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with the Workforce Arizona Council Strategic Plan. 06/04/2025 Office of Economic Opportunity Economist These consultations resulted in understanding high-growth fields and new credential opportunities to guide the onboarding of new providers, such as Community Colleges and Tribal-serving organizations. Hearing how employer industries impact their local area resulted in an increased effort to onboard providers in rural areas. Input received from employers is in line with the State’s strategies and objectives, and the result of employer consultations complemented the strategies that align with the Governor’s overarching economic priorities and with the Workforce Arizona Council Strategic Plan. Explain the determination that consulting with private employers or employer organizations in lieu of the State workforce development board was more effective or efficient. Weekly ARIZONA@WORK Statewide Business Services meetings, combined with a strong partnership with 12 Local Workforce Development Areas Business Services teams (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act [WIOA] Title IB), offer ongoing opportunities for employer consultations and for SNAP CAN Program development. An economist presents on the State of Arizona’s economy, unemployment rate, and growing labor market sectors. Employers discuss their objectives on how they are broadening the scope of their industry, how their industry impacts their local area, and how their industry impacts the rest of the State. Employers present any challenges they have experienced and how they are overcoming those challenges. The program gathers essential labor market information, industry and employer feedback, current employer roadblocks, and best practices. All program staff attend these meetings weekly to seek input and feedback, fostering discussions and collaboration with employers. The combination of information gained from attending workforce development meetings and meetings with employers provides well-rounded knowledge used to inform the SNAP CAN Program, providers, and staff. The approach allows SNAP CAN to consult with employers and various statewide industry leaders, in lieu of consulting workforce development boards, with the option to ask direct questions on how SNAP CAN can contribute to their objective for the year or for future opportunities. The following information was gathered throughout the year from these meetings: Job types in demand: Manufacturing, construction, warehouse, transportation, healthcare, social services, finance/insurance, information technology In demand areas: Mostly Maricopa & Pima Counties What is good about jobs: Flexible schedules, offer training & advancement, location, benefits, wages Skills Needed: Communication, English proficiency, driver's lic, CDL, financial literacy, customer service, certifications, GED or HS diploma Providers considered best at preparing participants: St Mary's Food Bank, Neighborhood Ministries, GAP 1/27/26, 9:53 AM State Plan AZ FY26 - Original Submission https://dam-fns.usda.gov/sites/default/files/microsite/snapet-azfy26stateplan//index.html 12/130