Building a Stronger Economy: The Role of Workforce Development

Workforce development plays a pivotal role in driving economic growth by ensuring that individuals possess the skills and knowledge required to meet the evolving demands of industries. This alignment between workforce capabilities and market needs not only enhances productivity but also fosters innovation, leading to a more robust and competitive economy.

Workforce development initiatives often focus on things like:

• Job training and upskilling – Teaching people new skills, especially in response to changing industries (e.g., tech, healthcare, trades).
• Career readiness – Helping individuals with soft skills, résumé building, interview prep, etc.
• Education partnerships – Connecting schools, community colleges, and universities with employers to align education with real job demands.
• Economic development alignment – Making sure workforce training lines up with the jobs that are (or will be) in demand in a region.

These initiatives allow the labor force to transition seamlessly between sectors, mitigating the adverse effects of economic downturns or industry-specific declines. Basically, it is all about preparing people for jobs and making sure employers have the skilled talent they need.

Here is a sampling of workforce development programs in the Phoenix-Mesa metropolitan area:

SPECIALTY TRAINING

East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT): Offers career and technical education for high school and adult students in areas like robotics, electronics, and engineering. LEARN MORE 

Mesa Workforce Development Center: Under the direction of Northern Arizona University’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management, the center provides high-quality education and training, equipping students for success in the hospitality industry. LEARN MORE 

Maricopa Community Colleges: Provides vocational training and degree programs tailored to industry needs, improving employability and workforce readiness. LEARN MORE 

Future48 Workforce Accelerators: Connects students with skills and know-how needed for jobs in Arizona’s growing advanced manufacturing industry. LEARN MORE 

Semiconductor Quick Start Program: A 10-day introductory course providing essential knowledge and hands-on learning about semiconductor manufacturing. LEARN MORE 

Cable Harness Wiring Boot Camp: A partnership between Mesa Community College and Boeing, training workers for aerospace manufacturing roles. LEARN MORE 

ASU AZNext Program: A public-private partnership that creates a workforce development ecosystem addressing the need for more skilled workers in IT, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing roles. AZNext creates job-training, upskilling, and reskilling models designed to connect technically skilled and certified workforce to next-generation jobs. LEARN MORE 

FUNDING FOR EDUCATION

Mesa College Promise: Assists qualified high school graduates and returning adult learners to attend Mesa Community College for two years with tuition and fees fully funded. LEARN MORE 

FREE RESOURCES

ASU Microelectronics Workforce Development Hub: Lists more than 70 courses available to people across the life span — high school students, college-goers, and workers who would like to retrain for a new career. LEARN MORE 

Arizona@Work: A public-private partnership offering job training, career counseling, and employment assistance. LEARN MORE 

Job Connect Mesa: An online portal offering employment, training, and career resources for individuals and businesses in the Mesa area. LEARN MORE 

These initiatives equip individuals with skills that align with industry needs, strengthening the Phoenix-Mesa economy and making it an attractive location for businesses. For more information, visit SelectMesa.com. 

---

Mesa City Council Appoints Scott Butler as New City Manager

The Mesa City Council has unanimously appointed Scott Butler as the new City Manager. Butler, who has served as Assistant City Manager since July 2022 and brings to his new role nearly 21 years of experience with the City of Mesa, will succeed Christopher J. Brady on June 1, 2025. Brady announced his retirement in January after nearly two decades of transformative leadership.

"Mesa is positioned for an incredible future. I'm honored to have been selected to help guide our city through its next chapter," said Mesa's newly appointed City Manager Scott Butler. "My approach will balance fiscal discipline with strategic innovation, ensuring we continue to deliver exceptional services while developing the economic vitality our community deserves. I look forward to building on the strong foundation established during Chris Brady's tenure while bringing fresh perspectives to address our evolving challenges."

As Assistant City Manager, Butler has overseen several critical departments, including Police, Fire and Medical, Municipal Court, Transportation, Transit and Falcon Field. His experience also includes serving as Deputy City Manager from 2015 to 2022 and Director of Government Relations from 2008 to 2015.

