Arizona State and Local Government Documents Collection

In fiscal year 2012, Payson Unified School District’s student achievement was slightly higher than peer district averages, and the District’s operations were reasonably efficient in most areas. The District’s administrative costs were similar to the peer district average, but the District lacked adequate controls over user access to its computer network and systems. The District’s plant operations cost per square foot was similar to the peer districts’ average, but its cost per pupil was higher because it operated more building space per pupil. The District’s transportation program costs were higher than peer district averages, but the program was reasonably efficient, with efficient bus routes and proper fuel usage monitoring. However, the District’s food service program was less than efficient, with a higher cost per meal than the peer districts’ average because of higher staffing costs and some food service vendor contract terms that were not favorable to the District. As a result, the District spent $24,590 of its Maintenance and Operation Fund monies to subsidize its food service program.

Housing plays a major role in the United States and Arizona economies. It is estimated that the housing industry accounts for one-fifth of our nation’s Gross Domestic Product. Despite the economic importance of housing, Arizona did not have a comprehensive approach or strategy for dealing with housing policy issues. In 1994, a Housing Summit addressed increasing concerns about the cost of housing. Participants from across the state met to discuss growing housing needs. A major outcome of the summit was the formation of the Affordable Housing Task Force, designed to review the state’s housing market and suggest ways the state could address housing affordability. Its principal recommendation was the creation of a permanent body that would focus attention on workable housing solutions. The Arizona Housing Commission was created by Executive Order in 1996 to serve as an advisory body to the Governor, the Legislature and the Arizona Department of Commerce, which is the primary agency currently responsible for housing programs. In 1997, the passage of House Bill 2011 formally established the Commission in statute.

The agency is dedicated to allocating funds in a responsible manner to assist as many Arizona homeowners as possible and through ongoing adjustments to the program we remain optimistic that new avenues will be successful in reducing foreclosures and stabilizing our neighborhoods. Reports highlight the outstanding efforts of the Arizona Department of Housing, Arizona Housing Finance Authority, and the Arizona Home Foreclosure Funding corporation. We are confident that through the tireless efforts of the agency and our dedicated partners we will push through this recession and emerge stronger and better prepared for whatever challenges the future holds.

A number of significant positive and negative economic impacts could result from Pima County's SDCP and related programs, according to an analysis of existing research on large-scale conservation planning undertaken to provide a framework for community decision-making. This report offers no final verdict on the net economic impact of Pima County's current, ambitious initiatives in habitat conservation and growth management. However, it does provide a framework for future assessment and decision-making.