States, Cities and Counties
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Va. A.G. Jones on OAG Legislative Achievements of 2026 General Assembly Session
RICHMOND, Virginia, March 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones on OAG Legislative Achievements of 2026 General Assembly Session
Highlights historic legislation that ensures critical worker protections, keeps Virginians safe, protects consumers against corporate bad actors, defends women's access to healthcare, and lowers costs for Virginia families
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Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement after the Office's legislative achievements during the Virginia General Assembly session.
"I
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RICHMOND, Virginia, March 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones on OAG Legislative Achievements of 2026 General Assembly Session
Highlights historic legislation that ensures critical worker protections, keeps Virginians safe, protects consumers against corporate bad actors, defends women's access to healthcare, and lowers costs for Virginia families
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Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement after the Office's legislative achievements during the Virginia General Assembly session.
"Ioffer my sincere thanks and congratulations to the Virginia Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates for sending legislation to Governor Spanberger's desk that advances bold protections for all Virginians and equips the Office of the Attorney General with additional authorities to protect our communities," said Attorney General Jones. "This session, legislators worked tirelessly towards a shared vision for Virginia that prioritizes health, safety, and affordability - issues that matter most to Virginians. I look forward to enforcing laws that work for our entire Commonwealth, hold industries accountable, and put money back in the pockets of hardworking Virginians."
The OAG is enormously proud of these critical legislative achievements made during a very impactful 2026 General Assembly session and we are grateful for the patron's hard work and partnership with OAG to pass these measures. These highlights include:
Worker Protection
Legislators passed comprehensive worker protection legislation by passing HB238 (Lopez). The legislation creates penalties for wage theft, overtime, minimum wage and misclassification violations, and provides broad enforcement authority for the Office of the Attorney General. The General Assembly also passed SB2 (Boysko) /HB1207 (Sewell), establishing a paid family and medical leave program, so that Virginia families don't have to choose between their health and their paycheck.
Gun Violence Prevention & Public Safety
The General Assembly delivered on their promise to keep Virginians safe by passing important public safety measures. The passage of HB21 (Helmer) / SB27 (Carroll Foy) holds industry members responsible for the manufacture, sale, distribution, use, and marketing of firearms, while creating a pathway for relief for victims of gun violence. This bill also requires serialization and regulating unfinished frames and receivers.
The General Assembly overwhelmingly passed HB308 (Hope) / SB620 (Ebbin/VanValkenburg), a critical public health and safety measure to keep liquid nicotine vapes out of the hands of minors while holding retailers accountable for violations of Virginia's under-21 tobacco law. The bills create a strong regulatory and enforcement program that will keep illegal vape products off the shelves, and stop the scourge of underage tobacco and vape use.
Consumer Protection
In a huge step forward in protecting consumers, HB1022 (Reaser) /SB493 (Pekarsky), known as the "click to cancel" law, passed unanimously. This measure significantly strengthens consumer protections under the existing automatic renewal or continuous service offers law that is enforceable through the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
Further protecting consumers, HB1439 (Shin) / SB823 (Bagby) prevents harm to homeowners before it happens by ensuring solar installation companies and contractors include disclosures about system performance, guarantees, and information about invoicing and payments clearly to consumers using solar energy systems for their homes.
Reproductive Health Care
Recognizing the continued threats to accessing reproductive health care, the General Assembly also passed a historic measure protecting the right to access contraception that fits an individual's needs with HB6 (Price) / SB596 (Carroll Foy).
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/2981-attorney-general-jay-jones-on-oag-legislative-achievements-of-2026-general-assembly-session
Shapiro Administration Investments in Outdoor Recreation Continue to Deliver Results: New Data Shows Outdoor Recreation Economy Grew by $1.5 Billion and Added 9,000 Jobs in 2024
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 17 (TNSrpt) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on March 16, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Investments in Outdoor Recreation Continue to Deliver Results: New Data Shows Outdoor Recreation Economy Grew by $1.5 Billion and Added 9,000 Jobs in 2024
New data shows Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation economy grew $1.5 billion in 2024 -- reaching $20.4 billion and outpacing the national growth rate.
