
How the West Valley evolved into hotbed for innovation and growth
Long a suburban outpost of the greater Phoenix area, the town of Buckeye and the rest of the West Valley area have emerged as a wellspring of urban and economic growth. Along with residential and commercial development, the area is becoming a beacon of innovation. That trend includes the opening of three new schools at ASU’s West Valley campus, including the School of Integrated Engineering, part of the Fulton Schools. Shawn Jordan, the school’s interim director, says students’ engineering studies will give them the skills to have an impact on the West Valley communities. Sintra Hoffman, president and CEO of WESTMARC, a partnership of 15 West Valley communities, says the new school is aligning its programs with the area’s workforce development strategy.