Maricopa County is growing in ways no other county in the country can match, according to newly-released data from the U.S. Census Bureau.  In 2016-2017, Maricopa County added 73,650 people—or a little more than 200 per day.  That is not only the largest numerical increase of any county, it’s also the largest percentage growth (1.7%) of any of the nation’s 10 most populous counties.

According to the Census Bureau, Maricopa County remains the fourth most populous county in the United States behind Los Angeles, Cook (Chicago), and Harris (Houston) counties. 

The 10 counties that saw the largest gains in population are all in the South and West.  Maricopa County’s growth of nearly 74,000 was, by far, the most of any county.  Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas) was a distant second, seeing a net gain of about 47,000 people.

Click here to read the article in the Cronkite News.

If you have a FitBit or any other type of wearable device, you know the appeal of the growing medical-electronic technology industry.  It is a field with the potential to address—and perhaps solve—some of our most pressing health challenges.  But only if we teach people to start companies, design products, and do the highly technical work involved in getting those products to market. 

The Maricopa County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) is teaming up with Arizona State University on a comprehensive program to train the next generation of MedTech entrepreneurs and workers.

In case you don’t know, the IDA is a non-profit corporation established by the state constitution.  The IDA promotes economic development through low-cost financing and community investments, and while the IDA’s budget is separate from the county’s, its work is overseen and its governing board is appointed by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. 

The IDA provided a $2 million grant to ASU to jumpstart the MedTech workforce program.  The IDA was also the primary source of funding for the recently-launched PipelineAZ, a software platform that connects job seekers and employers in new ways. 

Again, you’re not paying for these investments with your county tax dollars. Instead, the IDA makes money through fees it charges for facilitating low-interest or tax-exempt loans.  Those fees go back into the community in the form of grants—like the one to ASU’s MedTech program—which further the IDA’s mission to boost economic development. 

April is National County Government Month, and this year’s theme is “Serving the Underserved.” That is a mission we take seriously at Maricopa County, and one that matters a lot to me personally.  It’s my feeling that how we treat those in need says a lot about who we are.  Below you’ll find a few examples of the ways in which Maricopa County is providing opportunities to hard-working people who might not have another good option.  I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch.

Mother of eight pursues new career

Home renovation for low-income family

Jail diversion and treatment

District 1 has open volunteer positions on our Maricopa County Boards & Commissions:

Maricopa County Library District Citizens’ Advisory Committee. This Committee advises the Library District Board of Directors (which is made up of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors) and acts as a liaison between the community and the Library administration.  The Committee meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, except August and December, at 11:00 a.m.

Maricopa County Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC). The CDAC advises on matters concerning the Community Development Block Grant program, including fair housing and housing affordability issues affecting low/moderate income people. The Committee meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 

If interested, please contact our office at (602) 506-1776 or email my Chief of Staff, Candice Copple at copplec@mail.maricopa.gov.

Yvonne Seel

Human Services, Housing and Community Development Division

Meet Yvonne Seel, the housing and weatherization coordinator for Human Services' Housing and Community Development Division. 

Yvonne didn’t know what her long-term goals were when she applied to work for the County, but she knew she wanted a job where she could make a difference. She wanted to help people. She started working for the Human Services Department, and discovered that its mission is true to its name: it’s about serving people. 

Twenty-one years later, Yvonne is still helping people. In her current job, she manages the budgets, contracts, and invoices for the weatherization program. She is also responsible for approving the final work product to ensure her clients are satisfied with the services they receive.  

Yvonne appreciates her co-workers who are passionate about serving their clients. She also appreciates the value of the services her program provides. In the past 10 years, Yvonne and her team have helped provide weatherization and energy efficiency services to more than 3,000 households in Maricopa County. More than 2,000 of those had a disabled person in the home. The Veterans Home Modification Program is one example of programming that Yvonne is proud to support.

Thank you Yvonne, keep up the good work!