation decisions. To address this issue, Snell mentioned that Judy Rich, the retired TMC CEO, has been enlisted to spearhead an effort to tackle this growing problem.
🤝 Economic Development Ecosystem: Too Many Cooks?
The conversation revealed a complex landscape of economic development efforts in Tucson, with multiple organizations and initiatives sometimes working at cross-purposes.
Snell noted, "They were confused by the competing economic development efforts," referring to outside observers' perceptions.
This fragmentation suggests a need for greater coordination and a unified strategy for Tucson's economic growth. The discussion touched on a potential alliance with the Tucson Metro Chamber, though details were not provided.
🌵 Growth vs. Preservation: Tucson's Identity Crisis
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the discussion was the revelation of Tucson's ambivalence towards growth.
Snell observed, "I think as a market, we're probably the most hesitant to grow. It's the biggest obstacle facing us."
This resistance to change, rooted in a desire to preserve Tucson's unique character and environment, presents a challenging balancing act for economic developers and city planners. The conversation touched on historical decisions, such as the resistance to interstate highways, that have shaped Tucson's current economic landscape.
💼 Business Climate: Perception vs. Reality
The discussion highlighted a perception problem regarding Tucson's business-friendliness. Snell mentioned that outside observers don't feel Tucson is as business-friendly as other markets.
Ted Maxwell suggested reframing this as "ease of business" rather than just being "business-friendly," emphasizing the need for concrete actions to support businesses rather than just welcoming rhetoric.
🏭 Industry Focus: Finding Tucson's Niche
Recognizing Tucson's limitations in competing with massive employers, Snell outlined a strategy focused on mid-sized companies.
He stated, "We can win all day long on companies that employ 250 to 1,000 jobs."
This approach acknowledges Tucson's current capabilities while still aiming for a significant economic impact. The discussion also touched on potential opportunities in high-tech industries, particularly in the semiconductor ecosystem, with Snell mentioning the possibility of developing photonic foundries.
📊 Economic Development Strategy: Evolution and Adaptation
Snell provided insights into Sun Corridor's strategic approach to economic development. He mentioned transitioning from primarily public funding to an 80-85% privately funded model.
According to Snell, this shift has been crucial to the organization's longevity and effectiveness. He also discussed the importance of targeted industry analysis, mentioning the involvement of Michael Porter from Harvard in developing their strategic plan.
🌐 Competing with Phoenix: David vs. Goliath
The conversation addressed the challenge of Tucson being overshadowed by Phoenix in attracting significant employers and investments. Due to its smaller population base, Snell acknowledged that Tucson is unlikely to attract employers, bringing 4,000-5,000 jobs. However, he emphasized Tucson's potential to carve out its niche, particularly in high-tech sectors, by leveraging its unique assets, such as the University of Arizona.
The discussion painted a picture of Tucson as a city at a crossroads, grappling with its identity and future direction. While celebrating its progress in areas like downtown revitalization and recognizing its unique assets, the conversation also highlighted significant challenges in infrastructure, healthcare, and coordinating economic development efforts. The underlying tension between growth and preservation emerged as a central theme, reflecting the complex task of charting Tucson's economic future while maintaining its distinctive character and quality of life.
🦉 Three Sonorans Commentary
🌵 Unmasking the Growth Gospel: A Critical Look at Tucson's Economic Narrative
In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Tucson stands at a crossroads. The recent "Jump in Tucson" radio show, featuring Joe Snell of Sun Corridor, Inc., paints a picture of a city poised for economic transformation. But beneath this glossy veneer of progress lies a narrative steeped in capitalist ideology and colonial mindsets that continue to shape our community's future.
The Growth Imperative: At What Cost?
Throughout the discussion, there's an underlying assumption that growth is inherently good and necessary for Tucson's future. Snell's comment, "I think as a market, we're probably the most hesitant to grow. It's the biggest obstacle facing us," is particularly telling. This framing dismisses legitimate concerns about preserving community, environment, and quality of life as mere "obstacles" to be overcome.
But we must ask: growth for whom? And at what cost?
The push for economic development often comes at the expense of long-time residents, particularly communities of color and low-income neighborhoods. As we've seen in cities across the Southwest, unchecked growth can lead to gentrification, displacement, and the erasure of cultural heritage.
While the celebration of downtown Tucson's revitalization is positive in some aspects, it glosses over the potential displacement of long-time residents and small businesses that have been the backbone of our community for generations.
The Trickle-Down Mirage
The discussion's focus on attracting businesses and high-paying jobs reflects a trickle-down economic philosophy that has consistently failed to deliver equitable outcomes. While Snell talks about targeting companies that employ 250-1000 people, there's no mention of ensuring these jobs are accessible to local residents, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Snell boasts, "We can win all day long on companies that employ 250 to 1,000 jobs."
But without intentional policies for local hiring, job training, and equitable development, these economic gains will likely exacerbate existing inequalities. The history of economic development in the Southwest is littered with examples of communities of color being left behind in the wake of so-called progress.
Erasing Indigenous Presence
Notably absent from the entire conversation is any acknowledgment of Tucson's Indigenous history and the ongoing presence of Native communities. The land we're discussing isn't just an economic resource to be developed; it's the ancestral homeland of the Tohono O'odham and other Indigenous peoples.
Any conversation about Tucson's future that fails to center Indigenous voices and sovereignty is inherently flawed and perpetuates settler-colonial narratives. The focus on "photonic foundries" and high-tech industries, while potentially lucrative, raises questions about land use, water resources, and the continued marginalization of Indigenous perspectives in shaping our region's future.
