Inside the Issues

The Economy in Arizona: What Voters Need to Know

Arizona economists and business leaders break down what drives the state's economy and why it matters heading into an election year. The panel covers inflation, pressure on small businesses, and how decisions made in other states and countries affect what Arizonans pay at home.

"The reality is, we are the economy," said Kimber Lanning, CEO of Local First Arizona.

"None of this happens in a vacuum," said Dr. Dave Wells, President of Beyond Numbers Analytics. "What we spend, where we work, government spending, taxes, trade, and business growth all play a part in our economy."

The conversation covers household spending, rising costs for small businesses, and how the people voters elect can affect the economy and daily life across Arizona.

The Economy Panelists:

• Kimber Lanning (CEO, Local First Arizona)
• Doug Walls (Arizona's chief labor economist)
• Dr. Monica Villalobos (President and CEO, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)
• Dr. Dave Wells (President, Beyond Numbers Analytics)

Housing in Arizona: The Real Story

Four Arizona housing experts break down why homes have become harder to find and afford and what is being done about it. The panel covers zoning, financing, workforce housing, and the "missing middle," pointing to solutions already taking shape across the state.

"We need to be cognizant about building at every level and for every price point," said Jason Morris, founding partner at Morris & Barr.

"Working together at the state level, the local level, and the community level" is how progress happens, said Gabriel Jaramillo of Vital Health Foundation.

The conversation covers rising costs for teachers, first responders, and seniors on fixed incomes, and what tools like ADUs, condo conversions, and local zoning changes can realistically accomplish.

Housing in Arizona Panelists:

• Gabriel Jaramillo, Vitalyst Health Foundation
• Mark Stapp, Arizona State University W. P. Carey School of Business
• Jason Morris, Morris & Barr
• Tina Tamboer, The Cromford Report

Inside The Issues: Water Security In Arizona

Filmed at ABC15 studios in Phoenix, this episode brings together water policy experts to discuss how Arizona manages its water supply today and what planning looks like for future generations.

A 2026 Clean Elections poll of 1,632 Arizona registered voters found cross-party agreement on several water-shortage solutions. More than 45% of respondents supported approaches such as conservation efforts and expanding water recycling.

The episode is available in a 27-minute and a 56-minute version, and is offered free to Arizona media outlets for local programming with support from the Arizona Media Association.

Water Security Panelists:

• Vineetha Kartha (Water Policy Director, Central Arizona Project)
• Sharon B. Megdal (Director, University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center)
• Sarah Porter (Director, Kyl Center for Water Policy, Arizona State University)
• Maxwell Wilson (Water Resources Management Advisor, City of Phoenix)

Education Solutions for Arizona

A statewide town hall featuring Arizona voices on early childhood, K-12, and post-secondary education. Moderated by Arizona journalists, the conversation covers access, affordability, and quality, without partisan framing.

Building Blocks of Education: Early Childhood

Early Childhood Education Panelists:

• Eve DelReal (Head Start)
• Shantel Meek (The Children's Equity Project)
• Barbie Prinster (Arizona Early Childhood Education Association)
• Angela Rabago (First Things First)

K-12 Education

K-12 Education Panelists:

• Katherine Haley (Arizona State Board of Education)
• Steve King (Yavapai County School Superintendent)
• Jake Logan (Arizona Charter School Association)
• Karla Phillips-Krivickas (Champions for Kids)

Post-Secondary Education

Post-Secondary Education Panelists:

• Susan Bitter Smith (Maricopa County Community College District)
• Jadyn Fisher (Student Regent, Arizona Board of Regents)
• Merrill Kemp-Wilcox (Pima JTED)
• Rich Nickel (Education Forward Arizona)

Education in a Changing State

Education in a Changing State Panelists:

• Peter Boyle (Center for the Future of Arizona)
• Jaime Casap (Former Chief Education Evangelist, Google)
• Jessica Pacheco (Arizona Board of Regents)
• Katie Ratlief (Common Sense Institute)

Education Solutions for Arizona

"Inside the Issues: Education Solutions for Arizona" is a first-of-its-kind statewide town hall featuring leading voices on early childhood, K-12, and post-secondary education. Moderated by trusted Arizona journalists, the discussion tackles access, affordability, quality, and the future of education in a rapidly changing state—without partisan politics. This event is a part of Clean Elections' mission to educate voters on the issues they care about, all so you can vote informed and participate in the political process.

Building Blocks of Education: Early Childhood

Early Childhood Education Panelists:

• Eve DelReal (Head Start)
• Shantel Meek (The Children’s Equity Project)
• Barbie Prinster (Arizona Early Childhood Education Association)
• Angela Rabago (First Things First)

K-12 Education

K-12 Education Panelists:

• Katherine Haley (Arizona State Board of Education)
• Steve King (Yavapai County School Superintendent)
• Jake Logan (Arizona Charter School Association)
• Karla Phillips-Krivickas (Champions for Kids)

Post Secondary Education

Post Secondary Education Panelists:

• Susan Bitter Smith (Maricopa County Community College District)
• Jadyn Fisher (Student Regent – Arizona Board of Regents)
• Merrill Kemp-Wilcox (Pima JTED)
• Rich Nickel (Education Forward Arizona)

Education in a Changing State

Education in a Changing State Panelists:

• Peter Boyle (Center for the Future of Arizona)
• Jaime Casap (Former Chief Education Evangelist at Google)
• Jessica Pacheco (Arizona Board of Regents)
• Katie Ratlief (Common Sense Institute)