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This newsletter features updates on key initiatives, insightful data, and inspiring stories about efforts shaping Arizona’s future. In this issue, learn about upcoming events, the expansion of college & career pathways work across the state, and news related to advancing The Arizona We Want. |
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Arizonans want access to safe, reliable infrastructure to ensure economic vibrancy & livability today and for the future
Bridging Arizona's Digital Divide: Advancements in Internet Access Since 2016; More Work to Do
Recent Data from the Federal Communication Commission reveals access to fixed ground-based internet is on the rise in Arizona. The latest data update shows that 9% of the state’s residents did not have access to ground-based internet in 2022 compared to 15% in 2016. Over 400,000 Arizonans gained access to this critical infrastructure in those six years, with one notable exception, Santa Cruz County. Urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson have greater access while smaller rural communities such as Flagstaff, Nogales, Payson, Show Low, Sierra Vista, and Santa Cruz County continue to face challenges in connectivity.
The Arizona Infrastructure Progress Meter reports on the overall status of infrastructure in rural and urban communities throughout the state. Use this tool to explore detailed data on Arizona’s broadband internet access, as well as measures in transportation, traffic, alternative fuel vehicles, and more.
Get to Know the Arizona Progress Meters: Inspired by the simple truth that what gets measured gets done, CFA created the Arizona Progress Meters as dynamic tools to measure how Arizona is doing and our collective progress in areas critical to achieving The Arizona We Want. Eight Arizona Progress Meters provide valuable and regularly updated data on 80+ metrics in education, jobs, healthcare, environment, civic engagement, infrastructure, and more to support policymakers and other leaders’ data-driven dialogue, decision-making, and action. Learn more and leverage the Arizona Progress Meters today. |
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Expanding Arizona Pathways to Prosperity: Learn About Our Regional Experts and Their Passion for a Stronger and Brighter Future!
This past year, CFA expanded its Arizona Pathways to Prosperity (APTP) team to include additional experts dedicated to regions across the state. They are working closely with local partners to develop college & career pathways that help young people advance from high school to postsecondary education, and into meaningful careers – and ultimately strengthen individual and statewide economic prosperity for the long-term.
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Empowering Educators: Advancing Personalized Learning in Arizona Schools
Pictured: APLN 2023-24 Cohort - Amphitheater Public Schools, Casa Grande Elementary School District, Casa Grande Union High School District, and City Center for Collaborative Learning.
CFA’s Arizona Personalized Learning Network (APLN) is reimagining the future of education in Arizona. Through personalized competency-based learning, APLN participants evolve the “one-size-fits-all" approach to education in ways that help all students thrive academically and personally. CFA and our partners at KnowledgeWorks provide schools, districts, and charter networks in APLN with the necessary resources to adopt, implement, or expand personalized learning. We applaud our newest 2023-24 APLN cohort that kicked off in early May! Dedicated educators and leaders from Amphitheater Public Schools, Casa Grande Elementary School District, Casa Grande Union High School District, and City Center for Collaborative Learning came together to dig into the rewarding work of transforming education for Arizona students.
Dr. Sybil Francis Receives the 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award
Celebrating Phoenix Business Journal’s Most Admired Leaders
CFA‘s very own President & CEO, Dr. Sybil Francis, was recently awarded the 2023 Most Admired Leaders Lifetime Achievement Award by the Phoenix Business Journal. This recognition is a true testament to her dedication and impact in shaping a stronger and brighter future for Arizona over the last two decades. This year's awards also celebrated a number of CFA’s remarkable partners. We applaud and extend congratulations to all the honorees!
Shaping Arizona’s Economic Landscape: Arizona Association for Economic Development Conference
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| Pictured: CFA’s Holly Kurtz and Evelyn Casuga with Sandra Watson (center), President & CEO at Arizona Commerce Authority |
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At this year’s annual Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) spring conference, industry leaders and professionals gathered to discuss pressing issues shaping Arizona’s economic landscape. CFA’s Director of Workforce Development Holly Kurtz moderated an engaging session, “Implementing Job Quality-The New Tool in the Economic Development Toolkit,” with Richard Wilkie, Economic Development Director at the City of Casa Grande, and Jill Buschbacher, Director of Workforce Innovation at the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation.
By exploring findings from CFA’s Gallup Arizona Survey, participants gained a deeper understanding of what Arizonans truly desire in quality jobs and economic opportunities. This knowledge can effectively guide efforts to increase workforce participation, retain talent, and advance The Arizona We Want.
Arizona Forward’s Environmental Excellence Awards: Honoring Strides in Environmental Conservation
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| CFA President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis presents award to honorees |
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CFA President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis served as the Lead Judge of Arizona Forward’s 2023 Environmental Excellence Awards and recognized awardees at the annual event in April. The awards serve as a platform to recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations that have made significant strides in environmental conservation and sustainability, an issue that Arizonans agree on as a top priority in The Arizona We Want.
Numerous initiatives and projects were carefully evaluated and the selected award recipients reflect a diverse range of achievements contributing to a healthier and more sustainable Arizona. Learn more about the awards and finalists.
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Catch up with recent news about CFA, our partners, and the priorities of Arizonans:
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CFA is a Proud Supporter of the Annual League of Arizona Cities and Towns Conference
Aug. 29 – Sept. 1 | JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort
Save the date! We are excited to announce CFA’s participation in the Annual Conference of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. We will host a special pre-conference session on Tuesday, August 29, 9 am-12 pm, to discuss pressing issues affecting our communities at the local, regional, and national levels. It is an excellent opportunity to connect, learn, and participate in advancing The Arizona We Want. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details to come!
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Center for the Future of Arizona brings Arizonans together
to create a stronger and brighter future for our state.
arizonafuture.org
Support CFA's work to advance what matters most to Arizonans. Give today >
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