Borderlands Complexity
While the discussion touches on Tucson's proximity to Mexico as an economic opportunity, it fails to engage with the complex realities of the borderlands. There's no mention of the human rights issues at the border, the impact of militarization on border communities, or the potential for genuine, equitable cross-border collaboration that goes beyond mere economic exploitation.
As inhabitants of the borderlands, we are responsible for advocating for policies that respect the dignity and rights of all people, regardless of which side of the line they call home. Economic development strategies that view Mexico solely as a resource to be tapped rather than as a partner in mutual prosperity perpetuate harmful colonial dynamics.
Healthcare: A Right, Not a Selling Point
While valid, the concern over physician shortages is framed entirely in terms of economic development rather than as a fundamental issue of community well-being and social justice.
Snell notes, "We have a growing physician shortage in certain skill sets. It's getting harder and harder to find certain doctors in certain areas."
Healthcare should be viewed as a fundamental human right, not merely as an amenity to attract new residents and businesses. The focus should be on ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all Tucson residents, including undocumented individuals and those in rural areas, rather than simply using healthcare as a selling point for economic growth.
Infrastructure and Environmental Justice
The discussion of Tucson's infrastructure challenges, particularly the poor condition of roads, fails to address these issues' environmental and social justice implications. Poor infrastructure often disproportionately affects low-income communities and communities of color.
Moreover, the push for infrastructure development to support economic growth must be balanced with environmental concerns, particularly in our fragile desert ecosystem. The conversation lacks any mention of sustainable development practices, water conservation, or climate resilience – critical issues for a city on the frontlines of climate change.
Redefining Progress
As we contemplate Tucson's future, we must challenge the narrow, growth-oriented vision of economic development organizations like Sun Corridor. Actual progress for our community must be measured not just in jobs created or businesses attracted but in the well-being of all our residents, the preservation of our unique cultural heritage, and the health of our desert environment.
We need an economic vision that:
Centers Indigenous sovereignty and perspectives
Prioritizes equitable access to opportunities for all residents, especially marginalized communities
Balances growth with environmental sustainability and water conservation
Addresses the root causes of inequality rather than relying on trickle-down economics
Views our proximity to Mexico through a lens of mutual respect and collaboration, not exploitation
Treats healthcare, education, and other essential services as rights, not commodities
Only by redefining our notion of progress can we create a future for Tucson that is truly just, sustainable, and inclusive. The desert has taught us the value of resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness. It's time our economic strategies reflected these lessons.
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👯 People Mentioned
Ted Maxwell
Host of the radio show "Jump in Tucson"
Appears to have a background in public policy and possibly military service
Quote: "I appreciate everybody joining Jump in Tucson this morning. This is the engagement hour."
Joe Snell
President and CEO of Sun Corridor, Inc.
Has a background in economic development and chamber of commerce work
Worked in Albuquerque, Denver, and now Tucson
Quote: "I fell in love. My wife and I both fell in love with Tucson. We saw great potential here."
Quote: "I think as a market, we're probably the most hesitant to grow. It's the biggest obstacle facing us."
Matt Neely
Mentioned as being "behind the glass," likely the producer of the radio show
No notable quotes
Steve Agan
Former CFO of Raytheon
Mentioned in context of early involvement with Sun Corridor
No notable quotes
Judy Rich
Retired TMC CEO
Leading an effort to address physician shortage in Tucson
Quote about her from Joe Snell: "We've asked Judy Rich, the retired TMC CEO, if she will spearhead an effort, which she's agreed to do, spearhead an effort to work on this."
Michael Porter
From Harvard
Hired by Sun Corridor to develop targeted industry process
Quote about him from Joe Snell: "I hired Michael Porter out of Harvard, which was a little controversial because it wasn't a UVA."
Susan Dumann
Executive Vice President at Sun Corridor
Assigned to research Tucson's competitiveness
Quote about her from Joe Snell: "I actually signed Susan Dumann, our executive vice president, to spend a year actually just going out there and asking people the perceptions of our competitiveness."
Grant Kruger
Another host on the radio station
Mentioned as having an upcoming interview with Kari Lake
No notable quotes
Kari Lake
Republican candidate for U.S. Senate
Mentioned as an upcoming guest on Grant Kruger's show
No notable quotes
Bob Hoffman
President of the Tucson Road Runners (hockey team)
Mentioned as an upcoming guest on Grant Kruger's show
No notable quotes
Coach Brennan
Likely referring to the University of Arizona football coach
Mentioned in passing regarding the team's current record
No notable quotes
🧐 Propaganda AI-nalysis
The "Jump in Tucson" show, featuring Joe Snell from Sun Corridor, Inc., presents a narrative that aligns with pro-business, pro-growth ideologies. While informative, the discussion frames economic growth as inherently positive without critically examining potential negative impacts on existing communities or the environment. The conversation employs several propaganda techniques:
Framing: Economic growth is presented as universally beneficial, without addressing potential drawbacks.
Appeal to Authority: Snell's experience is used to legitimize his viewpoints without much questioning.
Othering: Those resistant to growth are subtly portrayed as obstacles rather than stakeholders with valid concerns.
Scapegoating: Infrastructure problems and lack of growth are partially blamed on community resistance and lack of coordination.
Positive Self-Presentation: Sun Corridor's efforts are presented in a consistently positive light.
Fear Appeal: Discussion of physician shortages and infrastructure problems may create anxiety, making listeners more receptive to pro-growth arguments.
Simplification: Complex economic issues are often reduced to simple narratives of growth vs. stagnation.
Bandwagon Effect: By emphasizing outside observers' positive views of Tucson, the discussion encourages listeners to support growth initiatives.
While the show provides valuable insights, listeners should critically examine the underlying assumptions and consider alternative perspectives on urban development and community well-being.
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