City discusses plan to construct University in downtown Yuma

City officials held a City Hall meeting Wednesday night to reveal the conceptual construction plan for a university in downtown Yuma.

The city opened the discussion to the community and went over the details of the project – Expected to undergo construction between 1-5 years.

Charles Flynn, the Executive Director for the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Charity, said this plan would consist of a community effort as well as a collaboration with other businesses and universities.

“The city wants to be a leader, but it’s limited in resources,” Flynn said. “That doesn’t mean it will not be limited in its vision. I think if we drive the vision and bring partners together, we can make this happen.”

Along with the details of the anticipated project – Flynn and other city officials discussed the benefits the city hopes to see as a result of the the university construction.

According to city officials, the focus of this project will be to provide economic and developmental growth for the community.

“We’ve seen improvements in Main Street over the last five to ten years,” Flynn said. “This would truly jump start and [I think] revolutionize downtown.”

Through the construction of the university, the city anticipates the gradual development of jobs, tourism and community growth.

Mayor Doug Nicholls also said the vision for this project would be fulfilled through the support of regional universities.

“The focus here is to provide a university presence,” said Nicholls. “But to do that in a collaborative way between the community of Yuma and multiple universities.”