New Report Shows Major Economic Impact of Arizona Military Bases

PHOENIX, AZ (November 15, 2017) — A new report published today by the Arizona Governor’s Office shows military installations in the state continue to be major economic drivers, responsible for tens of thousands of jobs and over $250 million in local and state tax revenue. The report, which was commissioned by the Arizona Commerce Authority and prepared by the Maguire Company, states that Arizona’s six military installations and four National Guard operations are responsible for creating over 76,000 direct and indirect jobs and account for nearly $11.5 billion in annual economic output.

"This report reinforces just how important Arizona’s military bases are, not only to our national security, but to local communities throughout our state," said Governor Ducey. "The ongoing success of these installations, and the brave men and women who serve at them, would not be possible without the continued support of stakeholders at the local, state, and federal level. I especially thank the Arizona Commerce Authority, the Arizona Military Affairs Commission, our delegation members and the commanders of our bases for their leadership. We will continue to make preserving these installations a top priority to ensure they are viable long into the future."

"Arizona is known around the world for the important contributions it makes to the defense of our country," said Senator John McCain. "This report underscores that in addition to bolstering national security, Arizona’s military installations and defense community directly benefit our growing economy. Whether it’s Arizona’s unmatched flying weather, world-class training facilities, strong community support, or the patriotic men and women of our state who volunteer to serve in uniform, Arizonans can be deeply proud of the outsized role our state plays in protecting and defending the nation. As Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will continue to do everything I can to strengthen and enhance that essential role."

"The State of Arizona provides unrivaled operational and training advantages to the U.S. military, and the mutually beneficial relationship Arizonans have with our defense community is a model for the rest of the nation," said Congressman Trent Franks, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "Blessed with an amazing climate and wide-open spaces, the citizens and leaders of the Grand Canyon State have compounded these natural benefits with concerted efforts at the State and local level to welcome our nation’s warriors with open arms and foster an environment which enables their training. The advantages Arizona provides in terms of permissive airspace usage for our military aircraft, live-fire ranges for training and testing, and a nationally unique pacific electromagnetic testing range ensure the United States remains trained and equipped better than those who mean us harm. This is thanks in large part to Arizonans making it a priority to ensure our military is able to do their job without worrying about petty restrictions placed on them by their localities. We in Fighter Country certainly appreciate the ‘sound of freedom’ every time an F-35 takes off and lands, and our servicemen and women know it. This benefits us all."

"Arizona’s bases have attributes you won’t find anywhere else: over 300 days a year of sunshine, ample military airspace, and proximity to the Barry F. Goldwater Ranges, to list just a few," said Congresswoman Martha McSally, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "It's no wonder that Davis-Monthan, Ft. Huachuca, and Luke Air Force Base are three of Arizona’s largest private employers, according to these findings. This study confirms what Arizona residents have long known: our military bases are important to our local communities and these missions are indispensable to our national security. I have and will continue to protect our national defense treasures in Congress."

"The Maguire Report exhibits Arizona's unique DoD installations and operations that remain a critical contributor to the national defense, military readiness, and strategic depth,”" said Congressman Ruben Gallego, a member of the House Armed Services Committee. "The positive economic benefit of Arizona's DoD presence is an example of how the response to national needs can also strengthen state and local communities. I'm pleased and proud to represent a state where the interests of the nation are so congruent with the interests of citizens and communities around the state."

"As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am proud to work with our military leaders to provide them with the resources they need to complete their missions at home and abroad," said Congressman Tom O’Halleran. "The Maguire Report confirms that those domestic missions bolster our economy and provide thousands of good-paying jobs for Arizona families. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue growing our economy and attracting the best and brightest talent to our communities."

"Arizona’s military installations play a critical role in our vibrant aerospace and defense industry," said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "Preserving our bases and their vitality is key to Arizona’s business attraction efforts, as well as advancing the industry and creating more jobs in our state."

According to the report, three Arizona military installations fall on the list of Arizona’s ten largest private employers.

Read the full report here. 

Media Contact

Susan Marie, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845.-1231, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: recruit, grow, create – recruit out-of-state companies to expand their operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to grow their business in Arizona and beyond; and partner with entrepreneurs and companies large and small to create new jobs and businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.