December 2022
I started 2022 by saying, “let’s get to work!” And it seems appropriate to wrap up 2022 by letting you know what we’ve accomplished.
The partnerships we have built in Maricopa County have been crucial to building a healthy, robust workforce in a global economy. Personally, I believe that what started as a small step via a cultural exchange through Sister Cities International and the Chandler Little League baseball team has resulted in a vibrant working relationship with significant economic impact to our region.
 With Taiwan Vice President Lai and the Chandler Little League baseball team (left), and at the 2022 grand opening of the Bank of Taiwan Branch in Phoenix.
One of our biggest economic wins for Maricopa County was from the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). TSMC recently announced it was tripling its $12 billion investment to $40 billion in a campus in north Phoenix. This development helps establish our region as a leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor industries. It also secures American jobs for work that is increasingly going overseas. This is the second major recent win for Arizona in this field. The first was Intel’s multibillion-dollar expansion at Intel’s Chandler campus, originally hailed as the largest private sector investment in Arizona.
 The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and Intel's expansion, have been an economic win for Arizona.
The exciting economic development projects of over $60 billion announced this year means that, as the current Chair of the MAG Transportation Policy Committee, a major priority for me going into 2023 has to be assuring we have the critical infrastructure to support this expansion.
 Our ongoing partnerships with individuals, families, and the community help build resilience and well-being in the County. Our investments this year included:
- $65 million to address the shortage of affordable housing
- $80 million in rent and utility assistance
- $14.5 million to support our workforce
- $34.6 million into expanding reliable broadband internet service
- $185 on fighting COVID (since 2020)
- $45 million in affordable healthcare
- $15 million to support domestic violence survivors
 Celebrating the opening of the new Workforce Center @ Mesa. The workforce services offered by Maricopa County are co-located in a facility where A New Leaf and the City of Mesa also offer programs, making this collaboration an example of a comprehensive service delivery model.
In 2022 we also:
- Canvassed the 2022 General Election, certifying the elections results were accurate and providing a full accounting of all the ballots cast.
- More than 1.56 million voters (64.2%) cast a ballot in the midterm election, exceeding the historic average of 56.3% going back five decades, just behind the record high turnout in 2018 of 64.5%.
- Approved a budget that cut property tax rates and took advantage of low interest rates to pay down pension debts so that future budgets can go directly for services for residents.
 Pictured with Scott Jarrett, Director of Elections, receiving an award from the non-profit Center for Election Innovation & Research in Washington D.C.
As we look ahead to the new year, we know we have work to do, and we embrace and look forward to working together with our County team and community partners to provide critical services to the residents of Maricopa County.
 Please let us know how we can better serve you.
Jack Sellers, District 1
Maricopa County Board of Supervisors
www.maricopa.gov/dist1/
602-506-1776
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