For years, employers and working parents have understood the practical challenges created by a shortage of affordable, accessible child care. New research and polling suggest those challenges are increasingly becoming something else, too: an economic issue with growing political salience.

The numbers help explain why.

A finds that more than eight in 10 likely voters — 82% — consider the cost of childcare part of the nation’s broader concerns with the cost of living. More than three-quarters, 76%, say the cost of care for families with young children is either a crisis or a major problem.

For parents who actually pay for childcare, the issue is even more immediate. Asked to identify the two biggest cost pressures they face, 38% named childcare, putting it virtually even with groceries at 40% and behind only housing at 56%.

Those findings come as new data illustrate the size of the challenge here in Arizona — and recent economic research makes the case that childcare isn’t simply a family issue but increasingly a workforce and economic competitiveness issue as well.

Arizona families feel the squeeze

Arizona is home to more than 481,000 children age 5 and younger, according to the First Five Years Fund, and 62% have all available parents participating in the workforce.

For those families, care can represent a significant household expense. The annual price of center-based childcare in Arizona is $16,384, or about $1,365 per month. Home-based care is less expensive, but still averages $9,339 annually, or $778 per month. FFYF estimates a 17% gap between the supply of childcare and potential need in Arizona and puts the annual economic impact of the state’s childcare challenges at $3.3 billion.

Those figures align with that found Arizona’s supply of licensed child care providers has declined dramatically even as the state’s population has grown.

Arizona had 5,126 licensed childcare providers in 2002. By 2024, that number had fallen to 2,779 — a 46% decline. Meanwhile, the median daily cost of licensed center-based infant care increased from $43.03 in 2018 to $61.40 in 2024.

The problem is especially acute in some rural areas, but it isn’t confined to them. CSI found that even Maricopa County has licensed capacity sufficient for only about 13% of its infant population.

A workforce issue hiding in plain sight

For the business community, perhaps the most consequential aspect of the childcare debate is its effect on the labor force.

When parents cannot find care, cannot afford it, or cannot find care that accommodates their work schedules, the consequences eventually reach employers. Workers may reduce their hours, turn down jobs or promotions, miss shifts, or leave the workforce altogether.

The latest polling suggests the effects extend well beyond parents themselves. Nearly 40% of all voters surveyed said their own ability to work is affected by coworkers’ childcare challenges. Almost half of working parents said childcare challenges affect their ability to work, and one in five parents with young children said those challenges frequently do so.

CSI attempted to put an economic value on addressing that problem.

Its analysis estimates that making childcare sufficiently affordable and accessible could draw between 15,500 and 87,800 additional Arizonans into the labor force. Under CSI’s midpoint scenario of 50,000 new workers, the effects ripple well beyond those individuals: The modeling projects 131,700 additional jobs by year five, approximately $17.5 billion in additional state GDP, more than $13.5 billion in additional personal income and an estimated $188 million in additional state income tax revenue.

Those are significant numbers in a state where employers regularly identify access to talent as one of their most important considerations when deciding whether to expand, relocate or invest.

Political salience is growing

None of this means there is an obvious policy answer.

The childcare market presents a particularly difficult economic equation. Care is expensive for parents while wages for childcare workers remain comparatively low. Providers operate in a labor-intensive business with narrow margins, and regulations intended to ensure children’s health and safety can also increase operating costs and create barriers to adding capacity.

CSI’s research cautions against viewing increased subsidies as the only answer. It points to regulatory reform, expansion of home-based and alternative models, and policies that encourage more providers to enter the market as ways to increase supply and put downward pressure on costs.

But what does appear to be changing is the political environment surrounding the issue.

The FFYF poll found broad support for several basic objectives: 83% support ensuring that parents can choose the type of childcare that works best for their family, 73% support lowering monthly child care costs, and 71% support expanding the supply of care. Nearly half of Democratic voters surveyed said congressional Democrats should work with Republicans and President Donald Trump to pass childcare legislation.

