What's Happening News & Events

Arizona Emerges as a Global Economic Powerhouse

PHOENIX, AZ (February 24, 2026) – Arizona’s strong international ties fueled record-breaking trade and investment in 2025, creating thousands of new jobs and driving more than $1 billion in foreign direct investment. Exports by Arizona companies surged from $32.4 to $44.4 billion – a 37% increase and the second fastest growth in the nation. By comparison, U.S. exports grew by 5.7%. Key trade highlights include: Taiwan surpassed Canada and China to become Arizona’s second-largest trading partner (behind Mexico), with more than $21.2 billion in total trade and Arizona leads the nation in international investment, with more than $195.7 billion announced since 2020. 

READ MORE about Arizona Emerges as a Global Economic Powerhouse »

Governor Hobbs Joins Groundbreaking Ceremony For Northland Pioneer College’s Expansion In Kayenta

KAYENTA, AZ (February 24, 2026) – Northland Pioneer College (NPC), in partnership with the Kayenta Township and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), celebrated the groundbreaking on February 24 of NPC’s relocation and expansion project in Kayenta, Arizona. Governor Katie Hobbs joined town and tribal leaders, NPC officials, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Kayenta Township, and other dignitaries to celebrate the milestone.  The project will include the development of a two-building complex in Kayenta’s new industrial park, which will house new academic facilities for NPC, including in-person and connected classrooms, science and health labs, a computer lab, a small business development conference room, and a new location for the town’s library.

READ MORE about Governor Hobbs Joins Groundbreaking Ceremony For Northland Pioneer College’s Expansion In Kayenta »

ACA and U of A Launch $35.5 Million Semiconductor Nano Fabrication Center

TUCSON, AZ (February 17, 2026) – As the state is anticipated to add over 25,000 new jobs in the semiconductor industry in the coming years, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the University of Arizona are strengthening the workforce pipeline with a $35.5 million facility expansion. University, government and industry leaders unveiled the Office of Research and Partnerships’ Nano Fabrication Center semiconductor cleanroom with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on February 17. The cleanroom prepares students for the state’s booming tech sector while supporting faculty research and industry collaboration on chip fabrication, optical devices and quantum computing systems. The Arizona Commerce Authority awarded funding in 2023 to expand the cleanroom from 2,800 to 6,800 square feet, equip it with ultramodern tools, and support a statewide workforce development program.

READ MORE about ACA and U of A Launch $35.5 Million Semiconductor Nano Fabrication Center »