December 3, 2025 Education and Workforce Development Roundtable

OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK             
 
 
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT 
ROUNDTABLE MINUTES 
 
December 3, 2025 
 
The Education and Workforce Development Roundtable of the City of Mesa met in The Studios at Mesa 
City Center, 59 E. 1st St., on December 3, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. 
 
BOARDMEMBERS PRESENT 
BOARDMEMBERS ABSENT 
STAFF PRESENT 
Councilmember Heredia, Chair 
Dr. Erica Copeland (Designee for Dr. 
Perry Berry) 
Candice Copple 
Dr. Richard Daniel 
Dr. Joseph Foy* 
Sally Harrison 
Marcie Hutchinson 
David Loutzenheiser 
Dr. Shane McCord 
Rich Nickel  
Renee Parker (Designee for Dr. 
Matthew Strom) 
Jenny Jackson Robinson 
Matt Sexton (Designee for David 
Williams) 
Vince Yanez 
Kristen Sorensen 
Dr. Chad Wilson 
 
COUNCIL PRESENT 
 
None 
 
Andrea Alicoate 
Lisa Cartwright-Harris 
Holly Moseley 
Rafaella Safarian 
Sarah Tolar 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(*Participated in the meeting through the use of video conference equipment.) 
 
Chairperson Heredia conducted a roll call. 
 
Chairperson Heredia excused Boardmembers Sorensen and Wilson from the entire meeting.  
 
Chairperson Heredia excused Boardmember Daniel from the beginning of the meeting; he arrived 
at 1:40 p.m.  
 
1. 
Call meeting to order, welcome announcements and reminders from the Chair. 
 
 
Chairperson Heredia called the meeting to order and pointed out the 2026 meeting schedule. He 
welcomed Designee Dr. Erica Copeland, Associate Superintendent at Higley Unified School 
District; Designee Renee Parker, Director of Community Partnerships at Mesa Public Schools; 
and Designee Matt Sexton, Community Development Manager at Meta.

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2. 
Take action on selecting Education and Workforce Development Roundtable Vice Chair for new 
term.  
 
 
Education and Workforce Administrator Sarah Tolar displayed a PowerPoint presentation. (See 
Attachment 1) 
 
Chairperson Heredia noted the need to select a new vice chairperson to fill the vacancy created 
by Councilmember Spilsbury’s departure and nominated Boardmember Copple for the position. 
It was moved by Chairperson Heredia, seconded by Boardmember Harrison, that Boardmember 
Copple be appointed as Vice Chairperson of the Education and Workforce Development 
Roundtable for the remaining term ending June 30, 2026. 
 
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:  
 
AYES– Heredia–Copeland–Copple–Daniel–Foy–Harrison–Hutchinson–Loutzenheizer–McCord–
Nickel–Parker–Jackson Robinson–Sexton–Yanez 
NAYS – None 
ABSENT – Sorensen–Wilson 
 
Chairperson Heredia declared the motion carried unanimously by those present. 
 
Ms. Tolar confirmed that the Education and Workforce Development Roundtable (EWDR) is to be 
comprised of seventeen (17) members; nine (9) standing and eight (8) appointed members. She 
stated that the Mayor and Council will appoint a replacement standing member and reviewed the 
eligibility criteria for the position. (See Page 3 of Attachment 1)  
 
3. 
Take action to approve the Roundtable Meeting Minutes from September 3, 2025. 
 
It was moved by Boardmember Jackson Robinson, seconded by Boardmember Daniel, that the 
September 3, 2025, Education and Workforce Development Roundtable meeting minutes be 
approved. 
 
Upon tabulation of votes, it showed:  
 
AYES– Heredia–Copeland–Copple–Daniel–Foy–Harrison–Hutchinson–Loutzenheizer–McCord–
Nickel– Parker–Jackson Robinson–Sexton–Yanez 
NAYS – None 
ABSENT – Sorensen–Wilson 
 
Chairperson Heredia declared the motion carried unanimously by those present. 
 
4. 
City staff to provide overview and debrief on Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy’s 
progress and next steps. 
 
