Navajo County is actively fostering economic growth through its regional economic development entity, REAL AZ. This partnership includes Navajo and Apache counties, along with several cities, towns, and business leaders. REAL AZ focuses on various initiatives to stimulate local economic expansion and attract new business investments.
One of the key projects undertaken by REAL AZ is the creation of a comprehensive database of prime locations for industrial and commercial development within Navajo and Apache counties. This resource, available on the REAL AZ website, realaz.org, showcases potential sites to developers and industry leaders, aiding in the recruitment of new businesses to the region.
Another effort being made by the organization is the identification of nine optimal sites within Navajo County for biomass-based industries. The Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Initiative within Navajo County aims to leverage the region’s abundant forestry biomass—organic materials from forest trees and plants—for economic development.
“Disposing of the region’s forestry biomass has been an ongoing challenge for years and, while we’ve made progress, we know more needs to be done to address this issue to protect our forests and our communities. This is a new and dynamic approach to helping solve this problem,” said Jason Whiting, Chairman of REAL AZ and Chairman of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors.
The initiative identifies strategic locations suitable for setting up biomass-based manufacturing plants, which convert these organic materials into valuable products, such as biofuels, bioplastics, and biochemicals. By converting waste into resources, the initiative not only helps manage the biomass sustainably but also attracts businesses specializing in these innovative technologies, thereby creating new jobs and economic opportunities in the area. Additionally, by promoting the region internationally as a hub for biomass-based industries, Navajo County hopes to attract global investment and expertise, further bolstering local economic development.
REAL AZ is also dedicated to connecting new industries with local decision-makers, streamlining the business establishment process in the area. This effort is supported by REAL AZ’s participation in national and international site selection trade shows, which helps to actively recruit industries and promote local economic development.
These strategies have started yielding positive results, with new businesses applying for planning permits and exploring opportunities within Navajo County, as noted by local officials. The collective efforts of REAL AZ and its community partners are pivotal in driving economic growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing the region’s economic landscape. For more information or to explore investment opportunities, interested parties can visit REAL AZ’s website or contact Chris Pasterz, executive director of REAL AZ at chris.pasterz@navajocountyaz.gov.
