Illuminating Arizona's Priorities Through Trusted Data

Since 2002, Center for the Future of Arizona has been the steward of a shared vision of the priorities of residents. In recent years, data offerings powered by Domo have transformed CFA's impact.Advancing a statewide vision requires more than just good intentions; it requires a foundation of trusted factual information. At Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), we leverage survey research, including the Arizona Voters’ Agenda, to identify the nonpartisan priorities of residents and use the Arizona Progress Meters to track our state’s performance against those goals. To ensure these facts reach every corner of the state, our new Arizona Media Institute empowers journalists with high-quality data and reporting tools that elevate public discourse. This session explores how CFA functions as a “do tank,“ using this interconnected data ecosystem to move beyond political rhetoric and mobilize leaders around the long-term, data-driven vision of “The Arizona We Want.” Learn how we are scaling social impact by turning raw information into a roadmap for collective action.

Takeaways:

• How to build a “shared reality” in a polarized environment: Attendees will learn how to move past divisive rhetoric by using high-quality sentiment data (like the Arizona Voters’ Agenda) to identify “Shared Public Values.“ We’ll demonstrate how a neutral, data-first approach can align a population on key priorities, providing a blueprint for any organization looking to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• The “Listen-Measure-Amplify” framework for impact: Participants will gain a framework for turning raw data into community action. By showcasing the integration of the Arizona Progress Meters and the Arizona Media Institute, we will show how to move beyond static dashboards to a dynamic ecosystem where metrics inform the public, and an informed public holds leaders accountable for measurable progress.
• Scaling “human” metrics into technical KPIs: This session will provide strategies for translating complex, human-centered goals—like civic health and educational equity—into concrete, trackable KPIs. We will share how CFA uses data as a “GPS” to identify specific gaps in the state’s performance, helping attendees understand how to apply rigorous benchmarking to their own social or organizational missions.

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