Arizona has a champion headed to Washington, D.C., and he鈥檚 bringing three years of preparation, a passion for civics and a few ideas about making housing more affordable.

Shaurya Arora, Arizona鈥檚 state Civics Bee champion, will represent the Grand Canyon State at the National Civics Bee, where he鈥檒l test his knowledge alongside other state champions.

For Arora, the trip is both a competitive opportunity and a chance to find his people.

鈥淚鈥檓 very excited about going to Washington, D.C., and being able to meet other people who share a passion about civics, just like me,鈥� he said.

His road to the national stage began in sixth grade, when his parents learned about the competition. Already interested in history and civics, Arora saw an opportunity to take those interests beyond the classroom.

He entered, kept studying and kept coming back. This year, that persistence paid off with a state championship.

A community issue becomes a civics project

The competition involves more than knowing the right answers. Arora鈥檚 submission for the essay portion of the contest explored an issue he had noticed affecting people around him: housing affordability.

Rising home prices, mortgage rates and limited housing supply caught his attention. So did the consequences for families trying to find a stable place to live or achieve the dream of homeownership.

His research examined Arizona鈥檚 response to the issue and ways he could help, from volunteering with housing assistance organizations to working with city agencies and councils to support vulnerable families.

The assignment gave him a chance to connect his interest in government with a practical community challenge.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 very educated on this topic, and I learned a lot,鈥� he said.

That same topic will travel with him to nationals, where his original essay carries forward.

Keeping cool when the questions get tough

Arora is quick to say that the Civics Bee requires serious preparation.

Over three years, he has used study guides, online learning resources and his own notes to build his knowledge. His advice: Read carefully, remember what you鈥檝e learned and do more than skim.

On competition day, he concentrated on processing each question and answering within the time limit, keeping nerves from interfering with his thinking.

That didn鈥檛 mean he felt certain of victory. Scoreboard updates came every 10 questions, and after the multiple-choice portion, he believed he had fallen behind.

鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 really sure about getting first place,鈥� he said.

But the competition wasn鈥檛 over. By the end, Arizona had its champion鈥攁nd Arora had a trip to Washington to prepare for.

With school back in session, Arora has been balancing classwork with preparations for nationals. He鈥檚 returning to his civics studies with an eye toward the bigger stage ahead.

The trip will also include a tour of important Washington sites, adding a chance to see some of the places connected to the subjects he has spent years studying.

And yes, he has thought about what it would be like to win the whole thing.

鈥淚t would be very cool to win the whole competition,鈥� he said.

For now, he鈥檚 sticking with the approach that got him this far: steady preparation and a willingness to keep learning.

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A group of bills introduced during Arizona鈥檚 2026 legislative session could have imposed more than $31 billion in new annual costs on the state鈥檚 economy if enacted, according to a new analysis from Common Sense Institute Arizona and the Arizona 91果冻传媒 Foundation. 

The annual identified 119 bills involving taxes, labor policy, energy and environmental regulations and other requirements affecting businesses. Researchers were able to quantify the potential costs of 88 of those measures, estimating a combined impact of at least $31.5 billion annually. 

If the bills had taken effect together, the report estimates Arizona could have lost 424,400 jobs, seen per-capita income fall by as much as $4,100 annually and experienced a $48 billion reduction in state gross domestic product. 

None of the 119 bills included in the report became law. 

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 economic success is not an accident. It reflects years of policy choices that have kept taxes competitive, preserved a flexible labor environment, cut red tape, and given businesses the confidence to invest and hire here,鈥� Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e fortunate none of these bills became law. If they had, Arizona鈥檚 competitive advantages could have been dramatically undermined. Arizona鈥檚 competitive position is strong, but we can鈥檛 take it for granted.鈥� 

Among the measures analyzed was an effort to repeal Arizona鈥檚 right-to-work protections, which CSI identified as the single proposal with the largest estimated economic impact. The report projected repeal could cost the state between 30,000 and 40,000 jobs and reduce annual economic growth by 21%. 

The analysis also identified nearly $3.8 billion in potential new taxes, including proposals for an additional 3.5% tax on personal income above $250,000 and an 8% tax on income above $1 million. Other measures would have changed corporate tax policy or imposed new payroll taxes on employers. 

