Ken Burns

The committee reviewed the fiscal year 2025 audit plan presented by external auditors, covering scope, process, timelines, and key risk areas including revenue recognition and internal controls. Discussion topics included upcoming GASB standards, a cybersecurity assessment, expectations regarding staff capacity for fieldwork, and the scope of a single audit involving federal grant programs.

The meeting included welcome remarks regarding new Council appointments and the selection of a Chairman. Each member provided updates on their upcoming projects. The Council reviewed submissions for the 2012 Rural Grant and established a review committee. Additionally, overviews were provided for the Preferred Prospect Profiles Initiative and the Certified Sites Initiative to solicit feedback from the group.

The council received a presentation on the benefits and implementation steps for a statewide Certified Sites Initiative. Members were briefed on current involvement in the aerospace, defense, and unmanned aircraft systems sectors, and received an update on general agency projects. A committee was established to re-evaluate criteria for rural grant applications. Furthermore, the meeting addressed the review of the Morrison Institute report findings and gathered suggestions for future agenda topics, including the promotion of rural mining, economic development policies, and translational sciences from a rural perspective.

The board meeting agenda included presentations on the Certified Sites Initiative by Foote Consulting and on Aerospace and Defense and Unmanned Aircraft Systems by the Arizona Commerce Authority. Additionally, the council received an update from the Arizona Commerce Authority, discussed the establishment of a rural grant criteria committee, and reviewed a report from the Morrison Institute.

The council received a presentation on the upcoming Arizona Tech Week, a decentralized conference focused on statewide engagement. There was an overview of the 2026 Economic Strengths Program Grant offered by ADOT, covering eligibility requirements and timelines. Furthermore, the meeting included updates on Arizona Commerce Authority initiatives, such as Small Business Economic Development programs, marketing campaigns for the Arizona Port of Entry, and Opportunity Zones. The session concluded with a roundtable discussion regarding community updates.