Sometimes it’s difficult to remain optimistic about the town’s economic future when business closings continue to happen on a regular basis.

Of course, the normal ebb and flow of a local economy typically includes new business openings along with a few closings as well.

News came in droves last week, however, when we learned on the same day that Taco Bell was being vacated of its equipment, the Walgreens store on Shea is closing in May as part of a nationwide cutback and the StatClinix – located in a near-deserted plaza on Shea – was closing as well.

Fountain Hills, like the rest of the country, was hit hard by the Great Recession, but the long-term “recovery” continues. We know that town government is not ignoring this issue and is in the process of implementing an economic development plan – including the hiring of a part-time person to coordinate efforts. We also know that local business advocacy groups continue to work hard on retention, attraction, promotions, education, etc.

But Fountain Hills is competing in this area with every other municipality in Arizona and the Southwest. And it appears that after this Great Recession Fountain Hills is struggling with its future identity – what, exactly, kind of community are we becoming? Self-contained sustaining entity? Bedroom community? An aging town more attractive to retirees and winter visitors?

Years ago Fountain Hills held a series of “town hall” meetings to get a diverse group of citizens together to look at the “big picture.” The town, the School District, business community, the Sanitary District and others have vested interests in their own areas. Where are we headed? Might be a place to start………