Ensuring Arizona families can easily access and use Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds and count on fast approvals and timely reimbursements is the focus of an initiative announced last week by Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee to improve the state’s ESA financial platform.

The Treasurer’s Office, which manages the contract with the vendor operating the ESA platform, will soon issue a formal Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from qualified vendors on system upgrades, new capabilities, and emerging technologies.

A key priority of the review is identifying modern solutions, including improved platform design, automation, and artificial intelligence-driven tools, that can both streamline the user experience for families and strengthen oversight of public funds.

“It is imperative that the State of Arizona’s ESA vendor operates effectively, provides a user‑friendly system for Arizona families and verifies that expenditures comply with Arizona law,” Yee said.

The ESA program, administered by the Arizona Department of Education, allows families to use public education dollars for approved expenses such as school tuition, tutoring, and educational materials. As participation has expanded rapidly, the need for a more efficient and user-friendly financial platform has grown alongside it.

Yee said the RFI will provide valuable insight into marketplace trends and technological capabilities ahead of a future Request for Proposal (RFP) for ESA financial services.

“The Arizona State Treasurer’s Office remains committed to ensuring that the marketplace vendor platform is as efficient as possible in delivering necessary funds to ESA families for qualified expenses. This process would invite ESA marketplace vendor programs to share how their innovations, including modern platform design, automation, and AI-driven tools, could strengthen Arizona’s ESA program.”

Safeguarding taxpayer dollars remains a central focus of the effort, with an emphasis on identifying systems that can quickly flag potential misuse while maintaining a smooth experience for legitimate users.

“If there is a financial platform, or are updates to the current platform, that can provide families ESA program funds efficiently and identify any misspending or misuse, then Arizona taxpayers deserve to use that system,” Treasurer Yee said.

Business leaders also voiced support for the initiative, highlighting Arizona’s leadership in school choice and the importance of strong program infrastructure.

“Arizona has long been a leader in school choice and parental decision-making on education,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “As both a parent and an advocate for a strong Arizona workforce, I find this to be an incredible strength for our state. Whether it is charter schools, open enrollment or Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, your zip code doesn’t have to determine the quality of your child’s education. I applaud Treasurer Yee for making sure ESA parents have the tools they need to make the most of the program.”

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91ֱ�� takes a closer look at Charter One, an education management organization helping shape high-performing, values-driven schools across Arizona and beyond. In this Q&A, Charter One CEO Bill Guttery discusses what sets their schools apart, how they prepare students for college, the trades, and careers, and why family engagement and community culture are central to their approach. They also share plans for growth in the Valley and what makes their campuses strong places for both students and educators to thrive.

What is Charter One? 

Charter One is an all-inclusive Education Management Organization (EMO) founded in 2015. Our organization provides management to charter schools, private schools, and district schools at all stages of operation. Our methods and drive have helped shape schools across Arizona, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and beyond to reach their maximum potential.

 What sets Charter One apart when it comes to serving Arizona students? 

Charter One is proud to support American Leadership Academy’s schools across the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, giving families more school-choice options right in their own communities. Our campuses provide a safe, moral, and wholesome environment where students can thrive in a traditional, structured setting. As tuition-free public schools, we combine strong A-rated academics with values-based learning called the “R.A.I.S.E. values”, which stand for Respect, Accountability, Integrity, Service, and Excellence. Our schools offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities that reflect each school’s unique community, from equestrian and dance to robotics, fine arts, and so much more. 

How do you prepare students for the postsecondary education, the trades and future employment? 

At Charter One-supported schools, we prepare students for success in college, the trades, and future careers through a well-rounded, intentional approach. Our schools are among the top schools in the Valley, giving students the strong academic foundation they need to reach their collegiate goals. Our commitment to student success is reflected in our yearly partnership with a tutoring program that offers free ACT preparation for all ALA students.

