Tempe one of 10 cities selected for national business intiative

Tempe has been selected by National League of Cities to participate in Legacy Forward, a new national initiative designed to help small and mid-size cities invest in the long-term success of established local businesses.

Through the program, leaders from Tempe will receive training, technical assistance and access to a national network of municipalities working to support legacy and second-stage businesses. While these businesses are critical drivers of local jobs, economic stability and community identity, many face increasing challenges tied to workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions and business ownership transitions.

While many economic development programs focus on launching new businesses, established businesses generate a significant share of local jobs and economic activity. Many long-standing business owners are approaching retirement age without succession plans in place, creating risks for employees, local tax bases and commercial corridors. Legacy Forward is designed to help local governments better identify and support businesses that are positioned for long-term growth and community impact.

In all, NLC's inaugural Legacy Forward cohort includes 10 municipalities from across the country participating in programming from June 2026 through February 2027. The initiative is made possible with support from the Nasdaq Foundation and will conclude with a national convening where participating communities will share lessons learned and strategies for supporting second-stage business growth and long-term economic resilience.

###

Media contact: Savannah Driskill, [email protected]