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Innovation 27

A new chapter for Phoenix, Innovation 27 is the City's future workforce and business hub. It's where residents will build new skills, connect with employers, launch small businesses, and strengthen their community. Located at Interstate-17 and Northern Avenue (in a former Kmart building), Innovation 27 will bring opportunity closer to home for West Phoenix.

<div class="ExternalClassCB197D64829145A79FFB092AF8AB71AD"><h2>Innovation 27: Phoenix's New Hub for Skills, Careers and Community</h2><h3><br>A New Chapter for Phoenix<br></h3><p>Innovation 27 is the City of Phoenix's future workforce and business hub. It's where residents will build new skills, connect with employers, launch small businesses, and strengthen their community. Located at Interstate-17 and Northern Avenue (in a former Kmart building), Innovation 27 will bring opportunity closer to home for West Phoenix.<br></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><strong>Location:</strong> <span style="color:#ff0000;">street address</span>, Phoenix, AZ<br></li><li><strong>Contact:</strong> <span style="color:#ff0000;">email@phoenix.gov</span> | <span style="color:#ff0000;">phone number</span></li></ul><h3>Expected Project Timeline*<br></h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><strong>Planning and design:</strong> Completed during Summer 2025<br></li><li><strong>Construction (Phase 1):</strong> Fall 2025 to Spring 2027</li><li><strong>Grand opening (Phase 2):</strong> Winter 2027<br> <em>*subject to change</em></li></ul><h3>What You'll Find at Innovation 27<br></h3><p>Innovation 27 brings training, career services, and community resources together under one roof. Whether you're advancing your career, pivoting to a new industry, or growing a business, this center is designed for you.</p><h3>Career Training Programs</h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><strong>Semiconductor and advanced manufacturing:</strong> Hands-on technician training for the region's fast-growing chip and advanced manufacturing sector</li><li><strong>Skilled trades:</strong> Construction, electrical, HVAC and more, including re-apprenticeships, OSHA-aligned safety training, and pathways to registered apprenticeships</li><li><strong>Veterinary science and animal care:</strong> Training for veterinary assistant/tech careers, animal handling, and clinic operations.</li><li><strong>Digital literacy for adults:</strong> From "computers 101" to workplace software, cybersecurity basics, resumetools, and job search strategies</li></ul><h3>Career Supportive Services</h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><strong>Career navigation and job placement:</strong> One-on-one support with resumes, job searches and employer connections</li><li><strong>Testing and certification:</strong> Onsite proctored testing for select industry credentials</li><li><strong>Community space:</strong> Flexible classrooms, meeting rooms, and a multipurpose hall for workshops, networking and hiring events</li></ul><h3>What to Expect Phase 2</h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><strong>Food business incubator:</strong> A commercial kitchen and production space for local food entrepreneurs, including shared kitchens, mentoring, licensing and marketing support, plus access to markets and micro-grants<br> </li><li><strong>On-site child care:</strong> High-quality care with flexible hours, aligned with training schedules, plus tuition assistance for eligible families</li><li><strong>City service hub:</strong> Convenient access to select City of Phoenix services and community resources</li></ul><h3>Partners and Programming</h3><p>Innovation 27 is built on collaboration. Community and academic partners will deliver programs, while employers contribute site visits, guest lectures, and hiring pipelines.</p><p><strong>Are you an employer or training provider?</strong> <br>Email <span style="color:#ff0000;">email@phoenix.gov</span> to collaborate on curriculum, internships, or hiring.<br></p><h3>Who Can Participate?<br></h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>Residents who are seeking new skills, better jobs, or a career change</li><li>Adults who are returning to the workforce</li><li>Parents and caregivers who need flexible options</li><li>Small-business owners and food entrepreneurs</li><li>No prior experience is required for many programs</li></ul><h3>Funding and Impact<br></h3><ul><li>Hundreds of residents trained annually in high-demand fields</li><li> Industry-recognized credentials that raise earning potential</li></ul><p><strong>Job placements with local employers:</strong></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li>New small businesses launched through the food incubator</li><li>Safer, more active neighborhoods through consistent programming</li></ul><h3>Get Involved<br></h3><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li><strong>Residents:</strong> Attend info sessions and follow City of Phoenix social media channels</li><li><strong>Employers:</strong> Partner on curriculum, equipment donations, internship, and hiring</li><li><strong>Educators and nonprofits:</strong> Propose programs that address workforce needs</li><li><strong>Neighbors and other stakeholders:</strong> Join community meetings to help shape offerings</li><li><strong>Contact:</strong> <span style="color:#ff0000;">email@phoenix.gov</span> | <span style="color:#ff0000;">phone number</span></li><li><strong>Newsletter sign-up:</strong> <span style="color:#ff0000;">newsletter subscribe link</span></li><li><strong>Informational one-sheet (PDF):</strong> <span style="color:#ff0000;">PDF download link</span><br></li></ul><h3>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)<br></h3><p> <strong>How much will programs cost?</strong> Our goal is to have most trainings and resources provided for free or at low cost. Financial aid, scholarships, or sponsored cohorts may be available.</p><p><strong>Do I need prior experience?</strong> No. Many programs are designed for beginners, with pathways for advancement.</p><p><strong>Is childcare available?</strong> Childcare is planned for Phase 2. Until then, staff will make referrals to nearby providers.<br></p><p><strong>I'm an employer. Can I host trainings or hiring events? Yes.</strong> Contact <span style="color:#ff0000;">email@phoenix.gov</span> to discuss opportunities and next steps.<br></p><p><strong>Can anyone use the space?</strong> This space is designed to be a community space open to the public, with classrooms and event rooms available for reservation.<br></p></div>

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Innovation 27

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Innovation 27 Groundbreaking Event

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Innovation 27 Groundbreaking Event

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See the groundbreaking event and learn about the vision for Innovation 27

Original Kmart Site Plans (1978)

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Original Kmart Site Plans (1978)

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Kmart Building (2022)

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Kmart Building (2022)

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Site Plan for Innovation 27

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Site Plan for Innovation 27

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Concept Design for Innovation 27 Building (Aerial)

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Concept Design for Innovation 27 Building (Aerial)

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Concept Design for Courtyard at Innovation 27

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Concept Design for Courtyard at Innovation 27

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Entry Lobby View Facing Inside (Concept Design)

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Entry Lobby View Facing Inside (Concept Design)

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Entry Lobby View Facing Outside (Concept Design)

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Entry Lobby View Facing Outside (Concept Design)

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Multipurpose Room View (Concept Design)

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Multipurpose Room View (Concept Design)

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