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]
Guest Editor: Mary Foote, Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity
Where the Jobs Are Arizona, and Metro Phoenix particularly, have been seeing tremendous growth in population and business. But does that growth sync with the reality of jobs? Is job creation keeping pace, and is there available workforce that matches employer needs? This month, In Business Magazine takes on the topic of Jobs. But Arizona's approach to workforce development … [More]
Jobs: Creating and Saving Employment in Arizona
Job growth and workforce gaps
The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity’s jobs data is projecting sustained opportunities and growth across all sectors in 2026. Observing, “Businesses of all kinds are investing in Arizona, creating a diverse range of employment opportunities for everyone,” Office of Economic Opportunity Director Mary Foote shares, “Arizona's economy continues to demonstrate remarkable … [More]
Phoenix Lands Mid-Pack in 2026 National Housing Market Rankings
Home shoppers looking for an advantage will find it in Zillow's newly released list of the most buyer-friendly housing markets of 2026. Indianapolis, Atlanta and Charlotte top the list of metros where buyers will find room to negotiate for relatively budget-friendly homes that have a combination of cooling prices now with expected appreciation ahead. Buyers can breathe … [More]
Phoenix Housing Affordability Expected to Improve as Mortgage Costs Ease
A mortgage payment on a typical home is forecast to be affordable in 20 major metropolitan areas by the end of the year, according to the latest market report from Zillow. That's the most since 2022. Zillow expects slow but steady home value growth, falling mortgage rates and rising incomes to contribute to a nationwide improvement in affordability this year. Affordability … [More]
End-of-Year Momentum Lifts Phoenix Single-Family Sales Above 2024 Levels
The year ended on a positive note as 2025 Greater Phoenix closed single-family home sales climbed 4.5% over 2024, according to data from Phoenix REALTORS. Nationally, sales were down 1% for the year. Compared with December 2024, sales were up 12.1% in Phoenix and just 4.5% nationally. “Strong. That’s one word to describe the finish to 2025,” said Sammy Glassman, board … [More]
Small-Business Optimism Rises Again in December
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in December to 99.5 and remained above its 52-year average of 98. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, two increased, three decreased, and five were unchanged. An increase in those expecting better business conditions primarily drove the rise in the Optimism Index. The Uncertainty Index fell 7 points from November to 84, … [More]
Arizona’s 2026 Economic Signals: Separating Noise From Opportunity
With 2026 approaching, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals are navigating a landscape defined by mixed signals. The record-long government shutdown, Federal Reserve rate cuts and tariff challenges have fueled widespread uncertainty. Yet these events often overshadow steadier indicators that typically guide long-range financial planning and portfolio positioning more … [More]
Arizona Joins Texas and Florida in Top Tier of In-Migration States
Texas and Florida lead the list of in-migration states on the U-Haul Growth Index analyzing one-way customer transactions during 2025, while California ranks last with the greatest out-migration number for the sixth consecutive year. Texas reclaims the title of No. 1 U-Haul growth state for the seventh time in 10 years. It climbs one spot from its previous ranking behind South … [More]
Arizona’s 2025 Economic Year In Review
With over $34 billion in new investment, nearly 28,000 projected new jobs, and major wins across semiconductors, aerospace, AI, broadband, and more, 2025 delivered a year of record-breaking growth for Arizona. During calendar year 2025, the Arizona Commerce Authority and economic partners successfully won 90 competitive projects from companies that committed to creating 27,749 … [More]
Guest Editor: Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona
Truths to Tariffs Tariffs are far from a simple cost add-on phenomenon that end-users have to deal with. They insinuate themselves into business operations and supply chain calculations far removed from any obvious final product. But that isn’t the only strain today’s business leaders contend with due to tariffs — the actual status of a given tariff may change without … [More]
Business Exit Planning: How to Prepare ahead of a Sale
Selling a business is a significant milestone, both personally and financially — but it also takes a deliberate plan to maximize the sale proceeds and to prepare personally for the business exit. The more time business owners have in crafting and executing their business exit plans, the higher the probability they will achieve their desired outcomes. Understanding the different … [More]
The Winner’s Curse: Behavioral Economics Anomalies, Then and Now
Nobel Prize-winner Richard H. Thaler and rising-star economist Alex O. Imas explore the past, present and cutting-edge future in behavioral economics in The Winner’s Curse. Why do people cooperate with one another when they have no obvious motivation to do so? Why do we hold on to possessions of little value? And why is the winner of an auction so often disappointed? More … [More]
Trading on Tariffs: The Cost Impact of Doing Business across Borders
Most people understand that tariffs are not simply a cost tacked onto the final price of a product but permeate every step in the network of transactions that ultimately result in its reaching the market. As businesses throughout the supply chain and marketplace evaluate the challenges tariffs pose for them and calculate their response, we see differences not just in the choice … [More]
New Data Shows Broad Population Gains Supporting Business Growth Statewide
Arizona continues to experience robust population growth, fueling gains in both the labor force and the broader economy. According to newly released estimates from the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, Arizona added 97,044 residents between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, representing a growth rate of 1.2%. Arizona’s continued growth underscores its appeal as a … [More]
Small Business Optimism Ticks Up as Hiring Plans Hit Year’s High
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.8 points in November to 99.0 and remained above its 52-year average of 98. Of the 10 Optimism Index components, six increased, three decreased, and one was unchanged. An increase in those expecting real sales to be higher contributed most to the rise in the Optimism Index. The Uncertainty Index rose 3 points from October to 91. An … [More]
Feedback: December 2025
Q: Realizing these are volatile times, what economic trends do you expect will impact your business in 2026? Dr. Rajan Bhatt CEO OrthoArizona Sector: Healthcare Arizona’s economy continues to be defined by strong population growth and that will remain a major economic force in 2025. The Valley is adding new residents faster than almost any other region in the country, … [More]