That is noteworthy at a time when affordability is likely to remain central to the political conversation.

Housing, groceries, energy and other household expenses tend to dominate discussions about the cost of living, but for many families with young children, childcare increasingly belongs in that conversation, representing one of the largest bills they pay.

And unlike many other household expenses, the availability and price of childcare can determine whether a parent is able to work in the first place.

That makes childcare unusual in the affordability debate: Addressing it has the potential not only to reduce pressure on household budgets, but also to increase labor-force participation and expand the pool of workers available to employers.

This latest research suggests policymakers should expect childcare to command greater attention, not simply as a family issue, but as an affordability, workforce, and economic growth issue with increasingly significant political implications.

Image courtesy Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

The post New research underscores child care’s growing economic stakes appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

As school choice and education savings account programs continue to expand across Arizona and the U.S., state agencies face a growing operational challenge: how to administer billions of dollars in public funding while ensuring compliance, transparency, and a streamlined experience for families.

Odyssey was built to solve exactly that problem.

Rather than simply functioning as a payments processor, the technology company developed an end-to-end platform designed specifically for public education funding programs. Its technology helps state agencies manage everything from eligibility verification and document collection to vendor management, purchasing controls, reimbursements, and financial reporting all within a single system.

With Odyssey managing school choice programs in states like Texas, Florida, and Iowa, the need for technology that can handle the complexity of program administration has become increasingly important as they scale across the country. Modern programs can serve tens of thousands of families, support thousands of education providers, and process enormous volumes of applications, receipts, and transactions. Managing that complexity through spreadsheets and dated software is no longer sustainable.

That operational focus has also positioned Odyssey to become an early adopter of artificial intelligence (AI), using it as a practical tool for improving efficiency and strengthening the integrity of its program.

“Odyssey is proud to play a key role in expanding access to high quality education for families in states across the country, regardless of income or zip code,” said Sam Ratcliffe, chief technology officer at Odyssey. “We are committed to offering our best-in-class technology and AI to better serve school choice families, schools, and program administrators. When technology is built around the needs of both government and families, it expands educational opportunity while delivering the transparency and accountability that public programs require and taxpayers deserve.”

Unlike traditional software that relies exclusively on fixed rules, Odyssey utilizes AI to interpret large volumes of unstructured information, including receipts, invoices, product descriptions, and supporting documentation. The technology helps classify purchases, identify missing information, detect unusual transaction patterns, and prioritize cases that warrant additional human review.

Every flagged transaction is routed through structured review workflows where trained specialists review the issue to make the final determination according to state policy. This approach allows agencies to automate repetitive administrative work while preserving oversight for higher-risk decisions.

Odyssey’s platform also strengthens fraud prevention by addressing improper payments before they occur rather than solely relying on audits after funds are spent.

As Odyssey’s platform has expanded across multiple states, machine learning has become increasingly effective at distinguishing between normal program activity and behavior that calls for closer examination. Operational feedback from reviewers continually
improves case prioritization while ensuring each state’s unique policy requirements remain central to every decision.

Beyond compliance, automation has significantly improved the experience for families. Instead of waiting days or weeks for application reviews, Odyssey’s automated systems can return eligibility decisions in seconds. Families can apply, upload documents, monitor balances, purchase approved educational services and track reimbursements from a mobile device — an important feature considering that roughly 85% of users access the platform via smartphone.

For state agencies operating with limited staffing resources, those efficiencies are equally meaningful. Automation handles routine processes such as application intake, document validation, transaction routing and payment reconciliation, allowing employees to focus on complex cases, policy interpretation, investigations, and constituent support.

Ultimately, Odyssey sees AI as one component of a broader technology ecosystem designed to make education funding more efficient, transparent, and accountable. By combining automation with configurable program rules, comprehensive audit trails and human oversight, the company is helping modernize how states administer rapidly growing education choice programs while strengthening safeguards for public funds.

