As Arizona approaches its centennial, our state is at a critical juncture related to its environment and quality of life. The livability and vitality of Arizona’s cities and towns will be impacted by upcoming pivotal decisions related to:

• Land use planning and open space,
• A balanced multi-modal transportation system,
• Improving and maintaining healthy air quality,
• Arizona leadership in solar and renewable energy technology,
• Managing our precious water resources, and
• Protecting wilderness, parks, national monuments and other natural areas for Arizona's tourism economy 

Wise decisions will require collaboration among public, business and civic leaders across the state. To move Arizona forward economically, environmentally and socially, Valley Forward Association believes we must find our commonalities rather than faulting our differences. 

Valley Forward Association is a 42-year-old marquee nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that brings together diverse interests to enhance the environment and quality of life in Maricopa County and the expanding metropolitan area.  

Valley Forward’s focus – land use and open space, transportation, air quality, water and energy – extend well beyond its past geographic focus. Recognizing that Arizona communities are facing many common issues that must be addressed holistically and statewide, Valley Forward is undertaking efforts to help initiate Arizona Forward, a public interest coalition that will influence environmental and quality of life decisions in the state of Arizona.

Arizona Forward will bring together business, community and civic leaders from throughout Arizona to convene thoughtful public dialogue and advocacy on statewide sustainability issues.

Initially, we expect Arizona Forward to focus on the Sun Corridor, the mega-region stretching from Tucson to Phoenix that contains 80 percent of the state’s population, and then beyond to Prescott and Flagstaff. 

As envisioned, Arizona Forward will promote cooperative efforts to improve the livability and vitality of cities and towns throughout the state, advocating a balance between economic growth and environmental quality.

Arizona Forward will support the excellent work of other local, regional and statewide organizations, foster relationships, build consensus and maximize resources toward a more sustainable future. It will not duplicate existing efforts already underway or undermine existing civic structures.  

A diverse statewide membership mix will include large and small businesses and jurisdictions of government, including Arizona’s largest employers and smallest, industrial and manufacturing sectors, entrepreneurial enterprises, municipalities, tribes and other government agencies, educators, nonprofit organizations and inspired citizens. While Arizona Forward’s long-term organizational structure forms, the coalition will initially be administered by Valley Forward staff in partnership with leading members and supporters.

The initial goals of Arizona Forward are to:

• Establish cooperative relationships with like-minded Arizona conservation organizations and facilitate collaboration on sustainability initiatives;
• Bring business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues and to improve the environment and sustainability of Arizona;
• Increase awareness of and interest in environmental issues initially in the Sun Corridor and then beyond, statewide, building on an agenda of land use and open space planning, transportation, air quality, water, and energy;
• Support efforts to promote the Sun Corridor as an economic development area incorporating sustainability and smart growth principles; and
• Serve as a technical resource on environmental issues through Arizona Forward’s and Valley Forward’s diverse membership of large corporations, small businesses, municipal governments, state agencies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.

The benefits to the state of Arizona will be profound. Our collective influence will make a difference to ensure responsible growth and development, efficient transportation, air and water quality, energy alternatives and meaningful education throughout Arizona.

Arizona Forward will bring together environmental stewards who are vested in Arizona. As a committed, non-partisan public and private sector partnership, Arizona Forward’s voice will help to create a healthier environment and a more vibrant economy in our state.

In addition to a founding status of an important new statewide organization, members and sponsors of Arizona Forward will receive recognition at varying levels of commitment. Participation will prove your leadership on a statewide scale. More importantly, members will know that they have increased awareness of and interest in critical growth issues facing our region and ensured a balance between economic prosperity and environmental quality by elevating a sustainability agenda across Arizona.

Learn more about Arizona Forward programs and services.

Click here to download a general membership application.

Click here to download a special application for existing Valley Forward members.

Click here to access a study on The Economic Impact of Renewable Energy in Arizona by Elliot D. Pollack & Company, presented at the Renewable Energy Economic Summit & Conference. 

Click here to download a primer on parks and open space in Arizona.

Click here to access a database of current research on the Economics of Arizona's Environment.

Click here to view our current membership list.

Click here to download a press release and letter from Arizona business leaders urging Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar to support transition to clean energy.

For more information, contact Diane Brossart at (602) 240-2408 or dbrossart@arizonaforward.org.