Micah Miranda (left) with 2023 EDDE Awards master of ceremonies Jeanine Jerkovic with the City of Surprise.

     TUCSON, Ariz. (May 2, 2023) – Micah Miranda with the City of Chandler was named 2023 AAED Economic Developer of the Year for a Large Community at the annual Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards at the spring conference in Tucson last week.

The EDDE Awards honor the best economic development practices for individuals, organizations, and companies that have significantly contributed to the advancement of economic growth in the state. Recipients are selected from a pool of nominations made by members of the Arizona Association for Economic Development.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement by an economic development professional in a large community with a population of more than 100,000.

Miranda is an extremely well-respected industry leader with over 20 years of experience in municipal and state government organizations. His efforts in 2022 resulted in adding 4,219 jobs and absorbing more than 1.8 million square feet of space with a capital investment of more than $330 million.

Miranda is an active member of AAED and a Certified Economic Developer through the International Economic Development Council. His past economic development experience includes positions at the City of Maricopa, the Arizona Department of Commerce, the City of Tempe, and the City of Mesa.

One of his top focuses is increasing opportunities for higher education in the community he serves. Last year his team led the execution of an intergovernmental agreement with the University of Arizona to support its relocation from the Chandler Community Center to a larger space in Downtown Chandler.

Miranda also led a significant place branding initiative in the City of Chandler’s employment corridors. Efforts ranged from branded banners on light poles to unique art installations to custom monument signs at major intersections.

The city’s tourism program has also benefited from Miranda’s leadership, adding an immersive, 360-degree virtual tour to its website and securing a $248,000 Visit Arizona Initiative Marketing Grant to promote Chandler as a meeting and events destination.

Miranda is often asked to weigh in on local and state tax bills and other policy issues affecting economic development – most recently spearheading legislation that would help address Arizona’s housing challenges.

About AAED

The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) was founded in 1974 to serve as Arizona’s unified voice for responsible economic development through professional education, public policy, and collaboration. The Association works to promote economic development in the State of Arizona through an exchange of information and educational opportunities among its members, to act as a liaison with outside groups, to influence legislation affecting economic development, and to empower members to create relationships to improve the economic outlook for Arizona. For more information on AAED, visit aaed.com or call (602) 240-2233.

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