Ms. Tolar discussed the progress being made by the Arizona Institute for Education and The 
Economy (AIEE) and provided a brief overview of the presentation from the September 3, 2025, 
EWDR meeting. She reviewed AIEE’s theory of change in action and reported the positive

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feedback received from local industry partners who are engaged in the initiative. She explained 
that AIEE is developing a playbook to guide innovation in education across Arizona that will 
highlight best practices, identify what policy changes may be needed, and offer tools that districts 
can use to scale innovation. She added that advocacy organizations are involved in supporting 
this work and that the guidance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be included to help educators and 
students effectively use these resources. (See Pages 4 through 6 of Attachment 1) 
 
Ms. Tolar highlighted the AIEE State 48 Graduate Profile, which is based on the principle that 
students may pursue different pathways, while still being prepared for any of the four future 
options identified in the profile, including the ability to return for additional education as needed. 
She noted that the profile identifies eight essential skills developed collaboratively by schools, 
businesses, and industry partners to reflect what graduates need for success. (See Pages 7 and 
8 of Attachment 1) 
 
Ms. Tolar commented that at the recent statewide Redesign Day, participants from across Arizona 
gathered to help bridge gaps in the education system. She stated that the attendees worked in 
regional groups to select a priority challenge, assess the current conditions, identify a desired 
future state, discuss the steps needed to achieve that outcome, and reviewed models from other 
states to help inform their discussion. She added that the session emphasized possibilities rather 
than limitations to encourage forward-focused problem-solving and noted that AIEE will continue 
to convene the groups to support ongoing collaboration. She highlighted that AIEE has published 
statewide AI guidance, created by a cross-sector team, to help schools implement AI in ways that 
strengthen programming and promote innovative, future-oriented practices. (See Pages 9 and 10 
of Attachment 1) 
 
Ms. Tolar pointed out that the full document and resources can be viewed using the QR Code 
located on page 7 of the presentation. 
 
5. 
Hear report from Rich Nickel, Education Forward President and CEO, on statewide education 
attainment report.  
 
Boardmember Nickel encouraged members to review the materials provided independently to 
ensure full understanding of the information. He reported that Education Forward Arizona has 
been in existence for four years and is supported by three non-profit partners working collectively 
to strengthen the educational voice in Arizona. He noted that their efforts include examining 
historic and future trends in education, engaging statewide leadership, and gathering input from 
rural and remote regions to inform a statewide vision. He stated that an updated strategic 
framework was released in November 2025, which includes revisions to Education Forward 
Arizona’s vision and mission to better reflect current priorities in policy, programming, and 
workforce alignment. (See Pages 11 through 13 of Attachment 1) 
 
Mr. Nickel outlined the Achieve60AZ initiative with the goal of increasing post-secondary 
education attainment across Arizona from the current rate of 49% to 60% by 2030. He reported 
that Arizona has achieved approximately 280,000 additional degrees and credentials toward this 
objective, with each percentage point representing approximately 35,000 to 40,000 individuals. 
He verified that progress is being measured using the Education Progress Meter, with early 
learning indicators remaining a priority focus. He noted the continued support for several services 
and programs that impact students and educators, including 870 scholarships awarded totaling 
$2.4 million and Ask Benji, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) support chatbot 
that serves approximately 450,000 high school students and parents. He referenced the

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Everything to Gain public awareness group that advocates for expanding scholarship programs, 
augmenting pay for teachers, and increasing dual enrollment plans. He remarked that an increase 
in higher education enrollment by 20% could lead to more than $5 billion in economic gain for 
Arizona annually. (See Pages 14 through 19 of Attachment 1) 
 
Mr. Nickel reviewed recent statewide polling, and noted that voters’ top concerns include 
homelessness, housing, healthcare, and quality-of-life issues. He stated that while education 
remains a high priority across demographic groups, voters identified affordability, student debt, 
childcare challenges, and underfunding of K–12 public schools as significant concerns. He 
reported ratings for community colleges and universities remain generally positive, and local 
perceptions of school districts show modest improvement. (See Pages 20 through 24 of 
Attachment 1) 
 