The outdoor recreation industry also added 9,000 jobs -- now supporting more than 177,000 workers and $9.5
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 17 (TNSrpt) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on March 16, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Investments in Outdoor Recreation Continue to Deliver Results: New Data Shows Outdoor Recreation Economy Grew by $1.5 Billion and Added 9,000 Jobs in 2024
New data shows Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation economy grew $1.5 billion in 2024 -- reaching $20.4 billion and outpacing the national growth rate.
The outdoor recreation industry also added 9,000 jobs -- now supporting more than 177,000 workers and $9.5billion in wages across the Commonwealth.
Outdoor recreation continues to drive jobs, economic development, tourism, and quality of life across Pennsylvania, thanks to Governor Shapiro's ongoing commitment to expand the industry and create economic opportunity.
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The Shapiro Administration's investments in outdoor recreation helped Pennsylvania's outdoor economy grow by $1.5 billion in 2024, reaching $20.4 billion in total economic impact and supporting more than 177,000 jobs, according to new data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Outdoor recreation added 9,000 jobs in 2024 and $800 million in wages and salaries, bringing total outdoor recreation wages to $9.5 billion across the Commonwealth. The sector accounts for 2 percent of Pennsylvania's gross domestic product, and the state's outdoor recreation economy outpaced the national growth rate, expanding 2.7 percent.
These results reflect strategic investments by the Shapiro Administration through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in parks, trails, and outdoor recreation infrastructure, as well as the work of the Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation (OOR) to support businesses and communities across the Commonwealth.
"Investing in Pennsylvania's parks, trails, and outdoor recreation infrastructure is more than protecting our natural resources -- it's about creating good-paying jobs and supporting local communities," said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. "From state parks to small businesses across the Commonwealth, these strategic investments are making a real difference for communities and families across Pennsylvania."
Since taking office, Governor Josh Shapiro has grown Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation economy by 21 percent, adding 12,000 jobs and raising wages in the outdoor workforce by nearly 25 percent. The Shapiro Administration has included outdoor recreation as part of its broader economic development strategy, launching the Office of Outdoor Recreation, and continuing investments in parks, trails, tourism, and outdoor businesses across the Commonwealth.
"Outdoor recreation is more than time spent outside -- it is a thriving industry in Pennsylvania and a critical driver of economic growth," said OOR Director Nathan Reigner. "With thousands of businesses growing in every county, these investments are creating good-paying jobs and supporting local communities across the Commonwealth."
Key outdoor recreation sectors driving this growth include:
* Outdoor recreation manufacturing has grown 30 percent since the start of the Shapiro Administration, contributing $3 billion to Pennsylvania's economy.
* Outdoor recreation retail grew 10 percent in 2024, including growth in boating and fishing (11 percent) and hunting, shooting, and trapping (20 percent).
* Outdoor recreation tourism grew 15 percent, driven in part by increased interest in Pennsylvania's parks, trails, and outdoor destinations.
* Health and wellness-related outdoor businesses grew 40 percent in 2024, the fastest-growing segment of the industry.
The Shapiro Administration continues to support Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation economy through investments in parks and trails, Pennsylvania: The Great American Getaway tourism campaign, and Outdoor Business Alliance of Pennsylvania, which supports business development and innovation across the industry.
More information about Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation economy and the Office of Outdoor Recreation is available on the DCNR website (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/programs-and-services/about/bureaus-and-offices/office-of-outdoor-recreation).
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REPORT: https://apps.bea.gov/regional/outdoor-recreation/pdf/Pennsylvania2024.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/shapiro-administration-investments-in-outdoor-recreation-continu
S.D. A.G. Jackley Announces State Penitentiary Inmate Jury Conviction
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 17 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces State Penitentiary Inmate Jury Conviction
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a South Dakota State Penitentiary inmate has been convicted of two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of First-Degree Robbery.
