Achievements
Greater Phoenix Leadership is a results-driven organization. GPL members come together around important issues in Arizona, whether education or championing pro-business policies, with the goals of affecting positive change and leaving Arizona a better place for future generations. More recent achievements have been the creation of Global Pathways Institute and Expect More Arizona, and the successful passage of Proposition 123, which brought much-needed funding for Arizona’s public schools.
Business
- In partnership with other organizations, GPL championed the extension of the Maricopa County half-cent sales tax in 2004 to fund freeway and regional transportation needs for the next 20 years.
- Along with other organizations, in 2006 GPL championed the creation of the Angel Investment Tax Credit to expand investment in the technology business market in Arizona.
- In cooperation with Senator John McCain and Governor Janet Napolitano, in 2006-7 led the Military Facility’s Task Force to ensure that Arizona’s military bases remained in the state.
- Leader in founding and funding the Global Pathways Institute located at ASU SkySong.
Education
- Leader and a major funder of Proposition 301 to finance and improve K-12, higher education and research in Arizona in 2000.
- Developed the plan for an integrated P-20 education model and a Governors P-20 council.
- Led the business efforts to pass new laws to master 3rd grade reading before moving on to 4th grade.
- Worked with partners to restore funding to Career Technical Education (CTE) and Joint Technical Education Districts (JTED) in Arizona in 2016.
Philanthropy
- Supported the creation of Valley Leadership to prepare a new generation of leaders.
- Created and funded Science Foundation Arizona, a statewide nonprofit corporation established to merge public, private and philanthropic funding to advance biosciences and engineering.
- GPL members sit on key boards, including Teach for America, Expect More Arizona, Global Pathways Institute, First Things First and several others.
- Helped found the Corporate Philanthropy Awards program for the region in 2016.
Public Policy
- Assisted in the establishment of Arizona Business and Education Coalition (ABEC).
- Led the effort to defeat anti-immigration and anti-LGBT bills in the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives that would have harmed Arizona’s reputation and economy.
- Along with Gov. Doug Ducey, led the effort to fund and pass Prop. 123, adding $3.5 billion toward education.
- Works with current and future lawmakers of the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate, ensuring that lawmakers have an understanding of GPL priorities.
Help Shape a Better Arizona
Be the voice of change. Ensure legislative policies reflect the priorities of Arizona citizens.