AGP Executive Report

Border & Logistics Enforcement: U.S. Border Patrol’s “Operation Checkmate” in Arizona arrested 52 commercial vehicle operators, including 36 truck drivers; officials say 30 were Indian nationals and many had invalid Employment Authorization Documents, with deportations expected. Mining & Supply Chains: A Kingman-area silver mine (Hackberry) sold for $10 million, underscoring renewed interest in Arizona ore as manufacturers and exploration firms chase domestic mineral supply. Energy & Utilities: The Arizona Corporation Commission reminded customers of the summer electric shutoff moratorium (June 1–Oct. 15), with APS/Tucson Electric/UNS opting not to disconnect during extreme heat periods. Higher Ed & Construction: The University of Arizona cut a planned dorm height from 19 stories to 9 while increasing bed capacity to 1,300, keeping a fall 2028 opening target. Real Estate & Office Leasing: Newmark arranged a $103 million sale of Phoenix Education Partners’ headquarters, fully leased long-term to the University of Phoenix. Retail Growth: Whole Foods opened applications for its 2026 Local and Emerging Accelerator Program (LEAP), aiming to mentor and potentially fund early-stage brands.

Semiconductor Expansion in Peoria: Amkor is buying 67 acres of Arizona State Trust land for nearly $33M to expand its Peoria footprint, with city projections of about 3,000 jobs by 2028. State Housing & Property Oversight: Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed SB 1479 to crack down on deed fraud, adding an opt-in alert system, stricter penalties for false filings, and ID requirements for in-person recordings. AI, Energy, and Data Centers: A crowdsourced effort led by Erin Brockovich says 6,615 people have reported AI data centers nationwide, underscoring local fights over power and water demands. Logistics Costs: A transportation pricing index hit a record growth rate in May as capacity tightened and freight rates surged. Commercial Real Estate: Metro Phoenix’s biggest May deals included a $103M University of Phoenix office sale and a $95.25M Mesa apartment transaction. Healthcare Business Moves: LTC Properties announced a $54M SHOP acquisition in Phoenix, adding MorningStar Senior Living to its seniors housing portfolio.

Utility Costs & Consumer Help: The Arizona Corporation Commission is urging APS and SRP customers to plan now for higher summer bills, noting a June–October disconnection moratorium for regulated customers while they set up payment arrangements. Regulatory Fight Over Renewables: The ACC voted to let its Office of General Counsel explore actions after the AG disapproved parts of the Renewable Energy Standard and Tariff repeal package, keeping pressure on Arizona’s energy rulemaking. Healthcare Antitrust: Arizona AG Kris Mayes sued MultiPlan and eight major insurers, alleging a shared algorithm “price-fixing” scheme that underpaid out-of-network providers and drove up patient costs. Affordable Housing + Preservation: A Flagstaff effort aims to buy the historic El Pueblo Motor Inn for Habitat for Humanity’s starter-home program, targeting 19 units while preserving the Route 66 exteriors. Manufactured Housing Policy: Cavco hosted Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger after Virginia signed zoning reforms that expand where manufactured homes can be placed and limit local restrictions. Local Construction Update: Tucson’s Santa Rita Park renovation is nearing completion, with an August opening now targeted. Tourism Upgrades: Sabino Canyon in Tucson is set for major fall renovations, including shade structures, trail updates, restroom art, and a larger visitor center plan. Manufacturing & Housing Deal: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy homebuilder Taylor Morrison for $6.8B, with Taylor Morrison headquartered in Scottsdale.

Retirement & Finance: Arizona AG Jay Jones joined a 24-state coalition opposing a Trump administration proposal that would loosen retirement-plan rules and steer more 401(k) money into riskier alternatives like crypto and private credit. Energy Costs: A new map shows electricity prices jumped sharply in parts of the U.S., with grid investment and demand pressures cited—an issue that matters for Arizona households and industry planning. Local Business & Services: Liberty Mutual rolled out a ChatGPT-based auto insurance quoting app in Arizona and other states, signaling insurers’ push into AI-driven customer acquisition. Housing & Construction: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy homebuilder Taylor Morrison in a deal valued around $8.5B, a move that could ripple through the national housing supply chain. Agriculture: USDA announced the Great American Cotton Plan after meeting with Arizona farmers, aiming to restore cotton profitability and boost domestic textile manufacturing. Arizona Water/Industry: A precision machining firm deal is in motion: PMGC Holdings signed a non-binding LOI to acquire a 76% stake in an Arizona-based aerospace/defense/semiconductor supplier. Mining: Corcel Exploration reported strong early drill results at its Yuma King Project, including copper-gold-silver-molybdenum mineralization. Food Security: Summer meals return for Yuma and La Paz youth through USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.

