News Summary
On May 6, 2025, Phoenix will launch the construction of the Innovation 27 workforce and education center, a $43.5 million project aimed at supporting job seekers. Set to open in summer 2026, the center will offer trade courses and focus on enhancing skills for a diverse community. It marks a crucial step in revitalizing local areas while promoting educational and vocational opportunities alongside safety initiatives.
Phoenix will officially launch the groundbreaking for a new workforce and education center named Innovation 27 on May 6, 2025. The project, costing $43.5 million, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2026. It will be situated at the northwest corner of 27th and Northern avenues, an area poised for significant development and revitalization.
Innovation 27 aims to serve job seekers of all ages, including K-12 students and adults looking to transition into new careers. The center will provide various trade courses that span from high school levels to university-level training. This initiative intends to create a more skilled workforce in the community, addressing the employment needs of both young people and adults.
The project has been under development for over five years, emerging from collaborative efforts with local community services. It is seen as a key component in the city’s broader plans for community revitalization, particularly in areas near I-17 and the Metrocenter. Such revitalization efforts also include other local initiatives like The Haven, a hotel-turned-shelter for unhoused seniors, and a separate nearby project converting a motel into affordable housing.
Councilwoman Betty Guardado, who represents the district where Innovation 27 will be located, expressed enthusiasm for the project after years of planning and advocacy. She underscored the importance of investing in the community, particularly in facilities that provide educational and vocational support.
The facility will not only focus on education but also aim to stimulate business investments and redevelopment in the surrounding area. This optimism is shared by community leaders like Jeff Spellman from the Violence Impact Coalition, who emphasized the center’s potential to guide young people towards successful career paths, especially in skilled trades.
The center will occupy a repurposed Kmart building, transforming it into a hub of opportunity for the community. Such a conversion aligns with efforts to utilize existing structures to meet new needs while fostering economic growth and literacy in the region.
In addition to the educational aspects, Innovation 27 will address broader community concerns, including safety and crime reduction strategies in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies. For instance, Grand Canyon University is partnering with the Phoenix Police Department to tackle crime issues along 27th Avenue, further reinforcing the goals of reducing violence and creating a safer, more welcoming environment for families and businesses alike.
The construction of Innovation 27 represents a significant investment in the future workforce of Phoenix. By providing essential services and resources aimed at a diverse population, the city is taking proactive steps to enhance job prospects and support personal development through education.
As plans move forward, local officials are focused on building a strong foundation for future community investments, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach in developing resources that benefit residents and foster economic prosperity.
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Additional Resources
- KTAR News: Innovation 27 Workforce Center
- Business Wire: Webinar on Workforce Development
- Fox 10 Phoenix: Phoenix Navigation Center Opens
- AZ Central: Hospitality Education Center in Mesa
- Fox 10 Phoenix: New Job Training Center for Autistic People
- Wikipedia: Workforce Development
- Google Search: Workforce Development
- Google Scholar: Workforce Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Workforce
- Google News: Workforce Development