Jeremiah Hart, 36, was convicted Thursday by a Minnehaha County Jury. He faces a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison when he is sentenced later. The potential penalty is doubled because
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PIERRE, South Dakota, March 17 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces State Penitentiary Inmate Jury Conviction
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a South Dakota State Penitentiary inmate has been convicted of two counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of First-Degree Robbery.
Jeremiah Hart, 36, was convicted Thursday by a Minnehaha County Jury. He faces a maximum sentence of 80 years in prison when he is sentenced later. The potential penalty is doubled becauseHart was an inmate at the time of the offenses.
"Violence will not be tolerated within our prisons," said Attorney General Jackley. "Prison staff and inmates deserve to work and live in a safe environment."
On April 23, 2024, Hart stabbed another inmate with a dangerous weapon and robbed him. The victim later recovered from his injuries.
The case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Department of Corrections' Office of Inspector General. The Attorney General's Office prosecuted.
Hart is currently serving a 20-year sentence out of Davison County after pleading guilty in 2013 to Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3029
N.M. Department of Higher Education: Adult Education in New Mexico Rises in National Rankings
SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 17 -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Adult Education in New Mexico rises in national rankings
New Mexico's investments in adult education have lifted the state to 20th in the nation for adult education outcomes, up from 50th place in 2019.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Education recently published state data for the 2024-2025 academic year and ranked New Mexico 20th in measurable skill gains, a metric that tracks student progress toward educational milestones
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, March 17 -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Adult Education in New Mexico rises in national rankings
New Mexico's investments in adult education have lifted the state to 20th in the nation for adult education outcomes, up from 50th place in 2019.
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Education recently published state data for the 2024-2025 academic year and ranked New Mexico 20th in measurable skill gains, a metric that tracks student progress toward educational milestonessuch as earning credentials, improving academic skills, and advancing toward employment.
The ranking reflects a six-place jump from last year's ranking of 26th, and a 30-spot climb from the state's 50th place ranking in 2019.
"In New Mexico, we support community members with more opportunities to increase adult literacy skills and pursue career pathways through the higher education system at different stages of their lives, no matter their background. These investments are bringing results to New Mexico at a remarkable rate," said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. "We have made adult education more accessible to tens of thousands of New Mexicans, benefiting them, their families and our communities in countless ways."
This year, New Mexico continues to invest in adult education through a $20 million dollar appropriation in the state budget, which will be used to support adult education programs and high school equivalency testing statewide for the Adult Education Division and other associated programs.
These investments include a suite of workforce training programs in adult education that help New Mexicans achieve certifications in high-demand fields like child care or commercial driving, leading to a 44% increase in new certificates achieved by New Mexicans in 2025.
"We will continue to meet New Mexicans wherever they are with programs that help them find and achieve new career goals," said Adult Education Director Amber Gallup. "Students and program staff have worked hard to reach this point. Our work continues to expand accessibility of high-quality programming at different colleges throughout the state."
New Mexico has improved its standing on several federal adult education benchmarks. The state's national ranking for measurable skill gains among English as a second language students increased from 28th to 19th, while adult education participants securing employment after completing coursework rose from 32nd to 25th since 2024.
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Original text here: https://hed.nm.gov/news/adult-education-in-new-mexico-rises-in-national-rankings
Miss. Ag Commissioner Gipson Signs Administrative Order Shielding Mississippi Agribusinesses From California Climate Reporting Mandates
JACKSON, Mississippi, March 17 -- The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Ag Commissioner Gipson Signs Administrative Order Shielding Mississippi Agribusinesses from California Climate Reporting Mandates
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson signed an administrative order to protect Mississippi's largest industry, agriculture, in direct response to California Senate Bill 253, which sought to impose regulations on agriculture beyond the borders of California beginning in 2026.
