PHOENIX-The US Census Bureau's latest accounting had the Phoenix area leading the nation in job growth just two years ago. But that's probably not the case today, with 2001 statistics putting growth at 2.4% in comparison to the 4.7% in the bureau's latest tally.

PHOENIX-Portland-based Randall Realty Corp., basically a multifamily developer, has edged into the industrial arena. The company has just shelled out $11 million for the 10-building Maricopa Business Park in east Phoenix.

PHOENIX-For more than year, Del Webb has fought off the would-be buyers, including a hostile takeover attempt. The battle's over for the retirement community developer as execs willingly ink a $1.8-billion deal with Pulte Homes.

TUCSON-Westcor Partners is slashing 70,000 sf from its 310,000-sf La Encantada. In return, the retail developer wants Pima County to pay $2 million for unused land. Still, the controversy simmers with pending legal challenges and appeals.

PHOENIX-Gov. Jane Hull is lobbying to kill a contractors bill that grandfathers multi-year contracts that have been inked before June 1, the first day of a sales tax increase that benefits a $1-billion school repair program.

PHOENIX-Bids for $1 billion in repairs and upgrades at hundreds of schools around the state are set to go out in the next several weeks, creating a demand on the contracting community at a time when commercial work is slowing.

PHOENIX-With an ever-growing need for power in the West, a North Carolina-based energy company has broken ground on a 570-megawatt plant about 30 miles west of Phoenix.

PHOENIX-A California investor has purchased a neighborhood shopping center near the fast-growing suburbs of Gilbert and Chandler.