So Long Google

Well, the Google in Arizona experiment has failed. Two years after setting up shop in Tempe, they have decided to close their office and move everyone back to California. Two years ago, their entrance into the market was touted as the next big shift in our growing economy. Sadly, they didn't even make it long enough to see the light rail operational.

Looking back, there were a lot of people who were disappointed that Mesa wasn't even part of the conversation when Google came looking. Now, two years later, Google is gone, and a megaresort is coming to the Gateway area. Looks like the short term loss didn't harm the long term gain.

It will be interesting to watch over the next few years to see how business grows and shifts throughout the Valley. Gateway looks like its going to be the next big thing, which is great, because its essential to Mesa's long term financial stability. So, when some other upstart comes to town or ten years from now, when Google comes calling again, maybe we'll see them out in Mesa instead of crammed into Tempe.