Education & Workforce Development

Education and workforce development are essential prerequisites to a thriving economy. The Arizona Chamber Foundation researches policies and practices that ensure all students have access to a high-quality education, and investigates workforce development and job training programs that are responsive to employer needs and serve to attract and retain a competitive workforce.

A well-designed education system serves individual students at a high level, supports development of strong communities, and delivers a talented workforce prepared for the jobs and ongoing education needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world.


Our Previous Work

  • NEW April 2019, Equity and Attainment: Achieving Two Goals with One Policy, Read more.
  • NEW February 2019, Empty Schools Full of Promise: Exploring the Benefits of District-Charter Co-location Partnerships in Arizona, Read more.
  • September 2018, An Economic and Policy Examination of College Tuition Subsidy Proposals. Read more.
  • August 2018, Invest in Ed's Impact on Proposition 301. Read more.
  • November 2016, Making the Grade: Capturing and Communicating School Impact on Student Learning. Read more.
  • October 2016, Teacher Talent Pipelines, Streamlining the Path from Student to Educator in Arizona. Read more.
  • February 2016, Expanding Access to Advanced Coursework in Arizona High Schools. Read more.
  • August 2014, Schoolhouse Ad Hoc: The State of School Construction in Arizona. Read more.

From the Blog

Entrepreneurship

Arizona is a start-up state with pent up entrepreneurial energy. The Arizona Chamber Foundation researches barriers exist that thwart the natural inclination that exists across Arizona to innovate in the marketplace. Efficient and effective government at all levels is an essential component of economic prosperity.


Our Recent Work

  • NEW February 2019, Q&A Occupational Licensure Reform: Why it Matters, Read more.

From the Blog

Arizona’s First-in-the-Nation Universal Licensing Recognition Law Takes Effect

Among all the things you have to do when you move to a new state, jumping through hoops to obtain a…

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Fall Leaves, Halloween, Snoop Dog and… Manufacturing Month!

When you think of October what usually comes to mind is fall leaves, Halloween costumes, Snoop…

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Expanding Economic Opportunity in Arizona

At the Arizona Chamber Foundation, we are dedicated to expanding economic opportunity in Arizona.…

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Health Care

Healthy communities are integral to a thriving economy. The Arizona Chamber Foundation researches statewide access to high quality health care, analyzes policies that tackle substance abuse and informs the public on the tremendous economic impact of Arizona’s health care sector.


Our Recent Work

  • NEW February 2023, Advancing Access to Transformative Medicines for Arizonans. Read more.
  • October 2018,  The Fiscal Impact of "Medicare for All" in Arizona. Read more.
  • June 2017, Federal Health Care Reform, Potential Impacts on Arizona's Families, State Budget and Economy. Read more.
  • June 2015, Recreational Marijuana: Is the Case for Legalization Going Up in Smoke? Read more.

From the Blog

Chamber Business News Executive Director Featured on 12News

Chamber Business News Executive Director Lorna Romero was recently featured as an expert panelist…

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Abrazo Community Health Network Hosts Arizona Industry Fellows Healthcare Day

Abrazo Community Health Network recently hosted a day-long session on healthcare for Arizona…

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“Medicare for All” Not Fiscally Feasible in Arizona

The Arizona Chamber Foundation released a Policy Brief today examining the fiscal impact of a…

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Infrastructure

A thriving economy depends on modern, efficient, and reliable infrastructure. The Arizona Chamber Foundation analyzes efforts to upgrade Arizona’s infrastructure needs across sectors. Better infrastructure enhances the competitiveness of all industries and the economy as a whole. Advanced and modern infrastructure impacts business decisions when considering locations for investment and growth.

Legal & Civil Justice

Arizona’s legal system for settling disputes should be fair and responsive to the needs of civil litigants. The Arizona Chamber Foundation studies the principles of reasonable and constitutional checks and balances on Arizona’s branches of government and state regulatory agencies.

Taxation

The Arizona Chamber Foundation studies globally competitive and equitable taxation systems that ensure taxpayer privacy, thereby treating all businesses fairly.


Our Recent Work

  • 2018 Policy Brief, Tax Reform & Arizonans: Bonuses, Wage Increases, New Jobs. Read more.