Photo: Lucélia Ribeiro, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

The post How Odyssey is modernizing education funding administration appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

Valleywise Health is expanding its independently accredited dental residency program to strengthen Arizona’s health care workforce while improving access to oral health services in underserved communities.

The Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, which launched its inaugural cohort in 2025, recently welcomed three new residents as part of its continued growth. The program is designed to prepare dentists to deliver comprehensive, community-focused care—particularly in complex medical and social environments often encountered in safety-net settings.

The expansion marks a significant milestone for Valleywise Health, which has long played a central role in training medical professionals but only recently established its first dental residency program under its sole sponsorship.

Dr. Christopher Brendemuhl, director of dentistry at Valleywise Community Health dental clinics and chair of the Department of Dentistry, said the program is intentionally designed to cultivate a new generation of dentists committed to service.

“Our goal is to influence the next generation of dentists to be community-service minded and to truly embrace the Valleywise Health mission,” Brendemuhl said. “We want to build a group of dentists who are connected to the community, who are lifelong learners and who are passionate about serving the most vulnerable of our populations.”

The residency received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation in August 2024 and is working toward full accreditation, an important step in solidifying its role as a long-term training pipeline.

Integrated care model reflects evolving health needs

A key feature of the program is its emphasis on integrated, team-based care. Residents rotate through Valleywise Health’s network of Federally Qualified Health Centers and its flagship medical center, gaining hands-on experience that connects oral health with broader medical treatment.

This interdisciplinary approach reflects a growing recognition across the health care sector that oral health is closely tied to overall health outcomes.

“Our residency uniquely integrates dentistry with broader medical care, offering a holistic view of health that extends beyond the dental chair,” Brendemuhl said. “This experience is enriched through rotations in specialized clinics and interdisciplinary settings where residents see firsthand how oral health impacts overall health.”

Training sites include the Comprehensive Health Center in Phoenix, where residents collaborate across specialties; the Peoria location, which offers exposure to ambulatory surgical care; and the McDowell clinic, which focuses on treating patients living with HIV/AIDS.

Building a pipeline for community-based care

The program’s expansion comes as Arizona, like much of the country, faces ongoing challenges in ensuring adequate access to health care providers—particularly in community health settings that serve low-income and medically complex populations.

Valleywise Health operates a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers across Maricopa County, positioning the residency program as a direct pipeline for dentists prepared to practice in those environments.

The organization, which has trained medical professionals since 1952 and serves as Arizona’s only public teaching hospital and safety-net health system, sees the dental residency as a natural extension of its broader workforce mission.

“This program is about more than training dentists,” Brendemuhl said. “It’s about building a workforce that understands the needs of our community and is equipped to meet them with skill and compassion.”

As Arizona continues to grow, efforts like Valleywise Health’s AEGD program highlight the critical role of locally driven workforce development in meeting the state’s long-term health care needs—particularly for populations that have historically faced barriers to care.

The post Valleywise Health expands dental residency program to strengthen Arizona’s health care workforce appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

As Arizona’s largest private employer, Banner Health is highlighting its outsized role not only in health care, but in the state’s broader economy.

In its newly released 2025 annual report, the Phoenix-based nonprofit health system said it invested $1.1 billion back into the communities it serves, supporting patient care, workforce development, research, and prevention efforts. The report also estimates Banner’s operations generate a $12 billion annual economic impact across Arizona.

The figures reinforce Banner’s standing as one of Arizona’s most consequential institutions for both public health and economic growth.

According to the report, Banner supports 140,000 jobs statewide, including 60,000 direct employees and another 80,000 indirect jobs tied to its operations and related economic activity.

For Arizona’s business community, those numbers underscore how health care systems increasingly serve as pillars of regional economic development, workforce stability, and long-term competitiveness.

“A strong health care system is foundational to a strong economy,” Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “Banner Health’s continued investment in Arizona’s workforce, communities, and long-term health outcomes demonstrates how essential institutions like this help make our state a place where businesses can grow, families can thrive, and talent wants to live and work.”

