September 2026

The 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda continues to reveal a clear message: voters want action on the issues shaping their lives and the state’s future.

The latest findings show voters want stronger outcomes in education, more opportunity for Arizonans to get ahead, and long-term preparation for the water, energy, and infrastructure Arizona’s growth depends on. They also want to hear directly from candidates about their plans and practical solutions for delivering results on these priorities.

Explore where Arizona voters agree and the questions their priorities raise for candidates and leaders.

For 10 years, CFA’s School Participatory Budgeting (SPB) has been giving Arizona students the opportunity to learn democracy by doing—using their voices, working together to solve real problems, and seeing their ideas become action.

CFA and Arizona State University recently brought together students, educators, school leaders, and community partners to celebrate a decade of impact and to look toward what comes next for SPB. Together, we reflected on what we’ve learned, heard directly from students and school communities, and explored how we can bring these experiences to all young people across Arizona.

The Impact Goes Beyond the Classroom
What began in Arizona as the nation’s first school-based participatory budgeting pilot has grown to more than 100 school communities across 20+ school districts statewide. Along the way, students have developed and helped direct public dollars toward hundreds of projects designed to strengthen their own schools.

SPB helps young people develop agency, leadership, collaboration, and a sense of responsibility for their communities. It also builds stronger relationships between students and adults and helps create school communities where young people know their voices matter.

As we look to the next decade, our ambition is even greater to keep building, adapting, and partnering until every student in Arizona has meaningful opportunities to learn democracy by doing.

Because when we invest in students today, we’re helping build the civic health and leadership Arizona needs for the future.

	In Memoriam of Board Member George Dean, President & CEO of the Greater Phoenix Urban League

CFA is deeply saddened by the passing of George Dean, a founding member of our Board of Directors and one of the leaders who helped guide CFA from its earliest days.

For more than two decades, George brought his experience, judgment, candor, and distinctive perspective to CFA. He was there as the organization took shape and remained a steady presence as our work grew and evolved across Arizona.

We are grateful for the many years George gave to CFA and for the lasting place he holds in our organization’s history.

At the opening of a new U.S. Bank branch in Ahwatukee, Ariz., a local school band performed, community leaders gathered, and U.S. Bank marked the occasion by giving back locally. The moment reflected a belief that being part of a community means showing up for the people and organizations that make it stronger.

	Opening of a new U.S. Bank branch in Ahwatukee, Arizona

That mutual commitment brings U.S. Bank and Center for the Future of Arizona together. Through its Community Possible giving and engagement platform, U.S. Bank supports efforts that help people build stable, meaningful futures. That focus on work and economic opportunity aligns closely with CFA’s efforts to strengthen the connections between education, career pathways, and Arizona’s workforce needs. Since 2021, support from the U.S. Bank Foundation has helped CFA listen to what Arizonans value through the Gallup Arizona Project, prepare students for education and career success through Arizona Pathways to Prosperity, and build the capacity of local workforce development professionals through Workforce Leadership Academies.

Together, these efforts strengthen Arizona’s education and workforce systems by aligning education, industry, and regional leadership. When those systems work better together, more Arizonans can reach their full potential, employers can find the talent they need, and communities and regional economies can flourish.

U.S. Bank and the U.S. Bank Foundation show what it means to be a Champion of The Arizona We Want by showing up with purpose. We are grateful for our relationship and for their support of the people and possibilities that move Arizona forward.

October 21 | 6:00 P.M. | J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn

Education Forward Arizona will honor CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis with its 2026 Luminary Award, recognizing her lasting impact across our state. For more than two decades, Sybil has championed a vision for Arizona shaped by what Arizonans value and aspire to across quality education, opportunity, and thriving communities. Under her leadership, CFA has become a trusted statewide catalyst for change, bringing research into decision-making and helping shape policy, practice, and partnerships that advance the stronger, brighter future Arizonans want.

October 23 | 11:00 A.M. | Arizona Biltmore

In Business Magazine has named CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis its 2026 Linda M. Herold Lifetime Honoree. The recognition reflects the reach of Sybil’s leadership—from shaping a shared vision for Arizona to mobilizing people and institutions around the priorities that matter most to Arizonans.

October 14 | 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. | DoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix-Mesa

Hosted by APS, PHX East Valley Partnership, and the East Valley Chambers of Commerce Alliance, the annual Statespersons’ Luncheon brings together business, civic, education, and community leaders ahead of the midterm election. Dr. Sybil Francis will open the program with findings from the 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda, putting voters’ priorities at the center of the day for the candidate conversations and discussions that follow.