Tolleson, located at the western end of the Salt River Valley, was founded in 1912 by Walter G. and Alethea H. Tolleson and incorporated in 1929. In 1908, the Tolleson family migrated from South Carolina to Arizona. In 1910, they purchased a 160-acre ranch at 91st Avenue and Van Buren Street for $16,000. Walter Tolleson reopened the old “Ten Mile Store,” originally a stagecoach stop on the route to Yuma, which became the foundation for the town’s development.

• 1930s – The Tolleson farming community faces harsh economic times with the Great Depression
• 1940s – Economic recovery begins for Tolleson and the region
• 1950s – Tolleson earned the title of “Vegetable Center of the World”
• 1960s – Automation in agriculture reduces the need for labor and diversification of the local economy begins
• 1970s & 1980s – New housing developments and industrial distribution centers emerge as Tolleson attracts Fortune 500 companies

The City of Tolleson operates under a council-manager form of government. The City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city, including delivering municipal services. The Mayor and City Council are responsible for setting the city’s policy direction.

Tolleson has several key strengths in business and industry that contribute to its economic growth and appeal. Key areas include:

Strategic Location: Located along the I-10 corridor in the western part of Metro Phoenix, Tolleson provides easy access to major transportation routes, as well as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, rail lines, and regional markets.

Manufacturing Sector: Tolleson has a well-established manufacturing industry, with businesses involved in food production, packaging, and other light manufacturing activities. The city’s industrial parks and available land make it an ideal location for companies looking to expand their manufacturing operations in Metropolitan Phoenix.

Retail and Commercial Development: In recent years, Tolleson has seen growth in its retail and commercial sectors. New shopping centers, dining establishments, and commercial spaces have contributed to the city’s economic diversity and have created more opportunities for small businesses to thrive.

The main transportation routes for Tolleson include:

Interstate 10 (I-10): Serves as Tolleson’s main transportation corridor, stretching east-west and providing direct access to Downtown Phoenix to the east and the West Valley (and beyond to Los Angeles) to the west. This vital interstate supports not only daily commuter traffic but also plays a critical role in the efficient movement of goods and services, establishing the city as a major logistics hub in the region.

Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway): Runs north-south just and connects with I-10, providing access to other areas of Metro Phoenix, including Glendale, Peoria, and Scottsdale. It also connects with other major freeways, facilitating regional travel and distribution routes.

Van Buren Street: key arterial road running parallel to I-10 and serving local traffic in Tolleson and neighboring areas.

Union Pacific Railroad: Rail Lines run near the city and play a crucial role in freight transport for the city’s industrial and logistics businesses.