For those interested in the trades, ALA Applied Technologies High School in Mesa helps students gain real-world skills and earn industry certifications before graduation. No matter the path, we focus on helping every student build the confidence and skills to thrive in the future they want.

 How do you help parents and families engage with school programming to support their kids’ education? 

Our schools are deeply committed to engaging the whole family in the educational experience. We host a wide range of community events that welcome students, parents, neighbors, and friends, including seasonal festivals, theater productions, and art shows. Families stay connected through monthly newsletters that highlight school updates, upcoming activities, and student successes. We also offer meaningful opportunities for parents to get involved on campus through active Parent Organizations. By creating regular touch points and welcoming spaces, we help families feel informed, included, and truly part of our school community.

What would you tell a family that is considering sending their child to a Charter One school? 

If you are looking for a traditional, patriotic, A-rated school environment where your child can grow, feel supported, and truly thrive, a Charter One-supported school is a wonderful choice. Our campuses offer strong academics, values-based learning, and a warm sense of community that helps students feel at home. Families appreciate the safe environment, dedicated teachers, and the many opportunities for students to explore their interests and build confidence. We are honored to partner with Valley families in their child’s educational journey.

Can you talk about plans for expansion? Any new schools in your portfolio? 

Yes, ALA schools continue to grow in the Valley. In Fall 2026, we will open American Leadership Academy Radiance, a Pre-K through 12 campus serving families in the Eastmark, Mesa, and Apache Junction areas. This new school will offer another high-quality school-choice option for local families. It is an exciting time for our community, and we welcome families to enroll in our brand-new campus.

Is there a wide variety of educational models in the Charter One portfolio? Or are all of the schools fairly similar?

Our ALA Arizona schools all follow a traditional, values-based educational model that emphasizes strong academics, character development, and a supportive school community. While each campus reflects the unique needs of its local families, the core approach is consistent across all schools, ensuring a unified and high-quality experience for students.

What makes your schools an attractive place for teachers to work?

At American Leadership Academy, we believe our teachers hold one of the most important roles in the world: partnering with parents to help raise the next generation of educated, compassionate, and capable leaders. We work hard to create a supportive environment where teachers feel valued, respected, and equipped to make a real impact. To attract and retain outstanding educators, we offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. 

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A new technology platform launched this month aims to help states strengthen oversight of childcare subsidy programs while preserving access to care for families and providers.

Wonderschool announced the rollout of Wonderschool Oversight, a data-driven platform designed to help state agencies detect potential fraud earlier, conduct more timely audits, and improve payment integrity across childcare programs.

The platform builds on Wonderschool’s existing work with more than a dozen states, including Florida, New Mexico, Michigan, Missouri, West Virginia, and Illinois, where the company already provides technology to support childcare providers and public agencies.

The launch comes as several states, including Minnesota, have faced heightened scrutiny over weaknesses in childcare subsidy oversight following high-profile fraud cases that exposed gaps in data sharing, auditing, and real-time monitoring.

“Arizona employers consistently tell us that the lack of affordable, reliable child care makes it harder to recruit and retain workers, and that’s a real challenge for job creators across our state,” said Grace Appelbe, director of government affairs for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “The business community wants to be part of the solution, and we’re eager to work with employers, providers, and policymakers to develop childcare options that work for both workers and businesses. At the same time, any new public investment must be done responsibly, with strong oversight and accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars are used as intended.”

Childcare subsidy programs play a critical role in supporting working families and employers alike, but many states continue to rely on fragmented, paper-based systems that can make oversight challenging. According to Wonderschool, those manual processes can delay audits, obscure risk patterns, and create administrative burdens for both agencies and providers.

Wonderschool Oversight is designed to address those challenges by centralizing enrollment, attendance, billing, and licensing data into a single platform. Using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, the system generates continuous, risk-based scoring to flag patterns that may warrant review, while providing “explainable” insights that allow agency staff to understand why an activity was flagged before taking action.

