The City of Douglas has focused on performing the role of a catalyst. The City's investment in infrastructure, services, technology and recreational amenities invites local and outside investors to join in a partnership that encourages and supports growth. The partnership takes in the local school district, other government entities at all levels, the private sector and non-profit organizations.

In 2001, Douglas witnessed the following highlights. Recognizing the need for a new hotel and in the absence of movement from the private sector, the City offered land for sale to attract a national hotel franchise. The City was successful and will see the construction of this hotel in 2002. The community saw the completion of the first phase ($6 million) of a highway improvement project. The subsequent phases of the project will welcome visitors and residents with a scenic entrance to Douglas complemented by an aesthetic linear park to the US-Mexico border ("The Walkway of the Americas") and a new visitor center. We continue to develop the Douglas Community Aquatic Center, which will ultimately grow to incorporate meeting and convention facilities. In 2001-02, the aquatic center will feature a new play pool and indoor racquetball courts. The City of Douglas has engaged the community in a major reinvestment program. Mayor and Council have invested substantially in creating a foundation that has led to economic growth and will foster future growth.

The City of Nogales is living up to its perceived image, that of a progressive and positive community. The growth that is visually evident in this enterprise community is attributable in large part to the collaborative efforts of community leaders, both in the public and private sectors, who have managed to set aside one-sided issues and agreed to embrace the opportunity for growth afforded to the City of Nogales through its affiliation with the AZBREC program as well as through a border need focus recognized by both federal and state agencies. The issues confronting the community of Nogales are intensified as they transcend national levels. This uniqueness places incredibly oversized burdens on a community equipped to primarily handle the needs of its own residents while not losing sight of the needs of its Sister City, Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. By continuing to work together, obstacles for progress can and will be overcome for the betterment of both nations.

The San Luis-Gadsden area continues to experience a rapid growth rate, which contributes to the need for infrastructure, commercial, and industrial development to increase the economic base of the city. The San Luis-Gadsden area accomplished many goals with the alliances and partnerships with federal, state, and private agencies. The investment of financial and technical assistance by the state and federal agencies contributed immensely to the community needs and developed a communication between city and the agencies. One of the most significant accomplishments is the assistance provided by state and federal agencies in the improvements of the city's current infrastructure as well as the construction of several public facilities. However, the necessity for infrastructure is a priority for the community in order to sustain the development of residential, commercial and industrial growth. The level of participation of the community increased with the development of the general plan and the focus future strategic plan. This foundation will be tools use by the community to solve the economic problems faced by the San Luis-Gadsden area and guide the growth of the communities. The completion of projects and progress of programs are made possible with the participation and commitments of the community. The general plan and strategic plan for economic development will be the community's guide for future growth and will require the city to utilize the best practices made by the community and solved the obstacles not anticipated in the foundations to be established.

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