Housing & Construction Deal: Berkshire Hathaway agreed to buy Scottsdale-based Taylor Morrison for about $8.5B enterprise value ($72.50/share), its first major takeover since Warren Buffett stepped down—an explicit bet on scaling site-built homebuilding. Public Safety & Health Tech: TSA is seeking contractor support to modernize and maintain biometric identity and vetting systems tied to enrollment and credentialing across transportation security. Cancer Research: ASCO reports daraxonrasib, an oral targeted pill for metastatic pancreatic cancer, nearly doubles survival versus chemotherapy in a phase 3 trial, with fewer severe side effects. Water & Agriculture Tech: Arizona researchers are using OpenET-style satellite tracking and field tools to help farmers and water managers measure crop water use as the Colorado River faces long-term stress. Workforce & Immigration: New research links intensified ICE activity to reduced capacity and job losses in the childcare sector, hitting immigrant women hardest. Local Justice: A Tucson man was sentenced to 40 years for producing child pornography, with federal prosecutors citing use of phone, internet, and distribution.

Mining & Energy Security: Resolution Copper says its Arizona project could help close the U.S. copper gap, promising major output and jobs as electrification drives demand. Renewables & State Land: Arizona’s State Land Department faced fresh scrutiny over solar priorities after Gov. Katie Hobbs pushed renewable leasing on trust lands. Autonomous Mobility: Waymo’s teen ride program is expanding in the Valley, using robotaxi access to help teens get to paid internships. Workforce & Childcare: New research links intensified ICE enforcement to shrinking childcare capacity and job losses, with knock-on effects for families and the economy. Healthcare Innovation: A new pancreatic cancer trial reports a once-daily pill nearly doubling survival versus chemotherapy, with experts calling results “landscape-changing.” Local Business: Rapid Rooter Plumbing and Air was named Go Local Arizona Member of the Month for May. Clean Energy Education: Southern Utah University’s hydropower team earned top honors at a national DOE-backed competition.

Agriculture & Trade: U.S. Customs and Border Protection intercepted a rare leafhopper pest (Polyamia arachnion) in a leafy-greens shipment at the Port of Nogales, quarantining it after the May 8 discovery—only the second time in 69 years the species has been found in the U.S., with both detections traced to central Mexico. Water & Environment: Arizona will begin issuing PFAS (“forever chemicals”) fish consumption advisories this summer, testing more than 25 lakes for PFOS and other PFAS to update guidance for anglers. Real Estate & Growth: Goodyear’s GEN1 office building hit full leasing capacity, adding a mix of education, healthcare, finance, engineering and flexible workspace tenants. Construction & Local Business: A Tempe golf course redevelopment plan was withdrawn by the developer, who says a new approach will avoid a zoning change. Health & Community Services: Journey Audiology and Hearing Care opened a renovated, expanded office in Tempe to grow services, including mobile audiology. Workforce & Policy: New research links intensified ICE enforcement (2023–2025) to reduced capacity and employment in the childcare sector, with knock-on effects for families and working mothers.

SNAP Shock in Arizona: Arizona saw the biggest SNAP decline in the U.S., with about 235,000 families receiving benefits in April versus more than 455,000 last July, as federal work and eligibility changes take hold—leaving people like one Marana-area father scrambling for food. Data Center Push Meets Backlash: Pinal County supervisors tabled a rezone for the La Osa data center after opponents raised environmental concerns; the developer says it will cut buildings by 80%. In Avondale, Prime Data Centers broke ground on a 240MW campus phase, while Tucson residents protested “Project Blue.” Construction & Infrastructure: ADOT is set to start a $76.2M SR 260 widening near Payson, adding lanes and wildlife crossovers with lane restrictions starting June 11. Workforce & Training: Peerless Plumbing added eight trained lining technicians for trenchless sewer work in Phoenix, and ASU’s moonshot teams wrapped a pitch program aimed at landing philanthropic funding. Autonomous Mobility: Waymo will deploy its Zeekr-built Ojai robotaxi for public rides in Phoenix and other cities, initially with free trips for select riders. Tech & Economy: A new report says computers and semiconductors now drive over $15B in Arizona exports, underscoring the state’s chip manufacturing momentum.

