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Southeastern Arizona@Work reports falling federal allocations; Greenlee office praised for outreach
Summary
Southeastern Arizona@Work told Greenlee County supervisors that federal allocations have declined—largely because unemployment-based formulas improved—and described local outreach and possible service changes if funding is reduced.
Southeastern Arizona@Work Executive Director Beta Phelps told the Greenlee County Board of Supervisors that the workforce program’s federal allocations have declined by more than $1 million since fiscal year 2021–22, largely because two-thirds of the allocation formula is tied to local unemployment rates.
Phelps told the board the agency met or exceeded most federal performance standards and is listed as a low‑risk auditee with no audit findings in the last seven years. "We've had no findings for the last 7 years," she said.
Why it matters: the agency helps job seekers, provides business services and training, and operates four local offices in Sierra Vista, Douglas, Graham County and Greenlee County. Phelps said the reduction in federal funds is already forcing program managers to re‑think training budgets and service delivery; she recommended supervisors and other local leaders contact legislative delegations in support of workforce funding.
Phelps described two drivers of the funding decline: the federal allocation formula (three factors, two of which are unemployment measures) and differences among the president’s, House and Senate budget proposals. She said the agency expects carryover funds may cover gaps for a year but that the House proposal would remove youth program funding in the short term. "We don't know what our future is," Phelps said. "We are hoping that we at least get level funded so we can continue to support clients and let people have training and get employed."
Marina Morales, business service representative and center coordinator for the Greenlee office, gave supervisors examples of local outreach and client services. Morales described setting up an email account and helping a job seeker complete an application and interview—work that led to an interview with Freeport McMoRan. "You just grab the little black thing right there. It moves. It's called a mouse," Morales said when describing teaching basic computer skills to a client who had never used a computer.
Phelps and Morales said local partnerships—job fairs, school outreach and employer referrals—remain central to placing residents in work and to connecting employers to locally available candidates. Phelps also said the agency is exploring mobile units as a contingency if offices must close.
Board reaction and next steps: County Administrator Derek Rippier and supervisors thanked the presenters. Phelps asked supervisors to write to congressional delegations to advocate for workforce funding, noting that supervisors’ letters carry weight. The board did not take a formal action on funding at the meeting.
