This suburb about 40 miles to the east of downtown Phoenix is in the final stages of negotiations with Wal-Mart to build a 200,000-sf super center near its downtown, along Apache Trail. The center, which would include a grocery component, is expected to generate approximately $1 million in sales tax revenue for the cash-strapped city.

In the past few years, cities in Arizona have rejected proposals to build superstores. Gilbert and Chandler both rejected plans for a Wal-Mart, and Tucson has totally turned them away. Mesa narrowly approved plans for the city's fifth Wal-Mart, which prompted a cacophony of protest from residents. A number of cities are looking to enact zoning stipulations that would severely limit where super-sized stores could be built.

The downtown site earmarked for a Wal-Mart super center is already zoned commercial, so the retailer won't face an uphill rezoning battle like it's faced in other communities. For city officials, Wal-Mart represents nothing but positives for the community: more sales revenue, added amenities and a project that could attract more development in the downtown area.

Residents generally are in favor of the project, say city officials, pointing out that there currently isn't anywhere to shop for shoes, sporting goods or electronics--things the Wal-Mart carries.

Apache Junction lies on the eastern edge of Maricopa County, which encompasses Phoenix and its surrounding suburbs. The city has a year-round population of about 22,000, but it swells to 60,000 during the winter months with an influx of seasonal visitors.