Metro Phoenix

05/29/2026

Waymo has started offering free rides for a limited time in its new Ojai robotaxi across Metro Phoenix. The launch marks another milestone in the company’s continued expansion. Waymo now operates autonomous ride services in 11 major U.S. cities and regions. It has completed more than 20 million driverless trips, a level of deployment unmatched by any other autonomous vehicle company.

New Driverless Vehicles Waymo has started offering free rides for a limited time in its new Ojai robotaxi across Metro Phoenix. The launch marks another milestone in the company’s continued expansion. Waymo now operates autonomous ride services in 11 major U.S. cities and regions. It has completed

05/29/2026

Let’s Toast has opened its first permanent location at Uptown Plaza in Phoenix. Owners Sumin Kim and Sean Atkinson transformed the popular Uptown Farmers Market favorite into a full-time storefront, crafting Korean BBQ sandwiches to a larger audience. The new restaurant sits at the northeast corner of Central Avenue and Camelback Road, in one of Phoenix’s busiest retail destinations.

Korean Barbecue Sandwiches Let’s Toast has opened its first permanent location at Uptown Plaza in Phoenix. Owners Sumin Kim and Sean Atkinson transformed the popular Uptown Farmers Market favorite into a full-time storefront, crafting Korean BBQ sandwiches to a larger audience.

05/29/2026

Frank & Lupe’s has reopened in Scottsdale under new owner Piero Aviles after closing in early 2025. The New Mexican restaurant served Old Town Scottsdale since 1995. It now sits at The Shops at Gainey Ranch, continuing to serve the Bernal family’s original scratch-made recipes from Socorro, New Mexico. Favorites include its popular green chile enchiladas, carne asada burritos, and housemade poblano salsa. The new location features a modern Southwest design with a welcoming bar and intimate dining space. Meanwhile, the former Old Town Scottsdale location will become Ponderosa House, a new concept from Karsen’s Grill owner Jacob Finley.

New Mexican Recipes Frank & Lupe’s has reopened in Scottsdale under new owner Piero Aviles after closing in early 2025. The New Mexican restaurant served Old Town Scottsdale since 1995. It now sits at The Shops at Gainey Ranch, continuing to serve the Bernal family’s original

05/29/2026

The second annual Inferno Invitational Startup Cup brought together entrepreneurial teams from across Arizona’s public university campuses in competition for venture funding. From SkySong in Scottsdale, each team delivered a pitch on their scalability and long-term impact, followed by a Q&A session with the judges. These initiatives highlight the growing impact of university-led startups on Arizona’s economy.

2nd Annual Startup Cup The second annual Inferno Invitational Startup Cup brought together entrepreneurial teams from across Arizona’s public university campuses in competition for venture funding. Each team delivered a pitch on their scalability and long-term impact,

05/28/2026

Arizona secured designation as the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) Southwest Regional Node. This means the state earns funding to coordinate workforce training, education programs, and career pathways for the microelectronics industry across multiple states.

The Arizona Commerce Authority, in partnership with the NNME, SEMI Foundation, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced the designation of NNME Southwest as an official NNME Regional Node. The designation positions the Southwest as a leading center for semiconductor and microelectronics workforce development. Backed by the NSF and Department of Commerce, and operated by the SEMI Foundation, NNME strengthens the nation’s microelectronics talent pipeline. It connects employers, educators, workforce groups, and government partners to expand career opportunities and meet industry demand.

Semiconductor Education Regional Hub Arizona secured designation as the National Network for Microelectronics Education (NNME) Southwest Regional Node. This means the state earns funding to coordinate workforce training, education programs, and career pathways for the microelectronics industry acros...

05/28/2026

West-MEC will open its new Southeast Campus in July 2026, enhancing workforce development in the West Valley. The campus is strategically located in Phoenix, near Thomas Road and Loop 101.

This expansion addresses the rising demand for a skilled workforce in Maricopa County and statewide. The Southeast Campus aims to improve access to career and technical education for students while minimizing travel challenges for families across the area.

New Southeast Campus Opens in Phoenix West-MEC will open its new Southeast Campus in July 2026, enhancing workforce development in the West Valley. The campus is strategically located in Phoenix, near Thomas Road and Loop 101. This expansion addresses the rising demand for a skilled workforce in Mar...

05/27/2026

Phoenix-based architecture studio Gensler has unveiled renderings for the Thistle Data Center Campus, a hyperscale data center development in Phoenix. Designed for Menlo Digital, the project will feature a weathering steel facade and transform a former call center site near Chandler Blvd. and I-10 in Ahwatukee.

1 Million Square-Foot Campus Phoenix-based architecture studio Gensler has unveiled renderings for the Thistle Data Center Campus, a hyperscale data center development in Phoenix. Designed for Menlo Digital, the project will

05/27/2026

The Arizona Commerce Authority will lead an economic development and innovation delegation to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan from May 27 to June 3. The trip builds on Arizona’s record international investment activity and growing role in the global technology sector. ACA leaders will meet with government, business, academic, and innovation stakeholders in Tokyo, Kumamoto Prefecture, Seoul, Taipei, and Kaohsiung City. The Taiwan portion of the mission will also include 20 Arizona partners focused on strengthening international relationships and expanding economic opportunities.

Global Tech Collaboration The Arizona Commerce Authority will lead an economic development and innovation delegation to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan from May 27 to June 3. The trip builds on Arizona’s record international investment activity and growing role in the global technology sector. ACA ...

05/27/2026

Arizona, California, and Nevada have reached a landmark agreement to reduce water use from the Colorado River. The plan calls for conserving more than 3.2 million acre-feet of water through 2028. In addition, it highlights the Lower Basin states’ commitment to addressing ongoing drought conditions across the West.

WM Phoenix Open Raises Record $18M for Charity. Thunderbirds Charities was formed as a nonprofit in 1986 in order to distribute funds raised through the Phoenix Open PGA event. | Metro Phoenix Alliance

05/26/2026

The Costco Business Center in Chandler has been under construction since Q3 2025 and will potentially be ready to open next month.