Rising homelessness in Arizona is fueling worries among voters, transcending partisan boundaries and racial demographics, according to a new statewide poll commissioned by the Cicero Institute. The poll, conducted by Seminal Strategies, reveals that an overwhelming 78% of respondents view homelessness as a mounting, inescapable issue.

The concern is universal across political affiliations, with 74% of Hispanic and Democratic voters, and 80% and 79% of Republicans and Independents respectively, recognizing the increasing homelessness issue.

Eighty percent of respondents support relocating homeless individuals into shelters and advocating for increased funding for in-patient mental illness and addiction treatment, while 71% of respondents also call for state audits to track how cities and counties are utilizing funds meant to address homelessness.

Voters are also skeptical of policies that encourage outdoor camping, with 81% of those polled saying it’s more compassionate to provide shelter for homeless individuals rather than allowing them to camp freely, while 71% oppose street camping when shelter options are available. A majority 60% even support a statewide ban on panhandling in public areas.

“This is an emerging issue where Arizonans are looking for solutions, and the data shows there is bipartisan agreement on the path forward,” Cicero Action Executive Director Bryan Sunderland said, “This is both a public safety and a humanitarian issue. Together, we can transform this challenge into an opportunity for lasting change.”

When asked about the root causes of homelessness, responses were split evenly among addiction, mental illness, and lack of affordable housing, each drawing 25% of the votes and highlighting the multifaceted nature of homelessness and the necessity for comprehensive, long-term solutions.

Pollsters interviewed 1,509 likely Arizona voters. The poll has a margin of error of 2.52%.

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Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema last week hosted a roundtable featuring women business leaders from across the state. The meeting, organized in conjunction with the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau, focused on the critical role women and minority-owned businesses play in bolstering and diversifying Arizona’s economy. 

During the roundtable, Sinema discussed a host of issues facing Arizona’s small business community. Ths senator heard from the group about their needs and how to better share resources scaling their businesses through incentives such as tax credits, grants, loans, and workforce development programs for small businesses.Sinema expressed her commitment to continue advancing pro-growth policies that ensure small businesses have the resources and support needed to compete and thrive.

“Many small businesses have the ambition, but lack the technical acumen or support to tackle large-scale projects,” Sinema observed, outlining her strategy to address this deficit systematically, thereby instilling resilience within the Arizona small business community.

Arizona has already carved a reputation for itself within the startup scene, consistently punching above its weight class, with minority-owned businesses being the most rapidly expanding sector. Sinema’s goal, she reiterated to the group, is to amplify their visibility on the national stage.

“Arizona embodies more diversity than many states,” Sinema said. “Our focus must be on positioning these businesses in front of the right audiences.”

But economic diversification is just one piece of the puzzle. Sinema acknowledged the elephant in the room – the escalating water crisis. Having secured $4 billion in funding for water security in the Southwest, she stressed the significance of infrastructure in supporting small businesses and its vital role in the region’s survival. Sinema expressed faith in Arizona’s potential to pioneer strategic and effective utilization of these resources.

Emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity, she highlighted successful businesses that have thrived due to these initiatives, such as Jackrabbit Homes’ sustainable design for clean energy and clean water, and the expansion of veteran-owned and native-owned businesses.

Despite significant strides, a gap remains in the median annual revenue between minority-owned small businesses and their counterparts. Addressing this unrealized potential is critical for a prosperous future for the state, Sinema stressed.

“Minority-owned businesses grow at triple to quadruple the rate of other businesses,” she noted, stressing the need to support and uplift this vital sector of the economy. The issue of childcare accessibility for young female entrepreneurs and access to business loans were also tackled during the roundtable.

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Arizona’s economic environment could have been significantly less competitive had several legislative proposals been enacted this year, according to a by the Common Sense Institute (CSI) Arizona and the Arizona Chamber Foundation.

