(Disclosure: Rose Law Group represents Resolution Copper.)
As we enter Spring, I am pleased to welcome you to the first quarter edition of the Pinal County Economic and Workforce Development Department newsletter. This publication highlights the progress, partnerships, and momentum shaping communities across Pinal County as we continue working to strengthen our economy, support workforce success, and create opportunity for residents, businesses, and regional partners.
Pinal County continues to stand out as Arizona’s fastest-growing county, and with that growth comes tremendous opportunity. Across this edition, you will see how strategic investments, infrastructure improvements, workforce partnerships, and community collaboration are helping position our county for long-term success. From business expansion and job creation to tourism, innovation, and regional planning, the stories featured here reflect the energy and resilience of communities throughout Pinal County.
This quarter, we are especially excited to highlight opportunities that will help shape our future, including the Opportunity Zones 2.0 Road Show in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, which takes place this Thursday.
At the same time, the Pinal County Workforce Development Board welcomes three newly appointed members who will join in an exciting new venture. The ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County team continues to make a meaningful difference by supporting businesses, assisting workers through transition, and building partnerships that prepare our residents for the jobs of tomorrow.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are proud to serve the residents, businesses, and communities of Pinal County, and we look forward to building on this momentum throughout 2026.
Sincerely,
Joel Millman
Director, Economic and Workforce Development
Economic Development
Opportunity Zones 2.0 Road Show
Pinal County Economic & Workforce Development, in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), invites regional leaders and community stakeholders to attend the Opportunity Zones 2.0 Road Show, taking place this Thursday, April 23rd, from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. at the Central Arizona College Signal Peak campus. It’s not too late to register! This event is part of ACA’s statewide effort to provide a shared understanding of Opportunity Zones, recent updates, and how communities can prepare for the next phase of the program.
Opportunity Zones were created to encourage long-term investment in communities by offering federal tax incentives to investors who support economic development projects in designated areas. Many of these zones exist throughout Pinal County, creating opportunities for strategic development, job creation, and community growth.
During this session, ACA representatives will provide a high-level overview of the evolving Opportunity Zones landscape and share insights into how local governments, community partners, investors, and developers can thoughtfully engage moving forward. The discussion will also provide time for questions and opportunities to connect with regional economic development leaders and stakeholders.
Whether you are new to Opportunity Zones or interested in learning more about potential investment opportunities, this road show offers valuable information and networking opportunities in a collaborative setting.
Supervisor Serdy Celebrates as Major Hurdle Crossed in Resolution Copper Project Advancement
Pinal County District 5 Supervisor Jeff Serdy has expressed his delight following the crossing of a major hurdle in a years-long battle to begin construction on the Resolution Copper project in Superior.
Last month, the U.S. Forest Service and Resolution Copper completed a Federal land exchange after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit gave it the green light on March 13th. This involves the transfer of 2,400 acres of land formerly managed by the Tonto National Forest to Resolution Copper, which, in return, has conveyed more than 5,400 acres of environmentally sensitive and culturally important land to the State of Arizona.
Serdy, whose District encompasses Superior in the northeastern part of the County, said, “This is fantastic news! This project will bring thousands of high-quality jobs to the area and help revitalize communities in the Copper Corridor that have suffered since their mines closed years ago. Producing Copper here in Pinal County is huge for Arizona and the entire U.S. economy.”
Workforce Development
Workforce Board Launches Strategic Planning Initiative and Welcomes New Members
On January 30th, 2026, the Pinal County Workforce Development Board, led by Ken Mall of EDSI, embarked on a strategic planning initiative. This initiative is focused on the alignment around Pinal County’s overall workforce strategy and to clarify the Board’s strategic role, define the governance structure needed to execute the strategy, and revisit the Board’s mission and vision to reflect its future-focused direction.
This is an exciting venture and perfectly timed as the Board welcomed the following new members:
- Emily Maxwell, Assistant Principal/Director of Career and Technical Education, Maricopa High School/Desert Sunrise High School
- Craig McFarland, President/CEO, Pinal Partnership
- David Dunaway, Pinal Valley Division General Manager, Arizona Water Company
Supporting Workers Through Transition
When Franklin Foods announced the closure of its Casa Grande facility, our team quickly mobilized alongside regional partners to support 83 impacted employees. Through the efforts of the Rapid Response team, ARIZONA@WOR Pinal County hosted resume writing and interview preparation workshops conducted by Career Connectors to help workers prepare for their next opportunity before the facility officially closed.
