[Source: Jahna Berry, Arizona Republic] — Mayor Phil Gordon’s annual speech on October 17 on downtown Phoenix was carefully staged to spotlight blockbuster city projects, but the shaky economy stole the show. The mayor spoke at a $350 million city-financed hotel that opened Sept. 30. Afterward, he took some residents and key political and business leaders for a surprise spin on Metro, the $1.4 billion light-rail project expected to open Dec. 27. Tough financial times, however, have knocked out many of the forces that made boom-time projects — such as new condos and office buildings — possible, city officials and experts say.
Unlike previous years, Gordon didn’t unveil any new, splashy development proposals. And although Gordon was upbeat, he acknowledged that major obstacles lie ahead. “The economy of our city, state and nation is struggling,” said the mayor, who has staked his political career on reviving downtown Phoenix. “Times will be hard for the next two years, but we’ll continue to manage our way through.” [Note: To read the mayor’s full speech, click here.]
Downtown Voices Coalition 