March 09, 2006

Survey indicates need for higher-end jobs

MARICOPA - An influx of educated young professionals into Maricopa over the last 18 months is contributing to a significant evolution in the city's demographic profile that could attract more employment opportunities to the area.

Maricopa learned more about its ever-changing population through the results of a survey mailed to 4,030 households last October. Ioanna Morfessis, the city's economic development consultant, presented the survey's outcome at Tuesday's City Council meeting, noting Maricopa is well on its way to becoming a model city for the nation.

"We know that we have very lofty and ambitious goals for our city," Morfessis said. "We want to create the new 21st century American city and define that for our country and for our contemporary society. As we look at who Maricopans are, who is making their home here, we will see that we are in a better position then anywhere else in our state and probably the country to create this next generation American city."

Morfessis cited an exceptionally high level of education as the primary reason for Maricopa's potential for success. Of the survey's 650 respondents, 52 percent reported a member of the household held a bachelor's degree or higher, nearly double the state of Arizona's average and the highest of any city in Arizona.

"Having this talent, so highly educated and highly qualified in place, is very critical in talking to major employers," Morfessis said. "This puts us in a far stronger competitive position then the other emerging cities in the far west or east Phoenix area."

She compared Maricopa's emerging demographics to one of Arizona's most affluent communities.

"We, essentially, of all the cities in the Phoenix metro area and all the new cities emerging, more than any other city, mirror the demographics of Scottsdale," Morfessis said. "That's really quite positive."

Survey results also indicated that 16 percent of respondents held a post-graduate degree and that the majority of all degree holders were under the age of 34. This means that Maricopa has a population of highly educated individuals who could be active in the workplace for at least 20 years. Morfessis explained why she believes Maricopa is attracting young professionals.

"Most people in our city are in management or technical professions. They are degree holders in areas like science or law and are finding a new way in Maricopa," she said. "They are coming here for several reasons, including affordability and attainability of very high quality housing. You get a lot more house for your money."

In fact, with an average home price of $213,073, the city of Maricopa has the most affordable median home price of comparable cities in the Phoenix metro area. The average Maricopa household income is $57,500, much higher than the greater Phoenix region average of $46,111.

"As a whole, median housing costs in Maricopa are far less, so people are coming here for opportunity, for a great quality of life and a great standard of living," Morfessis said. "...The downside is people want to work close to home, so we're working very hard to grow an economy here."

According to Morfessis, one of the more surprising results of the survey was that 40 percent of Maricopa residents have been in Arizona for 10 years or more.

"They have a lot of options and they moved here," she said. "That speaks volumes about the kind of city we are creating. They want to stay here as we grow and develop into a dynamic city."

Research indicates that communities with a strong resident base will see greater citizen participation - contributing to future development and supporting carefully planned growth. Several residents shared their visions for the future of Maricopa in the comment area of the survey.

"We would like to see a balance between jobs and housing, as well as a variety of commercial development including dining and entertainment venues," wrote one respondent.

Another wrote: "I would love for Maricopa to keep its friendly, small-town atmosphere."

More information about Maricopa's rapidly expanding population will also be available with the results of a recently completed U.S. special census expected in May. Population factors such as household size, education, occupation and age have a direct correlation on decisions made by the city with regard to services and priorities. The results of both the survey and census will also be used by the city to attract potential employers and as data for grant opportunities and other economic development projects.

"We want to create a knowledge economy base for Maricopa," Morfessis said. "We need to be able to demonstrate that we have the talent those companies want to hire. Let's not forget, young people today don't necessarily want long commute times. They really want quality of life and balance. Having jobs close to home is very critical. Companies want to locate somewhere where they can access this type of talent."

City Management Assistant Danielle Casey said she was grateful for the residents who participated in the mail-in survey.

"We had an excellent response rate -16 percent. Generally, direct mail surveys are happy to get a two to five percent response, so this is a great indication of community participation in the future," Casey said.

To learn more about the survey, visit www.cityofmaricopa.net.

©Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. 2006