Staff Reports
SAFFORD – The Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization (SEAGO) is actively engaging residents and stakeholders to shape the future of economic development across southeastern Arizona. As part of its ongoing effort to update the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for 2026-2031, SEAGO recently held a key community outreach meeting in Graham County.
SEAGO, a regional planning agency and Council of Governments serving Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz counties, develops the CEDS to guide investment priorities for the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The strategy aims to promote economic opportunity, support efficient transportation systems, protect the environment, and ensure balanced resource management. It serves as a vital platform for collaboration among local governments, organizations, private industry, and the public to discuss and debate the region’s economic direction.
The Graham County outreach session took place on Jan. 14 at the Graham County General Services Assembly Room, 921 W. Thatcher Blvd., Safford. The meeting offered community members an opportunity to share input on regional priorities and contribute to the CEDS development process.
To inform discussions and gather broader insights, SEAGO launched an online SWOT survey (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) focused on factors influencing economic development in the four-county region. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to complete the survey at https://seago-swot-2026ceds.base44.app. Responses help identify key regional dynamics and facilitate more productive conversations during outreach events.
This meeting in Graham County was one of several scheduled outreach sessions. Additional meetings included sessions at Bisbee City Hall and Benson City Hall on Jan. 13, demonstrating SEAGO’s commitment to inclusive, multi-location input-gathering.
SEAGO officials urged the public to participate and share outreach information with stakeholders in the region’s economic future, including businesses, community groups, and local agencies. Input from these efforts will directly shape the 2026-2031 CEDS, helping to build a resilient and prosperous southeastern Arizona.
For more details on SEAGO’s initiatives or the CEDS process, visit the organization’s website at www.seago.org or the dedicated economic development page at southeastarizonaeconomy.com. Community involvement remains essential as the region plans for sustainable growth over the next five years.
