March 2026

Arizona schools have the policy flexibility to design learning experiences that prepare students for the future.

That's why we partnered with the Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy at Northern Arizona University, to develop Permission Granted which includes two new resources to help educators understand and use existing policy flexibility to support student success.

• Arizona Policy Primer
  A clear overview of existing state policy flexibility that allows schools to innovate in areas such as instructional time, school schedules, and professional learning systems.
• Arizona Innovation Guide
  A companion resource highlighting how Arizona schools and districts are already putting that flexibility into practice through innovative models and approaches, along with technical assistance suggestions for replicating, adapting, or scaling these models.

These tools are designed to support schools in preparing students for post-secondary education, meaningful employment, civic participation, and lifelong learning.

Education leaders, policymakers, and community partners came together at Agua Fria High School in Goodyear to celebrate the launch of Permission Granted and highlight examples of Arizona schools moving from perceived constraints to confident action.

Public servants are the people who keep our communities running — solving problems, supporting neighbors, and helping Arizona thrive. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every day.

Since 2011, our Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards have honored outstanding nonelected public officials whose dedication strengthens communities across our state. Now, we’re looking for the next group of public servants whose work deserves to be recognized.

Nominations are open now through April 30.

Any Arizona-based nonelected public servant who is employed by any of the following may be nominated:

• Cities, Towns, Counties, Special Districts
• Agencies of the Executive and Legislative Branches of State Government
• Tribal Governments
• Personal Staff employed by Members of the Arizona Congressional Delegation

As a proud partner and contributor, we shared first-of-its-kind survey insights from the Good Elections Project with local policymakers, election officials, academics, and other state experts.

Arizona State University’s Mechanics of Democracy Lab (MODL), in partnership with Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) and the Democracy Defense Project, convened state and local leaders in Tucson for the second in a three-part What Makes a Great Election? series.

Building on the first convening in Phoenix, discussions focused on turning Arizona voters’ priorities into clear, shared expectations for how elections are designed, administered, and communicated. The conversation highlighted how gaps in understanding can undermine trust and how greater clarity can strengthen confidence in the system.

As a core partner, CFA continues to bring first-of-its-kind survey insights from the Good Elections Project into the conversation, grounding the work in the voices of Arizonans and helping guide decisions ahead of the 2026 election cycle and beyond.

Congratulations to Evelyn Casuga, Director, Community & Economic Prosperity, on her appointment to the First Place Global board. Their work advances new ideas and innovative solutions for adults with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Evelyn brings more than 40 years of experience in public, private, and nonprofit service, and her leadership will help strengthen opportunities to build a brighter future for all Arizonans.

Tennille Penaloza-Hagen, Workforce Development Project Manager, graduated from Valley Leadership’s Catalyze cohort — a leadership development initiative that empowers Arizonans to address our state’s opportunities. Over the past six months, Tennille and her colleagues shared complex conversations, strengthened their leadership practice, and built relationships across Arizona communities.

Arizona Town Hall’s final Building Arizona’s Workforce report is out now! We’re honored to have contributed data, insights, and expertise to this nearly year-long effort. The report captures community and leaders’ voices on workforce challenges and opportunities across Arizona. This effort reflects Arizonans’ shared priorities around good jobs, skills development, and economic mobility for all — helping shape strategies to address workforce needs amid rapid demographic, technological, and economic changes.