SAFFORD — Saying she wants the state to be “as strong a partner to rural counties as it can be,” Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs met with leaders from Safford, Thatcher, Pima, Eastern Arizona College, Graham County Co-op and the Chamber of Commerce on Thursday.
During an appearance at the Safford Spring Festival Sponsor Dinner at The Venue on Main, she said two things stood out to her from meeting with local leaders and getting a first-hand look at Graham County.
“Just how much of a driver the mine is around here, in terms of the economy, as that you don’t necessarily see the benefits of the revenue that it is producing,” Hobbs said. “And then the housing challenges are really unique here compared to other places I’ve been.”
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
To address the housing issue, she said the Arizona is Home program has a component that is available only to residents outside of Maricopa and Pima counties, and that the Arizona Industrial Development Authority is making lending available to rural residents.
And on Thursday she announced the creation of the Arizona Community College Workforce Scholarship Program, available to every one of the state’s community colleges.
Plus her office recently announced a new micro-business loan program through the Office of Economic Opportunity, making up to $50,000 available to small businesses.
Meanwhile, she said the state still has challenges to meet, including getting affordable childcare, health care and broadband to every part of the state.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
