The Path to Self-Sufficiency
From its agricultural heritage and initial modest farming operation, Ak-Chin learned to become uniquely adaptable to changing climates and conditions. This resilience laid the groundwork for a 21st century business philosophy and entrepreneurial spirit that capitalizes on changing markets and commerce opportunities that will encourage economic diversification and self-sufficiency.
To date, Ak-Chin has created partnerships with Caesars Entertainment, Troon Golf, and UltraStar Cinemas to build an impressive array of entertainment venues, which include Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Resort, Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club and UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle.
On the industrial side, Ak-Chin has created favorable lease arrangements for a number of large and small businesses including Hickman’s Family Farms, M&S Equipment, Rockstar Arizona, Advanced Performance Motorcycle Repair and Liquidate AZ. In addition, Ak-Chin bought and improved the former Phoenix Regional Airport, a general aviation airport now renamed Ak-Chin Regional Airport and bought a controlling interest in Quail Run Building Materials.
NOT LIKE OTHER NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES
While some tribes say to add 20% more development time to projects for conversations, Ak-Chin has always been a Tribe that Means Business. It was the first Arizona tribe to settle their water rights and the first to apply and be approved under the HEARTH Act so they could have control over their leases without BIA involvement.
Moreover, while some tribes may have allotted land owned by individual tribal members who might need to get 150-450 people to sign off on lease terms, Ak-Chin’s property is wholly owned and controlled by the Tribe.
Ak-Chin’s ability to speed to projects is not just hyperbole. Potential tenants only have to look at the 36-acre Hickman’s Family Farms, a Santa Cruz Commerce Center tenant since 2003. The initial four poultry houses and administration building were in design and review for just 120 days and took 10 months to complete construction. Since that time, Hickman’s has been able to expand their Ak-Chin facility two times nearly doubling its production.
Uncertain about dispute resolution on the Reservation? To add peace of mind to the development process, Ak-Chin can also offer a Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity.
THE AK-CHIN LEASING / DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AT SCCC
LEASING EXISTING SPACE
- Call 520-568-3246 or email marketing@leaseakchin.com for basic information or to arrange a tour the property
- Download Space Lease Request Documentation Requirements and email to leasing@leaseakchin.com
- Review by Ak-Chin Industrial Park Board
- If accepted, meet with the Ak-Chin Industrial Park Board to discuss any outstanding issues
- Lease is prepared by Ak-Chin Leasing Agent and reviewed with Ak-Chin Finance & Legal
- Applicant reviews all lease terms
- Lease is submitted to Council for final approval
- Applicant signs lease
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
- Call 520-568-3246 or email marketing@leaseakchin.com for basic information or to arrange a tour of the property
- Download Development Request Submittal Requirements and email to leasing@leaseakchin.com
- Review by Ak-Chin Industrial Park Board
- Board advises applicant of approval process and facilitates progression
- Applicant meets with Board and Ak-Chin Planning Dept
- Board representative prepares a Preliminary Site Plan Application (PSPA) and submits to Planning
- Planning holds Technical Assistance Committee (TAC) meeting for Board representative and applicant to present project and respond to questions
- PSPA comments submitted to Planning; Planning forwards to Board representative
- Planning submits Application to Ak-Chin Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z)
- P&Z meets to review and vote on PSPA
- P&Z denies project as proposed to move forward or forwards to Ak-Chin Finance & Legal for review
- If approved, it is forwarded to Ak-Chin Council who authorizes project to proceed or does not approve it to proceed as proposed
- If approved, the same process is followed with a more detailed Site Development Plan Application
Download Permitting Flowchart
A DEVELOPMENT OF THE
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
New Hydroponics Operation to Grow its Business at Ak-Chin
/in News & Updates /by robinOn July 19, Ibarra Family Farms broke ground on its first U.S. hydroponic operation at Santa Cruz Commerce Center, the Ak-Chin Indian Community’s industrial park. The wholesale operation will produce leafy greens for farmers markets, supermarkets and local restaurants. Phase1 will consist solely of the installation of a 16,128 SF pre-engineered/pre-fabricated greenhouse manufactured by Cravo […]