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Sonoran Institute ~ Western Dispatch 
June 2010

Tucson, Arizona
Tucson and Catalinas Photo

 
A Tale of Two Cities
How to Act Local and Think Regional

Friends,


We've long known that the health of an ecosystem often depends upon a network of connections spread over a wide area. A new report from the Sonoran Institute suggests that economies are similarly connected. Tucson's New Prosperity:Capitalizing on the Sun Corridor makes the case that the economic health of Tucson is closely tied to the much larger Sun Corridor economy that is focused in Phoenix, 100 miles to the north. Likewise, communities throughout the West should examine how their economies are linked to larger systems beyond their immediate borders.
 
A New Framework

This new report presents a new framework for thinking about conservation, growth, and economic development in Tucson.  Rather than viewing Tucson as a free-standing city, competing with dozens of similar cities across the country, we now recognize Tucson as a key player in the Sun Corridor region, one of the largest economic markets in the country. With this realization, it becomes clear that Tucson's best strategy is not to compete with Phoenix, but to treat Phoenix as an asset that can be utilized to advance its own economy.  

"The findings put the onus on the Tucson metropolitan region to stop trying to be what we're not, to realize what we are, figure out what we do well - and then do it. This is more than a marketing ploy. It's a change of perspective. Instead of simply 'come to Tucson,' we need to be saying 'come to Tucson, the best part of the Sun Corridor.'" Editorial, Arizona Daily Star

Arizona's two largest cities have a complex relationship, competing with each other since territorial days. When it comes to growth and sprawl, Phoenix won. The Phoenix metro area, in fact, is much larger in both population and size of its economy than most people realize. Its economy is much bigger than that of any city in the Intermountain West, and is comparable to the combined economies of New Mexico, Idaho, Montana, and Idaho. Although Phoenix has grown to enormous size, it has done so at great cost to its environment and lifestyle. Tucson has a relatively smaller economy, but has better maintained its connections to the desert and its 'college town' feel. With this in mind, Tucson's best option is to establish its own niche in the economic environment of the Sun Corridor. As a city that is embraced on all sides by national, state, and county parks forests, conservation areas, and monuments, as well as  undeveloped state trust lands, Tucson's great advantages are its spectacular natural environment, opportunities for outdoor recreation and a relaxed desert lifestyle.
 
"Tucson has unique competitive advantages in the region," said Joe Kalt, an internationally recognized Harvard economics professor, Sonoran Institute board member and co-author of the report. "Tucson's natural, outdoor lifestyle positions it to attract highly educated, high-wage workers. But first it must reform its governance structures, develop connectivity within the region in order to realize its economic potential, and protect what makes Tucson distinctive," he explained.

New Economic Development Strategies

If Tucson protects its superior natural surroundings and promotes its connections within the Sun Corridor, it would have the tremendous advantage of short-circuiting the old tension between economic development and conservation of natural resources. If Tucson's unspoiled natural setting and proximity to the large markets in Phoenix attracts prosperity, then protecting the natural lands surrounding the Tucson Basin and linking Tucson to Phoenix by convenient high-speed rail become two fundamental economic development strategies.
  
The lessons learned from this new report apply to many communities in the West. By taking a wider view of our economies and assessing our connections to our neighbors, we can identify our true strengths and begin developing economies that are truly sustainable and prosperous.

Tucson's New Prosperity: Capitalizing on the Sun Corridor is available for download from our website, www.sonoraninstitute.org

Sincerely,

Signed, Luther Propst

Luther Propst
Executive Director
Introducing the Livable Communities Coalition for Arizona

In partnership with a consortium of coalitions, the Sonoran Institute's Sun Corridor Legacy Program in Arizona has formed the Livable Communities Coalition.

The group is comprised of various nonprofits, state, and local entities that are committed to helping Arizonans create vibrant, livable communities. Whether it's advocating for transit-oriented development or thoughtful connectivity that includes robust biking and walking routes while ensuring the preservation of open space, this group is dedicated to providing collaborative opportunities that augment the Western way of life.

One popular outcome is the creation of a clearing house that collects insightful best practices from around the world that propel the concept of livable communities forward. Street Smart is a monthly e-blast compiled by the Institute's Program Manager, Paula Randolph.

If you are interested in receiving Street Smart and progressive commentary on what makes communities livable, contact Paula at [email protected]
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Sonoran Institute Offices:
Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona; Bozeman, Montana; Cheyenne and Sheridan, Wyoming; Glenwood Springs, Colorado; Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico
 
Visit our website at www.sonoraninstitute.org
In This Issue
Tale of Two Cities
Livable Communities Coalition - Arizona
Donate Today
 
Yellowstone wildlife

Donate today to support the work of the Sonoran Institute

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In the Line of Fire - Report Cover

In the Line of Fire - Managing Growth at the Forest's Edge

Wildfire can be catastrophic to humans and property. How can we shift our approach from mitigation to prevention?

Read the Institute's In the Line of Fire report today.

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Lincoln Institute Logo

Planning for Climate Change in the West


Western planners are emphasizing economic efficiency rather than climate change in their decisions to manage water supplies, reduce energy consumption and protect open space.

Read the report issued jointly by the Sonoran Institute and the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

Read the press release

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Tucson Prosperity Report Cover 2010

Tucson's New Prosperity-Capitalizing
on the Sun Corridor

A new Sonoran Institute report encourages Tucson to start viewing Phoenix as an asset instead of a competitor.

Download the report (PDF)

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PRI The World Logo

Colorado River Water Rights

BBC reporter Lorne Matalon recently joined Sonoran Institute staff on a tour of our restoration initiatives in the Colorado River Delta.


Listen to the PRI The World  report (MP3) and see photos.

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One Percent for the Planet Logo

The Sonoran Institute is a 1% for the Planet Partner. Visit their website today, and tell them you support our work.

1% for the Planet website.

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Sonoran Institute now on Facebook

 
 
You can now track our activities, projects, events, report releases and announcements on our Facebook page. Check it out, and join as a fan of the Sonoran Institute.
 

Join Our Mailing List

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Bryan Morgan

Bryan Morgan, of Boulder, Colorado, is so passionate about the work of the Institute, he now chairs our Board of Directors. Find out why.