On November 5, voters across Maricopa County approved Proposition 486, marking a critical moment for the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD), the largest community college system in the state and nation. This important vote ensures that MCCCD will continue providing high-quality, flexible, and affordable education to the students and communities it serves while operating within a more realistic expenditure limit.
“The passage of Proposition 486 marks a pivotal moment for our system,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, MCCCD Chancellor. “We extend our gratitude to the voters of Maricopa County, whose approval reaffirms their confidence in our 10 college communities and highlights the importance of providing access to high-quality, affordable postsecondary education.”
Why It Matters
The passage of Proposition 486 allows MCCCD to maintain critical programs that prepare students for the workforce, including those in career and technical education, non-credit training, associate degrees, and the system's successful baccalaureate degree programs. MCCCD serves a diverse student population; the adjusted expenditure limit enables the system to keep pace with the growing needs of its students and the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce.
“The passage of Proposition 486 enables us to continue delivering high-quality, flexible, and affordable education, reflecting today's costs of delivering high-impact, industry-driven degrees and certifications without raising a single tax,” MCCCD Governing Board President Susan Bitter Smith said. “We are grateful for the support we have received from voters, business and community leaders across Maricopa County and their continued support, reaffirming their confidence in our system and the value of affordable, high-quality education.”
By the Numbers
As the largest provider of workforce training in the state, MCCCD’s programs contribute to the economic vitality of the growing region. During the 2021-22 fiscal year, the system added $7.9 billion in income to the Maricopa County economy. One out of every 28 jobs in Maricopa County is supported by the activities of the system’s 10 colleges and their students. Richly diverse, 52% of students identify as students of color, and 48% are first-generation college-goers. Furthermore, the system produces the second-largest number of college graduates in Arizona.
MCCCD remains committed to transforming lives through teaching, learning, and service. With the continued support of the community, the system looks forward to building on this success and providing opportunities in higher education for all.
To learn more about the system and its impact, click here.