Importantly, the company says the platform is intended to strengthen accountability without creating unnecessary disruptions for providers or families who rely on childcare subsidies.

“The childcare providers that American families rely on are, themselves, often reliant on manual, paper-intensive processes that can exacerbate the oversight challenge for state and federal funders,” said Chris Bennett, CEO of Wonderschool. “Our work with both states and high-quality providers puts us in a unique position to create tools that streamline provider operations while giving agencies visibility into the administration of critical public benefits for children.”

States can deploy Wonderschool Oversight as a standalone solution that integrates with existing subsidy management, licensing systems, and third-party childcare management systems, allowing agencies to implement oversight tools quickly and scale over time. The platform can also be paired with Wonderschool’s broader suite of childcare management, subsidy, and licensing solutions, which are already used by states to expand access, streamline administration, and identify potential misuse earlier in the process.

As states continue to focus on improving accountability for public dollars while expanding access to reliable childcare, technology-driven tools like Wonderschool Oversight may offer a path to achieving both goals simultaneously.

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BASIS Charter Schools have once again been named the best in the nation. In the newly released 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best High Schools , BASIS Tucson North claimed the #1 spot, marking the second year in a row a BASIS school has led the list.

BASIS Peoria earned the distinction in 2024.

In all, 11 BASIS campuses placed in the Top 100 nationwide—more than any other school network. Two ranked among the Top 20 (#1 BASIS Tucson North and #17 BASIS Phoenix), and nine were recognized among the Top 100 STEM high schools. All of Arizona’s Top 10 high schools are BASIS campuses.

“This achievement reaffirms what families in each of our school communities already know—a BASIS education is unmatched,” said Peter Bezanson, co-chairman of BASIS Educational Ventures. “At BASIS, our students don’t just meet expectations; they exceed them, thanks to the relentless dedication of our teachers, students, and families.”

A proven model of success

The U.S. News rankings evaluate schools on six factors: college readiness, college curriculum breadth, state assessment proficiency and performance, underserved student performance, and graduation rate. Nearly 18,000 schools were reviewed nationwide using 2022–23 academic year data.

BASIS leaders point to a rigorous curriculum that begins in primary grades and builds toward Advanced Placement and STEM-focused coursework in high school.

“Every BASIS campus shares in this honor,” Bezanson said. “Whether you teach engineering in kindergarten or AP Physics in high school, your work directly impacts our students’ national-level success.”

Driving Arizona’s competitiveness

Education leaders and business advocates alike say Arizona’s strong performance in national school rankings underscores the state’s commitment to school choice and educational excellence. High-performing schools not only benefit families but also help strengthen Arizona’s competitiveness in attracting companies and top talent.

“Arizona’s reputation for educational choice and excellence is a key part of our economic development strategy,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “When employers see that our state offers families access to some of the best public schools in the country, it makes Arizona an even more attractive place to invest, expand, and create jobs.”

Jake Logan, president and CEO of the Arizona Charter Schools Association, noted that Arizona’s charter system is a model for the nation.

“These rankings highlight how charter schools empower families and drive innovation,” Logan said. “Arizona charter schools like BASIS are proving that every student, regardless of background, can achieve at the very highest levels.”

Rankings by the numbers

• National: 11 BASIS schools in the Top 100, led by #1 BASIS Tucson North
• STEM: Nine BASIS schools in the Top 100, including #2 BASIS Chandler and #3 BASIS Peoria
• Charter: 12 BASIS schools in the Top 40 nationwide
• Arizona: All Top 10 high schools in the state are BASIS campuses
• Texas & D.C.: BASIS San Antonio Shavano ranked #7 in Texas and #1 in San Antonio; BASIS DC ranked #2 in Washington, D.C., and is the city’s top-ranked open-enrollment high school

Preparing students for the future

Since opening BASIS Tucson North in 1998, the network has grown to more than 40 campuses in Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, and Washington, D.C. The schools offer a STEM-infused liberal arts curriculum designed to prepare students for college, career, and leadership in a global economy. Applications for the 2026–27 school year open November 4, 2025. More information is available through the BASIS Charter Schools .

