Southern Arizona Leadership Council

10/15/2026

Reliable transportation supports our economy, our workforce and the movement of goods.

That’s part of the conversation behind Proposition 141. The measure would prohibit mileage-based taxes and fees, closing off one potential funding option before its costs, benefits and safeguards can be evaluated.

SALC’s position is to keep options open as transportation needs continue to change.

Explore the full brief at

These positions reflect months of education, advocacy and outreach. Nothing is rubber-stamped. There are no shortcuts or slates. Our Public Policy Committee and Focus Areas debate each measure and forward recommendations to our Board of Directors for a decision.

10/15/2026

Have questions about Proposition 427? Join a virtual information session!

Pima JTED is hosting two virtual community information sessions to help voters learn more about the proposed $250 million bond, including the projects it would fund, how the funding would be used and what it could mean for career and technical education in Southern Arizona.

📅 Thursday, October 15 | 7 p.m.
📅 Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m.

JTED officials will be available to answer questions about the proposal. Take the opportunity to learn more and make an informed decision this November.

🔎 Learn more about Proposition 427:

Yes for Job Training. Vote YES on Prop 427!

10/15/2026

How will Arizona keep its transportation options open as vehicles, travel patterns and infrastructure needs change?

Proposition 141 would prohibit state and local mileage-based taxes or fees and require voluntary consent for rules that monitor or limit vehicle miles.

SALC opposes closing off a potential transportation funding option before its costs, benefits and safeguards can be evaluated.

SALC recommends: VOTE NO on Proposition 141.

10/15/2026

Looking for a useful resource to include in your next employee newsletter?

SALC’s 2026 Ballot Briefing brings together information on six selected ballot measures, along with SALC’s positions and the reasoning behind them.

It’s one way to help your employees find reliable information as they prepare to vote.
Share the guide with your team: salc.org/ballot/

10/14/2026

What’s on the ballot matters to Southern Arizona’s future.

SALC’s 2026 Ballot Briefing examines six selected measures and provides context on what they would change and why they matter to our region. Over the next few weeks, we’ll take a closer look at each measure and SALC’s position.

Explore the full Ballot Briefing at salc.org/ballot/

08/06/2026

Show your support for career and technical education and learn the latest updates from Pima JTED. The JTED Transformation Summit 2026, themed "Building a Strong Tomorrow, Today," provides business leaders with a strategic pathway to train and recruit the next generation of talent directly from high school. The summit features a keynote on the "Workforce of the Future" from Jennifer L. Pullen from the Eller College of Management. You will also hear critical updates on new programs at the Bridges Campus and the 2026 JTED District Bond. Leaders can engage with students during a hands-on Program Expo featuring flight simulators.

On September 1, the JTED Foundation is hosting Transformation Summit 2026. The Foundation invites you to come see for yourself the power of career and technical education to transform lives, industries, and the economy. The solutions are there, learn how to leverage them.

08/04/2026

Celebrate local leadership and community impact at the 2026 Civic Champion Dinner in Tucson on Wednesday, August 12, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. This inspiring evening honors dedicated civic leaders and brings together community members for a great cause. Register using the link below

Come join us for a night celebrating everyday Arizonans who enhance the civic life in our state.

05/29/2026

In a new Op-Ed, SALC President & CEO Ted Maxwell calls for stronger local leadership and a greater willingness for leaders to speak out against what is wrong. Taking a stand is the first step toward changing the direction of Tucson and the region. When leaders speak up, it sends a clear signal that helps rebuild public trust and confidence in local government. Read it here

An opinion writer says growing concerns over crime, homelessness, public safety and city services are leaving many Tucson residents frustrated and questioning whether local leaders are doing enough to address

05/05/2026

SALC Welcomes Dr. Aaron Ball as Vice President to Advance Education Policy

Tucson, AZ - The Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC) today announced the hiring of Dr. Aaron Ball as Vice President, where he will lead and expand the organization’s P–20 education policy portfolio on behalf of the Southern Arizona community.

Dr. Ball brings deep experience across the full education continuum, from early learning through K–12, higher education, and workforce alignment. In his new role, he will guide SALC’s efforts to strengthen Southern Arizona’s education pipeline, improve student outcomes, and better connect education systems with the skills and credentials demanded by today’s economy.

“Ensuring a strong, aligned P–20 education system is essential to Southern Arizona’s long-term competitiveness,” said SALC President & CEO, Ted Maxwell. “Dr. Ball’s expertise across education sectors and his ability to translate policy into practice will be instrumental as we work with our members to advance meaningful, outcomes-driven reforms. He understands the importance of a qualified workforce for our region.”

Prior to joining SALC, Dr. Ball served as Director of College & Career Pathways Liaison for Southern Arizona at the Center for the Future of Arizona, where he worked at the intersection of education and workforce systems to advance statewide pathways initiatives. He began his career as an agriscience teacher before moving into school leadership, serving as both a high school assistant principal and an elementary principal.

He later served nearly seven years as Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for the Pima County Joint Technical Education District, where he built partnerships across K–12 systems, higher education institutions, employers, and community organizations to expand career-connected learning opportunities. His work has consistently focused on improving student pathways, strengthening workforce alignment, and driving systems-level change across education sectors.

Dr. Ball holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, along with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture and agricultural education from the University of Arizona. He is a fourth-generation Arizonan with a longstanding commitment to expanding opportunity for students across the state.

“I’m honored to join SALC and help advance a more connected and effective education system,” said Dr. Ball. “From early learning through postsecondary and career, we have an opportunity to better align our systems around student success and economic mobility. I look forward to working with SALC members to support policies that deliver results.”

04/07/2026

AZ Tech Week is in full swing until Sunday, April 12th with events across Arizona. SALC is proud to support Tucson’s own tech community, who will be holding dozens of events throughout the coming week:

Check out the complete AZTW calendar here: https://www.azcommerce.com/az-tech-week/aztw-calendar/

See what the University of Arizona is hosting here: https://research.arizona.edu/aztechweek

See what Southern Arizona Technology and Entrepreneurship Center at Pima Community College has planned: https://www.pima.edu/news/announcements/2026/202603-16-satec-open-house.html

Discover AZ Commerce Authority’s events: https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2026/2/arizona-tech-week-calendar/

Attend AZTW Happy Hour with UACI, Startup Tucson, CIC, Pima County Economic Development: https://partiful.com/e/GrhS8nt1gSd1PO9nDX6s

Celebrate the close of AZ Tech Week at Pitch, Connect, Celebrate: AZ Tech Week Finale, bringing together Southern Arizona’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and community leaders. Sponsored by Vantage West and HUSTL, the evening will feature IdeaFunding finalist presentations and an introduction t...