☀️ Happy Tuesday, friends!

Growth is still happening across the Valley, but the way projects move forward is changing fast. Community opposition is louder, infrastructure investments are accelerating, and housing continues to search for balance rather than boom or bust.

This week’s stories span everything from airports and industrial parks to water policy and market momentum. Let’s get into it.

📰 The Recap

Arizona continues to attract major investment, jobs, and infrastructure dollars, but developers are learning that approvals are no longer just about zoning and checklists. Organized opposition is reshaping timelines and costs, forcing builders to rethink how they engage communities early and often.

At the same time, the Valley’s economic engines keep expanding. Sky Harbor is preparing for record future demand, Mesa is pulling in advanced health tech employers, and the West Valley remains a magnet for large scale industrial users.

Housing wrapped up 2025 stronger than many expected. Prices are mostly flat, supply has improved, and buyers have more choice. Rates moving lower could add activity, but the market feels more balanced and more local driven than it has in years.

Check current mortgage rates
_{Mortgage rates vary based on individual qualifications, including credit score, loan type, and lender policies. For a personalized rate estimate, it’s best to consult with a lender.}

News & Developments

⚡ Development Opposition Is Reshaping Arizona Projects

Community resistance to new development is becoming more organized, better funded, and more effective across the state. Multifamily, data centers, and industrial projects are seeing longer timelines and higher costs as opposition groups use zoning and public hearings as leverage. Industry leaders are now pushing for earlier outreach, broader community engagement, and professional public relations strategies to counter delays.
📍 Statewide
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✈️ Sky Harbor Expands Global Reach and Infrastructure

Phoenix Sky Harbor is coming off a banner year and looking ahead to major growth. New nonstop routes to Taipei are launching this winter, with additional international destinations under consideration. Construction is underway on a new concourse in Terminal 3, Taxiway U is progressing, and planning for a future West Terminal has accelerated with a potential opening in the early 2030s.
📍 Phoenix
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🏥 Gifthealth Opens Robotics Powered Pharmacy in Mesa

Columbus based health tech company Gifthealth has opened a 43,000 square foot pharmacy in southeast Mesa. The facility will use robotic assisted processing to fill tens of thousands of prescriptions daily and is expected to create up to 200 new jobs. The project adds to Mesa’s growing appeal for wellness and logistics focused employers.
📍 Mesa
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🏗️ Buckeye Industrial Site Gets Second Life

A 214 acre Buckeye site once planned for a billion dollar battery plant has been purchased by Tratt Properties for $32.5 million. The developer plans to market the land to large manufacturers or move forward with speculative industrial development. The site could support up to three million square feet of buildings and reinforces strong confidence in the West Valley’s future.
📍 Buckeye
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💧 Historic Groundwater Settlement Sets New Precedent

Arizona reached a landmark settlement with Riverview LLP over groundwater use near Willcox. The agreement requires $11 million in funding for affected residents, fallowing thousands of acres, and long term conservation measures. State leaders say the deal could reshape groundwater policy and enforcement across Arizona.
📍 Cochise County
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Real Estate Trends

Local Market Update

Inventory is higher than a year ago but has fallen sharply since November, giving buyers more choice while slowly improving conditions for sellers. Sales activity picked up in December, driven partly by more working days and stronger luxury closings. Prices remain remarkably steady, with median and average prices up only slightly year over year.

The Cromford® Market Index is moving back toward balance, with most cities trending mildly in favor of sellers due to tightening supply, not surging demand. Entry level homes under $700,000 are actually more affordable than a year ago thanks to flat pricing, rising incomes, and lower rates.

National Trends

Mortgage rates briefly dipped below 6 percent following federal policy signals aimed at lowering borrowing costs. Industry experts expect refinancing activity to rise if rates stay down, though most homeowners with ultra low rates remain on the sidelines. Proposals to limit institutional homebuyers are drawing attention but would likely have little impact in today’s market.

Check current mortgage rates
_{Mortgage rates vary based on individual qualifications, including credit score, loan type, and lender policies. For a personalized rate estimate, it’s best to consult with a lender.}

🌵See You Next Week in the Desert

Arizona’s story in 2026 is shaping up to be one of steady growth with sharper edges. Projects are bigger, conversations are louder, and the market is more nuanced. That makes staying informed more important than ever.

Thanks for spending part of your week here. More desert insight coming soon.

– Brad