Ensuring Arizona families can easily access and use Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) funds and count on fast approvals and timely reimbursements is the focus of an initiative announced last week by Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee to improve the state’s ESA financial platform.

The Treasurer’s Office, which manages the contract with the vendor operating the ESA platform, will soon issue a formal Request for Information (RFI) to gather input from qualified vendors on system upgrades, new capabilities, and emerging technologies.

A key priority of the review is identifying modern solutions, including improved platform design, automation, and artificial intelligence-driven tools, that can both streamline the user experience for families and strengthen oversight of public funds.

“It is imperative that the State of Arizona’s ESA vendor operates effectively, provides a user‑friendly system for Arizona families and verifies that expenditures comply with Arizona law,” Yee said.

The ESA program, administered by the Arizona Department of Education, allows families to use public education dollars for approved expenses such as school tuition, tutoring, and educational materials. As participation has expanded rapidly, the need for a more efficient and user-friendly financial platform has grown alongside it.

Yee said the RFI will provide valuable insight into marketplace trends and technological capabilities ahead of a future Request for Proposal (RFP) for ESA financial services.

“The Arizona State Treasurer’s Office remains committed to ensuring that the marketplace vendor platform is as efficient as possible in delivering necessary funds to ESA families for qualified expenses. This process would invite ESA marketplace vendor programs to share how their innovations, including modern platform design, automation, and AI-driven tools, could strengthen Arizona’s ESA program.”

Safeguarding taxpayer dollars remains a central focus of the effort, with an emphasis on identifying systems that can quickly flag potential misuse while maintaining a smooth experience for legitimate users.

“If there is a financial platform, or are updates to the current platform, that can provide families ESA program funds efficiently and identify any misspending or misuse, then Arizona taxpayers deserve to use that system,” Treasurer Yee said.

Business leaders also voiced support for the initiative, highlighting Arizona’s leadership in school choice and the importance of strong program infrastructure.

“Arizona has long been a leader in school choice and parental decision-making on education,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce and Industry. “As both a parent and an advocate for a strong Arizona workforce, I find this to be an incredible strength for our state. Whether it is charter schools, open enrollment or Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, your zip code doesn’t have to determine the quality of your child’s education. I applaud Treasurer Yee for making sure ESA parents have the tools they need to make the most of the program.”

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Andy Tobin

There has been a lot of interest and focus by Arizona policymakers on the environmental virtues of nuclear energy. They are absolutely right: nuclear power is a clean-energy marvel. As a former Corporation Commissioner, I advocated for nuclear as part of the backbone of our energy grid, alongside natural gas. Nuclear’s reliability is unmatched, and its footprint is impressively small. Our Palo Verde Generating Station is a crown jewel of our grid, providing 27% of our state’s electricity.

However, in the world of energy policy, there isn’t a “silver bullet.” We need “silver buckshot.” We don’t have to choose between nuclear and renewables – we need an energy portfolio that includes both. That keeps prices low for Arizonans and meets our skyrocketing energy demand.

The Power of the Market

For those of us who believe in the power of markets, the best news isn’t found in a government mandate – it’s found in the competitive “All-Source RFP” process used by our major utilities. Today, when Arizona needs new power, we don’t pick winners and losers from the Capitol Mall in Phoenix. We let the market decide.

In these processes, technologies compete. What we are seeing is that renewable projects are winning a seat at the table not because of a mandate, but because they are often the most cost-effective way to protect ratepayers’ wallets while meeting our surging energy demands. By 2027, APS intends to add over 6,000 MW of renewable power, integrated with battery storage. – enough to power 450,000 homes.

One important reason why is that utility-scale renewables can be built now. Despite the need and ongoing work to reform federal permitting, advanced nuclear and small modular reactors take years – or decades – to plan, permit, and build.

In contrast, solar and wind projects can be deployed with incredible speed – often in less than 24 months. By embracing renewables today, we get the immediate “juice” our grid demands, while we work together to build the nuclear backbone of tomorrow.

A Diverse Energy Portfolio

The Arizona Corporation Commission decades-old renewable mandates, citing the fact that these technologies can now stand on their own two feet in a free market. This is a victory for conservative principles. It shows that renewable energy is no longer a liberal project – it is a business project.

Champions of nuclear power are right that it is cleaner than many realize. But let’s also remember that solar and wind provide stable income for rural ranchers, tax revenue for our local schools, and one way to generate power without exhausting our most precious natural resource: water.

