Two years after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, the clean energy plan is turbocharging the clean energy economy and revitalizing communities across Arizona, as illustrated in Climate Power’s latest Clean Energy Boom report. The clean energy plan has spurred the creation of over 330,000 new jobs nationwide, with Arizona ranking seventh in the country with 18,130 … [More]
SBA and Dept. of Veterans Affairs Join Forces to Promote Veteran Entrepreneurship
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the SBA’s Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). This partnership between OVBD and VBA will improve access to self-employment assistance and SBA training and counseling … [More]
Arizona Reactivates Greater Arizona Development Authority, Unlocking Millions in Infrastructure Financing for Rural and Tribal Communities
The Office of Economic Opportunity, and the Arizona Finance Authority (AFA) are announcing the reactivation of the Greater Arizona Development Authority (GADA) with a new round of financial assistance open as of August 1, 2024. GADA, established in 1997, is a financing program that leverages private financing to assist rural communities and Tribal governments with the … [More]
First Group of Phoenix Public Transit Hybrid Buses Hits the Road
As the Phoenix Public Transit Department continues working toward its zero-emissions bus fleet goal by 2040, the first group of hybrid buses have passed all tests and are now running on Phoenix roads. The buses use a combination of a hybrid-electric motor and batteries and a … [More]
Arizona’s Clean Elections Concludes Successful Primary Debate Series Surpassing Reach Expectations
Clean Elections, Arizona's non-partisan source for voter education is celebrating the halfway point of its historic debate program. This year's series premiered in partnership with the Arizona Media Association (AMA) at BitFire Studios with hundreds of media brands leveraging the debate content including major debates being simulcast and all others distributed … [More]
SBA Announces New Grant Funding for Native American-Owned Small Businesses
Native American Trade Expansion Program to Provide Up to $240,000 in Grants
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a funding opportunity for Native American-owned small businesses under its new pilot Native American Trade Expansion Program (NATEP). The new program will provide up to $240,000 in grants to expand exporting opportunities to Native American-owned small businesses. The deadline for eligible small business concerns to submit … [More]
Arizona’s Mortgage Assistance Program Hits Milestone, Closes First 100 New Homes
100 middle class families have closed on a new home using the Arizona Is Home mortgage assistance program. The program, which was first announced in Governor Hobbs’ State of State earlier this year, is tailored to help middle class families across the state purchase their first home through down payment assistance and interest rate relief. “I was born and raised in an Arizona … [More]
City of Phoenix Applauds ADEQ’s Advanced Water Purification Initiative
The City of Phoenix supports the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) draft rules for the Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Program. These rules lay the groundwork for innovative projects that convert treated wastewater into safe, reliable drinking water, significantly bolstering Arizona's water resources. Phoenix has been a leader in sustainable water … [More]
New Online Guide Helps Phoenix Business Owners Enhance Security for Commercial Property
The City of Phoenix, in partnership with Arizona State University, launched a new online crime prevention guide to help local business owners better protect their commercial properties. The educational guide adopts the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which discourages crime and disorder through strategic planning, design and management of … [More]
Federal Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction Bills Continue to Benefit Region
Millions of dollars in increased funding to the region results in notable projects
The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council received an update this week on the impact two federal pieces of legislation are having on the region in funding major transportation infrastructure and environmental projects. In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) was signed into law. The IIJA reauthorized the surface transportation program … [More]
Chandler Mayor Named Maricopa Association of Governments Chair
Transportation, Air Quality, Homelessness Are Priorities
Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke was elected as chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council today during the agency’s annual meeting. As the agency’s new chair, Hartke said his highest priority is to ensure that MAG is ready to implement a suite of transportation projects if Maricopa County voters approve the extension of the dedicated half-cent sales tax … [More]
$43.6M in Tribal Gaming Contributions for the Q4
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced $43,586,004 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. This amount represents an approximate 3.3 percent increase when compared to the same quarter of FY 2023. "Celebrating yet another remarkable milestone in tribal gaming, we are thrilled to announce that … [More]
HUD Announces $9.1M Green and Resilient Retrofit Loan for Apartment Building in Phoenix
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a $9.12 million loan to Urban League Manor Apartments, a pivotal step to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability in affordable housing. The announcement was made during a ceremonial check presentation event at Urban League Manor in Phoe Key officials in attendance included Jason Pu, HUD Pacific … [More]
SBA Invests Over $1 Million to Expand Support for Veteran Entrepreneurs
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced over $1 million in new funding to provide critical training and counseling to aspiring and existing veteran small business owners as a Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). The new funding opportunity will make awards of up to $400,000 to up to three entities. Eligible awardees include private organizations, colleges … [More]
The City of Phoenix Receives Findings Report from U.S. Department of Justice Investigation
The City of Phoenix (CoP) and Phoenix Police Department (PPD) are reviewing the findings from a nearly three-year investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. City leaders and members of the community are eager to read the evidence and insights provided by the DOJ which support … [More]
Phoenix Planning and Development Department Debuts New Process Improvements Plan
The Planning and Development Department presented a comprehensive Process Improvements Report to Phoenix City Council, signaling a significant step forward in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of City development processes. The report underscores the department's commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to serving the community with … [More]
Inaugural 602 Day Celebration Dubbed a Success by Phoenix Leadership, Business Community
On June 2, 2024, the City of Phoenix officially celebrated 602 Day for the first time. The City partnered with more than 100 local businesses and organizations to offer $6.02 deals and host events to celebrate the Phoenix community and honor 602 as the city’s most historically … [More]
Their Take: Merit Selection – A Respected Arizona System of Judge Selection Worth Preserving
Fed up with a system that featured campaigns for judicial office that included yard signs and bumper stickers, that forced judges to seek campaign contributions from lawyers and parties who would be appearing before them, and that produced judges who occasionally delegated decision-making to their judicial assistants, Arizona voters decided nearly a half century ago to choose a … [More]
