Phoenix Emerges as Hub for Billboard and Out-of-Home Advertising

The Arizona city has become a center for the billboard and outdoor advertising industry, with major players and industry leaders based there.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 7:04am

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Phoenix, Arizona has become a hub for the billboard and out-of-home advertising industry, with a rich history and many of the industry's key players and companies headquartered in the city. From the expansion of Eller Outdoor in the 1960s to the rise of companies like Outdoor Systems and Verde Outdoor, Phoenix has become a center of activity for the billboard and out-of-home advertising world.

Why it matters

The concentration of billboard and out-of-home advertising companies in Phoenix highlights the city's importance to the industry. As the sector continues to evolve, Phoenix's position as a hub could give it an advantage in attracting new investment and talent. The story also showcases how certain cities can become centers of gravity for specific industries over time.

The details

In the 1960s, Karl Eller transformed a Phoenix billboard company into Eller Outdoor, which later became part of Clear Channel Communications. William Levine also started Outdoor Systems in Phoenix, which was later sold to Arte Moreno and went public in 1996. Moreno's companies, including Verde Outdoor and Verde Outdoor Capital, are now headquartered in Phoenix, and he has also invested heavily in Clear Channel Outdoor. Other major players like Branded Cities, American Outdoor Advertising, and Clear Channel Outdoor have offices in the city. Industry brokers and lenders like Drachman M&A Co., Kalil and Co., and the now-acquired Metro Phoenix Bank have also been based in the Phoenix area.

  • In the 1960s, Karl Eller transformed a Phoenix billboard company into Eller Outdoor.
  • In 1984, William Levine sold Outdoor Systems to Arte Moreno.
  • In 1996, Outdoor Systems went public under Moreno's ownership.
  • In 1999, Outdoor Systems merged with Infinity Broadcasting.
  • In 2022, Metro Phoenix Bank was acquired by Alerus Financial.

The players

Karl Eller

Transformed a Phoenix billboard company into Eller Outdoor in the 1960s, helping modernize the industry.

William Levine

Started Outdoor Systems in Phoenix in the 1980s.

Arte Moreno

Purchased Outdoor Systems in 1984, took the company public in 1996, and now owns Verde Outdoor and Verde Outdoor Capital, which are headquartered in Phoenix.

Steve Haggard

Formerly of Metro Phoenix Bank, now the Director of Specialty Industries at Northrim Bank, and is contemplating a return to out-of-home lending.

Branded Cities

Has an office on the first floor of the 2850 E Camelback Road building in Phoenix, which is the center of the city's out-of-home industry.

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What they’re saying

“Phoenix was also home to Metro Phoenix Bank. Metro Phoenix Bank was an active out of home lender from 2007 until it was acquired by Alerus financial in July 2022. Alerus ceased making new out of home loans last year. What might have been is not what is. Alerus missed a huge opportunity.”

— Steve Haggard, Director of Specialty Industries at Northrim Bank

What’s next

Steve Haggard, the formerly of Metro Phoenix Bank and now the Director of Specialty Industries at Northrim Bank, is contemplating a return to out-of-home lending, which could signal renewed activity in the Phoenix market.

The takeaway

Phoenix has emerged as a hub for the billboard and out-of-home advertising industry, with a concentration of major players, industry leaders, and supporting businesses like brokers and lenders. The city's prominence in this sector highlights its importance as a center of activity and innovation for the industry.