Mr. Nickel presented polling data regarding the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) 
Program and stated that the results indicated 22% favorable, 22% unfavorable, 32% unfamiliar, 
and 25% with no opinion. He noted that respondents expressed concerns related to transparency 
and accountability, but results confirm that after receiving additional information, approximately 
80% of respondents supported policy measures to require stronger financial controls, audits, 
reporting requirements, and outcome tracking. (See Pages 25 through 27 of Attachment 1) 
 
Mr. Nickel reported that voters overwhelmingly believe elected leaders should take additional 
action to strengthen the workforce pipeline and reduce reliance on importing talent from other 
states. He added that broad support exists for policies that expand access to post-secondary 
opportunities, reduce barriers to enrollment, and increase options for career and technical 
education, online learning, and adult training programs. (See Pages 28 through 35 of Attachment 
1) 
 
In response to a question from Boardmember Copple, Mr. Nickel stated that uncertainty remains 
about whether the state will achieve the 60% attainment goal but affirmed that significant progress 
has been made. He emphasized the importance of expanding high-value credentials, improving 
data collection for adults aged 25 to 64, and strengthening the pipeline of younger learners.  
 
In response to a comment from Chairperson Heredia, Mr. Nickel acknowledged significant 
disparities across socioeconomic and demographic indicators and emphasized the need to 
support populations that represent a growing share of Arizona’s student body. 
 
Responding to an inquiry by Boardmember Foy regarding data related to dual credit participation 
and its impact on enrollment in Arizona colleges and universities, Mr. Nickel stated that data is 
available for various regions and at the state level. He noted that Helios and the Phoenix Chamber 
are leading dual enrollment data efforts and that additional analysis will help make the information 
more accessible and actionable. 
 
6. 
Hear presentation from Melinda Gulick, First Things First CEO, on early childhood issues and 
impact on economic and workforce development in Mesa.  
 
 
 
a. 
Discuss priorities, work and opportunities for engagement with City of Mesa.  
 
Ms. Gulick presented information on early childhood education and its direct connection to long-
term post-secondary attainment and emphasized that post-secondary success starts at birth. She 
noted that the First Things First program is funded through a voter-approved tobacco tax initiative

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directing 40% of tobacco revenues to early childhood services. She highlighted research showing 
that 90% of brain development occurs before kindergarten and that early literacy, social-emotional 
development, and high-quality early learning are critical components of Arizona’s graduate profile. 
She reported that the statewide goal is for 45% of children in Arizona, aged birth to five, to have 
access to high-quality early learning and confirmed that the current rate is 32%. (See Pages 36 
and 37 of Attachment 1) 
 
Ms. Gulick referenced a Harvard study demonstrating the long-term impact of early learning on 
academic outcomes and life trajectory. She cited findings from the School Readiness Task Force 
indicating that children who participate in high-quality early environments enter kindergarten 
better prepared, require fewer interventions throughout their academic career, and show 
improved social and emotional development. She explained that the statewide childcare crisis 
stems from multiple, compounding challenges, and stressed that demand for care far exceeds 
available supply. She stated childcare employees face low wages, minimal benefits, and limited 
opportunities for paid professional development, making it difficult for providers to retain staff. She 
said the cost of care often consumes 12–32% of household income, far above the 7% benchmark 
considered affordable. She pointed out that infant care can reach roughly $25,000 per year, and 
overall childcare averages $14,000–$15,000 annually, frequently exceeding the cost of college 
tuition, resulting in many families being forced into debt just to secure needed care. (Pages 38 
through 41 of Attachment 1) 
 
 
 
 
Ms. Gulick remarked that childcare challenges have significant impacts on Arizona’s working 
families and employers. She reported that these shortages result in substantial economic losses 
due to reduced workforce participation, employee turnover, and employer costs associated with 
vacancies. She emphasized that investing in childcare and early learning could generate an 
estimated $2.5 billion in economic benefit, support increased workforce participation, and boost 
high school graduation rates by approximately 4,800 students per year. (See Pages 42 through 
46 of Attachment 1) 
 