Arizona’s energy future demands a diverse approach – “silver buckshot” not a “silver bullet.” More nuclear, more natural gas, and more renewables. My hope is that we can move past the either/or debates and focus on an all-of-the-above strategy that keeps Arizona’s lights on and economy moving at full speed.

Andy Tobin is president and owner of Tobin Business Solutions LLC and director of The Western Way’s Arizona Rural Energy Network. He served as an Arizona Corporation Commissioner from 2016 to 2019 and represented District 1 at the Arizona Legislature from 2007 to 2015. He served as the speaker of the Arizona House from 2011 to 2014.

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The Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry has announced the creation of the AZ AI Leadership Initiative, a new coalition bringing together business executives, technology experts, and policymakers to advance artificial intelligence policy, digital infrastructure, and workforce development across the state.

The initiative will focus on ensuring Arizona’s regulatory environment keeps pace with rapid advances in AI and emerging technologies, while also strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the state’s growing digital economy.

“Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming foundational to how businesses operate and compete,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ. “Arizona already has many of the building blocks in place, from semiconductor manufacturing and data infrastructure to world-class research universities. This initiative brings together experts and leaders across industries to ensure our policy environment and infrastructure support continued innovation and economic growth.”

The coalition draws members from sectors including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, finance, logistics, energy, education, and public policy. As AI capabilities expand across those industries, the initiative will engage with policymakers and regulators to help shape a forward-looking strategy that supports job creation and economic competitiveness.

The announcement has already drawn support from legislative leaders at the Arizona Capitol.

“Arizona has made significant progress establishing itself as a hub for advanced technology and innovation,” said House Speaker Steve Montenegro. “As artificial intelligence and advanced technologies continue to evolve, collaboration between policymakers, industry experts, and our communities will be essential to keeping Arizona competitive and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Representative Justin Wilmeth, who chairs the House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee, also welcomed the effort. “Artificial intelligence is already transforming industries and creating new opportunities across Arizona’s economy,” Wilmeth said. “I appreciate the Arizona ˿����Ƶ bringing together leaders from across sectors to help guide thoughtful conversations around the future of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in our state.”

“Arizona is well positioned to lead in artificial intelligence and the digital economy, but staying ahead will take smart policy, strong infrastructure, and a continued commitment to innovation,” said Majority Leader Michael Carbone. “This initiative brings the right leaders together to keep Arizona competitive and turn emerging technology into lasting economic strength.”

Members of the initiative and other technology leaders are scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Arizona ˿����Ƶ during AZ Tech Week in April.

Organizations interested in joining the coalition can find more information at azleadership.ai.

Image courtesy the   license. Image via .

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A new technology platform launched this month aims to help states strengthen oversight of childcare subsidy programs while preserving access to care for families and providers.

Wonderschool announced the rollout of Wonderschool Oversight, a data-driven platform designed to help state agencies detect potential fraud earlier, conduct more timely audits, and improve payment integrity across childcare programs.

The platform builds on Wonderschool’s existing work with more than a dozen states, including Florida, New Mexico, Michigan, Missouri, West Virginia, and Illinois, where the company already provides technology to support childcare providers and public agencies.

The launch comes as several states, including Minnesota, have faced heightened scrutiny over weaknesses in childcare subsidy oversight following high-profile fraud cases that exposed gaps in data sharing, auditing, and real-time monitoring.

“Arizona employers consistently tell us that the lack of affordable, reliable child care makes it harder to recruit and retain workers, and that’s a real challenge for job creators across our state,” said Grace Appelbe, director of government affairs for the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry. “The business community wants to be part of the solution, and we’re eager to work with employers, providers, and policymakers to develop childcare options that work for both workers and businesses. At the same time, any new public investment must be done responsibly, with strong oversight and accountability to ensure taxpayer dollars are used as intended.”

Childcare subsidy programs play a critical role in supporting working families and employers alike, but many states continue to rely on fragmented, paper-based systems that can make oversight challenging. According to Wonderschool, those manual processes can delay audits, obscure risk patterns, and create administrative burdens for both agencies and providers.

Wonderschool Oversight is designed to address those challenges by centralizing enrollment, attendance, billing, and licensing data into a single platform. Using advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, the system generates continuous, risk-based scoring to flag patterns that may warrant review, while providing “explainable” insights that allow agency staff to understand why an activity was flagged before taking action.

