The Arizona Chamber Foundation and the Arizona Commerce Authority announced on March 17 the launch of ArizonaW1NS, a new competitiveness playbook aimed at sustaining economic growth and expanding opportunities across the state over the next decade.
The initiative comes as states nationwide compete to attract talent, investment, and jobs. ArizonaW1NS is designed to help maintain Arizona’s momentum by outlining strategies that strengthen its business climate, workforce, infrastructure, and innovation capacity.
Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said, “Arizona’s success over the last decade didn’t happen by accident. It was driven by smart, focused policy decisions and strong collaboration across government, business, and philanthropy. ArizonaW1NS is about taking a clear-eyed look at where Arizona stands today and making sure we’re strengthening the fundamentals needed to compete for jobs, investment, and opportunity in the decade ahead.”
Developed with input from leaders in business, government, academia, and workforce development, the playbook identifies more than 50 actionable strategies in areas such as education, energy, water resources, infrastructure improvements, innovation support, and entrepreneurship. Five main priorities are highlighted: enhancing competitiveness through improved economic tools; accelerating talent development; strengthening critical infrastructure; spurring innovation; and preserving quality of life.
David Rousseau of Salt River Project chairs the initiative alongside co-chairs Sandra Watson of the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and Eileen Klein. The project is supported by funding from both public sources—including Governor Katie Hobbs’ office—and private organizations like Amazon. Rousseau said that other states are working to replicate Arizona’s recent achievements: “This forward-looking initiative helps identify where Arizona should focus its time, attention, and investment to protect its competitive advantages and ensure long-term economic strength.”
Sandra Watson said that “Competitiveness today is about readiness,” adding that “ArizonaW1NS focuses on aligning workforce development, infrastructure capacity, and innovation in a way that reflects how real investment decisions are made. It helps ensure Arizona is prepared not just to attract employers and talent but to support them for the long term.”
According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, in Fiscal Year 2022 their efforts led to a projected 24,186 new jobs in Arizona—151% above their goal—and $10.75 billion invested into local communities.
State Representative Matt Gress said that “ArizonaW1NS is a clear reminder that policy matters. It happens when policymakers businesses and educators work together to keep Arizona competitive attract high-wage jobs and expand opportunity for every Arizonan.” Simer Mayo of Mayo Global credited state leadership for building one of the strongest economic development platforms nationally.
Doug Goodyear from the Arizona Board of Regents highlighted universities’ role: “Every year Arizona’s three research universities produce tens of thousands of highly skilled graduates… As demand for talent continues to surge ArizonaW1NS makes clear just how critical our public universities are in positioning the state to compete and win.” Co-chair Eileen Klein concluded: “Arizona’s momentum is real. Our responsibility now is to protect it strengthen it and prepare for what comes next. With ArizonaW1NS Arizona now has the playbook to keep our state in the lead for the next decade and beyond.”
