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Home The Arizona We Want Action Agenda for Arizona’s Future

Action Agenda for Arizona’s Future

Arizona is rich in geographic and demographic diversity — and though we may differ in backgrounds and experiences — we have learned through our extensive survey research of Arizonans that we have much in common, agree on more than we disagree, and share a set of core public values ("Shared Public Values") that can help inform decisions, actions, and create a stronger, brighter future for all.

Arizonans across the vast expanse of our state, in our cities, towns and rural communities, across age, race and ethnicity, education, and political party affiliation, overwhelmingly agree on the things that matter most. 

 

Shared Public Values and Actions to Drive Arizona Forward

Shared Public Values are defined as issues on which at least 70% or more of Arizonans agree according to our Gallup Arizona Surveys — regardless of geography, income, education level, political party affiliation, race or ethnicity. Drawn from data, the Shared Public Values clearly identify, with great confidence, where we agree and what Arizonans want. They provide the basis for The Arizona We Want.

Our survey research also illuminates dozens of Actions that Arizonans overwhelmingly agree on to Drive Arizona Forward.

 

1
EDUCATION
A highly educated and skilled population

ACTIONS TO DRIVE ARIZONA FORWARD

  • Ensure all Arizona public schools have highly qualified teachers and principals.
  • Increase the number of Arizona high school graduates that enroll in universities, community colleges, or technical/trade schools.
  • Close gaps in educational outcomes for vulnerable populations (e.g., students in low-income households, students with disabilities, English language learners).
  • Provide affordable, accessible, and reliable internet and technology to all students.
  • Make civics education a priority in K-12 education.
  • Structure the school day and school year to better match the needs of working parents.
  • Reduce the financial barriers to attending college.
  • Give Arizona schools the flexibility to tailor learning to each child.
  • Spend more money on K-12 public education
2
HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Affordable healthcare that covers preexisting conditions and provides accessible mental health services

ACTIONS TO DRIVE ARIZONA FORWARD

  • Guarantee affordable healthcare and insurance for Arizonans with preexisting health conditions.
  • Make mental health services available and affordable for all Arizonans who need them.
  • Ensure all Arizonans can get quality healthcare without risk of financial harm.
  • Expand public reporting on the quality of hospitals and healthcare facilities.
  • Improve state-level management of public health emergencies.
  • Expand programs to reduce substance abuse.
  • Guarantee coverage of telemedicine services by health insurance providers.
  • Increase access to wellness programs and alternative medicine.
  • Expand Arizona's Medicaid (AHCCCS) program to include more lower-income residents.
3
JOBS AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY
Good-paying jobs and the education and training needed for all Arizonans to fully participate in a vibrant economy

ACTIONS TO DRIVE ARIZONA FORWARD

  • Create more opportunities to build careers in Arizona, especially for young people.
  • Improve economic stability for lower-wage workers through improved work benefits, greater education and training, and opportunities to advance.
  • Improve pay equality and opportunities for promotion.
  • Provide more affordable, high-quality options for childcare.
  • Ensure equitable and inclusive economic recovery.
4
ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Sustainable practices that protect our air, land and water, and support a high quality of life for all

ACTIONS TO DRIVE ARIZONA FORWARD

  • Preserve and protect Arizona's rivers, natural areas and wildlife.
  • Put regulations in place to protect rural water supplies.
  • Increase spending and measures to prevent forest fires on state land.
  • Reduce the heat island in our urban areas and across the state.
  • Protect and expand open spaces for parks and outdoor recreation.
  • Improve air quality.
  • Transition to clean energy.
5
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP
Civic engagement that solves problems and democracy that works for all

ACTIONS TO DRIVE ARIZONA FORWARD

  • Create ways to come together to better understand and work through our differences.
  • Ensure a more responsive, transparent, data-driven culture in elected leadership.
  • Create a pipeline of civic leaders who are thinking long-term about the future.
  • Offer early in-person voting over multiple weeks leading up to election day.
  • Offer automatic voter registration when applying for a state ID/driver's license.
  • Send all registered voters a ballot by mail, while maintaining in-person voting options.
6
FAIR, JUST, AND EQUITABLE SYSTEMS
Fair, just, and equitable treatment of all people

ACTIONS TO DRIVE ARIZONA FORWARD

  • Address systemic racism as a key issue for the future success of the state.
  • Work to combat discrimination on the basis of gender, religion or sexual orientation.
  • Work to ensure the criminal justice system treats everyone fairly.
  • Reform Arizona prisons to focus more on rehabilitation, including substance abuse, mental health, and reentry programs and services.
7
IMMIGRATION REFORM
Comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship and support for "DREAMers"

ACTIONS TO DRIVE ARIZONA FORWARD

  • Enact comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship.
  • Create a path to citizenship for DACA recipients/"DREAMers" (residents without lawful immigration status who were brought to Arizona as children).

 

LEARN MORE & DOWNLOAD RESOURCES

 

How is Arizona doing at meeting the needs and wants of Arizonans?

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Jobs

Arizonans want jobs that utilize their talents, build their future, and help our economy thrive.

Arizona Jobs Progress Meter

CFA Workforce Programs

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Natural Resources

Arizona’s natural beauty and resources are unique assets that contribute to our quality of life and economy.

Arizona Natural Resources Progress Meter

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Education

High quality education changes lives and creates opportunity.

Arizona Education Progress Meter

CFA Education Programs

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Infrastructure

Arizona’s economic vibrancy and livability rely on a robust infrastructure.

Arizona Infrastructure Progress Meter

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Young Talent

Arizona’s long-term success depends on the contributions of all our young people.

Arizona Young Talent Progress Meter

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Civic Participation

A strong commitment to civic participation is the heart of our democracy.

Arizona Civic Participation Progress Meter

CFA Civic Engagement Programs

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Connected Communities

Communities are home, how we connect to others, and are at the center of collective decision-making.

Arizona Connected Communities Progress Meter

Civic Engagement Programs

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Health and Well-Being

Arizonans’ health and well-being are essential to our quality of life and the success of our communities.

Arizona Health and Well-Being Progress Meter