Labor-related proposals accounted for more than $17.5 billion in estimated costs. Those bills included mandatory paid-leave programs, changes to scheduling and overtime requirements, minimum wage increases, and additional workplace mandates. 

Another 20 bills related to energy and environmental policy carried an estimated $7.1 billion in costs. Among them were proposals requiring electric utilities to generate at least half of their electricity from renewable sources and imposing new renewable energy and battery storage requirements on data centers. 

Legal and administrative proposals accounted for another estimated $3.3 billion. The measures included rent-control policies, requirements that retailers accept cash, restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers, and other business regulations. 

Katie Ratlief, executive director of CSI Arizona, said the report is intended to examine the cumulative effect of policy decisions rather than any one proposal in isolation. 

鈥淣o single policy determines the entire direction of an economy, but policy choices compound over time,鈥� Ratlief said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 exactly why we do this analysis every year. A tax here, a new mandate there, another regulatory requirement somewhere else may not seem significant on its own. But put them all together, and the economic picture can change dramatically.鈥� 

The report also compares Arizona鈥檚 recent economic performance with Colorado, pointing to differences in the policy approaches taken by the two states. 

According to the analysis, Arizona鈥檚 inflation-adjusted GDP has grown 20% faster than Colorado鈥檚 since 2016, reversing the relationship seen during the previous decade. Arizona鈥檚 net interstate migration since 2020 is also up 18.5% compared with its average during the 2010s, while Colorado鈥檚 has declined by more than 90%. 

CSI estimates Arizona would have about 154,405 fewer workers and $26.4 billion less in real GDP today if the state had followed Colorado鈥檚 economic growth trajectory since 2019. 

The report says Colorado has enacted at least 50 measures in recent years that CSI considers detrimental to economic growth, while legislation appearing on Arizona鈥檚 annual 鈥淛ob Killers鈥� lists has not been enacted. 

Arizona 91果冻传媒 Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said maintaining the state鈥檚 competitiveness will remain important as policymakers address issues including affordability, workforce, energy and water. 

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 competitive advantage is something we have built over decades, but it is not permanent,鈥� Coolidge said. 鈥淎s lawmakers tackle real challenges around affordability, workforce, energy and water, the answer cannot be to make it more expensive to hire people, build projects and grow businesses. We need to solve problems without sacrificing the policies that have made Arizona one of the best states in the country to invest and create jobs.鈥� 

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In addition to major statewide races and congressional and legislative contests, the 2026 statewide ballot will feature proposals on taxes, education, election rules, and local government authority.

Lawmakers have already referred 10 measures to the Nov. 3 general election ballot. A citizen-led proposal, the Protect Education Act, could become the 11th statewide question if it clears the state鈥檚 signature-verification process. The initiative is listed by the Arizona Legislative Council as

The Arizona Legislative Council for the ballot measures at its Wednesday, July 8 meeting. Those summaries will appear in the publicity pamphlet mailed to voters by the Secretary of State鈥檚 Office before early voting begins.

Statewide races

The governor鈥檚 race will headline Arizona鈥檚 statewide contests, with voters also choosing a lieutenant governor and other statewide officeholders. , squaring off against Republican Andy Biggs who represents the East Valley in Congress.

Other statewide races on the ballot include secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer, superintendent of public instruction, mine inspector and two Corporation Commission seats.

Voters will also decide on congressional and legislative races.

For the business community, the Corporation Commission races will be closely watched because the commission regulates utilities and energy policy, issues tied to infrastructure, reliability, development, and business costs.

Challenger Ralph Heap finished second in the GOP primary and will appear on the ballot alongside incumbent Republican Kevin Thompson. They鈥檒l face off against Democrats Clara Pratte and Jonathon Hill.

Ballot measures

Ballot measures can reach Arizona voters in two ways. Lawmakers can send proposals directly to the ballot, while citizen-led campaigns must gather enough valid signatures to qualify.

For 2026, the Secretary of State set the statewide initiative filing deadline for July 2. To qualify for the ballot, a statutory initiative needs , while a constitutional amendment requires 383,923.

