Cochise County Economic Development

The Douglas Port of Entry is the second largest commercial port in Arizona measured by the value of imports and exports, which totaled $1.9 billion in 2019. In December 2018, the General Services Administration (GSA) and U.S. Custom and Border Patrol (CBP) confirmed the need for a two-port solution to meet the future needs of the port of entry, and communities of Douglas and Agua Prieta. CBP has stated the remodel of this facility is a top priority, and Cochise County has committed to working with its regional and federal partners to ensure the future success of this major project.

The growing Willcox Wine Industry (see Willcox Wine Country and Willcox Wines) is recognized by the Board of Supervisors as one of Cochise County’s major economic drivers. A 2017 Arizona Office of Tourism study estimated the state's wine industry creates $56.2 million in economic output, 640 jobs, and $3.6 million in state and local taxes annually. With more than 75% of the state’s grapes grown in Willcox, coupled with the increasing popularity of the area’s tasting rooms, viticulture has become a key component of Cochise County’s economic future. The county has recently committed to providing significant infrastructure support to the wine industry, including the paving of a major vineyard and tourism road, along with additional signage.

The Villages at Vigneto is a Tuscan Territorial style, master planned community that anticipates construction of up to 28,000 homes over 20 years on about 13,000 acres along State Route 90 in Benson. Developer El Dorado Holdings announced in November 2018 that the company had received its final permit. The development is expected to include golf courses, restaurants, shops, and more than two dozen recreation and community facilities. Cochise County supports El Dorado Holdings in its pledge to build a master planned community, sensitive to the surrounding environment and water conservation needs.