The study examined 67 legislative proposals from the 2023 session, dubbed “job killer” bills for their potential negative impact on employment. If passed, these proposals could have resulted in a $9.5 billion setback to Arizona’s economy and a loss of approximately 114,000 jobs.

Included in these proposals were over a dozen bills that, while failing to pass in Arizona, have been enacted in neighboring Colorado. The study also highlighted that these bills could have levied over $25 billion in new annual costs on businesses operating in Arizona per year, including an estimated $15 billion in additional taxes and fees.

Some of the key legislative proposals included 10 bills proposing to increase taxes and one seeking to repeal Arizona’s status as a right-to-work state, which makes union membership voluntary. 

The tax increase bills alone, had they passed, could have resulted in an additional $15 billion in new taxes. The proposed repeal of the right-to-work law was estimated to cost Arizona another $18.6 billion.

The report also indicated a comparison between Arizona and Colorado’s employment trends since 2019, taking into account the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the study, had Arizona followed Colorado’s example, it would be grappling with 113,500 fewer workers today, and its economy would have shrunk by 2.6% — equivalent to a $9.5 billion loss in GDP.

CSI Arizona Executive Director Katie Ratlief said the report will inform lawmakers from both parties about the potential consequences of their proposals. 

“Policymakers and the public should be informed about the short- and long-term impacts these pieces of legislation have so they can weigh pros and cons and make informed decisions,” she said. 

Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and a CSI board member, said the report should figures into future legislation.

“This analysis provides important data points for legislators to consider as these failed bills will likely resurface in future sessions,” said Seiden.

The study underscores the importance of continual legislative scrutiny and careful decision-making to maintain the health of Arizona’s economy. While these legislative proposals did not pass, they illustrate the potential for rapid policy shifts and the profound economic impacts such changes could inflict.

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Former Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey is the new leader of a national initiative to engage voters in the defense of free market principles. The move reflects his commitment to conservative economic policy that he brought to his two-term tenure as governor. 

Ducey says he aims to leverage not only his experience as governor but also his robust network of national leaders and his business savvy, honed during his tenure as CEO of Cold Stone Creamery.

“Lately though, free enterprise is under attack everywhere we turn,” Ducey said in his announcement. “That’s why I’m excited to announce the launch of a new effort I’ve been asked to lead – Citizens for Free Enterprise.”

After taking some downtime following the conclusion of his eighth year in office, Ducey says issues like educational opportunity and pro-growth policies still resonate with him and motivate him to stay involved in politics. 

Ducey’s legacy as governor is proving to be an enduring one, as major accomplishments like the expansion of universal school choice through Empowerment Scholarship Accounts have been replicated by governors and legislatures across the country, with eight states adopting the policy just this year.

Ducey’s mix of public and private sector executive experience will be valuable to establishing a counterweight to the attacks on free enterprise and to special interests pursuing legislation detrimental to economic growth.

“Free enterprise is a shot at a better life, a new career, and the pursuit of happiness without the heavy hand of government standing in the way,” Ducey said.

Ducey’s time as governor was marked by the implementation of business-friendly policies including the passage of the lowest flat tax in the country and turning a billion-dollar deficit into a multi-billion-dollar surplus. 

His focus on a more customer-oriented, people-focused approach led to a leaner state government, despite a burgeoning population.

National business leaders, who are battling a two-front battle of progressivism and populism in their pursuit of job-creating policies, hailed the news that Ducey would be leading the new venture.

“Few national leaders can match Governor Doug Ducey’s track record as an advocate for free enterprise,” Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “During his time as governor, Gov. Ducey’s belief in the power of the free market led to record job growth in Arizona and a red-hot economy. National business leaders and fellow governors took notice and now are putting his example to work in their states. This new initiative is a perfect platform for the Arizona model to grow across the country.”

Glenn Hamer, the president and CEO of the Texas Association of Business agreed. 

