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

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

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

“I’m very excited about going to Washington, D.C., and being able to meet other people who share a passion about civics, just like me,” 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’s 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’s 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.

“I wasn’t very educated on this topic, and I learned a lot,” 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’ve 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’t mean he felt certain of victory. Scoreboard updates came every 10 questions, and after the multiple-choice portion, he believed he had fallen behind.

“I wasn’t really sure about getting first place,” he said.

But the competition wasn’t over. By the end, Arizona had its champion—and Arora had a trip to Washington to prepare for.

With school back in session, Arora has been balancing classwork with preparations for nationals. He’s 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.

“It would be very cool to win the whole competition,” he said.

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

The post Arizona’s National Civics Bee representative heads to Washington with preparation, persistence and state pride appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

A group of bills introduced during Arizona’s 2026 legislative session could have imposed more than $31 billion in new annual costs on the state’s economy if enacted, according to a new analysis from Common Sense Institute Arizona and the Arizona ˿����Ƶ 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. 

“Arizona’s 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,” Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “We’re fortunate none of these bills became law. If they had, Arizona’s competitive advantages could have been dramatically undermined. Arizona’s competitive position is strong, but we can’t take it for granted.” 

Among the measures analyzed was an effort to repeal Arizona’s 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. 

“No single policy determines the entire direction of an economy, but policy choices compound over time,” Ratlief said. “That’s 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.” 

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

According to the analysis, Arizona’s inflation-adjusted GDP has grown 20% faster than Colorado’s since 2016, reversing the relationship seen during the previous decade. Arizona’s net interstate migration since 2020 is also up 18.5% compared with its average during the 2010s, while Colorado’s 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’s 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’s annual “Job Killers” lists has not been enacted. 

Arizona ˿����Ƶ Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said maintaining the state’s competitiveness will remain important as policymakers address issues including affordability, workforce, energy and water. 

“Arizona’s competitive advantage is something we have built over decades, but it is not permanent,” Coolidge said. “As 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.” 

. 

The post Report estimates rejected Arizona bills could have cost 424,000 jobs, $48 billion in GDP appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

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’s 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’s Office before early voting begins.

Statewide races

The governor’s race will headline Arizona’s 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’ll 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’ 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’s 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’s 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’s publicity pamphlet before early voting begins.

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

The post 2026 Arizona ballot takes shape following primary appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

A broad coalition of U.S. business organizations, including the Arizona ˿����Ƶ 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.

“EXIM is an essential tool that helps American exporters compete globally and level the playing field,” the organizations wrote, adding that the bank’s 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.

“Arizona manufacturers compete in a global marketplace every day. The Export-Import Bank helps ensure that American companies aren’t forced to compete with one hand tied behind their backs while foreign governments aggressively finance their own industries,” Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe said. “A 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’re urging Congress to act.”

Beyond extending the agency’s authorization for a decade, the letter calls on Congress to strengthen EXIM’s 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 ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry, Arizona Manufacturers Council, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation, Buckeye Valley ˿����Ƶ of Commerce, Chandler ˿����Ƶ of Commerce, Coolidge ˿����Ƶ of Commerce, Fountain Hills ˿����Ƶ of Commerce, Greater Phoenix ˿����Ƶ, Mesa ˿����Ƶ of Commerce, Nogales Santa Cruz County ˿����Ƶ of Commerce, PHX East Valley Partnership, Scottsdale Area ˿����Ƶ of Commerce, and The ˿����Ƶ 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. ˿����Ƶ of Commerce, along with hundreds of state and local business organizations.

image via

The post Business coalition, including several Ariz. groups, urges Congress to approve long-term EXIM reauthorization appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

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’s development agreement is not subject to referendum.

The Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry participated through the Arizona ˿����Ƶ Legal Center, filing an amicus curiae brief urging the Supreme Court to let the lower court ruling stand.

“This is a significant result for Marana and for communities across Arizona that rely on a predictable development process,” said Vanessa Pomeroy, chief counsel of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ Legal Center. “The 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.”

