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September 2024

The Arizona We Want
 
Now Available: More Insights Added to the 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda
As Arizona approaches the 2024 General Election, Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) has released new data from our latest Arizona Voters' Agenda survey. This effort continues to amplify Arizonans' voices, ensuring that what brings us together is front and center in this election. These latest data highlight where voters agree on elections, water & environment, education, and taxes & state spending. We invite you to explore the findings and ask candidates Big Questions at every opportunity. Let’s ensure that this pivotal election year reflects the will of the people and drives meaningful progress for Arizona.
 
Making an Impact
Advancing The Arizona We Want at the 2024 League of Arizona Cities and Towns Conference
LACT 2024 Conference

Presenters, panelists, and attendees gather for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns’ Annual Pre-Conference Session held at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, Ariz.
On Aug. 27, we convened over 100 legislators, mayors, city managers, council members & more from across the state at the League of Arizona Cities and Towns’ Annual Pre-Conference Session. This year’s session focused on putting Arizonans’ voices at the forefront of this election. Dr. Sybil Francis, CFA Chair, President & CEO, presented the Arizona Voters’ Agenda. Paul Bentz, HighGround Senior Vice President – Research & Strategy, moderated a panel including the Hon. Becky Daggett, Mayor of Flagstaff; Hon. Kevin Hartke, Mayor of Chandler; Hon. Alexis Hermosillo, Mayor of El Mirage; and Hon. Doug Nicholls, Mayor of Yuma. Ian Dowdy, CFA Director of Strategic Data Initiatives, facilitated a lively table discussion fostering collaboration across the state. For eight years, we’ve engaged leaders at this conference in driving positive outcomes in their communities. And we look forward to more action in our state guided by The Arizona We Want.
 
Arizona Leaders Unite Around Making Affordable Childcare a Reality
Holly Kurtz

Holly Kurtz, CFA’s Director of Workforce Development, presents at Arizona Talks: Childcare at the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Phoenix, Ariz.
Earlier this month, Holly Kurtz, CFA Director of Workforce Development, joined leaders from organizations, including the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, ASU School of Public Affairs, and First Things First, to address a critical issue affecting Arizona families: childcare. With the recent expiration of federal funding, progress made in expanding quality childcare for Arizona families over the last few years is at risk. The event welcomed nearly 150 attendees to foster collaboration across sectors, answering the question, “Can we make quality affordable childcare a reality?” According to the Arizona Voters’ Agenda, 77 percent of Arizona voters believe the state should invest more in childcare assistance programs for qualifying families. We are proud to elevate this important issue and support the conversations needed to keep affordable, high-quality childcare at the forefront for Arizona’s future.
 
West Valley Students Discover Future Careers in Semiconductor Manufacturing
TSMC Demo

Attendees participate in hands-on demonstrations at NAU’s North Valley Campus in Phoenix, Ariz.
On Sept. 20, 80 Career & Technical Education students from West Valley schools explored future careers in semiconductor & advanced manufacturing industries led by NAU’s Metrology Research and Teaching Laboratory. Students learned more about career opportunities from the experts, including TSMC’s Arizona President, Brian Harrison, and other representatives from KBR, Lawrence Semiconductor, NXP, and TE Connectivity. CFA and its Arizona Pathways to Prosperity initiative are proud to support NAU as they expand training and research related to semiconductor manufacturing and innovation, especially as our state's industry continues to grow. Creating education and career pathways for Arizona’s young talent to stay in the state, pursue careers in this growing field, and thrive for the long term is essential for Arizona’s residents and economy to thrive.
 
Prop 140: Representing All Arizona Voters in Our Elections
Proposition 140 Video
CFA is excited to announce our official support for the Make Elections Fair ballot initiative, which will be listed on the 2024 Election ballots as Proposition 140. This initiative is a critical step towards ensuring that the voices of Arizona voters are better represented in our elections, moving us closer to achieving The Arizona We Want. By establishing a single, open primary election, this initiative will help create a stronger alignment between voter preferences and election outcomes. Simply put, Make Elections Fair does not favor any political party—it favors voters.
 
Data Snapshot
Arizona’s Future Workforce Relies on Improvements to Post-Secondary Outcomes
As students head back to school this fall, it's a great time to focus on a piece of Arizona's shared vision of success: improving education outcomes across the state. While Arizona voters want more pathways to higher education, current data reveal we're lagging in post-secondary enrollment, completion, and related benchmarks. With our future economy relying on a skilled workforce and the potential to attract new industry, it's crucial that we address these gaps. By working together, we can create The Arizona We Want—where every Arizonan can access high-quality education, utilize their skills, and thrive. Let’s make this school year a turning point for educational advancement and economic prosperity.
 
This Update includes data from the Arizona Education Progress Meter, the recognized statewide measures of the state’s P-20 education system, co-developed by Education Forward Arizona and Center for the Future of Arizona.
 
In The News
 
 AZ Family
Survey Shows Arizonans Agree on Key Issues Ahead of Presidential Election
 
Reporter Alexis Dominguez highlights where Arizona voters share common ground citing the Arizona Voters' Agenda.
 
From AZ Family		  
 
 ABC15
Education Issues with Near-Unanimous Agreement in Arizona
 
Analyst Garrett Archer highlights where Arizonans agree on education issues citing the Arizona Voters' Agenda.
 
From ABC 15		  
 
 Becky Daggett, Mayor of Flagstaff
Promoting Problem-Solving, Looking to the Arizona Voters' Agenda
 
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett shares her perspective on the Arizona Voters’ Agenda.
 
From Flagstaff Business News		  
 
 KTAR
New Survey Reveals 6 Issues Arizona Voters Across Political Spectrum Want to Change
 
The piece gives an overview of the Arizona Voters’ Agenda and the top issues Arizona voters want leaders to address.
 
From KTAR		  
 
 Temperance Jackson - Beautiful Oasis Childcare Center
Arizona Childcare Costs as Much as College...
 
This op-ed cites data from the Arizona Voters' Agenda highlighting the connection between accessible child care, growing Arizona’s workforce & helping families be successful.
 
From AZ Central		  
 
 Voter Ed
Take the ‘Voter Ed’ Election-Ready Challenge
 
The next episode in our Voter Ed series challenges students to test their knowledge of election procedure in Arizona.
 
From Arizona PBS		  
 
 Arizona Horizon
Exploring Arizona’s Immigration Process and DACA Impact
 
The episode highlights one of Arizona’s Shared Public Values as discovered in CFA’s The Arizona We Want research. When it comes to immigration, Arizonans want comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship and support for "DREAMers."
 
From Arizona Horizon		  
 
 Office of Governor Katie Hobbs
Governor Katie Hobbs Launches Talent Ready AZ Initiative, Announces Workforce Cabinet
 
This new workforce and education initiative aligns Arizona’s resources with our Shared Public Value of Jobs and Economic Opportunity.
 
From Office of Governor Katie Hobbs		  
 
 Families work together
Roadmap to a Rockin' Project: Families Gather for Science Fair Kick-off Event at Centennial
 
CFA and Yuma County work together to prepare students for the Yuma County Science and Engineering Expo later this year.
 
From Yuma Sun		  
 
 Vibrant Arizona
‘Vibrant As Its People’: Arizona Launches New Brand Celebrating State’s Diverse Culture
 
The Arizona Office of Tourism launches campaign guided by what Arizonans’ want for the future of their state.
 
From AZ Mirror		  
 
Center for the Future of Arizona
Center for the Future of Arizona brings Arizonans together
to create a stronger and brighter future for our state.
 
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