 
Ms. Gulick highlighted several community-based initiatives currently underway across Arizona to 
address childcare shortages. She encouraged the EWDR to examine whether similar 
collaborative approaches could address Mesa’s childcare gaps, especially as school closures 
affect community access to care. She reviewed additional community solutions such as employer-
supported infant-at-work programs and public-private partnerships. (See Pages 47 through 49 of 
Attachment 1) 
 
 
Ms. Gulick explained that the First Things First early childhood programs are primarily funded 
through tobacco tax revenues and state general funds; however, tobacco has become a declining 
revenue source, with collections down 47% since 2006, worsening the childcare funding crisis. 
She noted that Arizona’s tax structure is outdated, as newer tobacco and nicotine products such 
as synthetic nicotine and nicotine pouches are not taxed and consumers have increasingly shifted 
to these products. She reported that current efforts to add vape and synthetic nicotine products 
to the taxable list face substantial political challenges and emphasized that resolving the funding 
shortfall is essential to investing in the future workforce. She identified that additional information 
is available via the QR code provided. (See Pages 50 through 57 of Attachment 1) 
 
 
Responding to a comment from Mr. Nickel, Ms. Gulick said that the influx of federal investments 
made during the 2020 pandemic provided clear evidence of its positive impact.  She pointed out 
that during that period the state’s childcare progress measure was the only statewide education 
metric that improved.

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In response to a question from Chairperson Heredia, Ms. Gulick commented that approximately 
1,800 licensed providers contract with the Department of Economic Security (DES) to accept 
childcare subsidy funding and many statewide providers also receive support through First Things 
First scholarships. She pointed out that federally funded programs such as Head Start and Early 
Head Start serve approximately 17,000 children across Arizona. 
 
 
Ms. Gulick discussed the emergence of new partners in early childhood education, including the 
Bezos Academy, which offers free, high-quality preschool programs and expands parental choice. 
She stated that recent preschool grant awards present an opportunity to better integrate the 
various players in the early learning system to ensure programs make sense for all families. She 
reported that the Bezos Academy currently operates sites in Mesa, Glendale, and Peoria, and 
discussions are taking place regarding how these programs can complement district offerings, 
alleviate pressure on Mesa Public Schools, and support families’ needs. She stated that Head 
Start, the Bezos Academy, and local business leaders are engaged in ongoing conversations to 
align services and build on existing strengths within the community. 
 
 
Chairperson Heredia thanked Ms. Gulick for the presentation. 
 
 
Ms. Tolar asked the EWDR to consider engaging the business community and emphasized that 
childcare is fundamentally an economic development issue with significant impacts on employers. 
She noted the challenges facing Mesa, including the lack of affordable childcare and after-school 
care, and said that bringing business leaders together through a task force could help build shared 
understanding and support. She recommended partnering with the consultant currently working 
with First Things First, acknowledging that Mesa’s size and diversity require tailored strategies. 
She stated that this approach could be a productive next step, drawing on successful models 
used in other communities to develop an effective, locally informed childcare strategy. 
 
7. 
Roundtable members share out information regarding their involvement in recent and upcoming 
education or workforce-related events or programs.  
 
 
Chairperson Heredia extended an invitation to the grand opening of the new Southeast Mesa 
Library at Gateway on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 
 
 
Boardmember Hutchinson highlighted the Mesa Public Schools Career and Technical Education 
programs and encouraged EWDR members to sign up for the monthly newsletter by emailing 
degiles@mpsaz.org. She mentioned new micro-internship opportunities launching in January, 
which enable students to take ownership of tasks, offer fresh perspectives on workflow, and gain 
hands-on experience. She reminded the boardmembers of the spring hiring fair scheduled for April 
28, 2026. 
  
 
Boardmember Daniel announced that Mesa Community College recently celebrated its 60-year 
anniversary and expressed appreciation for the ongoing partnerships with the City of Mesa, the 
Mesa Chamber of Commerce, and Mesa Public Schools. 
 
8. 
Call to the public. 
 
 
There were no public comments. 
 
