Developer Resources

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Clear guidance and responsive service.

Tempe is an eclectic and diverse community and a preferred location for business and capital investment. An educated, mobile workforce and a pro-business environment support a strong entrepreneurial and diversified economy. The City of Tempe is committed to providing superior service to development partners at every stage of the process.

Step 1:

Start your project by contacting the Tempe Economic Development Team.

Step 2:

Get hands-on assistance and direct connection to the resources you need for your project.

Step 3:

See Step 1.

Competitive Advantages

Tempe's value proposition is simple: we have the right workforce, the right location, and the right facility for your company to thrive.

An educated and technically-skilled workforce is the backbone of Tempe. 42 percent of our residents have a bachelor's degree and with community partners such as ASU and UAT, graduates in the degrees you are looking for are always available.
Tempe is an urban environment that prides itself on its connectivity, sustainability, and quality of life. With its diverse offerings for activity, entertainment, transportation, employment and workspace, the city leads the Valley with a dynamic sense of place.
Tempe is situated in the central Southeast Valley, 10 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and crisscrossed by five freeways as well as public transit options. Its unique location makes it close to everything and very easy to get to from anywhere else in the Valley.
The City has strong representation in various high-tech industries, specifically Advanced Business Services, Advanced Manufacturing, Biotechnology and Healthcare, and Advanced Technologies. We are a leader in Class A office space and high technology office parks.

Tempe has the shortest commute time of all major Arizona cities.

Data and Market Insights

Informed decisions start with reliable data.

The City of Tempe provides businesses and development partners with access to data, demographics, and market information to support site selection, investment analysis, and project planning. Our team works directly with developers to deliver timely, relevant insights tailored to specific projects and locations.

Available Information and Support

Demographic profiles including population, workforce, education levels, and income
Labor force and talent data with industry and occupational insights
Market and industry analysis to support feasibility and demand evaluation
Real estate and development data including zoning context and surrounding uses
Custom data requests aligned with specific project goals and timelines

Whether you are evaluating a site, refining a concept, or preparing investment materials, Tempe’s economic development team provides clear, data-driven support to help move projects forward with confidence.

Key Industries

Permits & Licenses

Beyond the business plan, your new company needs many things to open its doors. A great location, a general business license, a sales tax license, a sign, utilities and the like. Learn how to get what you need right here.

About Tempe General Business Licenses

Businesses with a permanent location in Tempe, including those not required to obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license, such as professional services and contractors with job sites in Tempe, will be required to obtain a business license.

The new license goes into effect on Aug. 1, 2025, though the fee will not be required until Jan. 1, 2026, with first renewal on Jan. 1, 2027. As a special introductory incentive, businesses that register before Jan. 1, 2026, won't have to pay any fees until Jan. 1, 2027. *we encourage businesses to apply between August 1 - December 31, 2025!

Check the information required at the time of application.

Zoning, Inspections, Building Permits, Signs

The Community Development Department will guide your company through the processes required to open your business.

Traffic Counts

Get information about the flow of traffic on Tempe streets to determine the best location for your business. Visit Tempe in Motion.

Project Assistance Team

The Community Development Project Assistance Team helps companies navigate the City’s development and permitting process efficiently and with clarity. The team serves as a centralized contact for the City’s development project review staff and works proactively strives to meet the needs of businesses and development partners.

Starting, expanding, or relocating a business is a significant decision. The Project Assistance Team is available to guide you through each step with timely coordination, clear communication, and hands-on support.

Services and Support
Building Safety and Fire Permits
Ensures compliance with building codes, fire codes, and occupancy requirements.
Reviews for building and fire code compliance
Confirms occupancy classifications and safety standards
Evaluates tenant improvement requirements when a building’s use changes
Improvement needs vary by use such as health clubs, churches, and childcare facilities

Planning and Zoning

Provides clarity on land use and site design requirements.

Site Plan Review for exterior building modifications

Review of landscape plans, lighting, paint, additions, and mechanical equipment

Confirms zoning compatibility for proposed businesses

Assists with land use and entitlement questions

Sign Permits

Workforce

Tempe has the most educated and technically-skilled workforce in Arizona, which is a testament to the strength of the city’s higher education institutions.

42 percent of Tempe residents have baccalaureate degrees
18 percent have masters and above
More than 50 percent have post-secondary certifications
92 percent have high school diplomas.
Median age of our resident base is 28.1 years
Tempe’s Achieve 65 program is focused on facilitating post-secondary achievement for 65 percent of Tempe’s residents.

For more information see Tempe Statistics.

Clear guidance and responsive service.

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Current Projects

Planning

Project Assistance Team