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Arizona has experienced a bonanza of population and job growth over the last five years, and it’s transforming our economy in exciting ways. 

Since 2020, roughly 100,000 people have moved to our great state every year, according to the Common Sense Institute. The momentum shows no signs of slowing. From major manufacturing to high-tech and corporate relocations, job growth has been off the charts. 

We all know about the mega-projects, like the massive Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) facility in north Phoenix—one of the largest foreign investments in U.S. history. 

But it doesn’t stop there. Arizona-based companies are also expanding at lightning speed. 

Just look at Scottsdale’s own Axon, which continues to lead the world in public safety technology. And we’re not just attracting factories. We’re drawing boardrooms. 

Just last week, Dutch Bros Coffee, a nationally recognized brand, announced it’s moving its corporate headquarters from Oregon to Arizona. That’s a big win—and just one example of many. 

Good news, right? 

Well, not according to everyone. 

In today’s hyperpartisan environment, even economic development has become political. Oddly enough, some voices on both the far left and the far right seem united in sounding the alarm over Arizona’s success. 

On the far left, critics wrongly claim that Arizona can’t—and shouldn’t—support this level of growth. They argue it strains infrastructure, housing, and water supply. But these concerns ignore the facts. Arizona has led the way in water conservation for decades and is innovating in areas like reuse and infrastructure investment. Growth doesn’t hinder our ability to plan for the future; it enables it. A stronger tax base means more revenue to improve roads, schools, and other critical infrastructure. 

Meanwhile, some on the far right fret about a different kind of threat: cultural change. They worry that people moving from states like California or Illinois will bring with them left-leaning politics. But here’s the thing—there’s no evidence of that happening. In fact, the opposite may be true. Since 2020, Arizona Republicans have outpaced Democrats in voter registration, gaining tens of thousands of new voters while Democrats have seen a net decline. Today, Republicans maintain a sizable registration advantage—a signal that many newcomers may actually lean center-right. 

Arizona remains a competitive, balanced state. When both parties run mainstream candidates, they can—and do—win. 

Among the most extreme voices on both ends of the spectrum, you’ll hear arguments that sound a lot like “Build the Wall”—not on our southern border, but along the Colorado River. Their solution to Arizona’s success? Stop people from coming. Stop businesses from expanding. Slow it all down. 

But no economy has ever gotten stronger by rejecting growth. Look at states like New York, Illinois, and California—all of which have seen population declines in recent years. These are places where high taxes, burdensome regulations, and anti-business politics have driven people and employers away. That’s not a model for Arizona—that’s a warning. 

Ironically, if we follow the advice of these economic isolationists and slam the brakes on growth, we’ll get the very outcome they claim to fear. We’ll lose jobs. People will stop coming. Our population will shrink. And we’ll start to resemble the places so many of our new neighbors are leaving behind. 

Arizona is thriving because we’ve chosen a different path. We’ve said yes to opportunity, yes to innovation, and yes to responsible growth. 

Bottom line: Don’t listen to the naysayers. Arizona’s momentum is not a threat; it’s a testament to what’s possible when a state embraces a pro-growth mindset. If we slam the door on new jobs and new residents, we won’t preserve Arizona—we’ll lose it. We’ll look less like the state we’ve built, and a lot more like the ones people are fleeing.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

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Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will celebrate its 90th anniversary in 2025 and spotlight the airport’s history, the contribution of its dedicated employees, and the positive impact it has made on the Valley and state’s economy over nine decades. 

Festivities throughout the year will include live musical performances, exhibitions and activities by the Phoenix Airport Museum, and a costume parade featuring the beloved Navigator Buddies therapy dogs.

In 1935 the City of Phoenix purchased the plot of land, nicknamed “The Farm,” which Sky Harbor now rests on for $100,000. 

