Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs appointed Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls to the Arizona Space Commission. Nicholls, a civil engineer with a background in infrastructure and economic development, joins the agency’s efforts to strengthen the space industry in the state.
The Arizona Space Commission was reactivated following the passage of HB2254, after lying dormant for the past decade. Its goal is to propel Arizona as a major player in the space economy by identifying strategic projects, expanding industry partnerships and promoting educational opportunities in aerospace.
Following his appointment, Nicholls highlighted the potential of the space sector to generate new opportunities in Arizona and the city of Yuma. “I see extremely high potential for increased opportunity, quality of life and higher education. We need to look to the future to participate in the industries of the future,” he said.
The Yuma mayor has spearheaded several initiatives in economic development and regional collaboration. Among them, he founded 4FrontED, a binational organization focused on cross-border cooperation. In addition, he has served on various statewide committees and councils. In the aerospace arena, he has supported initiatives for the establishment of a spaceport in Yuma, with the goal of attracting investment and fostering the growth of the technology industry in the region.
By joining the Arizona Space Commission, Nicholls will play a role in the state’s aerospace development strategies, in a context of growing interest in consolidating Arizona as a center of innovation in this industry.
