No Arizona cities ranked on Dell’s list of future-ready economies

PHOENIX — A major software company does not believe the metro Phoenix area is prepared for significant future economic growth.

Not one city in Arizona made Dell Inc.’s list of the Top 25 Future Ready Economies. San Jose, California, came in at No. 1, followed by San Francisco and Washington D.C.

Garrick Taylor, senior vice president of government relations and communications at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said Phoenix should have made the list.

“If anyone is concerned about whether Arizona is positioned for future-focused economy just ask our friends at Apple who, about a year ago, announced a multi-billion dollar investment in the East Valley,” he said.

Taylor said Dell should have also taken into consideration General Motors’ technical facility in Chandler, Arizona, or web hosting company GoDaddy’s decision to grow operations in Arizona.

“Arizona is really well positioned for tomorrow’s jobs,” he said.

There were three characteristics Dell listed as indicators of a Future Ready Economy: The ability to attract people who are engaged in and open to lifelong learning that drives innovation, businesses that thrive in collaborative environments and infrastructure that provides platforms for people to engage, collaborate, learn and innovate.

Taylor said several cities in Arizona exceed those qualifications.

“We have a thriving economy that has the educational assets we need as well as the workforce development, the labor force and the regulatory environment that will allow future-focused jobs to thrive,” he said.