Center for the Future of Arizona

10/08/2026

Join us and celebrate CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis as the 2026 Luminary Award honoree. Sybil’s visionary leadership, commitment to bringing Arizonans together around shared public values, and her lasting impact on our state’s future will be recognized at An InspirED Evening on Oct. 21. Thank you to our friends at Education Forward Arizona for this meaningful recognition.

10/08/2026

10/07/2026

Arizona voters have consistently identified education as essential to the state’s future and a clear desire for stronger outcomes and progress on their priorities.

Voters have given Arizona a comprehensive education agenda focused on a strong public education system, including students prepared for success in life and work, strong academic and critical-thinking skills, and more accountability for public dollars.

New findings from the 2026 Arizona Voters’ Agenda show:
🎓 78% say Arizona’s elected leaders are not doing enough to improve K-12 education.

📚 77% say elected leaders are too focused on issues like ESAs/vouchers and not focused enough on improving reading and math outcomes, preparing students for careers, and other priorities that improve student success.

The priorities are clear. Where do leaders see the greatest opportunities to make progress? bit.ly/AVAeducation

10/07/2026

Stay informed ahead of the election and make your voice heard. Watch the debates to hear directly from the candidates on the issues and ballot initiatives shaping Arizona's future.

Catch up on all the debates at Clean Elections before casting your vote: bit.ly/4xQ3ZC9

Election seasons move fast now. Candidates post clips online within minutes. Campaign ads appear everywhere. Headlines shift daily. But despite all the activity surrounding elections, debates play a critical role for Arizona voters.

Catch up on all debates before casting your ballot in the November 3 General Election.

Debates are available on our website or YouTube channel: https://ow.ly/eVu950ZPesH

10/06/2026

Less than one month until Election Day!
Arizona voters: Now is a good time to get familiar with what will be on your ballot. Clean Elections’ 2026 General Election Voter Education Guide can help you learn more about ballot measures, candidates, and what to expect on your county’s November ballot. Get informed and get ready to vote by 11/3: bit.ly/4yEhzcE

10/02/2026

Arizona’s 2026 candidate debates are underway, and election confidence is already taking center stage. CFA’s nonpartisan research adds an important perspective to that conversation: what Arizonans say.

Confidence is not shared evenly across partisan groups, and real gaps deserve attention. But election confidence is not gone. The data also reveal a strong foundation Arizona can build upon.

The Clean Elections debate series gives Arizonans an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking to lead our state. Throughout the election season, CFA will continue bringing voters’ voices into the conversation — grounding public dialogue in trusted research and keeping attention on what Arizonans say good elections should deliver.

Watch the Clean Elections debates: bit.ly/3TBWqRu
Explore the research: bit.ly/4xAHZLs

10/02/2026

What are Arizonans' perceptions of our electoral process heading into the midterms?

Last week at the ASU Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory 2026 Fall Elections Convening, our Arizona Board member and former Congressman Matt Salmon joined Sybil Francis of the Center for the Future of Arizona and David Becker of The Center for Election Innovation & Research for the “How Arizonans View the 2026 Election” panel.

The conversation explored CFA and DDF survey findings, including what Arizonans value in their elections, where gaps in confidence and perception remain, and what those views mean as Arizona heads toward November.

Thank you to the Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory for bringing together election leaders and experts for an important conversation!

Learn more about the conversation here: https://tinyurl.com/bdedjr2d

10/02/2026

As election coverage intensifies, our new survey finds overwhelming interest among Arizona voters in hearing candidates directly answer questions about their priorities, a preference for problem-solving, and optimism about Arizona’s future.

CFA’s research over the years reinforces this: Arizonans want leaders focused on the issues affecting their lives and communities, with clear plans and actions that deliver results.

Will Arizona respond? Explore the questions Arizona voters want answered: bit.ly/AVAleadership

09/30/2026

A strong Arizona starts with a strong team! Our CFA staff came together for our annual retreat to connect, reflect, and get energized for our work ahead.

We celebrated our proud moments of impact, gained a deeper understanding of the strategic role we each play, and discussed the new priorities ahead to continue advancing The Arizona We Want.

Together, we’re building a stronger, brighter future for our state while celebrating the joy in the journey.

Thank you to our partners at Helios Education Foundation for welcoming us on campus.

09/25/2026

Our August newsletter is here with the latest updates, insights, and stories shaping Arizona’s future. Here’s what to know:

• New Arizona Voters’ Agenda findings make Arizona voters’ priorities clear
• Celebrate 10 years of impact with SPB
• U.S. Bank is helping build The Arizona We Want and more!

Never miss an issue and sign up today: bit.ly/3tqViTd