City Manager Jeff Barton has named Roger Smith as the city’s first Director of the Office of Accountability and Transparency (OAT). The Phoenix City Council first approved the new office last year, finalizing the specific duties of the office in June. This includes monitoring or investigating members of the Phoenix Police Department and ensuring complaints against officers … [More]
$40.7 Million Announced to Expand Affordable Housing, Combat Homelessness
Governor Doug Ducey announced $40.7 million to provide transitional housing for Arizonans, including members of the Native American community and those with special needs. “We’re making targeted investments to ensure Arizonans in need have a hand up, not a hand out,” said Governor Ducey. “These funds will help families and individuals who are struggling access transitional … [More]
DES Announces the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) announced today the launch of the Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), to provide financial relief to families for water and wastewater bills to avoid shutoffs or disconnections. Eligible households statewide can receive up to $1,800 in water assistance, depending on their need. Assistance includes water … [More]
Arizona Department of Housing Announces $15 Million to Support Arizonans Experiencing Homelessness
Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Housing today announced the distribution of $15.35 million in federal funding to support three projects aimed at providing shelter and services to Arizonans experiencing homelessness. “We must do all we can to ensure Arizonans in need have access to safe, clean and reliable housing,” said Governor Ducey. “The homeless … [More]
Phoenix Distributing Free Transit Passes to Those Most in Need
Many Phoenix residents now have help with the cost of riding public transit - for both bus and light rail. Earlier this year, the Phoenix city council developed a strategic plan for the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to be received by the city of Phoenix. A component of that plan is to … [More]
NFIB Gives Federal Update: Latest Proposals and Timeline in Congress
September’s deadlines have come and gone with Congress pushing back the tough decisions regarding funding the government and increasing the debt ceiling. NFIB Vice President of Federal Government Relations Kevin Kuhlman discussed new deadlines to watch and what to expect as negotiations on larger legislative proposals continue. Proposals in the Build Back Better … [More]
Feds Advance Full Funding for Light Rail Northwest Extension II
Federal and local leaders are pleased to see the $158 million Capital Investment Grant (CIG) for Valley Metro’s Northwest Light Rail Extension Phase II (NWE II) advance to Congress for review. This highly competitive grant will complete the funding necessary for this project, with the final grant signing anticipated in early November. The NWE II gives new communities greater … [More]
Pilot Program Will Distribute Utility Assistance to Eligible Households
Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Economic Security announced today the Department will provide a total of $36 million to support eligible households in need of temporary utility assistance and ensure continuity of services. “The team at the Arizona Department of Economic Security continues to find new and innovative ways to support Arizonans lifting … [More]
MAG Joins Safety Partnership to Develop and Deploy Automated Vehicle Technologies Statewide
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), an agency that provides a forum for research, discussion and study of regional issues, is the newest member of the Institute of Automated Mobility (IAM), established by Governor Ducey in 2018 to advance transportation safety, science and policy. MAG has been participating in IAM’s work as a partner, and by joining IAM, the … [More]
Funding for ‘Back To Work’ Program Supports Rehiring, Retention
Governor Doug Ducey announced an additional $5 million to help Arizona small businesses recover from the economic consequences of the pandemic and extreme weather conditions. Governor Ducey launched the Back to Work Small Business Rehiring and Retention Program in August and has invested a total of $10 million in the program to support small, locally-owned businesses. … [More]
What You Need to Know about Changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
The U.S. Department of Education is temporarily changing certain rules to allow potentially hundreds of thousands of borrowers the chance to qualify for student loan forgiveness if they have worked in public service. This opportunity is only available for a limited time, and borrowers must act before Oct. 31, 2022, to qualify. “For years, the Public Service Loan … [More]
Arizona Celebrates Manufacturing Month
Governor Doug Ducey declared October as Arizona Manufacturing Month to highlight and recognize all the manufacturers in the state who play a vital role in Arizona’s expanding economy. “Our manufacturing industry is a national powerhouse,” said Governor Ducey. “Just this year, Arizona has attracted several new manufacturing firms, from KORE Power in Buckeye to CP Technologies … [More]