“Doug Ducey was born to lead an organization called Citizens for Free Enterprise,” Hamer said. “The U.S. business community walked away incredibly impressed following Gov. Ducey’s eight years as governor. He cut taxes, reduced regulations, drove best-in-class licensing and education reform, promoted free trade and Arizona’s economy soared. He’s the right person to ignite a passion for free market principles in a new generation of voters across the country and rally them to the cause of a prosperous, free-market America.”

Ducey is no stranger to sharing Arizona’s success and advocating for the free market outside the state. During his time as governor, Ducey served successive terms as chairman of the Republican Governors Association, helping to raise campaign funds for governors and collaborating on policy with Republican governors across the country.

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Against the backdrop of a booming state economy, Arizona’s business and industry leaders and elected officials convened to honor a year of productive policymaking at the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Annual Awards Dinner. The event celebrated the individuals whose tireless work in public service and private industry has helped to advance Arizona’s reputation as a top state to live, work, and do business.

Among the standout figures receiving accolades were State Rep. Michael Carbone, State Sen. Steve Kaiser, State Rep. Matt Gress, and Volunteer of the Year Wendy Briggs. Their hard work and dedication underscored the overall sentiment of the night — that success is built through teamwork and relentless pursuit of growth.

Chamber CEO Danny Seiden set the tone for the evening, highlighting the Chamber’s effectiveness in advocating for the state’s thriving business community. His remarks recognized attendees including Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell and House Speaker Ben Toma, who concurred that the Chamber’s efforts have been instrumental in fostering the flourishing economic landscape of Phoenix and Arizona at large. 

“Phoenix has been the fastest growing city in the country; that is driven by great job quality. People move here because they know they can get a higher wage and good quality of life. We appreciate the collaborative partnership on infrastructure…the Chamber is helping us to continue the prosperity that makes Phoenix one of the greatest places to live,” Gallego said. 

“Without the help of the Chamber, the business community would be effectively voiceless and, given the complexity of the issues we’re facing right now, that is a very dangerous place to be,” Toma said.

The Senator of the Year award went to state Sen. Steve Kaiser, whose exceptional leadership on complex policy issues including housing, manufacturing, research and development, and workforce was acknowledged by the Chamber. 

In his remarks, Kaiser said he remains committed to advancing pro-business policies and will continue to support lawmakers who prioritize strengthening the state’s economy. 

Representative of the Year, state Rep. Michael Carbone, received recognition for his vital role in driving the Chamber’s priority economic development bill of the session, HB 2809. A tireless advocate, Carbone exemplified the spirit of public service with his ceaseless dedication to economic growth and fiscal strength.

As for newcomer Rep. Matt Gress, his recognition as Freshman of the Year underscored his commitment to free-market policies. Endorsed by the Chamber in his 2022 campaign, Gress has carved out a reputation for himself as a thoughtful policymaker, championing legislation that fosters economic development, fiscal responsibility, and workforce advancement.

“We must resist efforts to regulate into oblivion the magic of the Grand Canyon State: Free enterprise and wide-open opportunity for all,” Gress said. 

The 2023 Top Newsmaker Award, presented by 91ֱ��, was presented to Jay Parry, who has played a significant role in boosting Arizona’s status as a destination for large-scale events. 

As the former CEO of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, and currently leading the organizing committee for the 2024 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four, Jay’s efforts have attracted major investment and prestige to the state. Thanks to Jay, Arizona hosted the nation’s largest sporting event and the world’s largest golf tournament in the same week. 

Moreover, through her significant contributions and leadership, Arizona will now be hosting the 2026 Women’s Basketball Final Four, once again emphasizing the state’s position as a top-tier destination to host historic sporting events.

And it wasn’t just individuals who were celebrated. Intel was lauded as Corporate Citizen of the Year for its commitment to water stewardship, including a plan to be global net positive in water by 2030. 