"This legislation by California
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JACKSON, Mississippi, March 17 -- The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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Ag Commissioner Gipson Signs Administrative Order Shielding Mississippi Agribusinesses from California Climate Reporting Mandates
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson signed an administrative order to protect Mississippi's largest industry, agriculture, in direct response to California Senate Bill 253, which sought to impose regulations on agriculture beyond the borders of California beginning in 2026.
"This legislation by Californiais an overreach of power by another state to incorporate regulations from international climate accords that have not been ratified in the United States and have the potential to hinder our state's agricultural industry," said Commissioner Gipson. "Our state agency is committed to safeguarding our hardworking farmers, ranchers, producers and agribusinesses from the undue compliance costs and bureaucratic hurdles that these foreign mandates attempt to impose on our soil."
Key provisions of Administrative Order No. 2026-01 include:
* Direct Exemption: No Mississippi agricultural producer, processor, or agribusiness shall be deemed subject to the provisions of California SB 253 or any international climate mandate that conflicts with Mississippi law.
* Prohibition of Enforcement: The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will take no action to assist in the enforcement of these reporting or disclosure standards.
* Inter-Agency Coordination: Commissioner Gipson will coordinate with the Governor, Attorney General, and other state boards to ensure Mississippi enterprises remain free from extraterritorial burdens.
* Promotion of Free Enterprise: The MDAC will continue to prioritize trade relationships and markets that respect state sovereignty and the principles of free enterprise.
California SB 253 imposes greenhouse gas emission reporting requirements and related climate disclosure obligations on companies that conduct business beyond the borders of California, including agricultural and food industry entities headquartered in Mississippi. The administrative order by Commissioner Gipson will counter those regulatory requirements on behalf of Mississippi producers and agribusinesses.
"We are sending a clear message to California and federal authorities - commerce conducted within Mississippi's borders will be governed by Mississippi law, not by the legislative whims of Sacramento," Gipson concluded.
View the official order at https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/agManage/uploads/3344.pdf.
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Original text here: https://agnet.mdac.ms.gov/agManage/uploads/3345.pdf
Minn. Employment & Economic Development Dept. Awards $762K for Business Expansion
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, March 17 -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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DEED Awards $762K for Business Expansion
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced more than $762,000 for three business expansion projects across Minnesota. The projects are expected to create 55 jobs over the next three years and leverage more than $10.12 million in private investment.
"Minnesota has been consistently ranked as one of the best places in the country to establish and expand a
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, March 17 -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release on March 16, 2026:
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DEED Awards $762K for Business Expansion
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced more than $762,000 for three business expansion projects across Minnesota. The projects are expected to create 55 jobs over the next three years and leverage more than $10.12 million in private investment.
"Minnesota has been consistently ranked as one of the best places in the country to establish and expand abusiness, no doubt in part because of the support offered through DEED programs like the Job Creation Fund and Minnesota Investment Fund," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "In the communities where these businesses choose to expand, the job creation and private investment leveraged promote economic vitality and a high quality of life -- efforts DEED is proud to champion."
The Job Creation Fund (JCF) provides financing to new and expanding businesses that meet certain job creation and capital investment targets. The Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) provides loans for capital equipment to help businesses add new workers and retain high-quality jobs, with a focus on industrial, manufacturing and technology-related industries.
Details on the projects below:
Aircorps Aviation LLC, Bemidji - JCF $175,000
Aircorps Aviation LLC, specializes in restoring, maintaining and rebuilding modern, vintage World War II and legacy aircraft, as well as other aerospace manufacturing and parts sales. The company will invest a total of $986,000 to expand and improve their current site in Bemidji. The project is expected to create 14 jobs within the first three years.
