Eller’s Economic Outlook Luncheon presented by PNC Bank

Join us for lunch with Eller Economic and Business Research Center Executive Director Jennifer Pullen, and Gus Faucher, chief economist of The PNC Financial Services Group, as they offer analysis and insights on what to expect for the global, state, and local economies in the future.

For more information, call Eller EBRC Events at 520-621-2155 or email outlook@eller.arizona.edu

Registration closes November 30, 2026

Arizona’s economy continues to expand, but growth has slowed considerably. Job growth improved during the first half of 2026 after a lackluster 2025, although gains remain uneven across industries and regions. Tucson’s labor market has also improved from its weak start to the year, but job growth remains modest. Population growth continues to slow as natural increase declines and the state becomes increasingly dependent on migration. At the same time, housing construction has weakened, and house prices have stabilized, but affordability remains a significant challenge.

Where are the state and local economies headed next? How will geopolitical tensions, energy prices, immigration policy, Federal Reserve policy, and changes in federal spending affect Arizona and Tucson? Is the current slowdown likely to continue, and what does that mean for businesses and households? Has inflation been brought under control, or could price pressures reemerge? And after several years of rapidly rising housing costs, when will affordability meaningfully improve?

Longer-term challenges may be just as important. Arizona’s aging population, slowing migration, and changing workforce are likely to play an increasing role in the state’s economic growth. How will demographic change and automation reshape the workforce? Which occupations and industries are most exposed to AI-driven change, and where might new opportunities emerge? What do educational attainment, youth disconnection, and workforce participation tell us about Arizona’s future labor supply? And are we beginning to see signs of a productivity shift, with economic output continuing to grow despite limited employment gains?

Join us to discuss these questions and what they mean for Arizona’s economy.

• Visit the Economic and Business Research Center for economic data, forecasts, research, and analysis on Arizona and its communities.
• Read our award-winning Arizona’s Economy online magazine for analysis of the latest developments shaping the state economy.
• Explore the award-winning MAP Dashboard for the latest data and comparisons on the economy, workforce, education, health, infrastructure, and quality of life in Southern Arizona.

Download Arizona‘s Economy smartphone app at the App Store and Google Play to track the state economy in real time.

About PNC Bank: PNC Bank, National Association, is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

About the University of Arizona Eller College of Management: Home to 8,100 undergraduate and 1,300 graduate students, the University of Arizona Eller College of Management is a comprehensive business school with a global reputation for innovative research, rigorous curriculum, a distinguished faculty, excellence in entrepreneurship and social responsibility. The College’s mission is to support and develop a community of scholars and learners whose knowledge, integrity and entrepreneurial spirit will transform business and society. For more, visit eller.arizona.edu.