In an effort to debunk misconceptions about water usage in Arizona, the Chamber emphasized that the state’s water consumption is lower than it was in 1957, with industrial use accounting for just 6% of the total. It praised responsible businesses like Intel for their exceptional water stewardship and community partnership.

Longtime business community advocate Wendy Briggs, founding partner of public affairs firm Veridus, was honored as the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year. Briggs chairs the Chamber’s Membership Committee and has been instrumental in growing the Chamber’s ranks and increasing the organization’s influence and effectiveness.

“Not only is Wendy one of the most respected voices at the state Capitol, but she has a deep understanding of the needs of the business community and what kind of public policy job creators need to be successful,” Chamber Vice President of Government Relations Courtney Coolidge said. “She has been a true partner of the Chamber and is so deserving of this recognition.”

Finally, the City of Chandler was celebrated for being the state’s Best City for Business. Praised for its pro-growth regulatory environment that welcomes both established businesses and startups, Chandler strikes a balance between preserving local resources and fostering the prosperity of local and large businesses alike.

The Chamber’s Annual Awards was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the progress made by individuals and entities in forging a strong economic narrative for Arizona. It underscored the message that collective success is built upon the shoulders of dedicated individuals, innovative job creators, and vibrant cities, all tirelessly working towards a singular goal: prosperity for all of Arizona.

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Arizona is making significant investments and taking proactive steps to ensure the state can continue to grow and make up for potential shortfalls of groundwater, Governor Katie Hobbs announced in a recent press conference with key business and water stakeholders. 

The announcement came in conjunction with the release of a 100-year model by Hobbs and Tom Buschatzke, director of the Department of Water Resources, outlining potential groundwater shortfalls if steps are not taken to bolster Arizona’s water supply. 

“Families and businesses from around the world come to Arizona in part because they know we are serious about water management, and that we are the leader in safeguarding groundwater supplies,” Hobbs said. “What the model ultimately shows is that our water future is secure: the Assured Water Supply Program is working. Water supplies for homeowners and businesses are protected. Growth has been planned for and will continue. My message to Arizonans is this: we are not out of water, and we will not be running out of water.” 

The information presented by the administration shows the results of the state’s Assured Water Supply Program, with Arizona utilizing less water today than it did six decades ago. This success in water conservation has underpinned economic development projects and fueled rapid growth. 

The governor also announced she is investing an additional $40 million for the Water Policy Council, dedicated to water conservation, infrastructure, and sustainable groundwater management initiatives. 

National media gets it wrong 

Headlines from national media outlets following the governor’s press conference implied Greater Phoenix’s growth was on a downward trajectory and that the region’s water future is in doubt. But Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden says nothing could be further from the truth. 

“If the East Coast media were actually listening to what the governor said and looked at the report, they’d know that Arizona’s water planning has ensured that we’re not only able to meet the demands of a growing region, but that our water planners have tremendous foresight,” Seiden said. “Where else in the country could water managers tell you what their water supply looks like over a 100-year period?” 

Seiden said the report should give economic developers and job creators confidence that the state will continue to thrive. 

“We don’t take this study lightly, but let’s put things in perspective: We’re not out of water now and it’s clear we have a toolbox full of tools to ensure we will not be running out of water,” he said. “After all, there are more than 80,000 lots in the area that have been issued water permits. We’re thriving. Job creators should have confidence in Arizona. Existing homeowners aren’t affected. Existing businesses aren’t affected. Nothing about the report’s findings affects commercial & industrial development.” 

Seiden says naysayers predicting Arizona’s demise have been around for a long time, but their predictions haven’t materialized. 

“Prematurely writing Arizona’s obituary has been a hobby of pundits who don’t know anything about the state,” he said. “Arizona has some of the world’s best collective water expertise, which we’ll continue to leverage just as we have for decades.” 

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has also been setting the record straight since the governor’s press conference. 