Importantly, the company says the platform is intended to strengthen accountability without creating unnecessary disruptions for providers or families who rely on childcare subsidies.

“The childcare providers that American families rely on are, themselves, often reliant on manual, paper-intensive processes that can exacerbate the oversight challenge for state and federal funders,” said Chris Bennett, CEO of Wonderschool. “Our work with both states and high-quality providers puts us in a unique position to create tools that streamline provider operations while giving agencies visibility into the administration of critical public benefits for children.”

States can deploy Wonderschool Oversight as a standalone solution that integrates with existing subsidy management, licensing systems, and third-party childcare management systems, allowing agencies to implement oversight tools quickly and scale over time. The platform can also be paired with Wonderschool’s broader suite of childcare management, subsidy, and licensing solutions, which are already used by states to expand access, streamline administration, and identify potential misuse earlier in the process.

As states continue to focus on improving accountability for public dollars while expanding access to reliable childcare, technology-driven tools like Wonderschool Oversight may offer a path to achieving both goals simultaneously.

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The State of Arizona has launched its biggest-ever campaign to eliminate the digital divide with a $967 million investment in broadband technology across rural and underserved communities.

The allocation comes via the state’s Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment (BEAD) program, which utilizes a mix of federal funds and private matching dollars. Arizona’s BEAD spending plan has now been approved by the National Telecommunications & Information Administration, enabling the effort to move forward.

“Opportunity for every Arizonan means access to fast, affordable, reliable internet, no matter your zip code,” said Governor Katie Hobbs “With this historic investment, we’re not just closing the digital divide, but also opening doors to economic opportunity in every corner of our state. I’m grateful to the ACA and everyone who has played a role in advancing this critical project. From education to health care to workforce development, broadband is key to Arizona’s present and future.”

Arizona’s plan will cover 70 project areas encompassing an estimated 160,000 eligible households and over 1,200 “community anchor” institutions, such as schools, libraries and hospitals.

“This is a transformational moment for Arizona,” said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “With final BEAD approval, we are moving full speed ahead to connect every household and community with high-speed internet.”

It is estimated the broadband rollout will include the installation of more than 7,700 miles of fiber optic technology statewide. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

Lack of reliable, high-speed Internet has long been cited as an economic impediment in rural and tribal communities. Quality broadband is now considered essential technology for telehealth patients, job-seekers, entrepreneurs, students and more.

“Fiber broadband is core 21st-century infrastructure,” said Travis Lingenfelter, Chairman of the Mohave County Board of Supervisors. “This BEAD funding further equips rural Mohave County with the connectivity needed for education, healthcare services, public safety, industrial and small-business growth, and a stronger quality of life.”

“On behalf of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, I wish to express our appreciation and gratitude for this BEAD program and the prospect of connectivity,” said Roland Maldonado, Tribal Chairman of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians. “As a far northern Arizona tribe in an extreme rural community without the modern conveniences of readily available connections to cellular networks and fiber optics with high-speed internet access, this becomes a real-time technological welcomed change.”

An Arizona-based broadband provider, Wecom Fiber, is the single largest BEAD awardee – securing $195 million in BEAD funds to connect homes and businesses across 17 project areas in eight Arizona counties.

“This historic broadband investment will change lives for the better across Arizona by ensuring every corner of our state has access to reliable, high-speed internet,” said Wecom CEO Paul Fleming. “We thank Governor Hobbs and the State Broadband Office, the Trump administration, our local and community partners, and every Arizona citizen who participated in the public planning process.”

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With Congress weighing a slate of federal permitting reforms over the next two weeks, national and Arizona manufacturing leaders are urging lawmakers to modernize outdated processes that they say are slowing down job-creating projects in every corner of the country. 

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) is calling the window the “,” urging House members to advance several bills — including the PERMIT Act and the SPEED Act — aimed at streamlining federal reviews, clarifying the scope of environmental statutes, and shortening timelines for major infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects.  

NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons said momentum is building for bipartisan action. 

“Congress has an opportunity over the next 12 days to demonstrate strong, bipartisan momentum on comprehensive permitting reform,” Timmons said in a statement. “Manufacturers urge policymakers to seize the moment and make it easier and more cost-efficient for manufacturers to get shovels in the ground on job-creating projects.” 