That broader economic perspective is reflected in Banner’s nonprofit model, which emphasizes reinvestment in patient care, technology, workforce development, and community-based services across Arizona.

“As a nonprofit health system, every dollar we earn is invested into our care, services, technology, talent and communities, not Wall Street shareholders,” Banner Health President and CEO Amy Perry said in the report’s .

That reinvestment model is especially visible in Banner’s workforce pipeline efforts, a critical issue as Arizona continues to grapple with population growth and a rising demand for health care professionals.

The annual report notes Banner trains more than 1,300 residents and fellows each year, supports 7,000 nursing students annually, and provides hands-on health care career experiences for more than 3,500 high school students through programs such as Camp Scrubs.

Those investments come as Arizona employers across sectors continue to emphasize the importance of talent development and workforce readiness.

Beyond its role as an employer, Banner also detailed major investments aimed at improving health outcomes in Arizona communities.

Among the report’s highlights, the system said it served 70,000 meals to low-income seniors through the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center and distributed more than 1 million pounds of food through its pantry operations.

Banner’s BIG Pink Bus mobile mammography program also screened nearly 1,000 women, with 18% receiving their first-ever screening, expanding access to preventive care in communities that may otherwise face barriers to early detection services.

The report also cites measurable gains in preventive care among Medicaid populations, including a 114% increase in colorectal cancer screenings and more than an 1,100% increase in blood pressure checks year over year.

For employers and policymakers alike, those gains carry implications that extend beyond the health sector.

A healthier workforce can translate into reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and lower long-term health costs — all factors that influence Arizona’s economic competitiveness.

As the state continues to attract new residents, businesses, and investment, Banner’s report makes clear that health care infrastructure remains a central driver of Arizona’s economic momentum.

The post Banner Health report underscores major economic, workforce impact across Arizona appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

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 Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ 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.”

The post New effort aims to make ESA access faster and easier for Arizona families appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan are continuing a workforce initiative aimed at connecting Arizonans directly to high-demand careers in the state’s mining industry.

Now entering its third year, the “Guarantee Your Future with Freeport” program will provide at least 30 participants with full scholarship support to pursue an associate of applied science (A.A.S.) degree and industry certification through participating Arizona community colleges. The program covers tuition, fees and books, and also provides assistance with cost-of-attendance expenses such as housing, food and transportation.

The initiative focuses on preparing students for critical technical roles that are essential to mining operations and the broader industrial economy. Participants can pursue training in priority technical fields such as diesel technology and fixed plant maintenance or advanced manufacturing. Additional career pathways include electrical and instrumentation, process automation and welding.

Students in the program will also complete a paid summer internship with Freeport-McMoRan, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to career opportunities across the company’s operations in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. Those who successfully complete both the scholarship program and internship may be eligible for job placement, provided all hiring requirements are met.

“Guarantee Your Future with Freeport represents the kind of bold, employer-driven partnership Arizona needs,” said Tracy Bame, president of the Freeport-McMoRan Foundation and director of social responsibility at Freeport-McMoRan. “Alongside Education Forward Arizona, we are investing in local talent, building a skilled workforce and creating clear pathways to meaningful, high-paying careers that strengthen families and communities.”

To support participants throughout the program, each student is paired with both an Education Forward Arizona success coach and a Freeport-McMoRan mentor, helping guide them from enrollment through potential employment.

The program comes at a time when Arizona is working to increase postsecondary attainment and expand the pipeline of skilled workers needed to support the state’s growing economy.

“This initiative brings education and industry together in a powerful way,” said Rich Nickel, president and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “By aligning training with real workforce needs and providing comprehensive support along the way, we are helping more Arizonans gain the skills and credentials required to thrive in today’s economy. Partnerships like this are essential to achieving our state’s attainment goals and ensuring Arizona remains competitive.”

