New Gaming in Arizona Off to a Strong Start, Nearly $130M in Revenues to the State

Arizona Department of Gaming

Gaming in Arizona contributed $129 million to the state through tribal gaming contributions and the newly implemented event wagering & fantasy sports in 2021, legalized through Governor Doug Ducey’s signing of historic legislation and the amended Tribal-State Gaming Compacts. This landmark agreement between the state and Arizona Tribes modernized gaming in Arizona, allowing … [More]

Nikola to Pay $125M Civil Penalty in SEC Dispute

Nikola Corporation

Nikola Corporation, a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy infrastructure solutions, today announced a resolution with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. As part of the resolution, Nikola has agreed to pay $125 million to the SEC in five installments over two years. The first installment will be paid by the end of 2021, and the remaining … [More]

Update on Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations or Testing

inbusinessPHX.com

On December 17, 2021, in a 2-1 decision, the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals allowed OSHA’s Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (“ETS”) to move forward by lifting an earlier court’s stay that had put the ETS on hold. In response to the court’s decision, OSHA has initiated an aggressive implementation and enforcement schedule. While OSHA expects covered … [More]

Water Agencies Announce Partnership to Invest $200M in Conservation Efforts to Bolster Colorado River’s Lake Mead

inbusinessPHX.com

Water agencies across Arizona, California and Nevada, together with the Department of the Interior, today announced a historic effort to invest up to $200 million in projects over the next two years to keep the Colorado River’s largest reservoir, Lake Mead, from dropping to critically low levels. The agreement, known as the 500+ Plan, aims to add 500,000 acre-feet of … [More]

Local Governments Unite to Reduce Homelessness

Maricopa Association of Governments

For the first time, local and tribal governments have rallied around a single plan to respond to homelessness in the region. “Pathways Home, the Regional Homelessness Action Plan for Local and Tribal Governments,” was unanimously approved today by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council. “This is a monumental step for the region in creating lasting … [More]

City of Phoenix Vaccine Mandate Paused

City of Phoenix

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The city of Phoenix Tuesday announced it has paused plans to implement a federal mandate requiring all city employees be vaccinated against COVID-19. This decision comes after a series of legal challenges and a ruling Tuesday from a federal judge in Georgia which temporarily halts the COVID-19 vaccine … [More]

SBA Is Delivering Support to America’s Small Businesses, Helping Them Recover from the COVID-19 Pandemic

U.S. Small Business Administration

While the holidays may still look a little different this year, the U.S. has made significant strides to ensure Americans can safely congregate with their loved ones for the Thanksgiving holiday and take part in celebrations to shop local and small on Small Business Saturday. Last year, shoppers came together in full force to support their local communities, and Small Business … [More]

Micro and Small Business Grants Up to $15K Now Available for Phoenix Businesses

City of Phoenix

Small business resiliency grants up to $15,000 are available beginning this week for Phoenix businesses through the PHXbizGrants program. An allocation of $8 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 by the Phoenix City Council created a program helping micro and small businesses with the pandemic’s economic impact. The PHXbizGrants application portal is now … [More]

Federal Minimum Wage Increases to $15 per Hour

U.S. Department of Labor

On November 22, 2021, the Department announced publication of the final rule, “Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors.” The Department has finalized regulations to implement Executive Order 14026, “Increasing the Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors,” which was signed by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. on April 27, 2021. Executive Order 14026 states that the Federal … [More]

City Council Approves Findings of Preservation Style Study

City of Phoenix

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The Phoenix City Council has adopted key findings of an impact study of the city's historic preservation efforts over the past several decades. The study titled, “Preservation Phoenix Style," identifies Phoenix's unique historic character and how historic preservation efforts have benefited the … [More]

Federal Officials Sign Grant Agreement for Northwest Extension II

inbusinessPHX.com

Federal and local dignitaries gathered Friday to celebrate the signing of a $158 million full funding grant agreement for the Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II (NWEII). The extension adds 1.6 miles of track, three stations and a multimodal transit center to the existing 28-mile light rail system. The event culminated an exciting week for transportation with the … [More]

Billions Still Available: Updated Guidance Regarding Applicant Deadlines for COVID EIDL

U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced updated guidance for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program applicants to better serve small business owners in need, while funding remains available. Since its inception, the COVID EIDL program, a federal disaster relief loan designed to better serve and support our small business communities still reeling from … [More]

Their Take: Arizona Technology Council Commends U.S. House for Passing BBBA

Arizona Technology Council

The US House passed President Biden’s Build Back Better Act (BBBA), heavily supported by the Arizona Technology Council, sending the jobs and climate measures to the U.S. Senate. The BBBA is the most significant investment in clean energy and remedies to counteract climate change in U.S. history. This vote is a major step on the path toward reducing the carbon pollution that … [More]

Regents Approve Universities’ Technology and Research Initiative Fund Plans for FY 2022

inbusinessPHX.com

The Arizona Board of Regents has approved new, three-year funding proposals from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona that will enable critical technology and research advancements through the Technology and Research Initiative Fund. Established through Prop. 301 and utilizing sales tax revenues, TRIF funds vital research … [More]

EEOC Updates COVID-19 Technical Assistance to Include Retaliation

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its COVID-19 technical assistance to include more information about employer retaliation in pandemic-related employment situations. The updates explain and clarify the rights of employees and job applicants who believe they suffered retaliation for protected activities under the Americans with Disabilities Act … [More]

Efficient Mobile App Launched for Phoenix Residents, Pay Bills and More

City of Phoenix

​Phoenicians now have a new way to report issues in their community from their smartphones. The City of Phoenix announced the launch of a new service through an app called 'MyPHX311' that allows residents to pay their City Services Bill, report quality-of-life issues and request city services. "The City of Phoenix is constantly innovating to best serve our residents. This … [More]

$100M Commitment to Expand High-Speed Broadband to Unserved or Underserved Arizona

inbusinessPHX.com

Governor Ducey Invests $100 Million To Expand High-Governor Ducey announced a $100 million commitment to expand high-speed broadband to unserved or underserved areas of the state, making it one of the single largest broadband investments in state history. The program, known as the Arizona Broadband Development Grant Program, will enable local communities to construct or … [More]

4 Ways Phoenix Benefits from the Infrastructure Bill

by IvyLee Rosario

This past weekend the commercial real estate industry welcomed the passing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is providing $1.5 trillion for climate change protections, roads and bridges, electric grid updates, broadband and more. With the vast number of upgrades that will soon be taking place, what does this mean for individual metro performance? Here are … [More]

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