DT #675 How Surprise, Arizona Became a Retail and Growth Success Story

What happens when creativity, community engagement, and data-driven strategy come together in economic development? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Jeanine Jerkovic, Economic Development Director for Surprise, Arizona, about the city's rapid growth and the innovative approaches helping shape its future. Jeanine shares how Surprise has successfully attracted major retail investments, including projects like Costco and The Village at Prasada, while maintaining a strong focus on community needs and quality of life. A major theme throughout the conversation is the importance of listening. Jeanine explains how engaging residents, understanding local priorities, and incorporating community feedback have helped guide development decisions and build public trust. The discussion also highlights the role of creativity in economic development. From unique marketing efforts to unconventional outreach strategies, Jeanine demonstrates how personality and innovation can help communities stand out in a competitive landscape. Entrepreneurship is another key focus, with insights into how business incubation, small business support, and ecosystem development are contributing to long-term economic growth. Key Takeaways Community engagement is essential for sustainable growth Data and analytics help guide better development decisions Creativity can be a powerful economic development tool Retail attraction requires long-term strategy and persistence Entrepreneurship strengthens local economic resilience Balancing growth with community priorities builds trust and support A people-first approach creates stronger outcomes for residents and businesses Key Topics Covered Retail attraction and major development wins Creative marketing and economic development strategies Community engagement and public input Data-driven decision-making Entrepreneurship and business incubation Managing growth while preserving community priorities Leadership and professional development Sound Bites "Surprise, Arizona—the name says it all." "Adding thousands of homes every year." "17 retailers opened over 10 years."