“The local coverage has been pretty responsible, but there has been some national coverage that really confuses the issue,” Gallego AZ Family. “It’s much broader than Phoenix but the national media is sometimes covering it in a way that implies Phoenix does not have that water supply we do.” 

Gallego said her city’s water supply is secure. 

“We actually store more groundwater than we use, so we are making bank deposit accounts in case we need to withdraw it in a time of a very severe drought,” she said. 

Arizona’s water future is secure 

The new plan reinforces Arizona’s history as a national model for water management. According to Hobbs, “We’ve built an infrastructure that can support our state through 100 years of drought.”

The governor made clear that the updated plan is not a pause button on the state’s growth. Existing homeowners, businesses, commercial, and industrial development will continue as planned, she said. 

“The steps taken by Governor Hobbs and the Arizona Department of Water Resources further exemplify why Arizona leads the nation when it comes to water management,” said Chris Camacho, president & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council. “By proactively addressing opportunities for enhancing groundwater availability, we are demonstrating our dedication to long-term sustainability and securing Arizona’s water future.”

With the updated AMA Groundwater Model, more than $4 billion will be invested in innovative water infrastructure projects over the next decade. These projects will prioritize replenishment, recharge, and responsible conservation. Last year, former Governor Ducey and the Legislature passed a bipartisan budget investing more than $1 billion in water stewardship.

Water conservation spurs economic growth

Arizona growth has been impressive. Maricopa County, the state’s most populous, was named the fastest-growing county in the country for the fourth consecutive year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Job growth continues to remain high, with the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity forecasting a growth rate of 2.7% over the next two years.

Meticulous planning by state leaders has allowed Arizona to continue on a path of responsible growth, focusing on leveraging sustainable resources and promoting innovation in water conservation. More than half of Arizona’s water is supplied through reclamation.

For instance, the Roosevelt Water Conservation District uses technology to reclaim and reuse water. By capturing and recycling urban stormwater runoff, they are implementing sustainable solutions that not only conserve water but also nurture the environment.

The measures have led to a decrease in per capita water use in Phoenix by more than 30% since 1980, even as the city’s population doubled.

“This is about smart growth, not no growth. We’ve learned from our past, we’re innovating in our present, and we’re planning for our future,” Hobbs said.

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A group of business leaders representing electric and autonomous vehicle sector giants Lucid, Waymo, Nikola, and Cruise gathered in Phoenix last week for a panel discussion about the future of their industries in Arizona and nationally. 

Moderated by Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson, the panelists discussed how Arizona is a sort of Kitty Hawk for the autonomous vehicle era, sparking a new wave of innovative automotive technologies being manufactured, tested, and deployed across the nation.

The dialogue took place at the as part of the latest Eggs & Issues event, a regular discussion organized by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

As the conversation progressed, a clear picture emerged: Arizona is rapidly becoming the epicenter of the autonomous vehicle revolution.

“Arizona stands as the closest real-world embodiment of the fantastical flying cars from the Jetsons,” said Danny Seiden, CEO of the Chamber, in his introductory remarks. “Just half a decade ago, the Arizona Commerce Authority rallied a consortium of public and private stakeholders to establish the Institute on Automated Mobility. This body has been instrumental in creating a secure and scalable environment conducive to the operation of autonomous vehicles within our Arizona communities. And today, the recognition of Arizona as one of the principal frontiers of next-gen transportation technologies being created, tested, and implemented in the United States is a testament to our efforts.”

Participants such as Carter Stern, director of global affairs at Cruise, heaped praise on Arizona’s welcoming business environment, attributing it to the company’s ability to innovate and scale at an unmatched pace. The comprehensive and coordinated approach from the Governor’s Office down to local municipalities has proven advantageous for companies like Cruise.

Arizona’s Qualified Facilities Tax Credit has proved a significant growth catalyst for many EV and alternative fuel vehicle manufacturers, including Nikola, said Alana Langdon, Nikola’s head of government affairs. The program helps growing companies as they increase their daily production of premium electric vehicles. Add to that the contribution of various workforce development programs and utility rate structures, and you have a recipe for recent success.

