Local and Regional Leaders Meet to Discuss Water, Housing, Public Safety, and More
SIERRA VISTA — Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs made a stop in Sierra Vista as part of her statewide Arizona Promise Tour, meeting with city and government officials from Cochise County and neighboring Sonora, Mexico, at Canyon Vista Medical Center. During the visit, Hobbs provided updates on key state initiatives addressing critical issues such as water management, housing affordability, childcare, public safety, education, and economic growth.
The event brought together stakeholders to discuss these initiatives and how they will impact the region.
Water Management
A major topic of discussion was the proposal to change the designation of the Willcox Active Management Area (AMA) to a Rural Groundwater Management Area (RGMA). This shift is intended to improve groundwater sustainability in the region. The proposed changes aim to strike a balance between the needs of agriculture, industry, and residents while addressing long-term water availability challenges.
Read more about the Willcox AMA proposal here.
Homeownership Assistance
Governor Hobbs highlighted the Arizona Is Home Mortgage Assistance Program, which is available in Cochise County. This program offers first-time homebuyers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages at below-market rates, coupled with 4% down payment and closing cost assistance. Eligible buyers must have an annual income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The initiative aims to help more families achieve homeownership in rural areas.
For more information on the program, visit the Arizona Is Home Down Payment Assistance Program site: https://homeplusaz.com/arizona-is-home-down-payment-assistance-program/
Childcare Assistance
In an effort to support working families, Hobbs’ budget proposal includes matching state contributions for employers who offer childcare coverage assistance. The plan would cover up to two-thirds of the childcare costs, encouraging businesses to invest in their employees' well-being while addressing a critical barrier to workforce participation.
Operation SAFE and Public Safety
Public safety was also a key focus. Governor Hobbs discussed Operation SAFE (Stopping Arizona’s Fentanyl Epidemic, which has deployed 40 National Guard members to ports of entry for drug interdiction efforts. Additionally, Cochise County Sheriff’s Office is slated to receive nearly $2 million in grant funding, while Sierra Vista Police Department will receive over $115,000 to enhance local law enforcement’s ability to combat fentanyl trafficking and related crime.
Public Education Funding
Hobbs touched on the upcoming need for voters to consider a new proposition for public education funding, as Proposition 123—which was passed in 2016 to provide temporary funding—will expire this year. The Governor urged citizens to stay engaged in the process to ensure continued investment in public schools.
Small Business Loans
To support the region’s entrepreneurs, Hobbs promoted the Micro Business Loan Program from the Arizona Department of Economic Opportunity. The program is designed for businesses with fewer than five employees, offering tailored loan options to help small businesses start and grow.
For more information, visit the Micro Business Loan Program website https://oeo.az.gov/microbiz
Governor Hobbs emphasized her administration’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by communities in southern Arizona and re-emphasize her support for growing the mission of Fort Huachuca to ensure regional economic stability and growth.
SSVEC CEO Jason Bowling spoke about the returns to its members highlighting that over the past six years over $25 million has been returned through capital credits to SSVEC customers. Another $1 million will be given to support local teachers and education programs to the SSVEC foundation.
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