Much like the rest of the country, Fountain Hills during 2014 found itself still emerging from the Great Recession. Make no doubt – things are improving – but some economic sectors are hoping for even more improvement in 2015.

The Town of Fountain Hills has been laying the groundwork for continued progress. Budget slashing is a thing of the past, and the town reveled in the fact that it has been around as a government for 25 years. Improvements to the Avenue of the Fountains “Plaza” turned out well, and while construction zones aren’t fun, drivers will be immensely happy once work is done at Saguaro and Shea and then on Saguaro Blvd. by the end of 2015.

Both the town’s economic development director and tourism coordinator have now been made full-time positions, hopefully paving the way for more business growth and retention in the future. A new Chamber CEO/president appears energetic and ready to help that business organization move ahead as well.

The School District experienced some personnel turmoil this past year, yet buoyed by a majority of voters, officials are spending bond monies and approved overrides to help improve the district’s offerings. If we as a community could only help bolster declining student enrollment and somehow attract younger families here (despite relatively high housing costs), that would be a boon for the community as well.

As for the remainder of this past year, we invite readers to look through the “review” stories we’re including in this issue and next week. And we look forward to continuing our coverage of all the local news for our readers in this region of the Valley – Fountain Hills, the Verdes, Fort McDowell and Goldfield Ranch.

Happy New Year!