Buckeye Economic Development Leader Earns Lifetime Achievement Honor

Buckeye Economic Development Deputy Director, Harry Paxton, has been selected as the recipient of the William Lampkin Long-Term Excellence in Economic Development Award by the Arizona Association for Economic Development.

This award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to the field of economic development. Paxton's career spans more than three decades of significant impact across Arizona, including leadership roles in Chandler, Goodyear, and Buckeye.

During his tenure with the City of Goodyear, Paxton played a key role in advancing the Loop 303 corridor as a major hub for industrial and manufacturing growth, helping position the area to attract nationally recognized companies and significant private investment. While in Chandler, he contributed to innovative redevelopment and reinvestment strategies, including a forward-thinking retail reinvestment program.

Paxton was also instrumental in the creation of the Greater Maricopa Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) #277, a regional economic development tool that has helped attract major employers such as Dick's Sporting Goods, REI, Iris USA, Corning, UPS, and Ball Corporation to the West Valley. These efforts generated thousands of jobs and substantial capital investment across multiple communities, including Goodyear, Glendale, Surprise, Peoria, and Buckeye.

In Buckeye, Paxton has led major industrial projects like Amazon, Blue Polymers, and Highland Cabinetry along with other long-range planning initiatives that continue to position the city for sustained economic growth.

In addition to his project work, Paxton has served on the FTZ Board of Directors for nearly two decades and is a Certified Economic Developer. He also serves as an instructor for AAED, helping educate the next generation of economic development professionals.

This award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made significant contributions to economic development efforts in Arizona. It is no surprise that Paxton is this year's recipient, with a body of work that will continue to benefit Buckeye, the West Valley, and the state for years to come.