To further support the transition, a hiring event was organized that brought together eight employers actively seeking talent. The event saw strong participation from affected workers, with 50 attending the event. Of those who attended, 14 were extended offers of employment. This effort reflects the strength of our workforce system and the importance of acting quickly to connect workers with opportunity.
Helping Employers Launch and Grow
While some businesses faced transition, others were preparing for growth. In January, the ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County Business Service Team partnered with EFP Packaging in Casa Grande to host a hiring event as the company prepares to begin production at its facility. The event attracted 130 job seekers and helped the company secure the workforce needed to begin operations as scheduled.
Events like this highlight the essential role workforce development plays in supporting economic growth. By connecting employers with local talent at the right moment, we help ensure companies can scale operations while residents benefit from new career opportunities.
Ribbon Cutting Held for Coolidge Library ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County Career Services
On January 13, 2026, ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Coolidge Public Library, marking a formal partnership between Pinal County and the City of Coolidge to expand and formalize ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County services already being provided within the community.
Click on the video (below) to view more from the event.
Looking Forward
The first quarter of 2026 reinforces the importance of collaboration, responsiveness, and community engagement in workforce development. Whether supporting workers through transition, helping employers grow, or listening directly to community needs, our mission remains the same: connecting people to opportunity and ensuring Pinal County’s workforce is prepared for the future. Together with our partners, we continue building a workforce system that is responsive, resilient, and focused on creating lasting economic opportunity for the communities we serve.
Explore Pinal
Arizona America250 Traveling Museum
Pinal County recently welcomed the Arizona America250 Traveling Museum to Florence on March 1 and Casa Grande on March 2 as part of the state’s Road to 250 initiative commemorating America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The traveling exhibit featured Arizona’s replica Liberty Bell, which is making its way through all 15 counties before its permanent installation at the Arizona State Capitol. Residents and visitors experienced engaging, interactive displays highlighting American history and Arizona’s story – past, present, and future – creating a meaningful educational opportunity while drawing regional visitors to both communities.
Arizona Renaissance Festival
The 38th Annual Arizona Renaissance Festival once again proved to be a powerful economic driver for tourism in Pinal County. Held January 31 through March 29, 2026, in Gold Canyon, the multi-week event attracted thousands of visitors, generating significant regional economic impact and supporting local hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and service providers. The festival transported guests to the vibrant “Village of Fairhaven,” where costumed performers, artisan markets, daily jousting tournaments, live entertainment across 16 stages, themed weekend celebrations, and unique food and craft offerings created a memorable experience for families and visitors of all ages. As one of the county’s largest signature events, the festival continues to be a major draw for regional tourism and a highlight of the spring event season while strengthening Pinal County’s reputation as a premier destination for large-scale attractions.
Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo
The annual Lost Dutchman Days Rodeo in Apache Junction was once again a tremendous success, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to Pinal County for a weekend filled with western heritage and family-friendly entertainment. The multi-day celebration featured three days of professional rodeo competition — including bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and roping events — along with a lively parade, carnival rides, live music, a rodeo dance, and a bustling vendor marketplace. The event generated significant tourism activity, providing a strong boost to local overnight stays, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses. As one of the region’s most anticipated signature events, Lost Dutchman Days continues to strengthen Pinal County’s tourism economy while celebrating the rich western traditions that define our community.
Pinal County Tourism Advisory Group
The Pinal County Tourism Advisory Group (TAG) continues to play an important role in strengthening and coordinating tourism efforts countywide. The group brings together representatives from local cities and towns, chambers of commerce, economic development teams, hospitality partners, event organizers, and county staff who collaborate regularly to share updates, align marketing strategies, and support signature events. Through this cooperative approach, the Tourism Advisory Group works to develop and promote experiences that highlight the best of Pinal County — from its rich historical sites and heritage attractions to outdoor recreation, music festivals, agritourism, and community celebrations. By working together, the group helps elevate regional tourism, expand visitor engagement, and enhance the county’s overall destination identity.
To explore upcoming events and discover more about visiting Pinal County, please visit: https://explore.pinal.gov/
2025–2026 Tourism Sponsorship Program:
