34 | FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE Fielded during the late summer and early fall of 2020, amid the COVID pandemic, a heated presidential race, and unprecedented social reckonings, the new Arizona survey uncovered something incredible. Our shared public values remained the same. CFA defined a “public value” as an issue with at least 70 percent or more of Arizonans in agreement. “That means by definition, you have to have agreement among Republicans, Democrats and Independents, people of different races and ethnicities, income levels, education levels, etc.,” Francis said. “We sharpened our understanding of the Arizona we want by identifying those shared public values. But we also started thinking about the gaps between what Arizonans say they want and what we have.” Now, with another election on the way, Francis sees an opportunity for CFA to serve Arizonans by using its nonpartisan voice to illuminate common issues, raise questions and point to opportunities. It has created the Arizona Voters’ Agenda to center the voices of Arizona voters. Countering the common narrative of polarization and division, it acts as a data-driven guide for common-interest issues, informing voters, candidates and media. Francis points out that CFA isn’t Pollyannaish. It knows that not everyone agrees on everything. But the organization focuses on what brings people together, and focuses on who we are as Arizonans. “People almost seem suspicious, because it’s so counter to what they’re hearing. So I really see our mission and my passion as presenting this other way of seeing ourselves that is grounded in reality,” Francis said. “We really do agree on these big issues. Arizonans understand the importance of education. They believe in fairness and justice and our criminal justice system. They think our elections are fair, secure and accurate. People love Arizona’s natural beauty and they want to protect it.” Francis has a secret weapon for getting people to hear this message: data. “It’s kind of magical, almost. When you put data out there, that’s what people focus on,” she said. “They’re not focusing on how they might feel differently from someone.” At the heart of CFA’s mission lies a commitment to positivity and partnership. As Francis views it, changing how we see ourselves in our communities is the first step in When you put data out there, that’s what people focus on. They’re not focusing on how they might feel differently from someone. Illustration by Terry Moody Francis presents CFA’s survey research at programs and panels throughout the state.

FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 35 coming together to create the positive change we all want. So, CFA works all over the state, partnering with employers, businesses, schools and other nonprofit economic development groups to extend its impact. Among its top priorities — getting Arizona to focus on what’s possible. “I actually think that changing the way people in Arizona see themselves and Arizona is the most important priority,” Francis said. “Having this data is like rocket fuel. What we share is leading people to question the negativity and see possibilities.” Francis is excited that CFA’s messaging seems to be resonating. “I would love for this idea of ‘The Arizona We Want’ to become internalized for people, along with the positive approach and positive message,” she said. “I think we can recognize where we have things in common that can bring us together.” When she is not thinking big thoughts about uniting the state, Francis likes to hike with her husband. She spent summers as a child trekking the French Alps, and Crow led backpacking trips in his past. So, when they want to unwind, the pair now pinch themselves to have Arizona’s trails at their disposal. This kind of gratitude flows naturally for Francis, who has brought her positive outlook and remarkable skill set to stump for our state. At Center for the Future of Arizona, she offers an idealism tempered by experience to make a difference in the place she’s come to love. “I am very passionate about what I do,” she said. “I’m an optimist.” What we share is leading people to question the negativity and see possibilities. Under the rainbow: “My husband and I love hiking,” Francis said. “We’re big hikers.”