Mesa Mayor’s Breakfast Highlights Strong Growth; Tan Hua Inc. Leads Chinese Business Participation
MESA, Ariz. — The Mesa Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Mayor's Breakfast this morning at the Mesa Convention Center, where Mayor Mark Freeman delivered the 2026 State of the City address to nearly 1,000 chamber members and business leaders.
In his remarks, Freeman emphasized Mesa’s continued momentum, outlining a vision centered on “Built on Tradition, Built for Opportunity, Built Together, and Built to Last.” He highlighted the city’s commitment to accountability, opportunity, and long-term stability.
“Mesa is strong, and we are not standing still,” Freeman said. “We've built a foundation based on trust, responsibility, and careful planning, and we are using it to create meaningful opportunities for our residents.”
According to the report, Mesa's public safety system responded to hundreds of thousands of calls over the past year, while violent crime dropped by 14%, reflecting the effectiveness of proactive policing and strong community partnerships.
On the economic front, the city attracted more than $1 billion in investment and added over 1,500 jobs. Key growth sectors include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics. Development around Mesa Gateway Airport continues to accelerate, reinforcing its role as a major regional economic engine.
Major redevelopment efforts are also underway. The former Fiesta Mall site is being transformed into the Palo District, a project expected to bring new investment, jobs, and vitality to West Mesa.
In education and workforce development, the city is strengthening partnerships with Arizona State University Polytechnic campus, Mesa Community College, East Valley Institute of Technology, and Mesa Public Schools to better align education with workforce needs and cultivate local talent.
Mesa also maintains a strong financial position, with high credit ratings and no primary property tax, allowing for continued infrastructure investment while keeping living costs relatively low.
Addressing long-term challenges, Freeman noted the city's ongoing efforts to invest in renewable energy and collaborate on protecting Colorado River water resources to ensure sustainability.
He concluded by encouraging residents to take an active role in the city’s future: “Don't just witness Mesa's growth—be part of it.”
Notably, Tan Hua Inc., a long-standing and active Mesa Chamber member, once again demonstrated strong community support by sponsoring the event. The company has consistently backed chamber initiatives and local community activities, exemplifying the civic responsibility of Chinese-owned businesses.
Company leader Rongchan (Fanny) Tan continued her tradition of inviting Chinese business leaders and two local Chinese-language media outlets to attend the event. Guests had the opportunity to hear the mayor's vision for economic development and community planning firsthand.
Attendees included Zhitao Tan, as well as community members and business leaders such as Stephen Fong (Warner Angle Jackson Hallam Formanek), Zongfu Li (Dr. Win Realty), Changhai Huang (Shaanxi Garden), and Grace Lockett (World Outstanding Women League).
Through such engagement, the event fostered stronger communication between the Chinese business community and local government, while encouraging greater civic participation among Chinese American entrepreneurs in Mesa.