Dynamic and Healthy Economy

To truly flourish, Fountain Hills must have a dynamic and healthy local economy. Flourish Fountain Hills supports opportunities for new and existing businesses, while recognizing the realities and constraints of our unique geographic setting.

Fountain Hills is home to fewer than 25,000 residents and occupies less than 22 square miles on the northeast edge of the Phoenix metropolitan area. We are landlocked — bordered by:

  • McDowell Mountain Regional Park (north)

  • McDowell Mountains, the Preserve, and Scottsdale (west)

  • Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (south)

  • Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation (east)

Aside from a few remaining infill parcels and two 640-acre State Trust land sections already annexed but not yet developed, our community has very limited room to expand — for businesses or population.

What Drives Economic Growth in Fountain Hills

Flourish Fountain Hills believes that our economic future will be largely influenced by:

✔ Population growth to “build-out” levels — between 30,000 and 35,000 residents
✔ Local demographics — including more retirees and smaller family households
✔ Housing availability — especially attainable and multifamily options
✔ Thoughtful development of State Trust land

With limited space for large-scale commercial growth, strategic choices today will shape tomorrow’s opportunities.

Current Business Landscape

Fountain Hills’ economy is primarily supported by:

  • One major shopping center

  • A centralized downtown business district

  • Several smaller employment areas in the south and east portions of town

  • Three golf courses and a resort property

As a “bedroom community” with many remote workers and retirees, services, dining, and entertainment play a major and durable role in our local economy.

The Town collects a 2.9% local sales tax (in addition to county and state taxes) to support essential operations — meaning sales revenue matters, especially as our needs grow.

Large industrial development or major corporate campuses are unlikely here, based on space and location. In the past, the Town has explored higher-education campuses or additional resorts — two resort-designated parcels still exist — but progress has been slow.

Tourism & Quality-of-Life Attractions

Tourism remains one of Fountain Hills’ brightest economic opportunities. We proudly support the Town’s efforts to attract visitors through:

  • Art fairs, business expos, and cultural festivals

  • Outdoor recreation including golf, disc golf, hiking, and wildlife viewing

  • Our designation as an International Dark Sky Community, advancing the Dark Sky Discovery Center

  • The world-famous Fountain — which remains a defining draw

These amenities provide real economic return while reinforcing what makes Fountain Hills such a special place to live.

Our Approach: Balance & Sustainability

Flourish Fountain Hills supports robust economic development efforts by:

  • The Town of Fountain Hills

  • The Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce

  • Local business and service organizations

We also acknowledge the challenge: maintaining what we have while pursuing careful growth.

To remain strong, our economy must continue to balance:

  • Smart infill development

  • A healthy mix of local business and commercial services

  • Preservation of parks, open spaces, and natural scenery

Our future depends on a sustainable and livable environment where residents, businesses, and the desert landscape thrive together.

In Fountain Hills, economic success isn’t just about growth — it’s about protecting the community character we all love.