Establishing The Arizona Data Estimates and Projections Task Force
On February 8, 2006, Governor Napolitano signed an Executive Order establishing the Arizona Data Estimates and Projections Task Force (ADEPT). The Task Force was created to respond to the need for state-of-the-art population estimates to support workforce and economic development efforts in Arizona. ADEPT members shall each be appointed by the Governor, and will include the directors of the state departments of Commerce, Economic Security, Housing, Health Services, and Transportation, as well as certain public members. ADEPT will provide an initial report by December 31, 2006, delineating its activities, including: (1) Evaluation of best practices for developing accurate population and employment estimates and projections, (2) Evaluation of current employment estimates, and (3) Evaluation of best practices by other states for accessing and utilizing labor market information. [ADEPT shall report thereafter on an annual basis.] Ultimately, ADEPT will recommend methods for enhancing the estimates and projections process in Arizona, including recommendations for improving access to and utilization of data.