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.
Executive Director
JoAnna Mendoza is a retired US Marine Veteran, government and political affairs professional, and servant leader. After retiring from the Marine Corps, JoAnna worked for a foster licensing agency contracted by the State of Arizona to find homes for children in foster care and developmental homes for children and adults with special needs. A few years later, JoAnna transitioned to working with vulnerable veterans and found her way to serving in government again, as a Veteran Service Representative and the Deputy District Director for a Member of Congress from the Arizona Congressional Delegation.
JoAnna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Intelligence Studies, a Master’s of Science in Leadership with an emphasis in disaster preparedness, a Public Leadership Credential from Executive Education at Harvard Kennedy School, a Brand Management Certificate from Cornell, and a Professional Certificate in Social Media Management from Georgetown.
Communications Engagement Coordinator
As the Communications Engagement Coordinator of Children’s Action Alliance and The Arizona Center for Economic Progress, Sarah leads both state and federal advocacy outreach for issues like the Aggregate Expenditure Limit (AEL) school spending cap, and Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). Prior to joining the team, she worked as a Public Affairs Executive at Rose Allyn Public Relations where she specialized in crisis control, event management, and investor relations. During the pandemic, Sarah served as a Policy Intern for Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego where she handled constituent concerns and community outreach. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Service and Public Policy as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainability from Arizona State University. She is excited to use her experience in community engagement to advance the mission and policy agenda of CAA and the AZCenter.
Economic Policy Analyst
Connor performs data analysis, research, and advocacy to advance policy solutions at both the state and federal level addressing poverty, economic well-being, and a fairer tax code. Most recently Connor was a Policy Analyst with the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico in the City Attorney’s Office and the Office of Legislation and Policy Innovation. Previously, Connor worked as a Field Organizer with the Arizona Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign, Mission for Arizona. In May 2020, Connor graduated from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University with a Master of Legal Studies. Prior to earning his MLS, Connor worked as a Donald W. Reynolds Fellow with the Carnegie-Knight News21 Initiative, where he received the 2019 Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award in the college category as a member of News21. As an undergraduate Connor studied Political Science and Journalism. He completed numerous internships as an undergraduate, including with the U.S. Trade Representative, the U.S. Commercial Service, the U.S. Department of State and POLITICO Europe. Connor is from Phoenix, Arizona and is a dual citizen of the United States and the Republic of Ireland.
Director of Fiscal Policy
Karen McLaughin is the Director of Fiscal Analysis for Children’s Action Alliance and the Arizona Center for Economic Progress. She provides leadership on the state budget and tax issues. Prior to joining CAA in 2005, Karen held various positions with the State of Arizona including analyst with the Governor’s Office and Strategic Planning and Budgeting and the Financial Serviecs Administrator for the Arizona Department of Economic Security. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Arizona State University.
Policy Associate
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.
Digital Stategist
Economic Policy Analyst
Franklin joins the Arizona Center for Economic Progress after serving as a legislative correspondent in Senator Kyrsten Sinema’s Office. In that role, he worked on energy, environmental, public lands, and Tribal issues and supported Senator Sinema’s actions on the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Franklin grew up in Tempe and is a proud product of Arizona’s public K-12 schools. He earned his Master’s in Public Policy degree from American University as well as a B.A. in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government and a Certificate in Advanced Leadership Studies from AU. Other previous roles include serving as a deputy field organizer for the Biden presidential campaign in Iowa and graduate legislative intern in Salt River Project’s federal affairs office in D.C.
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Luisa is a multimedia artist and advocate for the youth with a Bachelor’s degree from ASU in Film studies, focused on documentary work. She continues to explore film, graphic design and writing through her Colombian culture and local communities. With many years of experience in videography, digital marketing, and project management, Luisa is consistently learning how to utilize her talents to become a bridge for others. Prior to CAA and AZCenter, her experiences working with various nonprofit in the arts and youth sectors have expanded her focus toward a commitment to helping future generations.