LET'S TALK...

Let's talk about Yuma.  First of all, more people are moving to Yuma than almost anywhere in the country.  In fact, Yuma is the third fastest growing area in the United States!  Now all of these people can't be wrong - so why, out of all the great cities in the U.S., does Yuma stand out?  What makes it a great place to live, raise a family, or start a business?

CLIMATE

Probably the most obvious reason for Yuma's outstanding growth is of course, its wonderful climate.  Summers can get a little warm, but with the low humidity and the prevalence of air conditioning, they are far from unbearable.  And as your reward for making it through 3 months of heat, you have 9 months of beautiful temperatures.  Even in the middle of January - our coldest month - the daytime temperature averages in the mid-60's.  Yuma's wonderful winters have not gone unnoticed by our friends from the north - our population doubles with the arrival of winter visitors, providing a boon for area businesses.  Seasonal visitors contribute approximately $154 million annually to the Yuma economy.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Yuma's access to the Colorado River is a great asset to this desert community.  Yuma has perpetual rights to the water derived from the Colorado River, and uses only about 50% of its allocation.  This abundant, inexpensive water supply is much coveted by the water poor areas of Las Vegas, NV and California.

Located at the point where the Gila and Colorado Rivers converge, Yuma originated as a major transportation hub,  as goods came from the west coast and were shipped up river.  Since prehistoric times, Yuma has been the best site for crossing the Colorado River - Spanish conquistadors traveled this route in the 1500's, and the only Ocean to Ocean bridge was constructed here in 1920, linking the Eastern U.S. and the West Coast.  Today, thousands converge upon our river to enjoy various recreation water activities.

POPULATION

We've already mentioned to you that Yuma's population is booming  The most dramatic increase was between 1950 and 1960, when the population rose from 9,145 to 23,974 (an increase of 162%).  During the period from 1990-2005 Yuma's population is expected to grow by almost 33%.  Even when figured at a very moderate growth rate, the City of Yuma's estimated population in the years 2000 and 2005 will increase to 69,445 and 75,590 respectively, with the population of the entire Yuma area increasing to 94,694 in 2000 and 103,570 in 2005.

Income levels for Yuma's expanding population compare well to other border communities in the Southwest, with the median family income slightly above $34,000.  These families are also buying homes - approximately 135 homes are sold in Yuma each month.  Affordable housing is available throughout the area, with median housing cost ranging from around $70,000 to the low $100,000's.

Of great interest to the retail market, the greatest population growth is among the population aged 25-49 (the age group with the greatest buying power).  The population of both males and females in this age group is skyrocketing.  In fact, their population is expected to almost double between 1985 - 2005 (From just over 14,000 in 1985 to 25,000 in 2005).

TRANSPORTATION

Travel into and throughout the Yuma area is easily accessible by plane, rail or automobile.  Interstate-8 runs roughly east-west through the city, and Yuma is also on the main line of the Southern Pacific Transportation rail system.  Both passenger and air cargo transportation are available through Yuma International Airport.  The airport, expanded to accommodate huge Boeing 747-400 cargo planes, is being marketed to Pacific Rim exporters as an alternative to Los Angeles' airports.  In addition to expanding the airport's cargo facilities, an 88-acre industrial park is currently under construction there.

Convenient across the border travel also bring many people through the Yuma area.  In 1994 commercial traffic crossing the border at San Luis was up 13%, while the number of Mexican visitors crossing there rose to 15 million.  With the development of the new area service highway and Mexico's expanding road system, international transportation is expected to increase.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Yuma's proximity to Southern California and the growing Mexican trade is also a major boon to Yuma's economy.  Yuma is the retail trade center for an extensive area of more than 2 million people that extends in a 60-mile radius into Mexico.  The Mexican nationals primarily cross to shop in Arizona and account for much of the more than $150 million in Yuma goods purchased each year by Mexican citizens.  It is expected that the NAFTA  free trade agreement with Mexico will help the city expand and diversify its economy further.

