Arizonans have more in common than we realize

In these politically polarized times, it is easy to believe that we are hopelessly divided as a nation and as Arizonans. The loudest voices and false narratives can give that impression, and too often, the consequences are serious: mistrust, incivility and even political violence.

These outcomes are concerning and dangerous, and they affect us all. The tone of public debate shapes how our communities interact, whether people feel safe and whether they believe their voices matter.

But the truth about Arizonans is far more hopeful: years of extensive research and community listening show that we agree on much more than we may realize.

At Center for the Future of Arizona, we’ve spent nearly two decades listening to people across the state. Through major survey research like our Gallup Arizona Survey, the Arizona Voters’ Agenda during election cycles and ongoing public opinion research, one consistent truth has emerged: despite political polarization, Arizonans agree on a set of enduring shared public values about the future we want for our state.

Together, these shared public values illuminate a shared vision for the future, which CFA dubbed The Arizona We Want. Across geography, demographics and political affiliation, Arizonans consistently say they want:

• Strong, well-funded public schools that prepare every student for success
• Good jobs and opportunities for economic mobility
• Access to quality, affordable health care and accessible mental health services
• Communities that are safe, fair and just
• Protection of our natural environment and resources for future generations
• Pragmatic, workable solutions for immigration
• A civic life where people are engaged and leaders are accountable

These are just a few examples of where Arizonans have the opportunity to cut through division and come together. What is striking is not only the breadth of these aspirations but also the depth of agreement across lines that too often are used to divide us. These are not partisan agendas. They are the aspirations of Arizonans from every walk of life, standing the test of time and repeated again and again in survey after survey.

Why does this matter? Honoring our shared public values leads to the outcomes we want for our families and for the future of the state.

And importantly, recognizing what we share also brings a sense of hope: hope that we can come together civilly across our differences. Civility is not about ignoring differences; it is about finding where we can agree and forging bridges to make progress together.

Another hopeful finding we have discovered through our survey research is that large majorities across the political spectrum want leaders who listen, work together across divides and focus on solutions to pressing problems.

In fact, majorities of Arizonans prefer that their elected leaders negotiate and compromise in the interest of finding solutions rather than sticking to rigid ideologies that fuel division. Our politics may be divided, but the people of Arizona are not.

This column is just the start. In future columns, I will take a closer look at these shared public values, the data behind them and the opportunities to come together.

When we can clearly see and name what we share, it becomes harder to villainize or dehumanize our fellow Arizonans. Too often, public debates overlook what truly matters to people, especially what most of us hold in common. We are working to change that by making this information more widely known, understood, and used. I look forward to sharing more in the months ahead, and I hope you will join me.

Editor’s note: Sybil Francis, PhD, is chair, president and CEO of Phoenix-based Center for the Future of Arizona, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for the state. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to [email protected]. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.