Report on Economic Growth in Metro Phoenix and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary: Urban Economic Surge and SDG Progress

A recent study highlights significant economic expansion in the Phoenix metropolitan area, with eight of its cities ranking among the top 10 nationwide for economic growth between 2019 and 2023. This analysis, conducted by Coworking Cafe, indicates substantial progress toward key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning economic growth, infrastructure, and sustainable urban development.

Key Growth Indicators and SDG Alignment

The report identifies several key metrics that underscore the region’s development, each aligning with specific SDG targets:

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP): A 42% increase in GDP directly supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), reflecting a robust and expanding local economy.
• Business Applications: A 61% growth in new business applications demonstrates a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, contributing to SDG 8 and fostering innovation as outlined in SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure).
• Infrastructure Development: A 25.8% increase in roadway miles is a direct investment in physical infrastructure, a core component of SDG 9 and essential for creating SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Analysis of Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

The economic performance of the Phoenix metro area demonstrates a multi-faceted advancement of the global sustainability agenda.

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   The substantial rise in both GDP and business creation indicates significant progress in achieving sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. This expansion is fundamental to creating decent work opportunities and improving living standards for the region’s inhabitants.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   The increase in roadway miles signifies a commitment to building resilient infrastructure. This development, coupled with a surge in business innovation, is crucial for supporting economic development and human well-being.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   The collective growth of eight municipalities within a single metropolitan area highlights a major trend in urbanization. This progress underscores the importance of managing urban development to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Concluding Remarks

The findings from the “Rising Powerhouses” study confirm that the Phoenix metropolitan area is a national leader in economic expansion. According to Danny Court, principal and senior economist for Elliott D. Pollack & Co., this represents “a really impressive showing.” This growth is not merely a local economic success but also a significant contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in fostering economic prosperity, building resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable urban communities.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights issues directly connected to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • The entire article focuses on “strongest economic growth,” citing a 42% growth in GDP and a 61% increase in business applications. This directly aligns with the goal of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
  • The article explicitly mentions a “25.8% increase in roadway miles” as a key factor in the metro area’s growth. This points to the development of infrastructure to support economic activity, which is a core component of SDG 9.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • The context of the article is the economic performance of “eight cities in metro Phoenix.” The discussion revolves around urban economic vitality and the infrastructure that supports it, which is central to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Target 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances.
   • The article’s central theme is the measurement of economic growth, specifically the finding that the metro Phoenix area’s GDP “grew by 42%” between 2019 and 2023. This directly relates to the target of sustaining economic growth.
2. Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, …entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises.
   • The statistic that “business applications saw a 61% growth” is a direct measure of entrepreneurship and the creation of new enterprises, which this target aims to promote.
3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.
   • The article identifies the “25.8% increase in roadway miles” as a key metric of the region’s surge. This represents the development of physical infrastructure to support the documented economic growth.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article explicitly provides quantitative data that serve as direct indicators for measuring progress towards the identified targets:

• Indicator for Target 8.1: The rate of GDP growth. The article states that “GDP grew by 42%” in the metro area over the four-year period. This figure is a direct indicator of economic growth.
• Indicator for Target 8.3: The growth rate of new businesses. The article mentions that “business applications saw a 61% growth,” which serves as a clear indicator of entrepreneurship and the formation of new enterprises.
• Indicator for Target 9.1: The expansion of transportation infrastructure. The “25.8% increase in roadway miles” is a specific, measurable indicator of infrastructure development.

4. Table of Findings

Source: abc15.com