The measures cover issues ranging from taxes and education to election rules and local government authority. Listed by their Legislative Council titles, they include:

(2025): Prohibit tax; monitoring; vehicle mileage
The proposal would prohibit taxes or fees based on vehicle miles traveled.

: Food; municipal tax; exemption
The measure would prohibit municipal food taxes.

: Drug cartels; terrorist organizations
Voters would decide whether drug cartels should be treated as terrorist organizations under Arizona law.

(2026): Photo enforcement systems; voter approval
The measure would require voter approval for photo enforcement systems.

: Instructional expenses; operational spending; enforcement
The proposal would set spending requirements for school districts鈥� instructional and operational expenses.

: Citizenship; identification; contributions; early voting
The measure would change election rules related to citizenship, voter identification, campaign contributions and early voting.

: Interscholastic; intramural athletics; biological sex
The proposal would address participation in school athletics based on biological sex.

: School districts; labor organizations; resources
If approved, it would prohibit school districts from using public money or resources to support labor organization operations, including payroll deductions for dues.

: Preferential treatment; discrimination; prohibited acts
The proposal would prohibit certain forms of preferential treatment or discrimination in public employment, education, and contracting.

: Military families; scholarship accounts
The measure would change scholarship account eligibility for military families.

The Protect Education Act would make changes to Arizona鈥檚 Empowerment Scholarship Account program, including income-based eligibility limits for some families beginning in the 2027-2028 school year.

Supporters reported turning in 421,451 signatures by the July 2 deadline, above the 255,949 valid signatures required for a statutory initiative, but the measure has not yet been certified for the ballot as it鈥檚 the validity of its submitted signatures are under challenge.

In addition to the signature verification for the Protect Education Act, next steps include the official proposition numbering and publication of ballot language in the Secretary of State鈥檚 publicity pamphlet before early voting begins.

Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election begins Oct. 7.

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A broad coalition of U.S. business organizations, including the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council, is urging Congress to approve a long-term reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), arguing the agency plays a critical role in helping American manufacturers compete globally.

In a July 21 letter to lawmakers, 319 companies, trade associations, state chambers of commerce, manufacturers’ groups and local business organizations from all 50 states called on Congress to pass a robust 10-year reauthorization of EXIM before its authorization expires later this year.

The coalition argues that export financing has become an increasingly important competitive tool as foreign governments expand support for their domestic industries. The letter notes that more than 115 foreign export credit agencies are actively supporting exporters in their respective countries and points to China’s estimated $24 billion in medium- and long-term export credit support in 2024, more than four times the volume officially supported by the United States.

鈥淓XIM is an essential tool that helps American exporters compete globally and level the playing field,鈥� the organizations wrote, adding that the bank鈥檚 financing programs can determine whether U.S. companies win international contracts, expand operations and create jobs.

According to the coalition, EXIM authorized $8.7 billion in transactions during fiscal year 2025, supporting approximately 40,000 American jobs. More than 87% of those transactions directly benefited small businesses. Since 1992, the bank has generated a net $9.8 billion for the U.S. Treasury while maintaining a low default rate.

鈥淎rizona manufacturers compete in a global marketplace every day. The Export-Import Bank helps ensure that American companies aren鈥檛 forced to compete with one hand tied behind their backs while foreign governments aggressively finance their own industries,鈥� Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe said. 鈥淎 long-term reauthorization of EXIM will provide the certainty businesses need to invest, grow, and support high-quality manufacturing jobs here in Arizona and across the country, which is why we鈥檙e urging Congress to act.鈥�

Beyond extending the agency鈥檚 authorization for a decade, the letter calls on Congress to strengthen EXIM鈥檚 ability to operate during board vacancies, expand its China and Transformational Exports Program, and revise lending restrictions that the coalition says unnecessarily limit the bank’s competitiveness against foreign export credit agencies.

