Arizona Eliminates One Million Square Feet of Office Space
September 7, 2022 — Touting the elimination of more than one million square feet of office space made possible by remote work, Governor Doug Ducey dedicated the Arizona's Connected Workspace, a state-of the art hoteling and collaborative workspace for state employees who telework but need an occasional workspace when coming to the Capitol Mall. Details are available in the Governor's Office press release, in local media coverage (ABC affiliate KNXV and NBC affiliate KPNX) and via a video walkthrough of the space.
KNXV Highlights Savings to Employees, Taxpayers Resulting From Remote Work
In March 2022, local ABC affiliate KNXV broadcasted a segment about the state's successful remote work program that touted savings for participating employees as gasoline prices continued to rise. Sarah Rose Webber, Chief of Operations for the Governor's Office, noted that the state had saved more than $8 million in two years as a result of reducing the state's real estate footprint. This reduction is a direct result of moving employees to remote work, including virtual office status. Segment: Rising gas prices may keep more people working remotely.
KPNX Features State’s Taxpayer Savings Resulting From Remote Work
In December 2021, local NBC affiliate KPNX aired a feature story that discussed the State of Arizona's continued success with remote work, including savings of more than $7 million, nearly two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic shifted a majority of state employees to working remotely. Segment: Arizona saving millions on rent as government work-from-home policy continues
Arizona Republic Covers Real Estate Compression Plan Spurred by Acw Remote Work Program
In June 2021, the Arizona Republic interviewed state officials to discuss planned changes to the state’s real estate holdings on the Capitol Mall resulting from the movement of employees to a virtual office arrangement. Article: Ducey wants to raze 2 Arizona buildings, signaling major changes that could come to Capitol mall (subscription required to view the article)
KTAR Story Highlights State’s Push Toward Remote Work
In April 2021, KTAR Radio aired a story and posted a subsequent web article (Working from home here to stay for many state employees in Arizona) featuring the State of Arizona’s move toward more remote work.
State of Arizona Wins Valley Metro Clean Air Campaign Pandemic Pivot Award for Arizona’s Connected Workforce Remote Work Program
For 34 years, Valley Metro has recognized excellence among the valley's travel reduction programs through its annual Clean Air Campaign awards. On October 29, 2021, the State of Arizona was announced as the winner for its work on the Arizona's Connected Workforce remote work program in the new category of Pandemic Pivot, which recognizes an entity that has adjusted its travel reduction program in the wake of the pandemic. Valley Metro announces the 2021 Clean Air Campaign Award Winners.