APS’ Focused Future II program received a national award for its program with the city of Cottonwood, Arizona. The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) presented APS with a 2002 Innovation Award based on its innovative approaches to economic and community development.

"The award recognizes and promotes effective regional partnerships," said NADO President John Bruner. "Each project demonstrates how local leaders can creatively partner to address a wide range of economic development issues."

"The process exceeded all of our expectations," said Cottonwood City Manager Brian Mickelsen. "It resulted in a plan that is truly a working document for the city, and is serving as the cornerstone of additional planning efforts recommended in the Focused Future II program."

In 1995, the city of Cottonwood completed the Focused Future program, a dynamic process that assists communities in creating a strategic plan. As a result of Cottonwood’s successful implementation of its strategic plan, APS selected it to participate in the Focused Future II program. This program updates the original plan, encourages more citizens to participate at a more in-depth level and introduces non-traditional economic development and community quality of life indicators.

Since the Focused Future program inception in 1993, APS has given technical economic development assistance to 36 Arizona communities and regions. By the end of 2002, APS will have assisted seven additional communities.  

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