Get to Know New Community and Economic Development Director Ryan Touhill

https://www.investinphoenix.com/news/76

<div class="ExternalClass0DF8B3278E7D4C1AAD81D4981035E59B"><a href="/news/67" target="_blank">Ryan Touhill stepped into the role of Director of the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department on Dec. 1, 2025</a>. He comes to Phoenix with nearly two decades of experience in local government and economic development, most recently serving as Director of Arlington Economic Development (AED) in Virginia. Read a Q&A with Ryan to learn more about what attracted him to the position and his thoughts about the Phoenix market.What has surprised you most about Phoenix since stepping into this role? While everyone has heard about and celebrated the big wins such as locating TSMC, I am excited to see so many companies locating and growing in Phoenix from emerging sectors like advanced manufacturing, emerging tech, and bioscience that are pushing the limits of innovation. The opportunities in Phoenix seem only to be limited by our imagination, so it's an exciting time to be an economic developer in the Valley. What excites you right now when you think about Phoenix's future? Momentum. The City is attracting investment, building neighborhoods to support advanced industries, and designing workforce pipelines all while enhancing the amazing quality of life in Phoenix. The result is a stronger, more resilient economy that allows Phoenix to compete globally while delivering real benefits locally.How do you explain what economic development does to someone outside City Hall? Economic development is about building community for people and businesses. We leverage public financing, partnerships, and deep connections to the business community to facilitate business investment, support job creation and workforce development, and enable the growth and redevelopment of neighborhoods across Phoenix. When done right, this grows the commercial tax base, which generates more funding for services residents rely on every day such as streetlights, parks and recreation, and public education. It also results in greater economic opportunities for residents through quality jobs and higher incomes.What makes Phoenix different from other cities where you have worked? The City has the size and ambition of a major metro, paired with a clear focus on fiscal responsibility and neighborhood outcomes. That balance is not easy, and Phoenix does it well.What is one thing people might not realize the City does behind the scenes to support growth? We spend a lot of time evaluating projects before they move forward. That includes financial modeling, infrastructure coordination, and workforce alignment to name a few of the things our team works on daily. Much of the work happens long before a project is visible to the public, but it's necessary to ensure a project is the right fit for our community.What gives you confidence that Phoenix is headed in the right direction? Clear priorities. Mayor and Council have set strong expectations to push the boundaries of innovation when thinking about what industries to cultivate in Phoenix, paired with a focus around responsible growth, sustainability, and opportunity for residents in every part of the city. When priorities are clear, decisions are better and outcomes are stronger. How do you stay grounded in the present, while working on big, long-term issues? By focusing on execution. Long-term goals matter, but progress happens through daily decisions, partnerships, and follow-through. Staying disciplined about today's work keeps the future on track.Outside of meetings, what helps you feel connected to the city you now call home? Spending time in neighborhoods. Walking downtown, exploring local businesses, and getting outdoors. Phoenix has a strong sense of place, and experiencing it firsthand keeps the work real and personal.Media Contact: Athena Sanchez, Senior Public Information Officer Phoenix Community and Economic Development Department 602-621-0507 (call/text) <a href="mailto:Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov">Athena.Sanchez@phoenix.gov</a> </div>

City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development Director Ryan Touhill

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2/5/2026 6:38:17 PM