The airport has been a great resource for Arizona, generating $13.3 billion annually, supporting more than 56,000 jobs. In 2024, the airport reached a milestone by welcoming its 50 millionth passenger in a single year for the first time.

“The history of Phoenix Sky Harbor is rich with innovation and vitality, and that same vigor and forward thinking will drive this airport to bigger and better things,” Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said. “From capital improvements and sustainable practices to widely sought concessions to art that enriches us, Phoenix Sky Harbor has always been about elevating the passenger experience to the traveling public. Even more, though, Phoenix Sky Harbor is an integral part of the community. Our goal is to provide that important connection between our community and to showcase the diversity and welcoming spirit of Phoenix to our visitors.”

For more information on the anniversary and to see decades of memories click .

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Freeport-McMoRan and Education Forward Arizona are continuing their initiative to provide students with career opportunities in the mining sector. 

The second year of the Guarantee Your Future with Freeport program will support at least 25 students by providing education, training, a paid summer internship, and job placement in one of six critical technical areas. Participants will earn a certificate or credential from a designated community college in Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico.  

The deadline to apply is February 15, the priority deadline is January 31, 2025. Applicants must be 18 or older by the time of employment. 

Students in this innovative workforce development program will begin classes in August 2025 to obtain certification in one of six vital areas for the mining industry:  

• Diesel technician  
• Industrial electrical  
• Process control/instrumentation technology  
• Fixed plant maintenance/advanced manufacturing  
• Heavy equipment operations  
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The scholarship covers education expenses like tuition, fees, and books, and provides additional support for other attendance costs, such as food, housing, and transportation. Students must commit to working for the company for three years. Upon meeting program and employment requirements, they will be offered a full-time position at one of Freeport-McMoRan’s operations in Arizona, Colorado, or New Mexico.  

To ensure student success, each scholarship recipient will be paired with an Education Forward Arizona Success Coach and a mentor from Freeport-McMoRan. Training will continue through a paid summer internship, where participants will gain hands-on experience in the industry.  

“After a successful first year, we’re excited to continue the Guarantee Your Future with Freeport program and offer more Arizonans a pathway into high-demand, high-paying jobs,” said Tracy Bame, president of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and director of social responsibility at Freeport-McMoRan. “This program is creating a direct pipeline from education to employment, and we’re proud to see the positive impact it’s having on individuals, families and communities. By investing in local talent and providing access to training and education, we’re helping to strengthen Arizona’s workforce and drive economic growth.”

Freeport-McMoRan Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, manages extensive, long-lived, and geographically diverse assets, featuring substantial reserves of copper, gold, and molybdenum.

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The first Cox Innovation Lab for Arizona teachers was recently unveiled at the Arizona Educational Foundation in Central Phoenix. This state-of-the-art facility offers resources in four key instructional areas: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing; robotics and virtual reality; microelectronics with coding and circuits; and creative tools such as graphic design and vinyl cutting. These areas are designed to align with Arizona State Standards in Science, Computer Science, Educational Technology, Literacy, and Math, ensuring that the lab’s offerings support educators in meeting curriculum requirements.

This innovative initiative includes workshops focused on cutting-edge technology, equipping teachers with skills to integrate these tools into their classrooms. Additionally, the lab features “library hours” during which educators can access and utilize the available resources, such as the 3D printer and die-cutters. 

Lab offerings

Innovate with CAD & 3D printing: Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing open a world of creative possibilities for educators and their students. Participants will be introduced to TinkerCAD, a free and accessible online design tool, and guided through the basics of creating 3D models. These designs will then be brought to life using Bambu 3D printers.

Each educator will leave the session with a unique 3D-printed item they designed, along with practical, classroom-ready ideas that can inspire students from 3rd grade and beyond. The activities align with Arizona standards for Computer Science and Educational Technology, offering adaptable projects that enhance learning across all content areas.

