State Incentives
Arizona offers a wide variety of economic incentives to encourage high-wage job growth and capital investment. The Arizona Department of Commerce is the central source of information for Arizona’s business incentives, which can be found online at: www.azcommerce.com/BusAsst/Incentives/
Local Incentives
Significant Impact Fee Discounts Through January 1, 2012
In 2010, the Maricopa City Council adopted an updated development fee study which resulted in the increase/addition of some fees and significant reductions in others. The new fee schedule took effect in December 2010. However, in enacting HB 2008 and HB 2478, the State of Arizona Legislature imposed a moratorium on new or increased development fees through January 1, 2012 (date adjusted per SB1525) that provides a beneficial opportunity for new development in Maricopa. Because of the moratorium, development fees have effectively been reduced for new development until then. EXAMPLE: Development fees for commercial projects under 100,000 sq. ft decreased by 45% and development fees for single family residential development decreased by 39% from December 20, 2010 through January 1, 2012. Download a copy of the schedule here, or contact the City’s Development Expeditor at 520/316-6921 for more information.
Green Business Incentive Program
This is a voluntary incentive program designed to encourage businesses to take an active part in reducing greenhouse gases and serve as a model for sustainable business in the City of Maricopa. Incentives and assistance will be provided to encourage businesses to implement proactive actions that protect, preserve and improve the environment. Meeting the criteria of this program will certified a business as a Green Business. For more information, visit the Green Business Program webpage.
Quality Jobs Tax Credit – Rural Community Rate
Replacing Arizona’s expiring Enterprise Zone Program is a new Quality Jobs Tax Credit for new job creation statewide. This tax credit is performance based on net new job creation with discreet eligibility qualifications for urban and rural businesses. In a rural community such as Maricopa, the minimum number ofnet new job creation is 5, along with a minimum capital investment of $1 million. For these new jobs, the employer seeking the credit must pay 100% of the median county wage and 65% of health insurance costs. The tax credit for each new qualified job created is $3,000 per year for three years and is limited to 400 jobs per employer per year. Credits can be carried forward for five years and the program is capped at 10,000 jobs per year.
Foreign Trade Zone
Currently, nearly all of Pinal County is part of the expanded territory (Alternative Site Framework (ASF) for Foreign Trade Zone # 75 administered by the City of Phoenix. Authority for establishing foreign-trade zones is granted by the Foreign-Trade Zones Board. As Grantee, the City of Phoenix is responsible for establishing, administering and marketing the Foreign-Trade Zone program for the greater Phoenix area. The City of Phoenix can sponsor a new FTZ application for sites within 60 miles, or within 90 minutes’ driving time from the Phoenix Port of Entry, which is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The City of Maricopa lies well within this territory. Additional information can be found on the Pinal County or City of Phoenix websites.
Industrial Development Authority (IDA)
The IDA of the City of Maricopa encourages economic growth and job creation in the by making low-interest loans available to qualified projects through the issuance of tax-exempt bonds. Financing must meet state bond law requirements, and all projects are reviewed to ensure that financing candidates represent projects that will help to further the community’s vision for sustainability. For IDA policies, procedures, and application guidelines contact visit the IDA page online.
The purpose of the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program is to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. This purpose is achieved by bolstering the existing private credit structure through the guarantee of quality loans which will provide lasting community benefits. Due to current population size, the City of Maricopa meets the Rural community eligibility requirements.Learn about the USDA Business & Industry Loan Guarantee Program.
Redevelopment District
In 2008 the City of Maricopa established a redevelopment district in the City of Maricopa. A Redevelopment District requires a plan that lays out broad goals and guidelines for the area to be revitalized. State statutes provide an outline of material to be included in the plan. In some redevelopment districts, the GPLET (see below) can be abated for the first eight years after the certificate of occupancy. For more information including district boundaries and the approved Plan, visit the Redevelopment District Plan section of our Website.
Government Property Lease Excise Tax Program
This program has been established by the State of Arizona and is available to businesses that lease parcels from a municipality rather than own them outright. All real property tax has been waived and replaced with an excise tax that is an established rate per square foot and based upon the type of use. The rate is reduced every ten years by 20% until it reaches the 51st year, when the tax drops to zero. In some redevelopment districts, the excise tax can be abated for the first eight years after the certificate of occupancy. If a municipality is a property owner, this creates a huge incentive for a company to occupy the facility, or allows them the cash flow to perform improvements. Any business or entity occupying a facility on property owned by the municipality (the building may be owned by the private entity, but land on which it sits must be leased from a city). The program typically is used to spur development and redevelopment in downtown areas.
Development Agreements
Development agreements generally give some type of benefit to the developer, such as a repayment for public infrastructure improvements through sales tax rebates. Arizona municipalities are restricted to providing only tax incentives consisting of reimbursements for public infrastructure and may not exceed or otherwise be disproportionate to the actual cost incurred. Maricopa has in the past entered into development agreements, and is willing to explore this option with any business bringing a high level of economic benefit to the community.
Project Fast-Tracking
The City of Maricopa, through Council Resolution 07-62, passed unanimously in 2007, has implemented a Fast Track Permitting Process for qualified new, expanding or relocating businesses. Recognizing the need to offer a business-friendly environment which allows businesses to relocate and expand in the community rapidly and efficiently, the City is committed to streamlining and simplifying, where possible, its governmental permitting processes. For more information, contact the Economic Development Department for a program details and application materials or download the brochure.
For projects deemed beneficial to the residents of Maricopa, the City may assign a dedicated commercial building inspector to your project during the entire course of the construction process.
City of Maricopa Incentives Brochure
This comprehensive document outlines the City of Maricopa and State of Arizona incentives.
Land & Space Available
Visit MaricopaProspector today to instantly identify available properties for your business, with size, use, cost, and contact information. Sites are displayed along with demographic reports such as labor force, education levels, and consumer spending which can be exported in a convenient format. In addition, businesses are mapped by industry showing their distribution and concentrations throughout the area. Dynamic mapping capabilities include the ability to zoom in/out, move the map, identify information and view geographic “layers” of additional information such as incentive areas, zoning, traffic counts, railroads, schools and general plan land use.
If you have available commercial properties you would like to list, just request a login free of charge in order to add it to the database, making it available for viewing by all site selectors and prospective businesses interested in a Maricopa location.
Note: For zoning information or clarification, contact the City of Maricopa, Development Services Department at 520/316-6980.