However, as Daniel Witt, director of public policy at Lucid, emphasized, there is still room for growth.

“For Arizona to retain its leading position, it needs to continue its consistent engagement with our industry,” he said.

The next generation of EVs is knocking at the door, and companies like Lucid aim to overcome range anxiety to bolster consumer trust in the market. This endeavor requires an infrastructure overhaul on both ends – a task for which Arizona demonstrates remarkable readiness.

Aidan Ali Sullivan, Waymo’s head of state political strategy & senior manager for state policy, noted that collaborating with the state’s cooperative utilities and tapping into the unique regional supply chains are essential to tackle the broader issues of national infrastructure, such as charging capacity.

Looking beyond infrastructure, all companies acknowledged that the future hurdles will predominantly be around the workforce. With the decrease in higher education enrollment by 8% between 2019 and 2022, the importance of collaborating with the state’s higher education institutions to facilitate the new economy is more important than ever.

The state needs to spearhead a multitude of diverse education solutions, panelists said, such as apprenticeships, fortifying community colleges, making credits more easily transferable, and training additional engineers to cater to the current consumer demand.

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Republican Congressman Will Hurd is a man on a mission. A former CIA operative turned politician, Hurd has long been dedicated to advancing policy that strengthens America’s economic and national security. And, as he made clear during a recent visit to the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, he’s not slowing down anytime soon.

Reflecting on his three terms in Congress, Hurd discussed the sheer size of his Texas district, which encompassed more than 800 miles of the Texas-Mexico border, stretched across two time zones, and included 29 counties.

Hurd earned a reputation during his tenure for his availability in his district for his constituents, the several bills he saw signed into law, and even his friendly relationship with his neighboring congressman, Beto O’Rourke, with whom he shared a livestreamed multiday drive from Texas to Washington, D.C. when plane travel was interrupted due to a winter storm.

During the roundtable discussion, Hurd emphasized Arizona’s potential to lead the nation in technological excellence and global economic competitiveness. Specifically, he highlighted the state’s burgeoning semiconductor manufacturing industry, which he believes could be a key player in the mid-21st century.

“In no way is IT procurement considered to be sexy, but the federal government spends $90 billion on IT equipment, of which 85% is outdated. Arizona has the opportunity to play a critical role in technological innovation, especially an already-burgeoning semiconductor manufacturing industry, which could give us the ability to be more self-reliant, and fuse all of our resources together, enabling our nation to punch far, far above our weight in the global economy,” Hurd said.

Throughout the interview, he repeatedly circled back to federal technology policy and data privacy, recognizing the need to strengthen digital national security in an age of increasing cyber threats. He also emphasized the importance of workforce development and immigration reform in filling the gaps in the manufacturing sector.

As a board member of OpenAI and engaged stakeholder with software company Palantir, Hurd is acutely aware of the AI revolution and its potential to impact the new-era economy. He stressed the need for both state and federal governments to get ahead of the curve in terms of regulating the industry and ensuring that AI follows the law.

Hurd’s sense of urgency on these issues is palpable, and with good reason. He believes that America has until 2027 before China could surpass it as the world’s largest superpower. And with experts warning of the potential for mass layoffs in an increasingly automated future, Hurd believes that action must be taken now to ensure America’s continued economic and national security.

Hurd portrays himself as a man with a vision: a politician who isn’t content to sit back and wait for things to happen, but who actively seeks to shape the future. And as he looks ahead to his own future, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of joining the 2024 GOP presidential primary field.

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A decade-long journey of growth, resilience, and determination – that’s the story of Arizona’s economy, which has surged in growth over the last several years, becoming a national beacon of success. 