"Scott has foundational and institutional knowledge of the City of Mesa. He knows what makes the City successful and has firsthand knowledge of the challenges ahead," said Mayor Mark Freeman. The Council has complete confidence in his ability to lead our organization. His deep understanding of our community makes him the ideal candidate. Fortunately, we have someone of Scott's caliber ready to step into this critical role."

Throughout his career with Mesa, Butler has overseen numerous transformative projects, including securing the Chicago Cubs continued presence in Mesa, acquiring the Air Force Research Labs, developing State Route 24, creating the funding mechanism for the Gilbert Road Light Rail Extension and obtaining federal support for the new Mesa Gateway Airport air traffic control tower. Scott has also been instrumental in developing partnerships with Arizona State University and the Maricopa Community College District to build workforce development programs that attract high-wage employers to Mesa.

"Scott has grown tremendously during his tenure with the City of Mesa, and I've had the privilege of witnessing his development as a leader," said outgoing City Manager Chris Brady. "Scott has a unique ability to balance long-term vision with day-to-day management of the City. He understands Mesa's operations from the ground up and has earned the trust of staff and community stakeholders. His institutional knowledge and dynamic mindset will allow for a seamless transition while bringing fresh energy to the organization. I'm confident Mesa will be in excellent hands under his leadership."

Butler's priorities as City Manager will include maintaining the City's fiscal responsibility approach to budget and management, reorganizing resources for greater efficiency, streamlining development processes, attracting high-wage employers, enhancing placemaking initiatives and maintaining Mesa's commitment to public safety.

Prior to joining Mesa in 2004, Scott Butler served in various roles at the local, state and federal government levels, including as a policy advisor for the Georgia House of Representatives, a senior advisor to the Georgia Secretary of State and as an outreach liaison for the White House Office of Scheduling and Advance. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia. PRESS RELEASE 

---

Application Period Opens for Mesa College Promise

Mesa Community College has started accepting online applications through June 15 for the Mesa College Promise program for the 2025-2026 academic year. The successful program launched in 2021 as a public and private partnership involving the City of Mesa, Mesa Community College (MCC) and the corporate sector, covers two years of tuition and fees at MCC for eligible 2025 Mesa high school graduates and eligible adults who are 25 years or older.

"With the support of our local business community, the Mesa College Promise has been a resource for connecting Mesa residents to higher education and career growth opportunities," said Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman. "As someone who benefited from education at MCC, I appreciate the transformative impact education can have on a person’s future. Together, we’re building a stronger workforce for tomorrow."

Current high school students residing in Mesa who are on target to earn a high school diploma from a public, private, charter, online, or home school, including recipients of a state-accredited GED, are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and apply for the program to attend MCC. Graduates who earned their diploma or GED after Jan. 1, 2021, are also eligible to apply.

The program provides financial support to students with demonstrated financial needs who have not received enough FAFSA funds or other scholarships to cover the total cost of college. Eligibility includes a 2.0 or better high school GPA, Mesa residency, and a commitment to taking at least 12 credit hours per semester.

Adults 25 and older who are Mesa residents are eligible to apply by meeting the following requirements:

• Demonstrating financial need through FAFSA completion and supporting documentation
• Earned a high school diploma or GED
• Not previously attended college or some college/no degree
• Enrolling at MCC with a minimum of 6 credits as a degree or certificate-seeking student in an eligible program of study

One of the first Promise Programs in the state, Mesa College Promise welcomed the first group of 216 students to MCC in the Fall 2021 semester, 201 students in Fall 2022, approximately 200 Promise students in Fall 2023 and 301 students in Fall 2024, including 54 adult learners. The 2024-2025 academic year was the first time adults were eligible to apply. More than 70% of the students are the first in their families to attend college.

Full details and the application link are available at mesacc.edu/mesa-promise.