Central Arizonans for a Sustainable Economy in Phoenix

Abstract

Central Arizonans for a Sustainable Economy (CASE) provides a distinct case study for several reasons. CASE organizes at the heart of America's 21st-century economy. An expanding Phoenix has become the fifth largest city in the country and has experienced top job growth. CASE demonstrates how to evolve when confronted with shifting obstacles and opportunities. CASE began modeled after such “think and act” tanks as LAANE or Working Partnerships USA, with a focus on influencing regional economic development. However, a combination of limited policy opportunities within metro Phoenix combined with a historic opportunity to mobilize the Latino vote following the passage of the anti-immigrant law SB1070 led CASE to revamp its strategies. In 2010, CASE became a founding member and remains a core partner of One Arizona – a coalition dedicated to empowering working Arizonans by promoting civic engagement. Through even year state and Federal elections and odd year local elections CASE and other coalition partners have used intensive door-knocking and live phone calls to engage low-propensity to vote Latinos in the electoral process. As a result, state and local politics has begun to shift in this traditionally conservative stronghold state. With Arizona on track to become a “minority majority” state by 2027 CASE, One Arizona and other partners are now positioned for a decisive shift in the state's political balance of power. At the same time, increased voter engagement has shifted political opportunities within Phoenix, including the election of two grassroots champions to the city council. CASE's strategies continue to evolve.