Arizona organizations signing the letter include the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry, Arizona Manufacturers Council, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation, Buckeye Valley 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Chandler 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Coolidge 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Fountain Hills 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Greater Phoenix 91果冻传媒, Mesa 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, Nogales Santa Cruz County 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, PHX East Valley Partnership, Scottsdale Area 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, and The 91果冻传媒 of Southern Arizona. The National Association of Manufacturers coordinated the nationwide sign-on effort, which drew support from major corporations including Boeing, Ford Motor Co., Lockheed Martin, Siemens Energy, Toyota Motor North America and the U.S. 91果冻传媒 of Commerce, along with hundreds of state and local business organizations.

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The Arizona Supreme Court has declined to review a legal challenge involving a planned hotel development in Marana, leaving in place an appellate ruling that the project鈥檚 development agreement is not subject to referendum.

The Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry participated through the Arizona 91果冻传媒 Legal Center, filing an amicus curiae brief urging the Supreme Court to let the lower court ruling stand.

鈥淭his is a significant result for Marana and for communities across Arizona that rely on a predictable development process,鈥� said Vanessa Pomeroy, chief counsel of the Arizona 91果冻传媒 Legal Center. 鈥淭he courts have now consistently recognized that the referendum power cannot be used to reopen every administrative action taken to implement a land-use plan that has already been publicly considered and adopted. Businesses need to know that when they follow the rules and a project receives the required approvals, those decisions will carry some measure of finality.鈥�

The case began after Marana rejected referendum petitions challenging a development agreement for a planned hotel project. A Pima County Superior Court judge sided with the town, and the Arizona Court of Appeals later upheld that ruling, finding the agreement carried out an existing development plan and was therefore not subject to referendum.

The agreement covers approximately 19 acres of town-owned property near Marana Main Street and Civic Center Drive and is tied to the Rancho Marana West Town Center Specific Plan, adopted in 2008. The plan calls for a mixed-use town center that could include commercial, retail, office, entertainment, residential and hospitality uses.

Arizonans for Responsible Development sought to place the Town Council鈥檚 approval of the agreement before voters. Marana declined to process the petitions, arguing that the resolution implemented an existing development plan rather than creating new policy.

That distinction is central under Arizona law. Legislative actions can generally be challenged through referendum, while administrative actions ordinarily cannot.

In its June ruling, the Court of Appeals said the development agreement 鈥渇urthers an already-declared policy鈥� and concluded that the resolution was 鈥渘ot legislative but administrative and is therefore not referable.鈥�

The court also rejected the challengers鈥� broader argument that all municipal development agreements are automatically subject to referendum, finding that state law does not eliminate the traditional distinction between legislative and administrative actions.

Pomeroy said the outcome matters beyond the Marana project because businesses, developers and local governments rely on clear rules and dependable timelines when making investment decisions.

鈥淭he referendum is an important constitutional safeguard, but it鈥檚 not a tool for creating perpetual uncertainty around approved development,鈥� Pomeroy said. 鈥淭here has to be a clear line between creating new policy and implementing policy that has already been adopted. That distinction matters for communities, employers and developers trying to move projects forward.鈥�

The Supreme Court鈥檚 decision leaves the appellate ruling intact, ending the challengers鈥� effort to place the development agreement before voters.

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Arizona voters head to the polls Tuesday, July 21, to help determine which candidates will advance to November’s General Election.

If you still plan to vote, here’s what you need to know before Election Day.

It’s too late to mail your ballot

If you still have an early ballot at home, do not place it in the mail. The deadline for returning ballots by mail has passed.

Instead, voters should return their completed ballot to an authorized ballot drop box or voting location, or vote in person on Election Day.

Find your voting location

Voters can locate their polling place, vote center, or ballot drop-off location through their county election office.

County election contact information is available through the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office:

Voters in Arizona’s two largest counties can also use these direct resources:

Most polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Any voter who is in line by 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.

Bring identification

Arizona law requires voters casting a ballot in person to present identification before receiving a ballot. One acceptable photo ID with your name and address鈥攐r a qualifying combination of non-photo identification documents鈥攊s sufficient.

Here’s a of the acceptable forms of ID.

Independent voters can participate

Arizona has an open primary system. Voters registered as independents or with no recognized party affiliation may choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot when voting in the primary. They may vote only one party’s ballot.

