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 2002, Douglas witnessed the following highlights. The City of Douglas broke ground on the next phase of the Community Aquatic Center - a $325,000 project comprised of building two indoor racquetball courts. In addition, a ribbon-cutting was held for the center's new wading pool and splash area $300,000. The Arizona Department of Transportation also broke ground on the construction of linear park along Pan American Avenue with a project cost. Qwest, our local telecommunications provider, completed the installation of a fiber optic backbone that will ultimately enable the area to attract jobs to the community. The City also began a seven-year water and wastewater infrastructure replacement program expected to cost an estimated $8 million. 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 continues in its upward spiral, living up to the image it has forged for itself, that of a progressive community thriving with positive growth. Growth is seldom accomplished without the joint partnering efforts of an entire community and entails the assistance of state and federal agencies. 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. These combined efforts have produced much needed results through a border need focus recognized by both federal and state agencies. The issues confronting the community of Nogales are of an extraordinary nature as they transcend national levels. This uniqueness places an incredible burden on a rural community that should normally place the needs of its residents first but is instead weighed with the additional responsibility of 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 communities thereby benefiting two nations. 

The San Luis-Gadsden area population increased from 15,322 Census 2000 estimates to 18,367 for DES estimates as of July 2002. The population growth rate continues to increase the need for infrastructure and the demand for commercial and industrial development. 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 general plan, the focus future plan and the EDD plan establish the development of residential, commercial and industrial in the following years. The increase in population growth rate confirms that the development of projects is a short-term goal and the need to provide the necessary infrastructure continues to be a priority. The level of participation of the community and partnership with other cities and counties increased with the development of the general plan, focus future strategic plan, local and regional comprehensive economic development strategies. The plans are the foundation and tools to be 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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