By Jennifer Conrad, Managing Editor
Mountains, lakes, and streams. The forests of the White Mountains and the Mogollon Rim. Four seasons of scenic beauty: meadows of wildflowers in the spring, cool, refreshing summers, the changing colors of fall, and crisp winters of freshly fallen snow. Sitting at an elevation of 6,400 feet, Show Low has long been a getaway for outdoor enthusiasts, bringing visitors to the area for its outdoor recreational opportunities. However, to build a future that does not solely depend on tourism, the city has a strategic vision defined by economic diversification, innovation, and community growth.
Economic Vision: A Multi-Industry Approach
Show Low’s economy has traditionally been driven by tourism, benefiting from its position as the gateway to the White Mountains and the 2-million-acre Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The cool mountain climate yearly attracts thousands of visitors from Phoenix, Tucson, and beyond. While tourism will always be a central part of the city’s economy, Steve North, Show Low’s Economic Development Director, has clarified that the city’s future lies in diversification.
“We’ve recognized that a healthy economy is diverse, and we are targeting several key sectors to make that vision a reality,” says North. These sectors include light manufacturing, aviation, medical services, entrepreneurship, and the continued emphasis on tourism and outdoor recreation. Another promising area of focus is filmmaking, capitalizing on Show Low’s scenic beauty and location to attract independent filmmakers and larger production companies.
One of the most ambitious projects is developing a sports and events center to attract youth sports tournaments and add a new layer to Show Low’s tourism economy: sports tourism. The center will include sports courts, meeting spaces, and family entertainment options, providing a valuable asset for residents and visitors. “This facility will be an economic engine, bringing in tourism dollars while giving local families new recreational opportunities,” explains North.
Show Low is building a business incubator dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurial growth. “Growing businesses from the ground up is our long-term economic plan. The incubator will provide entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to succeed,” says North. By fostering local talent and innovation, Show Low sets the stage for a future where its residents don’t just work in the city—they build it.
Community and Infrastructure: Building for the Future
Show Low’s strategic development isn’t just about attracting new businesses, it’s about creating an environment where residents thrive. Economic diversification will naturally lead to job growth, benefiting the entire community. In particular, the business incubator has garnered significant positive feedback. “Show Low is home to a very entrepreneurial community. We’ve had a lot of interest from residents who want to create businesses here,” North shares.
The sports and events center project also reflects Show Low’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its citizens. In addition to boosting the local economy, the center will provide Show Low residents with more recreational options, from sports leagues to family-friendly entertainment. “We’re not just building for visitors; we’re building for our community,” North adds.
However, these projects are only possible with a solid infrastructure foundation. Expanding its broadband infrastructure is one of Show Low’s most significant ongoing initiatives. A $10 million investment from Navajo County, combined with $10 million in matching funds from the State of Arizona, is paving the way for the installation of middle-mile fiber throughout northeastern Arizona. This expansion is a game-changer for Show Low, enabling faster internet speeds and better connectivity for businesses and remote workers. “Broadband is the lifeblood of modern business, and we’re putting the necessary infrastructure in place to support growth,” says North.
Additionally, the state has received $1 billion in federal grants to fund last-mile broadband deployment, bringing high-speed internet directly to homes and businesses in the area. By improving connectivity, Show Low is positioning itself as a place where businesses can thrive, and remote workers can enjoy a high quality of life in a small-town environment.
Workforce Development
Workforce development is a key priority to ensure Show Low’s economic growth is sustainable. Show Low works closely with local educational institutions, such as Northland Pioneer College and Show Low High School, to align training programs with the needs of emerging industries. “We are focusing on ensuring that the skills students are learning today match the demands of tomorrow’s economy,” North explains.
A growing focus in Show Low is outdoor-related manufacturing, including industries like firearms and optics. These sectors offer significant potential for job creation, and the city is actively engaging with businesses in this field to create new employment opportunities. “We’re already seeing a lot of interest from businesses looking to relocate or expand here,” North shares. As Show Low’s business incubator takes shape, it will catalyze entrepreneurial efforts, particularly in construction trades, IT, and food-based businesses.
Through partnerships with local schools, the city hopes to build a future workforce ready to meet the demands of Show Low’s growing economy. “By fostering strong ties with educational institutions, we’re ensuring that Show Low’s youth are equipped for the opportunities in our target industries,” says North.
Leveraging Technology
As Show Low positions itself for future growth, embracing technology is crucial. The city has invested in cutting-edge tools to stay competitive, including a newly launched mobile app and a redesigned website to improve communication with residents and visitors. “We’re using technology to streamline our communication efforts and ensure everyone has access to the information they need,” says North.
One of the most innovative tools in Show Low’s economic development strategy is Placer AI, a data analytics platform that provides real-time business and consumer data. “Placer AI allows us to see what’s happening in the community and make data-driven decisions,” explains North. Whether helping the city plan for infrastructure improvements or shaping event strategies, Placer AI offers insights that guide Show Low’s development initiatives.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its successes, Show Low faces some significant challenges. Housing affordability, particularly for the workforce, is a primary concern. Rising housing costs make it difficult for teachers, police officers, firefighters, and other middle-income workers to live in the area. The city has introduced a range of incentives to encourage workforce housing development, such as expedited permitting, reimbursement of infrastructure fees, and sales tax rebates. “We’re doing everything we can to ensure Show Low remains affordable for our workforce,” says North.
Show Low is working on a housing study to identify long-term solutions. The city aims to complete its housing assessment and action plan by early 2025.
Success Stories: Early Wins, Bright Future
While economic development in rural areas can be slow, Show Low is already seeing positive results. One of the most notable success stories is the arrival of an Amazon distribution center. This 25,000-square-foot facility has created new jobs and brought a national spotlight to Show Low. Additionally, Show Low’s outdoor manufacturing sector is growing, particularly in industries related to firearms and optics. The city’s efforts to market its unique outdoor assets is paying off. The future of Show Low’s economy is bright.
