Arizona to Poach Jobs from California

Phoenix, Arizona Mayor Phil Gordon and Greater Phoenix Economic Council head Barry Broome will travel to California next week, to try to attract jobs to Arizona from the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley and Southern California.

Broome and Gordon will meet with businesses in the Bay Area on Monday.

California is in the midst of financial and budget crisis that is compelling tax increases. The Golden State also has increased energy mandates and regulations, and could soon get approval from the Obama administration to put tougher emissions and mileage standards on cars and trucks.

Phoenix-area leaders hope to attract businesses and entrepreneurs worried about the tax and business climates in California.

A number of California companies over the years moved operations to Arizona or set up satellite offices in the Phoenix region to take advantage of cheaper labor, real estate and operating costs.