Check the business community’s endorsements

For voters interested in learning which candidates have earned the support of Arizona’s business community, the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry has published its 2026 Primary Election endorsements.

View the complete list here:

Track your ballot

If you’ve already voted early or dropped off your ballot, you can verify that it has been received and counted through .

Voters can also use the portal to confirm their registration status and view other election information.

Tuesday’s election will determine the nominees for numerous federal, statewide, legislative, county, and local offices. Those winners will advance to the General Election on Nov. 3.

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The Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry has announced its endorsements for the July 21, 2026 primary election, backing a bipartisan group of candidates for the Arizona Legislature, Congress, and the Arizona Corporation Commission.

The endorsements, approved by the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 board of directors following recommendations from its Political Affairs Committee, reflect what the organization describes as a continued focus on supporting candidates whose records and policy positions align with the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 Business Agenda, an annual document that outlines the organization鈥檚 positions on various public policy issues.

鈥淕ood policy has helped make Arizona one of the most attractive places in the country to start, grow, or relocate a business,鈥� 91果冻传媒 President and CEO Danny Seiden said. 鈥淭he decisions made at the Capitol, in Congress, and at the Corporation Commission have real consequences for employers, workers, and communities across our state. Many of the candidates we鈥檙e endorsing have already demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting Arizona鈥檚 competitive advantage, and we鈥檙e confident this slate will bring the serious leadership and practical solutions needed to keep that momentum going.鈥�

The 91果冻传媒鈥檚 endorsements include candidates from both major political parties and span races across the state. Among those receiving the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 backing are Republican legislative leaders and Democratic lawmakers, as well as U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton (D) and Juan Ciscomani (R).

The organization said incumbents were evaluated based on their voting records and their alignment with the 91果冻传媒鈥檚 policy priorities. Candidates seeking offices they have not previously held were asked to complete questionnaires and participate in interviews with members of the 91果冻传媒 Political Affairs Committee before recommendations were forwarded to the board of directors for final approval.

The 91果冻传媒鈥檚 endorsements come as Arizona prepares for a competitive election cycle that will determine the makeup of the Legislature and other key offices that influence the state鈥檚 economic climate.

The 91果冻传媒 also endorsed incumbent Arizona Corporation Commissioners Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers. The commission regulates utilities and oversees matters affecting energy reliability, infrastructure investment, and rates.

鈥淩eliable, affordable energy is one of the most important issues in today鈥檚 economy,鈥� 91果冻传媒 Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. 鈥淪ustaining Arizona鈥檚 rapid growth means electing leaders who will work to ensure we have the energy mix and modern infrastructure that job creators demand.鈥�

The organization said additional endorsements could be issued ahead of the general election, which culminates on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The full list of endorsements can be found .

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The Arizona Legislature wrapped up its 2026 session after 153 days, leaving the state’s business community with a mix of accomplishments to celebrate and concerns about Arizona鈥檚 long-term competitiveness.

Business leaders pointed to several significant victories, including expanded health coverage options for small employers, additional infrastructure funding to support economic development projects, preservation of key economic development tools, and a bipartisan budget that avoided broad-based tax increases. At the same time, they expressed concern about reductions to public university funding, the repeal of a longstanding job-creation incentive, and policy changes affecting future data center investment.

鈥淟ike most sessions in divided government, this legislative session delivered a mixed bag of results for job creators,鈥� said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淭he good news is that Arizona continues to demonstrate a commitment to economic growth, competitive tax policy, and job creation. The challenge moving forward is ensuring we don’t undermine the very advantages that have made Arizona one of the most attractive places in the country to invest and grow.鈥�

Among the business community’s top priorities this year was legislation aimed at helping small employers provide affordable health coverage to workers.

HB 2693, sponsored by Rep. David Livingston and signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs, creates a pathway for small businesses to join together through a statewide business organization to purchase health coverage. Supporters say the measure will allow smaller employers to increase purchasing power, reduce costs, and provide more stable benefit options.