For Arizona, the debate in Washington carries significant weight. The state is facing rising demand for power, advanced manufacturing capacity, and data-center infrastructure — all sectors that hinge on timely federal approvals. ˿����Ƶ leaders say lengthy permitting processes increase costs, deter investment, and make it harder for Arizona to meet workforce and energy needs tied to semiconductor manufacturing, AI development, and onshoring supply chains. 

Arizona ˿����Ƶ: predictable permitting is essential for competitiveness 

Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said modernizing federal permitting is critical for Arizona’s economic future. 

“Manufacturers can’t meet demand, onshore supply chains, or power new AI and data-center growth without a permitting system that works,” Seiden said. “Arizona’s economy depends on major projects moving on predictable timelines. Congress should advance the PERMIT Act and the SPEED Act so companies can build the infrastructure and capacity our economy requires.” 

Seiden added that Arizona has already seen projects slowed or complicated by federal bottlenecks, noting that stronger permitting coordination will help reinforce the state’s position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing. 

AMC: Federal uncertainty hits small and mid-sized manufacturers hardest 

Grace Appelbe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council, said modernizing federal processes would reduce uncertainty for Arizona companies, especially the small and medium-sized firms that make up the backbone of the state’s supply chain. 

“Long, unpredictable permitting timelines create real challenges for Arizona manufacturers trying to expand, upgrade equipment, or bring new technologies online,” Appelbe said. “Streamlining these reviews will give companies more certainty, lower costs, and strengthen Arizona’s ability to compete for new investment.” 

Appelbe noted that many Arizona manufacturers planning new facilities or energy upgrades face multi-agency review processes that can take years. “A clearer federal framework would help every part of the supply chain plan more confidently,” she said. 

National implications for energy and AI growth 

According to NAM, more than 80% of manufacturers say today’s permitting challenges hinder their ability to invest, and nearly nine in 10 report they would expand operations or hire more workers if the federal process were streamlined. Reforms under consideration would simplify Clean Water Act reviews, reduce duplicative federal studies, expand categorical exclusions, and accelerate environmental assessments needed for large-scale projects. 

For Arizona, business leaders say the stakes are especially high. The state is home to rapidly expanding semiconductor fabs, aerospace production lines, defense manufacturing, AI-driven data centers, and massive energy infrastructure needs, all of which depend on permitting predictability. 

What comes next 

The House is expected to take up several permitting reform bills over the next two weeks. NAM is urging lawmakers to advance the PERMIT Act and a series of companion bills this week, followed by the SPEED Act — legislation the organization calls a cornerstone of U.S. competitiveness in energy and emerging technologies — next week. 

Manufacturing leaders say Senate action will be essential in the new year to convert these efforts into lasting policy changes. 

For Arizona manufacturers and utilities preparing for dramatic load growth, ˿����Ƶ and AMC leaders say they will continue advocating for reforms that allow job-creating projects to move forward at the pace the economy demands. 

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The Arizona Corporation Commission on Wednesday approved Tucson Electric Power’s proposed Energy Supply Agreement, or ESA, for a major new data center project following testimony from leading members of Arizona’s business community.

The Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council argued that the agreement establishes a model for responsible economic development, ensuring that large-scale industrial users pay their fair share while bolstering the state’s competitiveness for high-tech investment.

Grace Appelbe, executive director of the AMC, testified at the hearing, emphasizing that the agreement prioritizes the stability and affordability of Arizona’s energy grid.

“Arizona’s employers rely on stable, affordable, and reliable energy,” Appelbe told commissioners. “Our ability to attract major investment—especially high-tech and manufacturing projects—depends on a regulatory environment that provides certainty while protecting existing customers.”

“Growth pays for growth”

At the center of the hearing was the ESA between TEP and Humphrey’s Peak Power, LLC, regarding the initial phase of a southeast Tucson data center previously known as “Project Blue.”

Business leaders praised the agreement for adhering to a strict “growth pays for growth” principle. According to the testimony and filings submitted by the ˿����Ƶ and AMC, the deal includes robust safeguards to prevent cost-shifting to residential or small business customers.

“The customer will pay the Commission-approved rate for TEP’s largest users, without any discounts or incentives,” Appelbe testified.

