/ Modified oct 2, 2015 11:03 a.m.

State Faces Difficulties, But Futurist Group Optimistic

Report says despite struggles in education, economy, state has 'elements to come of age.'

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Mark Duggan

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Arizona needs more civic engagement along with educational and economic improvements as it grows, says a report out this week from the Center for Arizona’s Future.

The report says productivity and prosperity are declining in the state, and it ranks near the bottom in several educational measures.

However, all is not lost, the report said, as it put forth a blueprint for improving the state.

“Arizona has all of the elements right now to come of age,” said Lattie Coor, director of the Center for Arizona's Future. He said Arizona has the characteristics,” that will make it one of the most significant, competitive places in the modern economy.”

To move the state forward, the report recommended more civic engagement, pointing to Arizona’s lower voter turn out rates as an example.

The report also chided politicians for not being responsive to the people, but it said for that to change Arizona residents must engage elected officials.

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