Goodyear, AZ Economic Development

City of Goodyear’s Claire Bruns honored as
2026 Emerging Economic Developer of the Year

The City of Goodyear is proud to announce that Economic Development team member Claire Bruns has been named the 2026 Emerging Economic Developer of the Year by the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED).

The award was presented as part of AAED’s Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence (EDDE) Awards during the organization’s annual Spring Conference in Tucson. Established nearly 50 years ago, the EDDE Awards recognize exceptional contributions and impact by economic development professionals across the state.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition and grateful for the support of the Economic Development team, City Council and Goodyear’s business community,” said Bruns. “This work is truly a team effort, and I look forward to continuing to serve and support the growth of our community.”

The Emerging Economic Developer of the Year award honors individuals who demonstrate meaningful economic impact within their community, build strong partnerships, and bring innovation and creativity to their work. It also recognizes efforts to advance and support the next generation of professionals in the field.

Bruns joined the City of Goodyear’s Economic Development team in 2023, where she leads the Small Business Development Program and the InnovationHub. Since then, she has made a measurable impact on the city’s entrepreneurial program.

In 2025, Bruns:

• Served more than 200 entrepreneurs through workshops, networking events, and 47 individual mentoring appointments
• Launched the InnovationHub’s Coffee & Connect networking series and introduced a Youth Entrepreneur Event in partnership with Agua Fria Union High School District
• Expanded the city’s partnership with ASU Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute to bring hybrid programming, mentorship and additional resources to local businesses

Bruns also continues to invest in her professional growth through Leadership West, the AAED Mentorship Program and participation in the AAED Emerging Leaders Committee—further strengthening her ability to support Goodyear’s business community.