PHOENIX, AZ (June 18, 2025) – In recognition of yet another banner year for economic development wins, Arizona today received a prestigious “Gold Shovel” award from Area Development Magazine in the 5-8 million state population category, marking the state’s fifth consecutive gold shovel. The Shovel Awards recognize states that “garnered large job-creating and investment projects through innovative policies, infrastructure improvements, and other processes that attracted new employers as well as investments in expanded facilities.”
In addition, Area Development named TSMC’s third fab expansion as one of the “Manufacturing Projects of the Year.” In April 2024, TSMC announced plans to build a third leading-edge semiconductor fab in Phoenix. The company has since announced the addition of six more high-tech facilities in Arizona, including three additional fabs, two advanced packaging facilities, and a major R&D center, bringing the company’s total investment in Arizona to over $165 billion.
Arizona’s 2025 Gold Shovel Award reflects the state’s historic private sector investment and remarkable economic momentum of recent years. Since 2012, Arizona has won seven gold shovel and six silver shovel awards. Arizona’s seven gold shovels have occurred all in the past nine years.
“Arizona is in the business of growing business, attracting global leaders across high-tech industries who are creating thousands of family-sustaining jobs in our state,” said Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. “In Arizona, businesses and workers have access to unparalleled opportunity, and we’re proud to continually be recognized for high-quality job creation and economic development.”…