Join us for breakfast with EBRC Executive Director Jennifer Pullen as she provides timely analysis and insight into what’s ahead for the Arizona and Tucson economies. New in 2026, the Eller College of Management is partnering with the Chamber of Southern Arizona to feature a business panel moderated by Joe Snell, the Chamber’s President & CEO. Hear directly from regional leaders on economic development strategies, key initiatives, and the latest industry trends shaping the future.
When: Thursday, June 4, 2026
8:00am-9:30am
Registration opens at 7:30am
Where: Westin La Paloma Resort
Grand Canyon Ballroom, 3800 E. Sunrise Drive, Tucson, AZ 85718
Cost: $110 per person or $1,100 per table of 10
Register Now!
Registration closes May 28, 2026.
For more information call EBRC Special Events at 520-621-2155 or email outlook@eller.arizona.edu. Registration closes May 25, 2025
Arizona’s economy lost momentum last year. Statewide job growth slowed to its weakest pace since the pandemic recovery, driven mainly by weaker hiring. Tucson saw virtually no net job gains. Population growth continues to slow, reflecting weakening natural increase and a growing reliance on net migration, even as federal policy is constraining it. Housing permit activity is expected to soften as population gains gradually lose steam. While housing affordability remained better than in many other Western regions, many households still struggle to find affordable options. Even with slower growth, the labor market has held up relatively well. Unemployment has risen modestly but remains manageable, while employment cost growth has moderated as hiring demand cools and job churn slows.
Where are the global, national, state, and local economies headed next? How will global and national uncertainty, including conflict in the Middle East, higher gas prices, tariffs, immigration policy changes, and federal economic uncertainty, affect Arizona and Tucson? Are we headed toward a recession or a continued slowdown, and what should businesses plan for? When will housing affordability meaningfully improve, or has it already? Is inflation at risk of accelerating?
Looking further out, how will demographic change and automation shape Arizona’s future workforce? What industries face the greatest disruption from AI, and which are currently the most insulated? What do low graduation rates, youth disconnection, and lagging college attainment mean for Arizona’s long-run workforce? Are we already experiencing an AI productivity shift, with GDP growing even as job counts stagnate?
Join us to discuss these questions and the future of Arizona’s economy.
- JPMorgan Chase provides support for the award-winning website ebr.eller.arizona.edu, the premier source for information on Arizona’s economy. There you will find measures of the economy’s performance, analysis by the Eller College Economic and Business Research Center, and links to important studies.
- View our award-winning Arizona’s Economy magazine at azeconomy.eller.arizona.edu.
- Visit the award-winning MAP Dashboard at mapazdashboard.arizona.edu for the latest indicators on Southern Arizona.
- Visit azmex.eller.arizona.edu for the latest Arizona-Mexico economic indicators.
- Download Arizona’s Economy smartphone app at the App store and Google Play to track the state economy in real time.
About JPMorgan Chase: JPMorgan Chase provides support for the award-winning website ebr.eller.arizona.edu, the premier source for information on Arizona’s economy. There you will find measures of the economy’s performance, analysis by the Eller College Economic and Business Research Center, and links to important studies.
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.
About The Chamber of Southern Arizona: The Chamber’s mission is to drive sustainable economic growth and job creation in Southern Arizona by uniting business advocacy and economic development strategies to foster a thriving business ecosystem. The Chamber positions Tucson and Southern Arizona as a leading economic hub through targeted business attraction, retention programs, talent development and small-business resources. The focus includes competitive business practices, effective public policy advocacy and developing emerging business leaders. For more visit thechambersoaz.com.
