The City of Douglas Economic Development Department is investing in infrastructure, developing partnerships and economic strategies to create a progressive and sustainable community. These economic development efforts and expansion of the Douglas Port of Entry will be key to the development of a new Douglas. We also maintain a close working relationship with the Douglas, Arizona Chamber of Commerce. For an overview of the economic prospects for Douglas read the Douglas Arizona 2009 Economic Outlook compiled by Cochise College.
Commercial Activity
In recent years the City of Douglas has seen new commercial developments that include a 2,500 square foot Carl’s Jr, a 5,500 square foot commercial retail strip and the opening of Falles Paredes, a National Stores Inc. apparel company. In addition, construction is almost completed on the three story, 45,000 square foot Best Western. The 66-room Best Western will have a meeting room, swimming pool, Wi-Fi and Jacuzzi tubs suites and a fitness center.
Employment Activity
Advanced Call Center Technologies chose Douglas as their fifth call center location. ACT at built out will employ nearly 700 people and become the area’s largest private employer with an average wage of $12 per hour. In addition, ACT is occupying a newly renovated 40,000 square feet former grocery building vacant for +17 years.
The City was awarded a $275,000 Economic Strength Project grant for the widening and reconstruction of a six road intersection near the call center. The Economic Strength Grant program through the Arizona Department of Commerce provides funding to communities for road projects to assist businesses creating jobs in Arizona.
Douglas International Port Authority
The expansion and configuration of the Douglas Port of Entry will continue to be a major project for Douglas and the region in the year to come. A feasibility study by the U.S. General Service Administration has been completed. Current schedule calls for port design in 2012-2013 and construction of $60 million of infrastructure for 2014. The new Douglas International Port Authority has been formed to serve as the leading agency for port infrastructure development. DIPA, a non profit public/private entity is representative of the Douglas-Agua Prieta port users, City of Douglas and Cochise County.
Recently Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Board, unanimously approved $3.5 million to extend the existing Chino Road, approximately .25 miles further south to provide connectivity to the commercial port of entry as proposed by U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) as well as to perform a Design Concept Report (DCR) and an Environmental Assessment (EA) to consider the needs and alternatives to upgrade Chino Road to its ultimate configuration.
Douglas Visitor Center
Douglas and its environs boast a wealth of attractions for birders, hikers, and cavers. The town's wide avenues are lined with historic buildings including the Gadsden Hotel, one of the last of the turn-of-the-century's grand hotels. You can relive the 1880s at the historic John Slaughter Ranch Museum just 18 miles east of town. The international border crossing takes you to Douglas' sister city, Agua Prieta, Sonora - a portal to the wonders of northern Mexico. Bustling streets are lined with beautifully decorated shops and a downtown square fronts the Iglesia de Guadalupe. Contact the Douglas Visitor's Center at (520) 417-7344 or visit www.visitdouglas.com.
Contact Information:
Victor Gonzalez
Economic Development Director
425 10th Street
Douglas, Arizona 85607
(520) 417-7316
