Statement of Support
Members of the Arizona Legislature,
We are sharing this statement of support to restore operating aid to Maricopa Community Colleges, a vital economic engine for the state and a leading partner in accelerating Arizona’s future-ready workforce.
Maricopa Community Colleges serves more Arizonans than any other institution, making its extensive 10-college system a cornerstone of workforce and economic development. However, the system currently receives no operational funding from the state.
As Arizona’s largest workforce developer, Maricopa Community Colleges is a vital partner to industry, government, and nonprofit leaders in building talent pipelines and delivering customized training for high-demand fields. These efforts support critical industries, including healthcare and Arizona’s innovation sectors, while providing thousands of businesses statewide with resources to accelerate growth.
Maricopa Community Colleges is uniquely positioned to respond to industry needs at scale while expanding opportunity for individuals across the state. Approximately 90% of its graduates remain in Arizona, and the system produces more in-state postsecondary degree earners than any other institution—directly strengthening Arizona’s workforce and economy.
The impact of Maricopa Community Colleges is clear: In FY 2023–24, the system contributed nearly $9 billion in income to the local economy and supported more than 108,000 jobs across Maricopa County—approximately one out of every 30 jobs countywide. In addition, Maricopa alumni working in the county generated $7 billion in added income, equivalent to supporting 86,700 jobs.
Restoring operating aid is an investment in Arizona’s people and workforce and is critical to the state’s long-term economic strength. We ask that you support the inclusion of operating aid for Maricopa Community Colleges in the state budget.