鈥淪mall businesses often face the greatest challenges when it comes to offering competitive health benefits,鈥� Coolidge said. 鈥淭his legislation creates a voluntary, market-based option that gives employers more flexibility and employees more choices.鈥�

Another significant victory came through the state budget, which included additional funding capacity for Arizona’s Public Infrastructure Program, a tool frequently used to support large-scale economic development projects.

The program helps communities finance roads, water systems, and other infrastructure needed to accommodate major investments. It has been utilized in projects involving companies such as TSMC, Intel, Amkor, and LG Energy Solution Arizona.

鈥淎rizona’s economic success depends on our ability to compete for transformational projects,鈥� Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe said. 鈥淭hose investments don’t happen without infrastructure, and communities need tools that allow them to prepare for growth.鈥�

The 91果冻传媒 also praised lawmakers for largely preserving the Arizona Competes Fund, one of the state鈥檚 primary economic development incentives. Early budget discussions included proposals to sweep money from the fund to help address budget shortfalls, but the final agreement maintained most of the program.

In addition, the budget included full conformity with recent federal tax changes, avoided broad-based business tax increases, and provided funding to support Arizona鈥檚 ongoing Colorado River negotiations.

Still, business leaders say several decisions made during the session could create challenges in the years ahead.

One of the biggest concerns was the repeal of the Quality Jobs Tax Credit, a program designed to encourage companies to create high-wage jobs and make major capital investments in Arizona.

The 91果冻传媒 also expressed concern over a three-year pause on issuing new sales tax exemption certificates for future data center projects. While existing projects will continue under current agreements, supporters of the incentive argue that uncertainty surrounding future projects could make Arizona less competitive in attracting additional investment.

鈥淭he state鈥檚 economic momentum didn’t happen by accident,鈥� Coolidge said. 鈥淔or years, Arizona has built a reputation for consistency and predictability. We don鈥檛 want to send a message to investors that they can鈥檛 plan for the long-term.鈥�

Higher education funding remains another area of concern for the business community.

Arizona employers have increasingly emphasized the importance of workforce development as the state鈥檚 economy continues to expand. Business advocates warned that cuts to public universities could affect the talent pipeline needed to support growth in industries ranging from advanced manufacturing and semiconductors to healthcare and technology.

鈥淲orkforce remains one of the defining economic issues facing Arizona,鈥� Coolidge said. 鈥淚f we want to continue attracting investment and creating opportunity, we have to continue investing in the talent that makes those opportunities possible.鈥�

Attention will now shift from the Legislature to voters, who will weigh in on several measures referred to the ballot by lawmakers, as well as potential citizen initiatives that are still gathering signatures.

For Arizona employers, the end of the legislative session marks the beginning of another important phase in shaping the state’s economic future.

鈥淎rizona remains in a strong position,鈥� Coolidge said. 鈥淚n the months ahead, we鈥檒l encourage voters to elect leaders who will continue making the decisions necessary to stay ahead of states that are competing for the same jobs, investments, and talent.鈥�

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This column by Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden originally appeared in the on May 27, 2026.

According to the latest  from the American Legislative Exchange Council, Arizona ranks second in the nation for economic growth over the past 10 years. During that time, we鈥檝e ranked in the top-5 for GDP growth, domestic migration, and employment growth, clear indicators of our strength as a destination for both business and talent.

Arizona has also ranked No. 1 on the Common Sense Institute鈥檚  every year since 2019. That growth has translated into real gains for Arizonans: more jobs, rising incomes, and the largest percentage-point decline in poverty in the country.

Despite this undeniable track record, a misguided proposal from some lawmakers threatens to wipe out a key piece of our economic toolbox at precisely the wrong time.

Specifically, they are calling for a sweep of the Arizona Competes Fund, a move that would effectively pull the rug out from under dozens of projects already underway, inflicting lasting damage on the state鈥檚 economic credibility.

A complete sweep would jeopardize 34 projects for which grants have already been committed, representing more than 21,000 potential new jobs and more than $12.6 billion in capital investment. That鈥檚 like wiping out an entire year鈥檚 worth of economic development progress.

Even more concerning, forcing the state to renege on commitments 鈥� after funds were appropriated by the Legislature 鈥� would trigger a serious crisis of confidence. If Arizona is willing to walk away from its obligations to employers and investors, why would anyone trust it to honor future commitments?