Workforce & Industry: Southern Arizona leaders are racing to convert talent into a workforce as advanced manufacturing, aerospace supply chains, healthcare demand, and clean-energy projects (batteries and copper mining) reshape hiring needs, with Pima Community College and Central Arizona College acting as matchmakers and program builders. Mining & Geology: Everlert (now American Gold & Copper) appointed Dr. Richard “Criss” Capps as VP of Mining, Exploration and Geology, adding decades of exploration and NI 43-101 reporting experience to its Arizona-linked growth push. Semiconductors & Training: Arizona’s semiconductor corridor keeps expanding its talent pipeline, including a new Southwest regional hub for semiconductor education and workforce training partnerships tied to major chip players. Energy & Infrastructure: Modigent says its apprenticeship program has topped 100 enrolled participants since Sept. 2025, aiming to ease the skilled-trades shortage that threatens HVAC and other summer-critical building services. Housing & Consumer Pressure: SNAP participation dropped sharply nationwide, with Arizona seeing one of the steepest declines, underscoring mounting pressure on households as costs stay high. Local Business & Services: Metso expanded its Arizona presence with a new service center and training center to strengthen support for mining customers.

Water & Environment: Arizona is expanding fish consumption advisories to include PFOS “forever chemicals,” with guidance for anglers and added monitoring funding. Agriculture & Air Quality: ASU-led Regents research is testing low-water soil treatments to cut dust from fallow fields in central Arizona. Energy & Industry Siting: Pinal County opposition helped scale back Vermaland’s La Osa data center plan by about 80%, shrinking it to 11 data centers and limiting energy demand. Mining & Water Reuse: Superior signed a $20M water deal with Resolution Copper to restore Queen Creek flows and habitat, using treated groundwater and an endowment for long-term projects. Workforce & Training: Arizona’s semiconductor education push continues, including a new Southwest training hub designation and workforce pipeline efforts. Public Safety Tech: Peoria police used drone “eyes in the sky” to locate stolen cars and suspects within minutes. Legal & Compliance: Tucson man sentenced to 40 years for producing child sexual abuse material. Trade & Agriculture Policy: USDA unveiled the “Great American Cotton Plan,” with a Marana visit highlighting export and demand boosts for U.S. cotton growers.

Semiconductor Workforce Push: Arizona is positioning itself as a Southwest hub for microelectronics education, with SEMI’s federally backed National Network for Microelectronics Education aiming to close a projected U.S. gap of about 150,000 semiconductor workers by 2030—Arizona is highlighted as a leading partner in the effort. Semiconductor Corridor Expansion: HUHUTECH International Group says its U.S. unit won an additional $936,000 follow-on contract tied to capacity expansion at an Arizona advanced-node semiconductor facility. Mining Update (Arizona): Minera Alamos’ Copperstone project in Arizona cleared a prefeasibility study showing a low-cost, near-term path to production, with initial output targeted for mid-2027. Regulatory Watch for Broadcasters: The FCC’s June deadlines include Arizona EEO Public File report uploads due June 1 and new foreign sponsorship identification compliance requirements for many stations. Logistics Stress: FreightWaves reports another wave of trucking and logistics bankruptcies, including an Arizona freight brokerage filing, as weak demand and soft rates squeeze carriers. Agriculture Markets: Corn futures slipped alongside crude oil weakness, while planting and emergence progress continues to advance.

Semiconductor Workforce Push: Arizona was named the Southwest regional hub for microelectronics education, with SEMI Foundation and the Arizona Commerce Authority set to coordinate programs across AZ, SoCal, CO, NM and UT using up to $20M over five years. Energy & Grid Equity: A new analysis says APS residential customers are paying far more than commercial users for new power demand tied to data centers, fueling renewed debate over who bears the cost of Arizona’s AI-driven load growth. Water Forecasting for the Colorado River: ASU researchers are improving Colorado River basin forecasts by upgrading how water is tracked in the system, aiming to help Arizona plan conservation earlier as mandatory cuts loom. Regulatory Fight Over Solar vs Housing: Arizona Republicans accuse Gov. Hobbs of prioritizing solar projects on state land over housing, as lawmakers move to override land-department practices. Food Delivery Fees Crackdown: North Carolina AG Jeff Jackson joined a multistate push urging the FTC to curb hidden “drip pricing” on food delivery apps—an issue that hits consumer costs nationwide. Health Research: ASU unveiled a new digestion model that estimates how gut microbes affect calorie absorption, a potential tool for diet personalization in metabolic disorders.

