January 2022
As we enter 2022 and year three of the COVID-19 crisis, I can’t help but think about what we’ve lost. The loss of life, the loss of livelihoods. Those have been devastating. And we must do everything we can to limit the health and financial impacts of the pandemic in the coming months.
I also think about the loss of time. Elected leaders and policy makers have focused so much on the here and now that long-term planning has been largely neglected. There can be no more delays. It’s time to get to work on assuring a prosperous future for our region.
Investing in Infrastructure and Technology
We need to invest in critical infrastructure and technology that will make us attractive to individuals and businesses for the next 20 years. We must craft a regional transportation plan to replace Prop 400. It needs to assure regional equity and flexibility, and it needs to be something voters across the County can support. Crafting and getting voter approval for a new regional transportation plan is probably my biggest priority moving forward. But it’s not my only focus.
Investing in Education
Currently, we are the #1 ranked county for attracting skilled workers. If we want to retain that distinction, investing in our education system needs to be a priority. Parents should have many good options about where to send their kids. Our universities and community colleges ought to have our full support in attracting the workforce of the future.
It’s no accident Maricopa County has been the fastest-growing county in the United States for the past several years. Leaders of the past made tough decisions and smart investments that paved the way for individuals, families, and businesses to thrive here.
Now it’s our turn. Let’s get to work in 2022!
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On January 26, 2020, Maricopa County confirmed its first case of COVID-19. Within weeks, it was a public health emergency. This is the story of county's emergency response over the past two years.
 The County continues to provide options for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. County libraries have given out more than 40,000 at-home COVID-19 testing kits, and that number is only expected to grow. The Library District has partnered with Public Health on the program. It's part of a broader effort to get tests where they are needed.
Find testing events and locations >
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved $28 million in funding that will address housing insecurity for County residents. Of the $28 million in funding, $21 million will be allocated to add 352 new shelter beds to further expand the region’s capacity to serve people experiencing homelessness, $4 million will bolster rapid-rehousing services, and $3 million will go to address needs to prevent a reoccurrence of homelessness.
 With the number of unsheltered people in Maricopa County steadily increasing over the last five years, this Board made it a priority to put federal dollars to work to make sure this group of people disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 have access to shelter and services to help them get back on their feet. Our goal is to distribute this money in a way that eases the burden of individuals and families while strengthening this important type of infrastructure.
Apply for rental assistance >
View all county assistance programs >
My fellow board members and I were honored to be named Arizonans of the Year alongside men of integrity like Rusty Bowers, Paul Boyer, and Stephen Richer. But it is the people whose names you do not know - our elections staff and volunteers - who deserve the true thanks. Their professionalism, knowledge of election laws and procedures, and attention to detail ensured votes were counted as they were cast, and all eligible Maricopa County voters had an opportunity to participate.
Unfortunately, the effort to undermine free and fair elections is not over. 2022 will be a critical year and more strong voices are needed to protect democracy. I am hopeful that the courage to tell the truth will not be such a rare commodity in the coming year as to warrant such distinction.
 The Maricopa County Elections Department produced a comprehensive, point-by-point response to an Arizona Senate inquiry into the 2020 General Election. 74 of the 75 claims made by Senate contractors were debunked. Our analysis found fewer than 100 potentially questionable ballots with no systemic issues identified and no impact on the outcome of any races.
Download the “Correcting the Record” report at JustTheFacts.Vote.
Celebrating the Dream
 Celebrating the Dream with the HeroZona Foundation and an all-star cast of speakers. Thanks to Alan AP Powell and Ron Williams for an inspiring reminder of the work ahead of us!
 The East Valley Breakfast with the Governor was hosted by the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. Governor Doug Ducey presented an East Valley focused update on his State of the State.
 I am so proud of former Tainan Mayor Lai, who signed a Sister Cities agreement with Chandler, on being elected Vice President of Taiwan. I'm honored to call him a friend of Chandler and Arizona.
 There was a great turnout for the Arizona Chamber Legislative Forecast Lunch. Key remarks from Senator Kelly and Governor Doug Ducey followed by a discussion with state Senate and Legislative leadership.
Please let us know how we can better serve you.
Jack Sellers, District 1
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
(602) 506-1776
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