October 2022

CFA’s President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis was honored by the Arizona Capitol Times as a Leader of the Year in Public Policy at an awards luncheon on Sept. 27. Under her leadership, CFA has an ambitious and positive agenda, focused on where Arizonans agree and where we have the opportunity to come together for positive change to build The Arizona We Want.

The awards recognized many more remarkable leaders, including friends and partners of CFA. We applaud all the 2022 Leaders of the Year for their many contributions to the growth and well-being of our state!

CFA President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis brought the voice of the majority of Arizona voters to the recent forum, “Why Civility in Politics is Critical for the Future of Our Democracy,” hosted by Deseret News. Moderated by Doug Wilks, Executive Editor of the Deseret News, the esteemed panel also featured Paul Carrese, founding director of the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University, Jack McCain, of the McCain Institute, and Lea Marquez Peterson, chair of the Arizona Corporation Commission. The group discussed the importance of civility in our politics and what may be causing perceived division. Attendees engaged in small group discussions on potential solutions to protecting and advancing productive civil discourse and civic engagement. Dr. Francis was able to share some of the critical findings from CFA’s recent Arizona Voters’ Agenda surveys.

Read Deseret’s full coverage of the forum.

Earlier this month, CFA team members joined the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC) at their 26th Annual DATOS: The State of Arizona's Hispanic Market. The annual event and report provides the most comprehensive compilation of research on the Hispanic community and its impacts on the economy. As a data-driven organization, CFA thoroughly believes in the power of data to build community and spark ideas, and deeply appreciates AZHCC’s commitment to helping leaders make decisions to support the future of our state and all Arizonans.

Download the digital DATOS book.

CFA’s very own Director of Strategic Data Initiatives, Ian Dowdy, attended the annual state tax conference in Lake Havasu City and presented on the importance of making investments in Arizona that build a more prosperous future for all Arizonans. Among the insights Ian shared was the recent data that shows Arizona voters, regardless of political party, would rather see continued investments in critical infrastructure– like education, healthcare, and transportation– than a tax cut.

Arizona’s long-term success depends on the contributions of all our young people. It’s important to understand and respond to their highest priorities, values, and goals to make Arizona “the place to be” for the next generation of leaders. On Oct. 19, CFA Civic Health Project Manager, Madison Rock, moderated WESTMARC’s West Valley Hot Topics panel discussion, “Emerging Leaders.” The panel featured emerging leaders of the West Valley who discussed their perspectives on the top priorities for the future of the state.

FYI: CFA’s Young Talent Survey Report & Arizona Young Talent Progress Meter were some of the tools that were used to look more closely at those priorities.

Last week, students, educators, Valley of the Sun United Way, Helios Education Foundation, and Education Forward Arizona held an informative discussion to help the community learn more about Prop 308 and how it can benefit Arizona students and our economy.

CFA supports Prop 308– giving equal access to in-state tuition for Arizona's Dreamers – because it is consistent with the priorities of Arizonans. We know that the majority of Arizona voters want to reduce financial barriers for students going to college, they want to see more students pursue and complete education or training beyond high school, and a vast majority of Arizonans are consistently supportive of efforts to ensure the state’s 24,000 Dreamers can thrive and contribute to our community.

Learn more about Prop 308.