NAFTA has produced significant growth in the number of company relocation's and expansions in the area.  Already there are 18 "maquiladora," or twin-plant operations, in Yuma.  Under the twin-plant program, goods are partly produced by lower-cost labor in Mexico, and transported to the U.S. for finishing and distribution.  The U.S.- based producer pays import tariff only on the value add abroad.

The Pacific Rim is also a significant international trade partner.  Yuma exports substantial quantities of citrus, cotton, seeds, vegetables Dan wheat to the Pacific Rim, As well as electronic goods produced in the Mexican maquiladoras.  Yuma economic development officials also plan for Yuma to become a point of embarkation for goods imported from the Pacific Rim for distribution in the Americas.

INDUSTRY EXPANSION

Yuma's economy is currently based mostly in agriculture and tourism, although further diversification is likely.  Yuma's chief industry, agriculture, produces almost $600 million in revenues annually.  Several major agricultural companies, including Dole Food Co., maintain operations here.

The U.S. Marine Corps Air Station and U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground help provide economic stability by contributing almost $200 million to the Yuma economy annually.  The Yuma International Airport is located at the air station, and McDonnell-Douglas Corp. maintains a training and testing center there.  The proving ground, with an annual payroll of more than $42 million, is expanding operations as other military facilities are being closed.

Although manufacturing currently accounts for less then 10% of countywide employment, the city's aggressive economic development program has helped expand the light manufacturing component.  Several companies have located or expanded operations in Yuma recently.  Automotive Parts Exchange, Weyerhaeuser Paper Co., Queen Carpets, and Spectra Star Kites have all relocated or expanded in Yuma, and now employ a total of more than 1,600 people.  And , as part of Yuma's new economic development plan, a 47-acre business park is under construction.  This park fronts on interstate-8, providing easy access and new entrance in Yuma.

Yuma also has a reputation of being a film-friendly community.  Our year-round sunshine makes Yuma the perfect place for filming, as does our access to desert and old west scenery.  Several films have been shot in the area including - Return of the Jedi, Flight of the Phoenix, Beau Geste, Rambo III, The Getaway, and Stargate.

RETAIL AND SERVICE GROWTH

Yuma's collected sales taxes have almost doubled since 1990.  Total 5 year sales taxes collected from 1990-1995 equaled almost $50 million.  In the retail and service sector, several businesses have opened here recently and are reporting booming business.  Dillard's Department Store's first year in Yuma's Southgate Mall produced sales well above the corporation's expectations.  The opening of two new popular national retailers, Toy 'R' Us and Barnes & Noble, at the end of 1995 yielded abundant holiday turnouts.  These stores expect continued high sales throughout the year.

Yuma has served as the doubt location for many prototype store openings.  K-Mart Corp. constructed its first 190,000 - square foot Super Store in Yuma, its largest store in the U.S., and Discount Tire Co. Inc. also built a prototype store here.  As the largest Discount Tire facility ever built, Yuma's store now serves as the model for new openings across the country.

Dining is also big business in Yuma.  Existing businesses are often filled to capacity - the new Home Town Buffet is always buys (usually with a few tour buses in the parking lot).  New restaurants are opening up continually - most recently Applebee's and Rally's

LIVABILITY

Dedicated to providing the best quality of life for its citizens, Yuma recently created six new community parks, including a river-front park bordering the Colorado River.  In addition, the City has established the Yuma Arts and Culture Commission and the Yuma Beautification Commission.  And, to facilitate the transportation and recreational needs of our citizens, Yuma has created a Bicycle Commission and has adopted a comprehensive bicycle transportation plan,  In addition, our crime rate continues to be among the lowest in the nation.

SO WHY YUMA?

How did Yuma become one of the  hot spots in the nation in terms of population growth?  Why should you bring you family, business, or manufacturing company here?  Chalk it up to livability, proximity, accessibility and climate.  In other words, Yuma has it all - and people are taking notice.

WHO DO I CONTACT?

For further information about bringing your business to the Yuma area, contact the Business Customer Services Manager in our Deportment of Community Development,
3 West 3rd Street, Yuma, Arizona 85364, (520) 343-8692, FAX (520) 343-8707, E-mail
coygis@primenet.com or the Greater Yuma Economic Development Corporation at (520) 783-0193