Across the nation, there are cautious signs that the construction and real estate markets might be improving. Construction spending rose this summer and residential building increased, providing some sense that the building market could be rebounding.

Arizona's budget calamity cost at least 1,450 state workers their jobs last fiscal year, but the shedding of public employees is minor compared to losses endured by the private sector in Arizona. An analysis conducted by the Arizona Capitol Times shows the state trimmed roughly 4 percent of its full-time staff from July 1, 2008, to June 30, 2009. The state now employs 33,236 full-time workers.

A state forecast predicts that Arizona will lose tens of thousands of jobs in construction, trade and professional and business services for 2009 and 2010. Overall, the state can expect 160,000 fewer jobs during that period, though the rate of job losses is predicted to slow in 2010, according to a state Department of Commerce report released April 30.

Picture a horde of California’s most successful business owners standing on the western bank of the Colorado River, peering longingly across the water. For years they’ve run their offices and factories in the Golden State, but high taxes and burdensome regulations have taken their toll.