9. 
Call for future agenda items.

MESA 
EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE 
DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE
December 3, 2025
Education and Workforce 
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December 3, 2025 
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2026 Meeting Dates
• February 11, 2026
• May 6, 2026
• August 19, 2026
• November 4, 2026
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Mesa Education and Workforce Development Roundtable Resolution
Appointed Member Criteria  
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Bit.ly/42PDtwh
AIEE documents and resources: 
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10/21 (Re)Design Day 
• Challenge 1: Learning with Purpose and Relevance
• Challenge 2: Schools Design for Belonging and Well-being
• Challenge 3: Rethinking Knowledge & Learning in a 
Changing World 
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AI Guidance
• K-12 Guidance Document
• Understanding Gen AI
• Teaching, Learning and 
Admin Uses
• Responsible and Ethical 
Uses
• Implementation 
Recommendations
Link to download: azk12.ai
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Mesa Education & Workforce 
Development Roundtable
Understanding Voters’ Perceptions of Education 
in a Dynamic Environment
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1
2
PG   |
EducationForwardArizona.org
@EdForwardAZ
All Arizonans, regardless of background, have 
access to flexible, high-quality, and integrated 
education and training pathways that prepare 
them with the necessary skills and knowledge to 
thrive in a rapidly changing environment and to 
help strengthen Arizona’s economy.
Our Vision (11/14/2025 Strategic Direction)
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1
3
PG   |
EducationForwardArizona.org
@EdForwardAZ
To advocate for high-quality education and training 
that aligns with career and workforce opportunities 
to advance the quality of life for all Arizonans.
Our Mission (11/14/2025 Strategic Direction)
We Work in Three Main Areas
Voice
Policy
Programs
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Achieve60AZ Attainment Goal
1
4
PG   |
EducationForwardArizona.org
@EdForwardAZ
Goal: 60% working-age adults 
holding credentials by 2030.
Today, the state's rate is 49%.
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Education Progress Meter – AZ Data
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Impactful Services to Support Arizona 
Students & Educators (…and Policy Makers)
College Knowing & Going 
(CKG)
Supports a College Going 
Culture in 30 High Schools
College Success Services
Awards over $2.4M per year 
and provides a Success 
Advisor to every scholar
Network for College 
Access & Attainment 
Professionals
Encourages postsecondary 
attainment in Arizona
AI-powered Chat 
Bot
Provides FAFSA 
support
College Success Services
Full scholarship in six high 
demand areas, paid summer 
internship, and job 
placement.
Community Impact 
Managers
Working with communities Northern, 
Central, & Southern Arizona in on 
education advocacy
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Our bilingual website guides students 
and families through every step of 
the journey in 4 practical steps:
Step 1: Plan for What’s Next
Step 2: Explore Your Options
Step 3: Put Your Plan Into Motion
Step 4: Fund Your Future
Guide to Your Future
GuideToYourFuture.org
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1
8
PG   |
EducationForwardArizona.org
@EdForwardAZ
Research Shows . . .
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1
9
PG   |
EducationForwardArizona.org
@EdForwardAZ
Arizona has everything to gain 
— in our economy, workforce, 
communities and as individuals —
when students continue their education 
and training after high school.
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20
PG   |
EducationForwardArizona.org
@EdForwardAZ
Through public opinion research, the Everything to Gain 
campaign builds a clear understanding of what 
Arizonans believe about the value of postsecondary 
attainment and what keeps them from pursuing it.
Polling Data is Critical Information
1. Beliefs About Value of Postsecondary Education
2. Barriers to Participation
3. Solutions to Drive Education Policy (2024)
4. Voters’ Perceptions of Postsecondary Attainment (2025)
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Poll Findings: Arizona 
Voters' Perception of 
Postsecondary Attainment
Public Opinion Research by Education 
Forward Arizona
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Top Concerns for Arizonans
Healthcare, housing affordability, and homelessness are top of mind for voters 
with student debt and funding for K-12 public schools right behind.
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Outlook on Universities and 
Community Colleges
Views of Arizona’s public universities and community colleges are consistent 
with past statewide surveys
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Outlook on Local Schools
Voters’ ratings of their local school districts continue to show modest 
improvement.
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Outlook on ESAs
As part of the initial check of favorable vs. unfavorable a majority of voters did not express an 
opinion about Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program, but views of ESA’s 