Housing & Local Finance: New research says building homes near jobs, stores, and transit can cut public infrastructure costs and bring more property-tax revenue than development at the urban fringe, strengthening the case for Arizona-style zoning reform. Consumer Safety: Amazon-linked salmonella recalls hit cafe-style drink mixes and a moringa supplement, with FDA warning for kids, seniors, and immunocompromised shoppers. Defense & Manufacturing Capacity: A new analysis says U.S. contractors need at least three years to replenish Tomahawk, Patriot, and THAAD inventories after heavy Iran-war use—raising concerns about readiness in a Western Pacific fight. Arizona Business Growth: Mesa-based Canyon GBS is buying Apidapter and Intellidemia (Concourse Syllabus) to expand higher-ed integration and academic operations software. Commercial Services Expansion: Astra Service Partners adds Andrew’s in Arizona, expanding HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, electrical, construction, and concrete capabilities. Water & Infrastructure: The Mojave Groundwater Bank gets fresh federal momentum via a Bureau of Reclamation technical review funding agreement.

Public Safety & Infrastructure: Marana is set to close lanes on Cortaro Road overnight (May 31–June 4, 10 p.m.–8 a.m.) for pavement work, with light delays expected. Health Tech: ASU researchers say a new urine screening tool that checks 17 microbial metabolites could help identify autism risk in kids ages 2–11 earlier, aiming for faster diagnosis and more targeted support. Courts & Policy: The Goldwater Institute is pressing an appeals court to strike down Arizona’s film tax credits, arguing they’re essentially giveaways of state tax dollars. Water & Business: Arizona, California, and Nevada backed a three-state Colorado River conservation agreement to cut use by 3.2 million+ acre-feet through 2028—an effort meant to stabilize Lake Mead and Lake Powell. Local Government: Gila County abruptly fired County Manager W. James Menlove “for cause,” just as flood recovery work is ramping up. Industry & Growth: Lucid is testing its upcoming Cosmos midsize SUV near its Arizona plant, signaling a push toward a sub-$50,000 entry point.

Rideshare Safety Push: A new U.S. survey finds 3 in 5 women have felt unsafe in rideshares, and 72% say they use fake phone calls or deceptive texting to stay safe—while 71% want safety regulated by law, not left to companies. Arizona Legal Pressure: The findings land as rideshare firms face mounting legal heat, including an $8.5 million Arizona jury verdict tied to a sexual assault case. Purecare Expansion: Phoenix-based Purecare is growing abroad by acquiring UK bedding maker Norfolk Feather, adding feather-filled pillows and duvets to its sleep-wellness portfolio while its Arizona plant still turns out up to 2,500 pillows a week. Water-Energy Tradeoff: Colorado River managers are weighing “cool water” releases from Glen Canyon Dam to protect endangered fish versus lost hydropower and higher costs for ratepayers. Logistics Boost: Sherwin-Williams says it increased peak outbound freight from its Reno distribution center by 11% by blending private fleet capacity with partner transportation—serving Arizona among other Western states.

FDA Recall Watch: Raaw Energy is expanding a dog food recall, adding a March 31, 2026 lot to products made July 17–Dec. 23, 2025 over possible listeria contamination. World Cup Logistics: Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum says there’s “no issue” hosting Iran’s team after the squad moved its training base to Tijuana from the U.S., citing U.S. reluctance to allow overnight stays. Energy & Water Costs: Arizona’s water director warns Lake Mead’s low elevation could force Hoover Dam to shut down most turbines by fall, cutting hydropower and likely pushing up electricity costs. Fraud & Consumer Safety: Chase Bank and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office are running AI-fraud workshops as scammers use voice cloning and deepfakes to drain accounts. Local Business: The Mission opens in Gilbert, bringing French-Latin American techniques to a new Epicenter location. Gas Prices: Yuma County regular hit $4.47/gallon (week ending May 16), while Arizona’s average stayed near $4.80.