Economic Development Director Steve Ayers is inspired by ‘Sense of Place’ projects.
Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better…it’s not… – The Lorax
“That has been my motto since I accepted this position in 2013,” said Ayers. “This job wasn’t what I aspired to do, but when the previous economic director resigned, she approached me and suggested I apply. She felt I would be a good candidate, as I had been periodically advising her on what she would, could and should do.”
At the time, Ayers was a journalist for the Verde Independent newspaper. “Rather than a resume, I wrote a 20-page paper stating how the Town of Camp Verde should move off the dime. It stirred the interest of the town manager and he eventually hired me.”
Since his appointment, Ayers has moved forward, bringing into the Town of Camp Verde a huge RV facility with 400 units, totaling $20 million. “This is a big revenue generator,” he said. “Additionally, a developer has recently broken ground on a 192-unit apartment complex.”
Other new projects include a hotel, a manufactured home community and other retail projects, including a Tractor Supply store.
Also on Ayers’ plate is progress on the Camp Verde Sports Complex, which was initiated in 1986. “The Town of Camp Verde purchased this property when it came up for sale, 110 acres for $2.3 million. The first phase consists of two baseball fields, two soccer fields, concession stands, restrooms and maintenance facilities.” Eventually, mountain bike trails will be incorporated.
Stating that the sports complex will be irrigated with reclaimed water from the wastewater treatment plant, Ayers made note of the fact that the water is A-Plus Water. “In order to use this water on the sports fields, it must be A-Plus, as determined by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). This means you can technically drink it.”
Since retired Psychiatric Technician Judy Stevenson moved to Camp Verde from California, she has come to the Camp Verde Sports Complex twice a week to walk with her dog, Hank. “The trails are awesome and my dog loves it. I’m so excited about this Sports Complex because I have grandchildren and when they get older and start playing youth sports, it will be so much fun.”
Balancing growth with no-growth, Ayers’ impetus is to invest on both sides of the scale. “The answer is not to not have growth, the answer is to have smart growth and be responsible to the things that you came here for. The work that comes out of our office is simply committed to doing what I call the right thing. The right thing is not always what gives you the most money or the most jobs or lands the most people here, it’s doing the things that balance out everybody’s needs.”
Calling his proposal “Sense of Place Development,” investing in parks, the Verde River and hiking and cycling trails are the tasks that Ayers took on in 2016. “We received funding from the Walton Family Foundation [a philanthropic organization begun by Walmart founders], and we conducted a River Recreation Master Plan to solicit feedback, priorities, concerns of community members about recreational opportunities and challenges along the 17-mile stretch of the Verde River that runs through Camp Verde.”
“He’s got the right spirit,” said Beaver Creek Trails Coalition President Stan Mish. “He’s doing fabulous work and great things for the community. In terms of my particular interest, he’s getting trails built and he keeps issues on the table and keeps us updated.”
“We had no hiking trails when I first started here, but we have received funds for construction of trails and parks,” said Ayers. “My department has brought in over $8 million in grants and outside funding. Though these may not sound like economic development initiatives, they are Sense of Place and they build and create a livable community.”
Ayers says Camp Verde has been discussing the importance of protecting the Verde River and enhancing the outdoor lifestyle of the Western rural community since the town incorporated in 1986.
Ayers is credited with reinstating the town’s designation as a Qualified Opportunity Zone with the U.S. Treasury. “Basically what this means is tax incentives for businesses.”
Born in Tucson, Ayers grew up traveling the world because his father served in the military. After a career in the automotive industry, Ayers went back to college and to complete his degree in professional writing. “I graduated on my 49th birthday.”
As past president of the Camp Verde Historical Society, Ayers was asked to write a book for the group’s fundraiser. He donated his time to write “Images of America Camp Verde.”
Ayers and his wife enjoy hiking and have one grown daughter.
LAST AMAZING MEAL
My wife and I have tradition of making a seafood feast for Christmas Eve, and this year, because of the price of king crab, lobster and our usual mainstays, we tried something new. We made Maryland-style crabcakes and coconut shrimp, both of which, served with the appropriate dipping sauces, turned out heavenly. My wife, who is also my best friend, was my dinner partner.
BEST ADVICE I’VE RECEIVED
You are free to say whatever you want in an email. But if it is in any way a less-than-pleasant correspondence, sleep on it before you hit send.
ACTOR WHO SHOULD PLAY ME
Perhaps Bill Murray, since much of my current life is a neverending battle with gophers.
GUILTY PLEASURE
Belgian beer – the incredibly delicious and relatively expensive stuff made by the Trappist breweries.
ROLE MODELS
I’ve had many: My parents for genuinely caring enough to share their lives with me, the handful of bosses I have worked for who never put me on a leash, and my best friend, Chip, who is the very definition of what the Yiddish language refers to as a “mensch.” The term is commonly translated as “a person of integrity and honor.” But the sportswriter Joe Posnanski wrote the best definition I ever read (I paraphrase): “He’s the guy who stands up for you when you aren’t around, the guy who gives you the aisle seat so you can sit with your friend, the guy who leaves a note on your windshield when he dents your car, the guy who brings the hostess a gift, knows your birthday, knows your kid’s name, your dogs’ names and never forgets to pass along the promised book or recipe or recommendation.” FBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, FBN