are divided among those who do express an opinion.
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Accountability and Fraud 
Of those with an opinion about Arizona’s ESA program (in the fav / unfav), an overwhelming 
majority are highly concerned about the recently reported issues of both fraud and abuse or 
the lack of transparency and accountability (voters were asked one of the two questions). 
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Key Voter Takeaways on ESAs 
Notably, more than 80 percent of voters 
support:
Annual independent financial audits to 
track ESA fund usage
Strict usage controls for ESA families to 
ensure responsible spending of taxpayer 
dollars
Regular reporting requirements on ESA 
student outcomes, including:
o Achievement in reading and math
o High school graduation rates
o Postsecondary enrollment
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Outlook on Post-High School 
Education and Training
Two-thirds of Arizonans see it as a significant problem that not enough Arizona students get an 
education beyond high school.
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Federal vs State Leadership
Most think that leaders in Washington and Arizona should be doing “a lot 
more” to ensure the nation and state have skilled and trained workers.
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Overwhelming Majority Says More Must Be Done 
– And the Number is Growing
Two-thirds are supportive of Arizona taking steps to meet the objective that 60% of its 
workforce obtain post-high school education, job training or certification for a career. 
This number has grown 5 percent since last year.
Arizona is working toward a goal that by 
2030, at least 60% of Arizonans ages 25-
64 will complete some education beyond 
high school, including at a four-year 
college, community college, 
apprenticeship, or a workforce 
certification program to ensure the state 
has a skilled and educated workforce. 
Currently, only 49% of Arizonans ages 
25-64 are estimated to have earned 
some type of workforce certification or 
degree after high school.
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87%
of all opinions expressed were 
connected to education and workforce.
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The following messages resonated with 
80 percent or more of voters:
|
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Summary: Key Poll Takeaways
More Must be Done to Develop a Skilled and Educated Workforce
Voters believe elected leaders at the federal and state levels 
should be doing more to ensure the nation and Arizona have a 
skilled and well-trained workforce.
Therefore, it follows that the vast majority of Arizonans think 
“more should be done” to meet the goal that 60% of Arizonans 
have post-high school education, job training, or career education
Consistent with previous statewide surveys, voters across all 
major demographic groups favor doing more to meet the 
attainment objective. 
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Summary: Key Poll Takeaways
Votes Support a Variety of Policies to Accomplish Achieve60AZ 
●
Voters continue to support policies that will increase access to 
post-high school education and career education programs. 
●
This includes:
○
College-level dual enrollment for high school students
○
Expanding online education
○
Funding Adult Technical Education
○
Making education and career programs more affordable.
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35
PG   |
EducationForwardArizona.org
@EdForwardAZ
Thank You!
Rich Nickel
President and CEO 
rich.nickel@educationforwardarizona.org
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Arizona’s Early Childhood Agency
Committed to healthy development and learning from birth to age 5.
36
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Created by voters in 2006 
and funded by tobacco tax.
Our three focus areas are:
Quality child care
Strengthening families
Preventive health
37
%
of brain growth 
happens in the 
first 5 years!
90
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Early 
learning 
impact:
student 
outcomes
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39
Governors ERR task force 
recommendations
Providing quality, affordable childcare 
to educators
Improving working conditions for 
educators
Students who participate in quality 
ECE programs are better prepared to 
teach
Early learning
impact: 
educator retention
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We have a child care crisis.
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Demand 
exceeds supply.
304,000 children in 
Arizona may need
child care, but only 
230,000 slots exist.
Child care wages 
are low.
$14.60/hour is the 
national median, making 
recruitment and 
retention difficult.
Families can’t 
afford more.
12-32% of income is 
spent on child care; 
infant care costs more 
than state college tuition.
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82%
Missed work
The child care crisis: 
impact on working families.
35%
Left a job
90%
Say costs 
have increased
73%
Report child care 
options decreased
42
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33,887 children aged 5 and 
under.
23,746 children live in home 
where both parents work.
14,482 available child care slots 
with licensed providers.
17% child care 
