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In the spirit of common purpose, Volume V: Driving Local Investment in Black Arizonans was produced in partnership with Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, the Black Chamber of Arizona, Greater Phoenix Urban League, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

Understanding and tracking progress on key issues affecting Black Arizonans is essential for driving meaningful change. That's why we're excited to announce The Volume V Progress Metrics Dashboard developed in partnership with Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA). The dashboard provides real-time data on critical areas such as education, economic opportunity, healthcare, infrastructure, and civic life.

The dashboard is built using public data sources, including CFA’s Arizona Progress Meters, a widely recognized resource that tracks the state’s progress on over 80 key issues. By making this data accessible with regularly updates, the dashboard serves as an accountability tool--helping community members, leaders, and policymakers assess progress, identify challenges, and take action on the priorities outlined in
Volume V: Driving Local Investment in Black Arizonans

Key findings in the Volume V Progress Metrics Dashboard highlight areas where focused efforts can help address systemic inequities and expand opportunities for Black Arizonans:

Education:

When compared to other students, Black Arizona high school graduates enroll in college at similar rates but are 8% less likely to complete their degree or certificate. Only 22% of the most recent high school graduate cohort earned a post-secondary credential within six years.

Economy:

Black Arizonans continue to experience higher unemployment rates than other Arizonans. For 2023, 7% of working-age Black residents were unemployed, compared with 4% of Arizonans as a whole.

Housing:

Homeownership remains less accessible for Black Arizonans, limiting long-term wealth-building opportunities. Only 38% of Black households own their home, compared to 68% of Arizona households overall.

Infrastructure:

Among Black Arizona households in 2023, 92% have access to a personal automobile, which is 4% lower than the public as a whole.

Healthcare:

While Black Arizonans have health insurance coverage at similar or higher rates than other groups, they are less likely to have a primary care provider. In 2023, 21% of Black Arizonans reported not having a primary care practitioner, slightly higher than the 20% reported by Arizonans overall.

Civic Life:

Voter registration and participation rates for Black Arizonans lag behind the state average. In 2022, 64% of Black adults were registered to vote, and 42% cast a ballot, compared to 70% and 56% for all U.S. citizen adults in Arizona

Education

3rd Grade Reading: Percentage of Black Arizona Third Grade students who are proficient or better in the state English language arts exam.

8th Grade Math: Percentage of Black Arizona Eighth Grade students who are proficient or better in the state mathematics exam.

High School Graduation: Percentage of Black High School seniors who graduate in four years.

Post-Secondary Enrollment: Percentage of Black High School graduates who enroll in a trade school, college or university the year following graduation.

College Completion: Percentage of Black High School graduates who complete a post-secondary certificate or degree within 6 years following graduation.

Post-Secondary Attainment: Percentage of Black Arizonans age 25-64 who have an associate’s degree or higher

Economy

Labor Force Participation: Percentage of Black Arizonans aged 16 and older who are employed or seeking work.

Unemployment Rate: Proportion of Black Arizonans actively seeking but unable to secure employment.

Median Household Income: Reflecting economic stability among Black households.

Home Ownership Rate: Percentage of Black Arizona households residing in owner-occupied homes.

Infrastructure

Broadband Access: Percentage of Black households with high speed home internet connectivity, critical for education and employment.

Access to Personal Vehicles: Percentage of households with transportation access, influencing job opportunities and healthcare access.

Healthcare

Health Insurance Coverage: Percentage of individuals without health insurance.

Access to Personal Physicians: Percentage lacking a primary healthcare provider.

Civic Life

Voter Registration: Percentage of adult U.S. Citizens registered to vote in an election.

Voter Participation: Percentage of adult U.S. Citizens who voted in an election.

Purpose and Intention

Volume V: Driving Local Investment in Black Arizonans (Volume V) serves as a guiding resource to address the persistent disparities affecting Black Arizonans and their ability to fully thrive within the state's economy and communities. This publication functions as a compass for decision-makers, aiming to inspire impactful change through targeted investments, informed policies, and collaborative community engagement. With a focus on creating equitable opportunities, Volume V provides a data-driven foundation to direct initiatives that foster education equity, economic empowerment, improved health outcomes, increased access to essential services, and enhanced civic engagement for Black residents across Arizona.

Volume V was uniquely shaped by the voices and lived experiences of Black Arizonans, ensuring that both the report and the Progress Metrics Dashboard reflect the priorities of the community. Through a community conversation with over 100 local residents and a survey; education, economy, healthcare, infrastructure, and civic life were identified as the most urgent areas for investment and action. These priorities guided the selection of data indicators, providing a clear framework for driving meaningful change.

This volume is not just a publication, it’s a call to action. It challenges community leaders, businesses, policymakers, and advocates to acknowledge and address systemic inequities and to commit to solutions that uplift Black Arizonans. The insights gained here lay the groundwork for Volume VI, which will be shaped by the community's response, engagement, and feedback.

Looking Ahead to Volume VI

The data and outcomes from Volume V are more than numbers—they represent the lived experiences of Black Arizonans. This volume aims to inspire community-driven solutions and direct meaningful investments that will shape Volume VI. Community engagement will be at the heart of this next phase, ensuring that the voices of those most affected guide future priorities and strategies.

By leveraging the insights from this publication and the interactive dashboard, stakeholders can work collaboratively to turn data into action, ultimately advancing equity and opportunity for Black Arizonans.