Key provisions of the agreement designed to protect existing ratepayers include:

• Full cost recovery: The project will pay standard rates with no subsidies.
• Risk mitigation: The contract includes credit requirements, minimum demand payments, and termination fees.
• Resource adequacy: The initial phase will be served using existing resources and clean-energy assets already in development, avoiding the need for immediate new generation.

“These protections ensure that if the project doesn’t build out as expected, there is no cost-shifting to residential or small business customers,” Appelbe said.

Economic benefits and grid efficiency

In a letter submitted to Commission Chairman Kevin Thompson and the commissioners, the ˿����Ƶ and AMC highlighted the broader economic advantages of attracting hyperscale data centers. These projects generate significant capital investment, construction activity, high-wage jobs, and long-term tax revenue.

Beyond direct economic injections, the business groups argued that high-load customers actually help stabilize rates for all users. By providing consistent, 24/7 energy usage, data centers help spread the utility’s fixed system costs across more kilowatt-hours.

“In a traditionally regulated state like Arizona, major loads, such as data centers, will help lower the revenue requirement from all other customers, reducing upward pressure on rates,” the ˿����Ƶ and AMC wrote in their joint letter.

Outlook

TEP has indicated that while the initial phase will utilize existing capacity (up to 286 MW), future phases will require the customer to fund new resources to meet their demand.

The business community expressed support for this framework, noting that TEP has completed the rigorous technical studies required to ensure reliability is maintained.

Appelbe concluded her testimony by urging the Commission to approve the agreement, framing it as a signal to the market that Arizona can accommodate major employers responsibly.

“Approving this agreement sends a clear signal that Arizona can meet the energy needs of major employers while keeping costs fair for everyone,” Appelbe said.

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Arizona leaders gathered in Mesa last week to celebrate an icon of American aviation national defense: the Apache attack helicopter.

The event marked 50 years since the first Apache prototype took flight and served not only as a tribute to generations of engineers, machinists, and military partners, but also delivered a clear signal of Arizona’s commitment to growing and sustaining Boeing’s presence in the state.

The gathering brought together Gov. Katie Hobbs, U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton and Andy Biggs, Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman, and leaders from the state’s defense and aerospace community. The event commemorated the Apache’s enduring legacy, recognized the people who have built and advanced the aircraft, and highlighted Arizona’s role as a national hub for rotorcraft innovation.

A milestone in American aerospace

The Apache story began on Sept. 30, 1975, when the YAH-64 prototype took its first flight in Carlsbad, Calif. Today, Boeing continues to design, build, test, and advance the aircraft at its Mesa facility, supporting approximately 4,600 employees, 270 in-state suppliers, and more than $1.1 billion in annual Arizona-based procurement.

Since production began in Mesa in 1982, Boeing has delivered 2,862 Apaches to the U.S. Army and international partners, with aircraft currently operating in 19 allied nations and more than 1,300 Apaches in service worldwide.

The latest evolution, the AH-64E Version 6.5, is now undergoing flight testing in Mesa and incorporates advanced open-systems technologies that enhance battlefield interoperability and readiness for decades to come.

“Since its first flight, the AH-64 Apache has become an indispensable asset on the battlefield and remains a cornerstone of U.S. and allied aviation,” said Christina Upah, vice president of Attack Helicopter Programs and senior Mesa site executive for Boeing. “We are proud to build and advance the Apache at our Mesa site, supporting thousands of Arizona jobs and sustaining a broad supplier base that strengthens local and national security.”

A symbol of innovation and a pillar of Arizona’s workforce

For Boeing and for Arizona, the Apache is more than an aircraft; it is an economic engine and a pipeline for high-skilled aerospace careers.

Boeing’s Mesa operations encompass Apache production, advanced composites work, electrical and metals fabrication, global support services, one of the world’s leading flight-simulation centers, and the company’s Global Security Operations Center.

Together, these functions anchor a broad, long-term economic footprint that strengthens the state’s position as a global aerospace leader.

Gov. Hobbs on social media that the Apache program has helped lift Arizona’s entire aerospace ecosystem.

“For 50 years, the Apache has stood as a symbol of innovation, strength, and American ingenuity—built right here in Mesa,” she said. “Proud to celebrate Boeing’s legacy and Arizona’s role in driving the future of aerospace, defense, and good-paying jobs for generations to come.”

Hobbs also noted the bipartisan nature of the support for the program, saying, “The fact that there are so many elected officials here from both sides of the aisle demonstrates our commitment to the future of the Apache program here in Arizona.”

