The Arizona Center for Economic Progress is a leader in advancing policies that create fairer tax codes which raise the revenue needed to invest in education, affordable housing, health care, infrastructure and other supports needed to build thriving communities and better economic opportunities for all Arizonans.
You can find us in Arizona communities alongside grassroots organizations fighting for equity and economic justice; in the halls of the government advocating for policy change that removes barriers to getting ahead; and producing key data-driven insights and the latest research to share with advocates, lawmakers, media and Arizona voters.
Advancing legislation to slow the growth of corporate tax credits and preventing millions of public tax dollars from being diverted from public to private schools.
Achieving millions in new annual revenue for Arizona’s public schools and a fairer state tax code through the passage of a ballot initiative establishing an income tax surcharge on the wealthiest Arizonans.
State Policy Fellow
Gauri Agarwal is a State Policy Fellow with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, working in partnership with the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. She recently graduated from Barrett The Honors College at Arizona State University with a B.S. in Justice Studies, a minor in Political Science, and a certificate in Human Rights. During her time at ASU, Gauri explored the intersections of law, policy, and social change through research, advocacy, and community engagement. She is passionate about advancing equity-driven public policy that uplifts Arizona communities.
Economic Policy Analyst
Geraldine advances the Arizona Center for Economic Progress’ work by advocating for a sound fiscal policy through budget and tax-related projects. She joins the AZCenter after serving as a Senior Paralegal for Community Legal Services where she provided legal assistance and administrative hearing representation to Arizonans facing adverse Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, and Social Security disability benefit eligibility and overpayment determinations. Geraldine holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service degree in International Politics with a certification in Asian Studies from Georgetown University.
Director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress
Joseph serves as the Director of the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. He brings years of experience in state and local taxation. Joseph began his career as a corporate tax analyst at the Arizona Department of Revenue and has worked as a tax consultant at KPMG. He holds his Juris Doctor and Master of Laws in Taxation from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. He is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Economics from George Mason University. Additionally, Joseph brings a background in political organizing, community mediation, and nonprofit arts leadership. Joseph believes it’s important to focus on the narratives that make up the Arizona economy as he works to create a fairer tax code and a more inclusive Arizona economy.
Communications Manager
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Luisa Santos Martinez is a multimedia artist, creative strategist, and youth advocate with a B.A. in Film from Arizona State University, where she focused on documentary storytelling. Rooted in her Colombian heritage and deeply engaged in local communities, Luisa explores the intersections of film, design, and narrative to elevate stories that often go unheard.
With extensive experience in videography, digital communications, and project management, Luisa has led campaigns and creative initiatives across the arts, advocacy, and nonprofit sectors. Her work spans from managing statewide communications strategies to directing cultural programming and producing bilingual content for diverse audiences. Prior to her role at Children’s Action Alliance and the Arizona Center for Economic Progress, she collaborated with numerous arts and youth-focused organizations, sharpening her commitment to using media as a bridge for collective healing, visibility, and change.