More families are finding homes in their price range, as the Greater Phoenix housing affordability index increased from 71 to 77 in February, and the number of homes in inventory rose 8.3%. This means that 77% of households with an income equal to the region’s median can afford the median-priced home, according to home sales data from Phoenix REALTORS. “March until May are … [More]
What SMBs Tell Us About the Economy That Wall Street Can’t
New research from GoDaddy and UCLA Anderson Forecast finds that small business data offers earlier and stronger indication of upcoming U.S. economic performance than traditional measures such as the stock market. Last quarter's data captures digital business activity rising year-over-year. By bringing digital small businesses into the picture for the first time, the research … [More]
SRP Board to Vote on Summer Power Rate Decrease
To help provide bill relief to customers during the hottest time of the year, Salt River Project management will propose a temporary overall 3 percent summer price decrease through a reduction in its Fuel and Purchased Power Adjustment Mechanism. If approved by the SRP Board Finance and Budget Committee, the entire Board will vote on the proposal at the Special Board of … [More]
Small-Business Optimism Improves as Supply Chain Concerns Persist
The NFIB Research Center released an industry-specific quarterly Small Business Economic Trends survey highlighting the construction, manufacturing, retail, and services industries. According to the report, the Optimism Index increased from the previous quarter for all reported industries except for construction. “Small business optimism rose in all reported industries … [More]
Powering the Next Wave of Development in Arizona
Why energy strategy is now a core investment decision
Power demand from semiconductor fabs and data centers in Arizona is growing at a staggering pace. Utility resource plans across the state project roughly two to three times growth in generation capacity over the next decade — a dramatic shift after nearly 25 years of relatively stable peak demand. That level of expansion presents real challenges for developers, utilities and … [More]
Top Business Insurance Trends Reshaping Risk Management in 2026
Tension between progress and caution continues to shape insurance conversations
The past few years have conditioned business leaders to stay braced for impact. Pandemic disruption, supply chain breakdowns, inflation shocks and labor volatility forced constant recalibration, while wildfires and storms of all kinds left little time to catch a breath. As 2026 approaches, economic indicators suggest improvement in several areas, yet decision-making still … [More]
Grants: Creating & Securing Grants in Today’s Climate
And emerging concepts of trust and collaboration
Philanthropy is a broad subject that takes many forms. Our Social Impact feature every month spotlights for-profit businesses (some of whom who are included in this cover story) and the varied forms of philanthropy they practice. This article is focused solely on grants. We reached out to a select sample of both philanthropist-funded foundations and nonprofit arms of … [More]
Guest Editor: Steve Zabilski, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Grants, Growth and Future Grants represent more than funding for recipients — they are investments that empower communities to adapt and become stronger. Philanthropy at its finest can result in ripple effects far beyond its original intention. Phoenix is home to a robust network of private foundations as well as nonprofit arms of for-profit businesses. Each tends to focus … [More]
Expanding SaaS Tax Laws Create Hidden Liability, and Refund Potential
In 2026, as Federal subsidies and grant funding continue to decline for state and local governments, many are turning to sales taxes on business services as a key method for raising revenue. At one time, sales taxes were derived only from sales of physical products bought and sold within a state. However, since the Supreme Court’s Wayfair decision of 2018, definitions of … [More]
Arizona Ranks No. 1 in International Investment Nationwide
Arizona’s strong international ties fueled record-breaking trade and investment in 2025, creating thousands of new jobs and driving more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment. Exports by Arizona companies surged from $32.4 to $44.4 billion – a 37% increase and the second fastest growth in the nation. By comparison, U.S. exports grew by 5.7%. Key Trade Highlights: … [More]
Small Businesses Face Rising Energy Costs, Limited Flexibility
The National Federation of Independent Business released its new Small Business Energy Survey. The report is based on a nationwide survey of small business owners, providing insight into the types of energy used and how energy costs impact business operations. The survey shows that small businesses are deeply impacted by energy use and its costs. Owners use a variety of … [More]
Middle Market Performance Reflects Measured Optimism
Middle market performance in 2025 reflects a year of stability and incremental improvement following earlier fluctuations. Revenue growth dipped mid‑year but rebounded modestly in Q4, demonstrating resilience despite softer hiring trends. Most companies continued to report year‑over‑year revenue gains, with expectations for future growth trending upward. Average revenue growth … [More]
January Marks Seasonal Cooldown for Phoenix Housing
Activity slowed in the Phoenix single-family residential housing market in January. Closed sales were up slightly, increasing 0.6% from January 2025. Pending sales dropped 31.3% from last year, and new listings were down 6.1%. “When you look at the long-term trending numbers, January is always a slow month for residential real estate,” said Sammy Glassman, board president of … [More]
Small Business Optimism Holds Above Average as Uncertainty Climbs
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell 0.2 points in January to 99.3 and remained above its 52-year average of 98. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, three increased and seven decreased. Expected real sales volume was the only component with substantial change, increasing by 6 points. The Uncertainty Index rose 7 points from December to 91. A rise in owners reporting … [More]
Labor Index Highlights Ongoing Small-Business Worker Shortage
NFIB’s January Jobs Report includes the launch of the new Small Business Employment Index, which measures the current state of the small business labor market. The new index integrates actual and planned changes in employment and employee compensation into a singular data point. A higher Index reflects an overall tighter labor market; a lower Index reflects an overall weaker … [More]
Avnet, Job Trends and Best Buddies
Employment growth is strongest in sectors shaped by digital transformation and artificial intelligence. IT roles are expanding due to increased demand for cloud computing, cybersecurity, software development and data analytics. STEM positions are also rising as technical expertise becomes critical for innovation and automation. Sales roles now require proficiency with digital … [More]
The Generosity Commission
Group investigates declining volunteer and giving trends
The number of Americans who volunteer in civic organizations and who give to nonprofits has plummeted in recent years, with as many as 20 million households dropping out of giving between 2010 and 2016. While fewer donors are actually giving larger amounts — making up the financial gap in many organizations and increasing philanthropy overall — the more concerning trend is … [More]
8 Important Sales Tax Trends for 2026
States continue to refine their laws to account for added types of taxable products and broadened definitions of sales tax nexus
In 2025, it is estimated that there were mor than 500 changes to sales tax rules and regulations throughout the country, more than in any single year ever before. In 2026, it is expected that an even greater number of changes will occur, as states continue to refine their laws to account for added types of taxable products and broadened definitions of sales tax nexus. As … [More]