A bipartisan coalition for Boeing’s future

One of the strongest themes of the anniversary celebration was unity: state and federal leaders making clear that Boeing’s presence in Arizona is indispensable and strongly supported.

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton Boeing’s long-standing role in strengthening America’s national defense while fueling the region’s economy.

“From its first test flight through today, Boeing’s Apache helicopter—built right here in Mesa—has protected our troops and supported thousands of good jobs in the East Valley,” Stanton said. “Grateful to the veterans, engineers, & employees who’ve made this 50-year success story possible.”

Stanton added: “The Apache didn’t just fly, it soared—and it took Mesa with it. The city is a hub for aerospace and defense manufacturing anchored by great companies like Boeing.”

East Valley U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs reflected on the Apache’s legacy in Arizona.

“For half a century, Boeing’s strategic attack helicopter Apache has represented the best of American innovation and strength. Right here in Mesa, Boeing’s world-class team has built an enduring legacy—supporting thousands of jobs for Arizonans, advancing our state’s manufacturing excellence, and helping keep our nation secure,” Biggs said. “When we invest in American workers and ingenuity, we equip our military with unmatched capability and strengthen the backbone of our economy and national defense for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who helped build this legacy, and congratulations on an historic achievement.”

For its part, Boeing expressed deep appreciation for the recognition shown by state and federal leaders at the event.

“It was great to have so many elected officials in attendance recognizing our team for their hard work and dedication,” said Mark Gaspers, director of government operations for The Boeing Company. “In that moment all were united by a single purpose: to honor the AH-64E Apache—the world’s preeminent attack helicopter—and to show appreciation to the team that builds it. Our teammates were proud to see their representatives show up in support.”

Driving workforce development and community impact

Beyond manufacturing and testing advanced rotorcraft, Boeing Mesa plays a vital role in strengthening Arizona’s future workforce. The company partners with local schools, community colleges, and STEM programs to create apprenticeship opportunities, hands-on training, and pathways for the next generation of technicians, engineers, and aviation professionals.

In 2024 alone, Boeing and its employees contributed more than $2 million to Arizona non-profits and community initiatives, with a focus on STEM education, veterans, and workforce development programs

The next 50 years

As the Apache continues to evolve—with Version 6.5 now being tested in Mesa—Boeing and Arizona leaders share a common message: the future of rotorcraft innovation is here, and the state intends to keep it that way.

Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden emphasized that Boeing’s continued growth is essential to Arizona’s economic and national security leadership. “Boeing’s Apache program has helped make Arizona a global force in aerospace and defense,” Seiden said. “Our state is united—Republicans and Democrats alike—in supporting Boeing’s mission, its workforce, and the next generation of innovation taking shape right here in Mesa. Arizona will continue doing everything possible to strengthen and expand Boeing’s footprint.”

For Boeing, the celebration was both a reflection on a half-century of excellence and a reaffirmation that Arizona will remain at the center of its next era of innovation.

As Rep. Stanton put it, “Fifty years ago, a prototype lifted off the ground for the first time. That flight launched more than a helicopter. It launched thousands of great careers, strengthened our national defense, and helped build a modern Mesa.”

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Arizona Public Service has unveiled plans for a major new natural-gas-fired generating facility west of Gila Bend that the state’s business community is calling a smart investment in reliability and growth.

The Desert Sun Power Plant is projected to produce up to 2,000 megawatts of capacity—enough to power more than a million homes—through a two-phase project designed to keep pace with Arizona’s booming population and the influx of energy-intensive industries such as semiconductor manufacturing and data centers. Construction is expected to begin around 2028, with the first phase online by 2030.

Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said the ˿����Ƶ “strongly supports” APS’ plan, calling it the kind of forward-looking solution that protects affordability and competitiveness for Arizona employers.

“Arizona’s continued population growth and surging interest from 21st-century job creators demand bold investment in our state’s energy infrastructure. APS’s Desert Sun Power Plant represents exactly the type of smart solution Arizona needs to ensure our grid remains reliable, affordable, and competitive for business,” Seiden said.

APS’ “growth pays for growth” model is one of the proposal’s most distinctive features. APS says new capacity to serve large commercial customers, particularly data centers, will be funded directly by those users through dedicated subscription agreements, insulating smaller business and residential ratepayers from the cost of expansion.

