News & Events Newsletter Archive Newsletter July 2025

July 2025

Celebrating the Public Servants Powering Arizona’s Future

We’re proud to celebrate the recipients of the 2025 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards recognizing nonelected public servants who are strengthening communities and shaping a brighter future for our state.

Join us in congratulating the 2025 honorees who work every day to solve problems and make a tangible difference in the lives of Arizonans:

Learn more about the honorees

Launching a Bold Vision for Advancing College & Career Pathways in Southern Arizona

Partners came together to kick off a new effort focused on expanding dual enrollment and youth apprenticeship opportunities in Southern Arizona.

This month, CFA launched a new initiative in partnership with the Caterpillar Foundation and Jobs for the Future (JFF) to design a more inclusive model of youth apprenticeship in Southern Arizona. The goal: create seamless pathways that combine dual enrollment and hands-on, work-based learning—opening doors to high-wage, high-demand careers in key industries like construction, aerospace, and manufacturing.

The Kickoff convened plant managers, HR leaders, C-suite leaders from manufacturing, aerospace, and construction companies, K12 districts, post-secondary institutions, business organizations, and workforce partners to begin developing a strategic plan that will guide implementation through 2026. This innovative model enables high school students to earn college credit while gaining real-world experience—putting them on a path toward college and career success, with no dead ends.

What can we learn from a school district that’s getting it right?

While Arizona's educational outcomes remain below statewide goals, Paradise Valley USD—a long-time partner of CFA's Beat The Odds School Leadership Academy—is a positive outlier. A new case study from CFA and the National Center on Education & the Economy explores how strong leadership and intentional system design can drive real results.

Learn what’s working and why

Celebrating Growth: CFA Team Members Step into New Roles

We’re pleased to announce the promotions of two team members: Erika Barajas has been promoted to Project Manager, Operations, and Luke Thrasher has been promoted to Accountant.

These advancements reflect CFA’s ongoing commitment to growing our internal capacity, strengthening collaboration, and supporting the people who help drive our mission forward every day.

Driven by Love for Arizona: David Larcher Backs CFA’s Mission

At Center for the Future of Arizona, we know that building a stronger, brighter future for our state requires shared vision—and the people willing to invest in it.

David Larcher, President & CEO of Vestar, is one of those people. A dedicated Arizonan, he believes in the power of common ground and sees CFA as a catalyst for real progress—connecting the public values of Arizonans with bold ideas and practical solutions that move our state forward.

“I support CFA because I believe in Arizona and the people who call it home. What inspires me most is CFA’s commitment to listening to Arizonans and turning that into action. Their work is helping build a stronger, more connected, and more hopeful future for our state—and I’m proud to be part of it.”
-David Larcher, President & CEO, Vestar

We’re honored to recognize David’s partnership—and grateful for his belief in CFA, in our mission and positive agenda for the future, and in the promise of making Arizona a great place to live for all.

New Op-Ed: Arizona Voters Across Party Lines Still Believe Democracy Is at Risk

Dr. Sybil Francis shares results from CFA’s most recent statewide survey where we asked about the state of our democracy, whether elected leaders are focused on what matters most, and how much voters trust the institutions on which we rely.

From The Arizona Republic

CFA's Moises Pimentel Receives Yuma Sun 20 Under 40 Award

Moises Pimentel, CFA Southern Arizona College and Career Pathways Project Manager, was honored for his dedication to connecting education and industry to ensure long-term student success in Yuma.

From the Yuma Sun

What Can Be Done About So Many Young Arizona Kids Falling Behind in Reading?

Third-grade reading is a key indicator of future success, and right now, as tracked in our Arizona Education Progress Meter, fewer than 4 in 10 Arizona students are reaching proficiency.

From KTAR

New Higley Program Will Give Students a Say in Spending

Higley Unified School District joins 14 districts and 49 schools across Coconino, Pinal, Maricopa, Pima, Yuma, and Mohave counties in implementing School Participatory Budgeting, an innovative civic-learning process from CFA and ASU’s Participatory Governance Initiative.

From East Valley Tribune

WESTMARC Elevates 2025 Emerging Leaders Impact Program

We’re proud to support WESTMARC’s 2025 West Valley Emerging Leaders Impact Program—a regional initiative recognizing exceptional young professionals driving positive change across the West Valley. Nominations are open through Aug. 8.

From inBuiness Phoenix