Robotics in the classroom: Robotics provides an engaging and dynamic way to integrate technology into classrooms for students at all grade levels. This session is tailored for K-12 educators, regardless of their prior experience with robotics. Participants will explore tools like Sphero Indi, Sphero Bolt Mini, and LEGO Spike Prime to learn essential programming and coding skills.

To support educators, the session also provides access to a comprehensive STEM Lesson Plan Database with more than 2,000 lessons—dozens of which are specifically focused on robotics. Educators will leave with the tools, knowledge, and ready-to-use classroom ideas to make robotics an exciting and educational part of their curriculum.

Creative making with graphic design and vinyl cutting: The world of graphic design and creative making is brought to life with tools like Cricut machines, heat transfer vinyl, and sublimation. Participants in this session will rotate through design and making stations, utilizing software such as Canva and Cricut Design Space to create custom projects. These tools showcase how student creativity can be amplified in the classroom. With access to Cricut Maker 3 machines, a sublimation printer, and heat presses, educators will learn techniques for producing classroom materials, personalized items, and student-led projects that foster hands-on learning.

This workshop equips educators with everything needed to introduce students to creative technologies and integrate graphic design into their curriculum effectively.

Exploring microelectronics: Microelectronics offer an exciting opportunity for educators to engage students with coding and interactive electronics. Participants will learn how to involve students in creating circuits, coding small devices, and building simple robotics. These activities align with educational technology, computer science, and STEM standards, making them an invaluable addition to any classroom.

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At the recent State of Arizona Cyber Summit, the former acting head of the White House’s Office of the National Cyber Director emphasized how investments in cybersecurity infrastructure are important for protecting Arizona’s school districts, water utilities, and economy, while showing the need for better systems to allocate funding effectively.

Jake Braun, who delivered keynote remarks, talked about some critical cybersecurity challenges, emerging threats, and solutions tailored to local communities. 

The White House and cybersecurity

“The White House sees things uniquely,” Braun said. “Things that other organizations might not have visibility into. One of the things we’re mandated by Congress to do is to create the National Cyber Posture Report, which helps us identify where threats are coming from and what we can do about them.”

Challenges such as AI

Braun talked about how artificial intelligence is becoming a surprising cybersecurity concern. “You wouldn’t normally think of AI as a cybersecurity issue,” he explained. “But if the algorithms banks or utilities rely on are manipulated, the impacts can be huge.”

The risks are most significant for critical infrastructure, where small disruptions can create ripple effects across entire communities.

Impacts on local communities

One of the takeaways was how cybersecurity failures can affect day-to-day life, especially in a state like Arizona. Braun discussed the vulnerability of school districts and utilities:

“When a school district goes offline, it’s not just about students losing access to classes. For some kids, that’s the only place where they get lunch for the day or the only place they have access to electricity,” he said. “In a state like Arizona, where air conditioning during the summer is critical, these impacts are even more dangerous.”

Water utilities were also a focus. Braun referenced smaller communities where resources are scarce. “We’re talking about rural counties with no cyber budgets. Sometimes, they haven’t even changed default passwords on critical systems, and those are the first things attackers exploit.”

Investments in local cybersecurity

Braun emphasized the importance of using federal and private investments to improve cybersecurity in states like Arizona. He discussed initiatives like the CHIPS and Science Act, which have brought significant funding to Arizona’s technology sector. “Arizona has already seen major investments, but we need to make sure those investments also support local cybersecurity efforts, whether that’s school districts, small businesses, or utilities.”

By strengthening cyber defenses, Braun argued, the state not only protects its infrastructure but also enhances economic stability. “Cybersecurity isn’t just about defense, it’s about economic security,” he noted. “If businesses can trust their systems, if schools can stay online, and if utilities remain resilient, the entire economy benefits.”

The need for improved funding

One challenge Braun discussed was the complexity of allocating funds for cybersecurity improvements. “There are grants from all kinds of federal agencies, but local governments often struggle to navigate them,” he said. “We need to make it easier for funding to flow to where it’s needed most.”