The second phase of Desert Sun will cater specifically to those large users, whose energy requests already exceed 19,000 megawatts, more than double APS’s current peak demand. By securing firm, dispatchable natural-gas generation, the utility says it can maintain grid stability as renewable resources continue to expand.

APS describes Desert Sun as essential to maintaining reliability while advancing the state’s clean-energy transition. Natural gas, company officials say, will provide “on-demand” power that complements solar and battery storage, helping avoid brownouts during extreme heat or cloud cover.

The plant’s site near Gila Bend offers ample space for transmission expansion and access to fuel via the planned Transwestern Pipeline Desert Southwest expansion. APS expects the project to generate hundreds of construction jobs and ongoing operations roles, delivering local economic benefits beyond energy supply.

For Arizona’s business community, the project underscores a larger point: energy infrastructure is now a competitive differentiator. With the state courting semiconductor fabs, EV manufacturing, and hyperscale computing operations, ensuring ample, reliable power has become central to Arizona’s economic-development strategy.

Desert Sun still requires regulatory approvals, but the early response from business and policy circles has been strongly positive. To many observers, the pairing of renewables with flexible natural-gas generation signals a pragmatic approach to keep pace with one of the nation’s fastest-growing economies.

As Seiden put it, “Arizona is proving that energy reliability and economic opportunity go hand in hand.”

Cover image courtesy APS social media

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Arizona’s manufacturing leaders gathered in Phoenix on Tuesday to celebrate the companies and individuals driving the state’s manufacturing renaissance. At the Arizona Manufacturers Council’s 2025 Manufacturer of the Year Awards Luncheon, six standout firms and one public leader were recognized for their innovation, commitment to sustainability, and advocacy for Arizona’s economic growth.

The annual event honors manufacturers large and small whose work is powering Arizona’s fast-growing industrial sector. This year’s edition recognized semiconductor suppliers and technology innovators, brewers, and construction product manufacturers, all reflecting the breadth and vitality of the state’s manufacturing economy, which now employs more than 200,000 Arizonans and continues to attract national attention for its rapid expansion and skilled workforce.

“Arizona’s manufacturers continue to set the bar for excellence, whether they’re developing next-generation technologies, investing in their workforce, or strengthening the communities where they operate,” Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe said. “This year’s honorees represent the innovation and leadership that make Arizona a national leader in manufacturing.”

Among those honored were Swift Coat, named Small Manufacturer of the Year for its advanced coating technology improving the performance and sustainability of solar panels and glass products; Pure Wafer, a Prescott-based company reclaiming silicon wafers for the semiconductor industry; and Axon, the Scottsdale public safety technology firm recognized as Large Manufacturer of the Year.

“We’re changing the world here from Arizona,” Axon Sr. Vice President Chris Camacho said in accepting the honor. “Companies like this are what we’ve been trying to grow in this state for so many decades. We are the top manufacturing hub of the United States. The hope is that we’ll continue to nurture companies like Axon and many others, so we continue to build headquarters, build manufacturing, build R&D, and create high-wage jobs for our citizens.”

Other awardees included Copper State Bolt & Nut Co., named as the Arizona Success Story; Associated Materials Innovation, which won for Excellence in Innovation; and Four Peaks Brewing Company, which won for Excellence in Sustainability. Arizona Corporation Commission Chairman Kevin Thompson who was named Manufacturing Champion of the Year for his work advancing pro-business and energy reliability policies.

Honeywell nabs Hottest Thing Made in Arizona win

Honeywell’s 131-9 Auxiliary Power Unit won the competition for the Hottest Thing Made in Arizona, an annual contest celebrating the innovation, talent, and economic impact of Arizona’s manufacturing sector.

This year’s bracket-style vote attracted more than 10,000 votes through the .

Manufactured in Phoenix, the 131-9 APU is a small engine located in the tail of an aircraft that serves as a backup generator, providing power for lights, instruments, and air systems when the main engines are not running. Trusted by airlines around the world, Honeywell’s APU is a global standard in aviation safety and reliability.

Also represented in the contest finals were Lucid’s all-electric and Casa Grande-built Gravity SUV—which delivers up to 450 miles of range and 828 horsepower, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds—and the Axon Body 4, the latest generation of Scottsdale-based Axon’s body-worn camera technology which is equipped with artificial intelligence features that enhance safety, efficiency, and accountability.

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