A mile-long biomedical district is being proposed by the mayor of Phoenix that would allow research labs, clinics and hospitals to expand or locate to the city's downtown.

Mayor Phil Gordon put forth the plan, which has the backing of the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. The district would encompass much of ASU's downtown campus, including that school's College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation.

The proposal is still in the early stages. There are currently no cost estimates or financing plans in place. If completed, however, the district would help in recruiting companies and research groups to the area.

Gov. Janet Napolitano supports the idea because it is consistent with her vision "of what the state needs to do to compete in the 21st century," the Arizona Republic reported.