New Arizona HEAT Center to Open Soon in Phoenix

The economic hub aims to connect employers, sponsors, and talent through workforce development initiatives.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new 1.55-acre hub called the Arizona Hub for Economic Advancement and Talent (HEAT) is set to open in Phoenix's Gateway district near Sky Harbor Airport before the end of March. The HEAT center is designed to accommodate 50-60 nonprofit organizations, offering shared resources like meeting rooms, event space, and front desk services to support entrepreneurship and drive economic equity in the region.

Why it matters

The HEAT center represents an innovative approach to community-focused economic development, bringing together startup founders, technology employers, education partners, and civic stakeholders to coordinate efforts and boost collaboration across sectors that often operate independently.

The details

The HEAT center will serve as a shared campus for various organizations, including the Black Chamber of Arizona, HeroZona Foundation, The William Johnson Foundation, Four Angels Foundation, and Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport's community outreach initiatives. Officials say they want to measure the center's success by tracking data like job placement and retention to ensure their services align with what local employers need.

  • The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Arizona HEAT Center is set to take place before March 31, 2026.

The players

One South 24th Street Development Group LLC

The company that is transforming the historic property into the collaborative hub for nonprofit organizations.

Kesha Hodge Washington

Phoenix Vice Mayor, who said the HEAT center represents community-focused and innovative development.

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What they’re saying

“By transforming this historic property into a collaborative hub for nonprofit organizations, One South 24th Street Development Group LLC is creating more than just office space. They're building a foundation for stronger community partnerships and expanded services for Phoenix residents.”

— Kesha Hodge Washington, Phoenix Vice Mayor (KTAR News)

What’s next

Officials say they will be tracking data on job placement and retention at the HEAT center to ensure its services align with the needs of local employers.

The takeaway

The Arizona HEAT Center represents an innovative approach to community-focused economic development, bringing together diverse stakeholders to coordinate efforts and boost collaboration across sectors that often operate independently, with the goal of supporting entrepreneurship and driving economic equity in the Phoenix region.