At the heart of this narrative lies a simple yet powerful message: policy matters. This principle was echoed throughout the Coffee and Common Sense event hosted Tuesday by the Common Sense Institute Arizona (CSI), as business leaders, policy experts, and legislators gathered to examine the state’s rapid economic development and the critical factors needed to maintain its momentum on the global stage.

Such was the underlying message at the recent ‘Coffee and Common Sense’ event, a gathering of business leaders, policy experts, and legislators, hosted by the Common Sense Institute Arizona (CSI). As a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, CSI specializes in meticulous economic analysis, bridging the gap between economic development and public policy. The symposium served as a platform for the exchange of ideas and insights on Arizona’s rapid economic growth and the factors essential to maintaining its momentum in the global economy.

Glenn Farley, CSI’s Director of Policy and Research, presented a comprehensive overview of Arizona’s economic landscape. Farley’s findings showed the state’s resilience in the face of the pandemic, with net migration levels soaring and a steady increase in jobs added to the workforce. The state’s manufacturing sector, he noted, has seen a renaissance in the past decade, contributing billions to Arizona’s economy, while states like California have sputtered.

What lies at the heart of Arizona’s growth? The answer can be traced back to a series of business-friendly policies implemented over the last decade-plus as the state emerged from the Great Recession, as a sentiment expressed by Danny Seiden, CEO and president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, during a panel discussion that also featured former Gilbert Mayor Jenn Daniels and Pivot Manufacturing CEO Steve Macias.

Daniels underscored the importance of bipartisan collaboration and data-driven approaches, citing her recent housing report with former Democratic State Sen. Sean Bowie, D-Ahwatukee, as a prime example. Addressing the critical housing shortage in Arizona, the report calls for streamlining permitting processes and adapting to market changes throughout the year.

Macias discussed the challenges facing the manufacturing sector’s workforce and the need for strategic solutions to further bolster Arizona’s thriving industry.

Seiden concluded the panel with a glimpse into the future, exploring potential legislative ideas aimed at enhancing the state’s burgeoning economy. By improving water infrastructure, cutting red tape, and supporting job creators, these policies promise to continue fueling Arizona’s rapid growth.

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According to a groundbreaking new by the Common Sense Institute Arizona (CSI), Arizona’s manufacturing industry is on fire, with a staggering $77.6 billion in sales for 2022, up almost 40% from 2017.

CSI is a nonpartisan research institute that uses precise econometric analyses to bridge the gap between economic development and public policy.

Manufacturing now accounts for around 9% of the state’s GDP and 6% of total employment, as Arizona experiences unprecedented growth. And while the state’s manufacturing boom happened earlier in the 2010s, the report shows that the passage of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act in 2017 sent the sector into overdrive.

“Policy is paramount when it comes to the manufacturing sector,” said Steve Macias, CSI board member and CEO of Pivot Manufacturing. “Our industry has a significant impact on the Arizona economy, with indirect and induced effects that far exceed what you might expect. We punch above our weight, and that’s why we need to pay close attention to the policies that govern our operations.”

The report highlights substantial foundational reforms that have improved Arizona’s competitive position for investment and job creation since 2011. This includes the “jobs bill” HB 2001, which created the Arizona Commerce Authority and reduced corporate income and business property taxes, among other measures. And it’s paying off, with 3.6% average annual manufacturing job growth since 2017, compared to just 1.5% over the previous six years.

Other key findings include the number of people directly and indirectly employed by Arizona’s manufacturing sector, which stands at a remarkable 633,565, or 16% of the state’s total workforce. And the industry’s share of Arizona’s economy is an impressive 19.4%.

“The impact of the industry on our economy is clear, with impressive job growth and revenue collections,” CSI Executive Director Katie Ratlief said . “It is important for policymakers to continue supporting the growth of the sector by creating a business-friendly environment through tax policies and infrastructure investments.”

Arizona’s manufacturing sector is a powerhouse that is driving the state’s economy forward, and it’s poised for even more growth in the years to come.

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