gap in Mesa
43
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Here’s Arizona’s economic case for child care.
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Arizona’s economy loses
$4.7 billion annually.
Families lose
$3 billion annually
in earnings and job 
search expenses.
Employers lose
$958 million
annually due to 
absences & turnover.
The state loses 
$725 million
annually in
tax revenue. 
45
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Arizona’s economy could 
generate $12 billion annually 
Families gain
$2.4 billion
in discretionary spending
Employers sustain
115,000+ jobs
through increased 
workforce participation
Graduation rates 
4,800+ students 
graduate from high school 
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December 3, 2025 
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Arizona community based solutions
PEEPS
funds 1,600 
scholarships in Pima 
County through library 
property tax
Sky Harbor 
Airport
Scholarship 
program for airport 
workers
Greater Yuma
Child Care
Taskforce
convened by economic 
development group 
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Education and Workforce 
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Arizona community based solutions
Gilbert Infant to 
Work:
Babies 0-6 months 
can join parent at work 
Pinal County:
Taskforce brings 
together city, 
economic 
development, and 
businesses around 
child care issues
Unused space:
Districts 
Using unused 
classroom space to 
create early childhood 
centers 
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Community Solutions Fund
Public-Private Partnership - A public-private partnership would allow the state, 
businesses, and families to share in the cost of child care for working families. 
Through this partnership, the state would partner with interested businesses who will 
contribute a set amount per child each month that the state will match, up to $400. 
The family pays the remaining amount. This model could reduce the cost of child care by 
two-thirds for participating families. 
Modeled in Iowa, Arizona leaders are exploring how this could work throughout the state. 
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The early childhood system is facing a funding 
challenge. 
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December 3, 2025 
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How FTF is funded
●
94% from tobacco taxes & 
investment earning
●
6% from grants
●
0% from State General Fund
We rely almost entirely on a single, 
shrinking revenue source.
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December 3, 2025 
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The challenge we face 
●
Tobacco revenues are down nearly
47% since 2008
○
$76 million less in SFY25 
○
Per-child investment down to $196 
●
Core programs in jeopardy: 
○
Quality child care & scholarships
○
Parenting education & home 
visitation
○
Professional development
○
Early literacy support
Education and Workforce 
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December 3, 2025 
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Outdated tax structure
Market shift
Consumers are smoking less or prefer 
vape and nicotine products over tobacco.
Tobacco tax was approved before 
vapes and nicotine alternatives 
existed.
Policy gap
These newer products aren’t taxed to 
support early childhood.
Why revenue is declining
Education and Workforce 
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December 3, 2025 
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Economic impact of First Things First
$8.5 million
State revenue
$324 million
Economic output
2,800
Jobs supported
54
$9.7 million
Local tax revenue
Read more:
FTF investments contribute over $300 million annually to economy
Education and Workforce 
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December 3, 2025 
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Solution: Close the loophole
●
Taxing vape/nicotine products could 
generate up to $80M annually
●
Stabilizes early childhood funding
●
Protects nearly:
○80 grant partners
○160,000 children, families and early childhood 
professionals
○1,400+ Quality First child care providers
Education and Workforce 
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December 3, 2025 
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Advocate for Arizona’s kids
1. Contact your elected officials
2. Ask them to support sustainable early childhood funding
3. Share our advocacy tools and video 
4. Sign our Letter of Support
Education and Workforce 
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December 3, 2025 
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1. Connect through our 
Child Care Solutions for 
Businesses page.
Find resources to support employees
Connect with FTF to learn about 
community-based solutions
1. Advocate for more
public support.
Business & 
Community 
Resources
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Thank you.
FirstThingsFirst.org
Thank you.
FirstThingsFirst.org
Education and Workforce 
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December 3, 2025 
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Roundtable Share outs
Education and Workforce 
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December 3, 2025 
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