Braun called for a more improved process that ensures critical resources reach smaller communities that tend to lack the capacity to apply for complex grants or implement solutions.

Solutions for utilities

Braun shared an inspiring pilot program where volunteer cybersecurity experts partnered with small water utilities to resolve basic security issues. “We put a call out to volunteers, grad students, professionals, you name it, and we had so many sign up, we had to shut down the form after two weeks,” he said.

Though Arizona utilities were not part of the pilot, Braun expressed his hope to bring the program to the state. “We want to make sure small utilities here in Arizona are equipped to handle these challenges,” he said.

To address ongoing resource gaps, Braun introduced the idea of “universal basic cybersecurity.” He explained, “Foundational cybersecurity protections need to be accessible and free. There’s no point where we say, ‘You’ve used too much support, now you have to pay us.’ Cybersecurity has to be universal.”

A path forward for Arizona

Braun concluded the discussion by encouraging Arizona leaders to prioritize local investments and partnerships. Governments, businesses, schools, and individuals, need to work together to address this problem. If smart investments are made now, Arizona can lead the way in cybersecurity innovation and infrastructure.

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Addressing Arizona’s childcare shortage was the focus of a recent panel discussion hosted by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The event, part of the Chamber Policy Series, explored the economic impact of limited childcare options and the potential role that businesses can play in finding solutions.

Melinda Gulick, CEO of First Things First and the event’s moderator, opened by highlighting data from a produced by the Arizona Chamber Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The report found that Arizona loses $1.77 billion annually due to childcare challenges, with an additional $348 million lost each year in tax revenue. Gulick stressed that the issue goes beyond families and deeply affects Arizona’s workforce and economy.

“The lack of affordable childcare costs the state approximately $1.4 billion per year in lost productivity and employee turnover,” Gulick said, noting that 6% of Arizona parents have voluntarily left a job due to childcare challenges. A recent update from ReadyNation indicated that in lost earnings — earnings that could otherwise stimulate the economy.

The panel featured a mix of business leaders and experts from education and state agencies, including Chad Gestson, executive director of the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy; Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward Arizona; Stephanie Itelman, chief impact officer at Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC); and Stacy Reinstein, deputy assistant director at the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).

Discussions revolved around how the childcare shortage negatively impacts businesses, families, and overall economic growth. Nickel presented findings from Education Forward Arizona’s , which showed that increasing post-secondary education attainment could significantly boost Arizona’s economy. However, childcare remains one of the key barriers preventing many Arizona parents from pursuing further education and career advancement.

DES’ Reinstein spoke about the various programs her department oversees to support early childcare providers. One major issue she highlighted is the ongoing workforce shortage within the childcare industry. Reinstein also explained how DES has used federal relief funds to bolster childcare providers, improve business practices, and stabilize operations during and after the pandemic.

Gestson discussed the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy’s focus on early childhood education, drawing on his experience as an educator to emphasize the long-term economic benefits of investing in early care. He pointed out that early childhood education lays the groundwork for future workforce development and economic prosperity, making it a critical component of the state’s growth strategy.

Itelman, representing EPIC, shared insights on how businesses can play a proactive role in addressing the childcare shortage. She provided examples of innovative ways that employers are helping to solve the problem, such as providing on-site childcare facilities and partnering with childcare providers to offer subsidized care for employees’ children. Itelman underscored the fact that investing in childcare is not just a benefit for employees but a strategic decision that can improve workforce retention and productivity.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists agreed that solving Arizona’s childcare crisis requires a collaborative approach involving businesses, government, and community organizations. The private sector, in particular, has an important role to play in offering solutions that meet the needs of working parents while helping to stabilize the state’s economy.

Event attendees were encouraged to continue advocating for policies and initiatives that expand access to affordable and quality childcare. Gulick reiterated that solving the childcare shortage is both an economic and business imperative for Arizona’s future.

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