Broekema Beltway USA Inc., Pine City - JCF $167,500, MIF $200,000
Broekema Beltway USA Inc., manufactures advanced sieving conveyor belt systems and components, serving the agricultural and industrial sectors across both North and South America. The proposed project will establish a new manufacturing line at the current facility in Pine City, including new steel forging and upsetting capabilities, integration of robotics and automation of traditional manual processes, and other necessary equipment. The total project cost is $5.6 million and is expected to create 12 jobs within the first three years.
Marotta Controls, Inc., Chaska - MIF $220,000
Marotta Controls, Inc., designs, develops and manufactures innovative electronic and electro-mechanical systems and sub-systems for the aerospace, space and defense sectors. Motorfox, the electric motor manufacturing branch of Marotta based in Chaska, specifically designs, develops and produces mission-critical motors used at Marotta and by a wide range of other customers. The proposed project will upgrade the current facility to accommodate additional employees as well as enhance capabilities for motor, winding, design, analysis and testing. The total project cost is $4.2 million and is expected to create 29 new jobs within the next three years.
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/732213
Arizona Commerce Authority: Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan Leaders Sign MOU to Advance Semiconductor, Optics, and Photonics Collaboration
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 17 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority issued the following news on March 16, 2026:
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Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan Leaders Sign MOU to Advance Semiconductor, Optics, and Photonics Collaboration
Six-party partnership strengthens semiconductor supply chains, optics innovation, and global talent development
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Building on record international activity and investment - leaders in Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan signed a Six-Party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, March 13 in Tucson, Arizona to deepen collaboration across the global semiconductor
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PHOENIX, Arizona, March 17 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority issued the following news on March 16, 2026:
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Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan Leaders Sign MOU to Advance Semiconductor, Optics, and Photonics Collaboration
Six-party partnership strengthens semiconductor supply chains, optics innovation, and global talent development
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Building on record international activity and investment - leaders in Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan signed a Six-Party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Friday, March 13 in Tucson, Arizona to deepen collaboration across the global semiconductorecosystem while advancing joint research and workforce development in optics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
The agreement brings together government, economic development, and academic partners from both regions, including:
* Arizona Commerce Authority
* Pima County
* City of Tucson
* University of Arizona
* Kaohsiung City Government (Taiwan)
* National Sun Yat-sen University
Together, the partners will collaborate to strengthen semiconductor supply chain resilience, expand workforce development initiatives, and deepen research partnerships between Southern Taiwan and Southern Arizona -- two regions that play increasingly important roles in the global semiconductor and advanced technology ecosystem.
The memorandum focuses on three core areas of collaboration:
* Industrial Resilience: partners will promote public-private collaboration to enhance the resilience and sustainability of the semiconductor supply chain, including sharing best practices related to industrial policy, innovation, natural resource stewardship and management, and ecosystem development.
* Talent Development: the agreement creates new opportunities for academic exchanges, joint research initiatives, and workforce development partnerships between the University of Arizona and National Sun Yat-sen University, supporting the next generation of engineers and researchers across semiconductor, optics, and advanced manufacturing fields.
* Governance and Institutional Exchange: participating organizations will encourage exchanges among government leaders, universities, and institutional stakeholders to share expertise in infrastructure planning, innovation policy, and industry-supportive development strategies.
Southern Arizona is internationally recognized for its leadership in optics and photonics, anchored by the University of Arizona's world-renowned College of Optical Sciences, College of Engineering, and College of Science and a dynamic cluster of companies and research institutions in Tucson often referred to as "Optics Valley." These capabilities support critical semiconductor technologies including advanced sensors, precision manufacturing, imaging systems, and next-generation optical components.
The partnership connects this globally recognized optics and photonics ecosystem with Southern Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturing leadership, creating new opportunities for research collaboration, workforce development, and technology commercialization across both regions.
This collaboration also reflects the growing strategic ties between Arizona and Taiwan in the semiconductor industry. Both regions are home to key elements of the global semiconductor supply chain, including major manufacturing investments by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) in Arizona and its longstanding operations in Taiwan. Strengthening connections between Southern Taiwan and Southern Arizona supports deeper collaboration across research, supply chains, and talent development that will advance the next generation of semiconductor innovation.
