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Stanton Wants To Double Phoenix's Exports To Mexico

Phoenix Mexico trade mission
(Photo by Jude Joffe-Block-KJZZ)
Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton stands with Sonora Sen. Claudia Pavlovich and Phoenix Councilman Michael Nowakowski on his last trade mission to Mexico.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton is calling for a new approach to the city's economy, plus investments in infrastructure and education. The mayor is trying to make Phoenix fiscally stable for many years to come.

Stanton delivered his third state of the city speech Wednesday. Phoenix is facing a budget deficit of $26 million or more, which Stanton never directly addressed. But he said it's time to recognize the city's economic woes aren't cyclical, they're structural and that Phoenix hasn't done enough to move beyond a reliance on construction and real estate.

"We can choose a different destiny. We can build an innovation-based, export economy that works for everyone: large companies, small businesses, entrepreneurs, the middle class, and those working their way into the middle class," Stanton said.

Stanton called for new investment in public transportation and schools, high-speed internet and a focus on entrepreneurship. And, he wants to see a huge boost in exports to Canada and Mexico. He's making his eighth trip to Mexico starting Thursday.

"Phoenix will double exports to Mexico in the next five years, and we will double our exports across the globe in the next ten years," Stanton said.

To that end, Stanton said the city of Phoenix will start helping local businesses get ready to trade internationally.

Nick Blumberg was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2010 to 2014.