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In 2024 alone, Arizonans reported 54,912 fraud cases with losses of $521M. A 384% increase since 2020
For every $1 lost to fraud, Arizonans lose $1.06 in personal income.
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Congress Fails to Reach Compromise - Partial Government Shutdown Underway
During government shutdowns, small businesses face major disruptions and uncertainty. NSBA urges Congress to act to reopen the government and protect small businesses from further economic risk.
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Government Shutdown: How the shutdown could impact your community
With Congress failing to reach a funding agreement by September 30, 2025, a government shutdown has begun. This will halt critical services, including SBA loan processing, passport and visa applications, and environmental reviews for infrastructure projects. National parks are also expected to close, and federal workers and contractors will face delayed paychecks.
Why it matters: The shutdown could cost small businesses $100 million in daily loan financing, disrupt travel plans, and delay infrastructure projects. Communities with a heavy federal presence may experience reduced spending, which can impact local businesses and economies. The ripple effects could stall growth and create financial strain nationwide.
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Schweikert lays out his plan to fix the AZ GOP in his latest interview
On Sept. 30, U.S. Rep. David Schweikert said he wants to be Arizona’s next governor, shaking up what was already expected to be a contentious race among Republicans who want to try to unseat incumbent Democrat Katie Hobbs.
Schweikert, who has served as a state legislator and Maricopa County treasurer before being elected to Congress in 2010, has become a significant factor in what until now has been a head-to-head contest between fellow GOP Congressman Andy Biggs and business owner Karrin Taylor Robson.
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With Arizona job market booming, here’s how the rules of hiring are changing
The verdict is in: The Arizona job market in 2025 is booming. From high-tech chip manufacturing to healthcare and logistics, employers are hiring fast — and fighting even harder to keep top talent. But behind the momentum, the state’s workforce is undergoing a major transformation.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work. Hybrid schedules are redefining office culture. And immigration and compliance pressures are complicating the hiring process. Experts agree: These shifts won’t slow in 2026 — they’ll likely accelerate.
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Arizona minimum wage set to rise to $15.15 an hour in January
- Arizona’s minimum wage will rise to $15.15 an hour on January 1
- The increase is due to annual adjustments for inflation, as required by state laws
- Arizona’s inflation rate through August hit 2.9%, the highest since 2021
Arizona will soon require workers to be paid at least $15.15 an hour.
New figures Thursday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that year-over-year inflation through August hit 2.9%.
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Arizona Supreme Court to decide the fate of campaign donation disclosure law
- Arizona Supreme Court hears argument on donor disclosure
- Claims of threats, retaliation come after close-to-home killing
- Justices take matter under advisement, note statewide importance
The Arizona Supreme Court is now weighing a legal challenge to the Voters Right to Know Act, a 2022 law requiring heightened donor disclosure, from two conservative groups who fear it could lead to doxxing, threats, harassment, and chilled speech.
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How Small Businesses are Winning with the New Tax Law
Pro-growth tax reform passed in July is already having positive impacts on small businesses. Members of the U.S. Chamber Small Business Council describe how they are investing, innovating, and driving economic growth.
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Region in Review: Key Data Trends and Future Plans
For more than two generations, our region has maintained its reputation as a rapidly growing area. And that reality is expected to continue, outpacing the national population growth rate, for the next 25 years.
This past June, Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) staff presented the Region in Review, reporting on data trends that are shaping our future.
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Phoenix Tax Increased to 2.8%
On July 1, 2025, the City of Phoenix Transaction Privilege and Use Tax (TPT) rate increased to 2.8%. This affects business transactions in the areas of retail sales, restaurants, entertainment, hotels, rentals, transporting for hire, and some contracting.
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Bill Seeks Tariff Relief, Refunds for Small Business
A number of Senators introduced the RELIEF Act to exempt and refund tariff costs to small businesses. NSBA has called for exemptions for small businesses from reciprocal tariffs aimed at allowing small businesses to hedge risk from volatile input costs.
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Equipping High Schoolers with the ABCs of Career Success
Finding qualified workers remains a significant challenge for businesses, with only 38% of hiring managers reporting that it’s easy to find candidates with the right skills.
A new survey from the U.S. Chamber and College Board highlights a significant gap in workforce readiness among high school graduates
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August Inflation Update
Arizona’s inflation rate continues to run below the national average—but recent movement suggests pressure may be building again. According to CSI’s latest analysis, Phoenix posted a 1.4% year-over-year inflation rate in August, compared to 2.9% nationally.
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Business community prepares for new Arizona laws boosting competitiveness to take effect.
Dozens of new laws passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect tomorrow, including several priorities championed by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
“As these laws take effect, Arizona employers can count on policies that reflect their priorities,” said Arizona Chamber President and CEO Danny Seiden. “From keeping vital economic drivers in Arizona, to passing commonsense energy reforms that will deliver long-term stability and affordability, to supporting global companies, these are the kinds of policies that keep Arizona competitive and attractive for investment.”
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NSBA Advocates for Small Business Owners Amidst Changing H-1B Requirements
NSBA is urging the Administration to ensure small businesses are not unfairly burdened or harmed by sweeping new H-1B policies and regulations.
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Small Business Optimism Grows, But Cost Pressures Persist
Small businesses were more optimistic in the third quarter, but they continue to grapple with inflation and escalating costs, which remain the biggest barriers to growth.
The latest MetLife and U.S. Chamber Small Business Index is 72.0, up from 65.2 last quarter and a record high. It was driven by improving views of the national and local economies.
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Arizona Housing Market Quarterly Update – Q2 2025
Despite cooling prices, Arizona’s housing market remains deeply out of balance. Buyers are sidelined by high costs, permitting has slowed, and long-term supply remains well below what’s needed.
Arizona still faces a housing shortfall of 52,846 units in Q2 2025—down slightly from 2024 but still significant. On a longer-term basis, the cumulative deficit stands at 121,334 units.
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Foundation Releases Fiscal Year 2025 Community Impact Report
The Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation is proud to release its FY 2025 Community Impact Report.
The report highlights key outcomes from the Foundation’s education and workforce development initiatives during the 2024–2025 Fiscal Year, focusing on advancing college and career readiness, workforce development, and strengthening Arizona’s talent pipeline.
Through strategic partnerships and impactful programs, the Foundation remains dedicated to building a stronger workforce for Arizona’s future.
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Arizona Board of Regents 2025 Annual Report
Investing in Arizona's future through higher education
We’re pleased to share the Arizona Board of Regents’ 2025 Annual Report, highlighting the transformative work of the board and Arizona’s public universities—Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona.
This year’s report reflects our continued commitment to expanding access to higher education, driving innovation, and strengthening Arizona’s competitive workforce and economy. Through initiatives like AZ Opportunity, we are putting Arizona’s future first, investing in students, research, and community partnerships that position Arizona for long-term success.
We invite you to explore how our universities are meeting the state’s most pressing needs and shaping a brighter future for all Arizonans
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Arizona mayors pledge their support for the Coalition for Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline
The Mayors of Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Surprise share their support for the Coalition for Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline – the Colorado River water delivered by Central Arizona Project. Each community relies on the Colorado River, committing to using this resource with smart water strategies and long-term planning
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Arizona’s Empty Classrooms & Buses
A new report from Common Sense Institute reveals a growing disconnect between student enrollment and education spending. While district school enrollment has declined, capital, transportation, and other spending continue to rise—leaving taxpayers to cover the cost of underused buildings and buses.
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