The program builds on a longstanding partnership between Education Forward Arizona and Freeport-McMoRan, including the Freeport-McMoRan Native American Scholarship Program. Together, the initiatives aim to expand access to postsecondary education and career training opportunities for Arizona students while strengthening the state’s education-to-workforce pipeline.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of employment with Freeport-McMoRan. The deadline to apply is March 15, 2026. More information about the program and application details are available through .

The post Education Forward Arizona, Freeport-McMoRan expand scholarship-to-career pathway for mining jobs appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ 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. 

The post Spotlight AZ: Charter One appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

Arizona has spent years positioning itself as a state that punches above its weight — a place where innovation and talent translate directly into economic competitiveness. Few leaders have had a bigger hand in shaping that trajectory than Dr. Michael Crow.

When Crow arrived at Arizona State University in 2002, he didn’t just take over a university, he took on a challenge: how to build an institution that matched the needs and ambitions of a fast-growing state. Today, it’s hard to look at Arizona’s economic progress without seeing his fingerprints.

Crow’s idea of a “New American University” wasn’t an academic slogan; it was a bet on Arizona’s future. While other states narrowed access or pulled back, he pushed ASU to expand — in scale, in research, and in reach — and to align itself with the industries and workforce demands defining the modern economy.

That strategy paid off at exactly the right time. As Arizona shifted toward advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, bioscience, defense, and other future-focused sectors, ASU became one of the country’s strongest pipelines of engineers, scientists, problem-solvers, and innovators. It also became a magnet for research partnerships and private investment that helped accelerate entire industries.

And unlike many universities, ASU didn’t grow at the expense of access. Access was the strategy. Crow insisted on opening doors wider, not smaller, giving Arizona something many states are now scrambling to recreate: a workforce that reflects the size and diversity of its population. In a state growing as quickly as ours, that has been a competitive advantage.

It’s also why ASU consistently ranks at the top nationally for innovation and social mobility, indicators of whether graduates can move directly into the jobs employers are creating right now.

Today, when national outlets talk about Arizona as a hub for semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, defense, and other next-generation industries, they’re describing a story ASU helped write. And when companies tell us why they invest here, ASU’s talent, research, and problem-solving capacity are almost always near the top of the list.

Crow also pushed both policymakers and the business community to think bigger: to compete nationally and globally, to treat education as a core economic asset, and to build a workforce ready for a new economy.

That mindset has shaped nearly every major economic win Arizona has landed over the past two decades. And as ASU continues to evolve, so does our state — with the connection between the two clearer than ever.

Arizona’s next decade will demand even more: more skilled workers, more research capacity, more industry-university partnerships, and more leaders willing to think as boldly as Crow did when he arrived on the scene.

This month, the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ will honor Dr. Michael Crow with the 2025 , recognizing leaders whose vision has helped define our state’s success story. It’s a well-earned moment for someone who helped shape not just a university, but Arizona’s economic future.

We hope you’ll join us in celebrating his contributions.

The Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry Dinner is tonight, December 11, 2025 at the Arizona Biltmore. Event .

The post Why Michael Crow’s leadership deserves recognition appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

A new analysis from the Common Sense Institute (CSI) and the U.S. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce Foundation paints a stark picture of the growing childcare crisis in Arizona and the mounting economic costs tied to it.

The report finds that the state’s shrinking supply of licensed childcare providers is forcing families to make difficult tradeoffs, reducing workforce participation, and limiting Arizona’s long-term economic growth.

Despite Arizona’s rapid population growth over the last 20 years, the number of licensed childcare providers has nearly been cut in half, dropping from more than 5,100 providers in 2002 to just under 2,800 today. That contraction has collided with higher labor and operating costs, making quality childcare increasingly hard to find and afford.

A business community leader says the findings confirm what employers have been experiencing first-hand.

“This report reinforces what employers across Arizona already know: childcare shortages limit workforce participation and hold back economic growth,” Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “Expanding access to quality care is one of the most practical ways Arizona can strengthen its workforce and stay competitive in a fast-growing economy. We hope this study will serve as a roadmap for policymakers to pursue solutions that support working parents and the employers who rely on them.”

The Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ has long emphasized the connection between reliable childcare and a strong, stable workforce. With Arizona employers facing tight labor markets and intense national competition, business leaders view the sector as a critical component of the state’s economic infrastructure.

A system under strain

The report highlights a statewide gap of up to 87,800 licensed childcare slots for children under six. Shortages are even more severe in some communities:

• In Maricopa County, licensed providers can accommodate only 13% of infants.
• In Santa Cruz County, that figure drops to just 1%.

Families that do secure a spot face rapidly rising costs. The average price of licensed infant care in Arizona has surged 42% since 2018 and now averages $61 per day. For lower-income families, that means working the equivalent of 90 hours per month just to cover childcare for one child.

Economic consequences—and opportunities

CSI’s economic modeling underscores the statewide stakes: if Arizona expands access to affordable, quality care, the state could add up to 233,600 new jobs over the next five years and generate between $5.4 billion and $34 billion in additional GDP.

Glenn Farley, CSI’s director of policy and research, said the shortage has broad implications for both families and employers.

“Even as demand remains high, the number of licensed providers has fallen sharply—limiting supply, driving up costs, and constraining labor force participation,” Farley said. “These pressures ripple through the broader economy, reducing productivity and household income. Based on our analysis, expanding access to affordable, quality care is not only good policy, but a necessary step for sustaining long term economic growth in the state.”

cover photo courtesy

The post New report: Arizona child care shortage costing families and economy billions appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.

Southwest Gas employees earlier this month joined forces with Delivering Dreams of Arizona to provide new clothing and essential items to 100 students across two Phoenix schools: Southwest School and Ed and Verma Pastor Elementary School. Through the nonprofit’s Delivering Dreams Bus program – a mobile boutique experience that partners with more than 150 high-poverty K–8 schools across the Greater Phoenix area – students were able to select the clothing and hygiene items needed for the school year with dignity and confidence.

As part of Southwest Gas’ BLUE (Building Lives Up Everywhere) volunteer program, Southwest Gas employees helped students aboard Delivering Dreams’ 40-foot mobile dressing buses stocked with shelves of clothing, shoe-fitting stations, and private dressing rooms. Each student received a school uniform clothing package valued at approximately $300, including two bottoms, three shirts, a sweatshirt, a pair of shoes, seven pairs of socks and underwear, and a hygiene kit.

“Every time a child steps onto the Delivering Dreams Bus, they feel the support of an entire community that believes in their future,” said Brad Harris, Southwest Gas regional vice president. “Our employees are proud to play a part in that moment. It’s a powerful reminder of how even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference and reflects Southwest Gas’ ongoing mission to fuel bright futures and support strong, sustainable communities.”

In addition, the Southwest Gas Foundation presented a $15,000 donation to Delivering Dreams of Arizona to help further its mission of fulfilling basic needs, fostering self-esteem, and enhancing quality of life for Arizona children. Sponsored by the Southwest Gas Foundation, the event reflects the company’s deep commitment to strengthening communities through volunteerism, charitable giving, and partnerships with local nonprofits that address critical needs and help neighbors thrive.

“Southwest Gas is such a recognizable and respected name in our community, and their continued support is truly making a difference,” said Aimee Runyon, CEO of Delivering Dreams of Arizona. “Their partnership helps us serve Title I schools and ensures that children who need it most can experience the joy and confidence that come with receiving new clothes. This is our second year partnering with Southwest Gas, and we’re so grateful for their positive impact and genuine commitment to helping local students.”

For more information on Southwest Gas’ charitable giving, please visit www.swgas.com. To learn more about Delivering Dreams of Arizona, visit www.deliveringdreamsaz.org.

The post Southwest Gas Foundation and Southwest Gas employees partner with Delivering Dreams of Arizona, provide clothing and confidence to Local students appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­.