The City recently completed a Market Study to help identify where retail sale leakage exists, and provide data to current businesses to consider expanding their offerings to recover some of the unmet consumer demands. It also provides community information to retail establishments who may not yet have a presence in Apache Junction but may consider locating here because of the opportunities. While a complete study was done in 2009, this study updates the key findings to better reflect the current economic conditions. See the update here.

The new electronic marquee in downtown Apache Junction has been greeting visitors, informing residents of upcoming events, and displaying a wide variety of community information since its installation in December 2011. On May 2nd, City Council, staff and community members joined to celebrate the completion of the sign and nearby landscaping enhancements that have made quite an upgrade to the esthetics of the area. The NW corner design is a continuation of the improvements at the Focal Point and Phelps Drive, and will soon be followed with improvements planned for a new “Main Street” cross-section street design on North Apache Trail. Click here for photo of event.

Mayor John Insalaco and City Councilmembers joined with local Veterans’ organizations to bring the concept of a downtown centerpiece honoring Veterans to fruition. At the heart of the core of downtown, visitors will see seven flagpoles flying the US and Arizona state flag, along with the five flags of the active branches of the military. On May 2nd, a flag raising ceremony was held. A plaque is placed at the site to commemorate the community’s heartfelt gratitude for our service men and women’s sacrifices. The cost of the flag poles and flags were covered by donations from the local Veterans’ organizations.

A talented group of ASU students chose downtown Apache Junction to practice their planning skills as part of a class project. The purpose of the project was to analyze and redevelop a portion of land in the downtown, and propose ideas to rebuild Apache Junction’s economy and community with the revitalization of its core. Brad Steinke, Development Services Director, and Steve Filipowicz, Economic Development Director for the City acted as facilitators/resources for the effort. See their final report here.