Technology

Housing the nation’s first regulatory sandbox for financial technology ‘fintech’ products and notable blockchain legislation, Arizona’s technology community is flourishing. The Arizona Chamber Foundation’s research is aimed at identifying and analyzing improvements within all technology sectors.


Our Recent Work

  • NEW March 2019, Policy Preview: Arizona's Rise to a Tier I Tech State, Read more.

From the Blog

More jobs, safer roads, and lower costs: Arizona well positioned for continued economic growth thanks to burgeoning autonomous technology sector

The Arizona Chamber Foundation today released a new policy brief that finds that the 2020s are…

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Arizona’s Rise to a Tier I Tech State

Arizona is positioned for strong economic growth under a new trade agreement between the United…

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What is a Fintech Sandbox?

Arizona is the first state in the in the nation to pass legislation creating a financial…

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Tourism

Employing hundreds of thousands of Arizonans, tourism is Arizona’s leading export industry. The Arizona Chamber Foundation assesses policies that will ensure maintains its competitive edge nationwide as a leading tourist destination.


Our Previous Work

  • NEW November 2023, A Call to Action: Expanding the Economic Impact of the Sports Industry in Arizona, Read more.

From the Blog

Arizona’s First-in-the-Nation Universal Licensing Recognition Law Takes Effect

Among all the things you have to do when you move to a new state, jumping through hoops to obtain a…

Read More

Fall Leaves, Halloween, Snoop Dog and… Manufacturing Month!

When you think of October what usually comes to mind is fall leaves, Halloween costumes, Snoop…

Read More

Expanding Economic Opportunity in Arizona

At the Arizona Chamber Foundation, we are dedicated to expanding economic opportunity in Arizona.…

Read More

Trade

As a border state, free trade in an integral part of Arizona’s economy. International trade supports more than 1 in 5 jobs in Arizona. Mexico alone is the destination for more than $9 billion in Arizona exports. The Arizona Chamber Foundation engages in research and education that demonstrates the important direct benefits to Arizona citizens, families and businesses of maintaining economic integration and a robust global trade environment.


Our Recent Work

  • NEW March 2019, The USMCA and Its Impact on Arizona, Read more.

From the Blog

U.S. Chamber Features USMCA Comments by Arizona Chamber Foundation CEO

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently outlined the impact passage of the new North American trade…

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Arizona Industry Fellows Take Eye-Opening Cross Border Trip

For those who live some distance from Arizona’s border with neighboring Mexico, the reality of its…

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It’s time to move forward with the USMCA

Approximately seven months ago, the United States, Mexico, and Canada agreed to the United…

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Water, Energy & Natural Resources

Arizona is rich in natural beauty and resources. The Arizona Chamber Foundation researches policies that support a vibrant and growing economy while maintaining good stewardship of our water, State Trust lands, forests, minerals, wildlife, and other natural resources.


Our Recent Work

  • November 2021, What Lies Beneath: An Arizona Groundwater Policy Primer. Read more.
  • January 2019, The Colorado River: The Seven-State Drought Contingency Plan and Pathway to Adoption. Read more.
  • October 2018, The Colorado River and Arizona's Role in Preserving it for Generations to Come. Read more.
  • November 2017, Water in Arizona: Our Past, Present and Future. Read more.
  • December 2016, The Arizona Wilderness Act of 1984: The Gold Standard of Stakeholder Consensus. Read more.
  • June 2016, A Clear and Present Danger: How the EPA's New Ozone Regulations Threaten Arizona's Economy. Read more.
  • January 2016, The Proposed Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument: A Monumental Mistake? Read more.

From the Blog

New Arizona Chamber Foundation policy brief examines groundwater policy

What Lies Beneath: An Arizona Groundwater Policy Primer, aims to inform legislators and…

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Statement from Foundation Policy Advisor Courtney McKinstry on Arizona’s Historic Adoption of the Drought Contingency Plan

Below is a statement from Arizona Chamber Foundation Policy Advisor Courtney McKinstry on Arizona's…

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Statement from Foundation CEO Emily Anne Gullickson on Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s State of the State

Below is a statement from Arizona Chamber Foundation Chief Executive Officer Emily Anne Gullickson…

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