As budget negotiations continue, some have talked about eliminate the Quality Jobs Tax Credit, a program that has been key to making Arizona a magnet for corporate headquarters relocations.  reports that the Phoenix metro ranks in the top 4 for HQ relocations since 2018, projects that come with significant high-wage job gains 鈥� the type that fuel additional growth across the economic ladder.

The  is actively competing for an additional 51 HQ projects, representing more than 11,000 potential new jobs with average wages over $90,000 鈥� demonstrating both the opportunity ahead and what’s at stake if Arizona gets this wrong.

At a moment when the state is competing for once-in-a-generation economic opportunities, maintaining Arizona’s credibility and business reputation is absolutely essential.

To be clear: Arizona鈥檚 transparent, effective economic development programs should be viewed as a model for the nation. Unlike so many of our competitor states, Arizona does not engage in opaque, backroom deals.

Instead, our programs are accountable and performance-based, with criteria outlined in statute and companies only receiving funds after they鈥檝e filled their commitments. Arizona doesn鈥檛 place risky bets. 

These tools complement Arizona鈥檚 core advantages: a skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, and a pro-growth tax and regulatory environment.

They also deliver a strong return. Analysis from the ACA shows that companies participating in the Competes program have created more than 22,000 jobs with an average wage approaching $90,000. Those projects have generated over $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue 鈥� meaning every $1 invested returns more than $22 to the public.

Eliminating this program would not produce meaningful budget savings. Instead, it would likely reduce future revenue by driving away jobs, wages and investment.

And if Arizona steps back, other states will step in. Competitors like Texas, Ohio and California would welcome the opportunity to capture projects that might otherwise have come here.

As Warren Buffett famously observed, it takes years to build a reputation and minutes to destroy it. Over the past decade, Arizona has earned a reputation as one of the most reliable places in the country to do business.

Lawmakers should come together to pass a responsible budget that protects and strengthens the policies driving Arizona鈥檚 growth. Arizona has spent a decade earning its reputation. Now is not the time to risk it.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry.

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The Arizona 91果冻传媒 of Commerce & Industry convened business leaders and policymakers last Friday for its annual Update from Capitol Hill luncheon, which featured a timely and wide-ranging discussion with U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton (D) and Juan Ciscomani (R) alongside national political analysis from Jonathan Martin of Politico.

A federal outlook with Arizona implications

The conversation with Stanton and Ciscomani covered a broad policy landscape, reflecting the complex and interconnected challenges facing Arizona employers. 91果冻传媒 included infrastructure investment, international trade, workforce development, regulatory reform, foreign affairs, and ongoing negotiations over the Colorado River鈥攊ssues with immediate and long-term consequences for the state鈥檚 economic outlook.

For Arizona鈥檚 business community, the opportunity to hear directly from members of Congress鈥攑articularly in a divided government environment鈥攔emains a central value of the event.

A battleground state in focus

Providing a national lens, Martin offered a detailed assessment of the 2026 election cycle, with particular emphasis on Arizona鈥檚 role as a key battleground state. His analysis highlighted the evolving dynamics of modern campaigns, including the growing influence of social media platforms and artificial intelligence in shaping voter behavior and information consumption.

The discussion underscored the degree to which national political trends are increasingly intertwined with local economic and policy considerations, especially in a state that continues to draw national attention.

A signature forum for dialogue

Arizona 91果冻传媒 President and CEO Danny Seiden emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections between the business community and federal policymakers.

鈥淭his event continues to be one of the most important opportunities we have each year to bring Arizona鈥檚 business leaders together with the people shaping policy in Washington,鈥� Seiden said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to Congressman Stanton and Congressman Ciscomani for sharing their perspectives and engaging in a candid discussion on the issues that matter most to our state. And Jonathan Martin provided valuable insight into a rapidly evolving political environment, especially as we head into a consequential midterm election year.鈥�

The luncheon was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Salt River Project, along with sponsors EPCOR, Arizona Public Service, Mastercard, and Banner Health.

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