In 2025, Taiwan became Arizona's second-largest trading partner with more than $21.2 billion in total trade. Taiwan continues to be one of Arizona's top trading partners, with exports to Taiwan reaching $4.5 billion and $16.7 billion worth of goods imported from Taiwan in 2025.
"This MOU marks an important milestone in strengthening the valued partnership between Arizona and Taiwan," said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "By deepening collaboration between our regions--both essential to the global semiconductor ecosystem--this agreement expands opportunities to work together across workforce development, research, and expand semiconductor supply chains. We look forward to building on our long standing relationship and driving continued innovation and economic growth alongside our partners in Taiwan."
"International collaboration is vital for the University of Arizona's role in advancing research and innovation that drive our state and global economies," said U of A President Suresh Garimella. "This is particularly true for the semiconductor industry, which we are committed to supporting for Arizona's economic future. I'm very pleased the university and our partners in this agreement will now have the opportunity to expand our impact together."
"Pima County and Tucson are premier global centers for optical technology," said Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai. "Meanwhile, Kaohsiung is embracing advanced semiconductor processes and spearheading a long-term industrial transition. The core competitiveness of the semiconductor industry lies in its talent and ecosystem. Consequently, the partnership between Kaohsiung and Arizona is evolving beyond high-level policy support toward substantive integration among industry, academia, and research institutions. The core objective of this six-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to establish a stable and high-quality international talent pipeline. By leveraging a powerful alliance between National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) and the University of Arizona (U of A) in the fields of electrical engineering, materials science, and optics, both regions aim to capitalize on their deep-rooted industrial clusters. This collaboration will enable them to proactively address rapid shifts in the global supply chain and construct a highly resilient transnational semiconductor ecosystem."
President Li Chih-peng of National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) expressed his gratitude to Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai for facilitating the six-party cooperation agreement. "This agreement advances the Memorandum of Understanding signed between NSYSU and the University of Arizona in 2023 by strengthening collaboration in semiconductors, optoelectronics, artificial intelligence, and health technology. Future initiatives will focus on cultivating technology talent with a global vision through joint research projects, faculty and student exchanges, and industry-academic partnerships. These efforts align with the semiconductor development strategy of Kaohsiung and will provide vital momentum for industrial upgrading and urban innovation."
"It is an honor for Tucson and our regional partners to join our partners in Southern Taiwan to strengthen collaboration across the semiconductor, optics, and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Our region is internationally recognized as 'Optics Valley,' anchored by the University of Arizona's world-class College of Optical Sciences," said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. "Tucson has long pursued economic growth that aligns with our desert values of conservation and sustainability, and through our work with the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative we are identifying strategies that build on these regional strengths. This partnership connects Tucson's optics and photonics expertise with Southern Taiwan's leadership in semiconductor manufacturing, advancing research, workforce development, and resilient supply chains. We are also encouraged by Taiwan's global leadership in water treatment and recycling technologies used in semiconductor manufacturing, an area of innovation that is especially important for a desert community like Tucson as we pursue sustainable economic development."
"We are excited to welcome our friends and colleagues from Taiwan," said Jennifer Allen, Chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. "Participating in this declaration signing is a great opportunity for Pima County to collaborate with all of our government, academic, and economic and workforce development partners. Working together, we can advance economic growth that supports our communities and protects our land, air, and water."
By connecting Southern Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturing leadership and Southern Arizona's world-class optics and photonics ecosystem, the partnership will create a strong partnership for next-generation semiconductor innovation.
The agreement represents a shared commitment to exploring long-term collaboration that strengthens the global semiconductor ecosystem while expanding economic, academic, and technological cooperation between both regions.
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About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.
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Original text here: https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2026/3/southern-arizona-and-southern-taiwan-mou-signing/