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’s 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 “furthers an already-declared policy” and concluded that the resolution was “not legislative but administrative and is therefore not referable.”

The court also rejected the challengers’ 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.

“The referendum is an important constitutional safeguard, but it’s not a tool for creating perpetual uncertainty around approved development,” Pomeroy said. “There 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.”

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

The post Court decision clears final legal hurdle for Marana hotel project appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

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—or a qualifying combination of non-photo identification documents—is 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 ˿����Ƶ 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.

The post Arizona Primary Election is Tuesday: What to know. appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

The Arizona ˿����Ƶ 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 ˿����Ƶ’s 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 ˿����Ƶ’s Business Agenda, an annual document that outlines the organization’s positions on various public policy issues.

“Good policy has helped make Arizona one of the most attractive places in the country to start, grow, or relocate a business,” ˿����Ƶ President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “The 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’re endorsing have already demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting Arizona’s competitive advantage, and we’re confident this slate will bring the serious leadership and practical solutions needed to keep that momentum going.”

The ˿����Ƶ’s endorsements include candidates from both major political parties and span races across the state. Among those receiving the ˿����Ƶ’s 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 ˿����Ƶ’s policy priorities. Candidates seeking offices they have not previously held were asked to complete questionnaires and participate in interviews with members of the ˿����Ƶ Political Affairs Committee before recommendations were forwarded to the board of directors for final approval.

The ˿����Ƶ’s 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’s economic climate.

The ˿����Ƶ 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.

“Reliable, affordable energy is one of the most important issues in today’s economy,” ˿����Ƶ Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. “Sustaining Arizona’s rapid growth means electing leaders who will work to ensure we have the energy mix and modern infrastructure that job creators demand.”

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 .

The post Arizona ˿����Ƶ announces bipartisan endorsements for 2026 primary election appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

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’s 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.

“Like most sessions in divided government, this legislative session delivered a mixed bag of results for job creators,” said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry. “The 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.”

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.

“Small businesses often face the greatest challenges when it comes to offering competitive health benefits,” Coolidge said. “This legislation creates a voluntary, market-based option that gives employers more flexibility and employees more choices.”

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.

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

The ˿����Ƶ also praised lawmakers for largely preserving the Arizona Competes Fund, one of the state’s 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’s 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 ˿����Ƶ 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.

“The state’s economic momentum didn’t happen by accident,” Coolidge said. “For years, Arizona has built a reputation for consistency and predictability. We don’t want to send a message to investors that they can’t plan for the long-term.”

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’s 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.

“Workforce remains one of the defining economic issues facing Arizona,” Coolidge said. “If we want to continue attracting investment and creating opportunity, we have to continue investing in the talent that makes those opportunities possible.”

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.

“Arizona remains in a strong position,” Coolidge said. “In the months ahead, we’ll 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.”

Image courtesy by

The post Arizona ˿����Ƶ assesses legislative session’s highs and lows appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

This column by Arizona ˿����Ƶ 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’ve 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’s  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’s 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’s like wiping out an entire year’s worth of economic development progress.

Even more concerning, forcing the state to renege on commitments — after funds were appropriated by the Legislature — 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 — 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 — 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’s 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’ve filled their commitments. Arizona doesn’t place risky bets. 

These tools complement Arizona’s 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 — 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’s 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 ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry.

The post Opinion: Arizona’s economic credibility at risk as lawmakers eye fund sweep, tax credit elimination appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.

The Arizona ˿����Ƶ 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. Topics included infrastructure investment, international trade, workforce development, regulatory reform, foreign affairs, and ongoing negotiations over the Colorado River—issues with immediate and long-term consequences for the state’s economic outlook.

For Arizona’s business community, the opportunity to hear directly from members of Congress—particularly in a divided government environment—remains 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’s 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 ˿����Ƶ President and CEO Danny Seiden emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections between the business community and federal policymakers.

“This event continues to be one of the most important opportunities we have each year to bring Arizona’s business leaders together with the people shaping policy in Washington,” Seiden said. “We’re 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.”

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.

The post Arizona congressmen and leading national political commentator converge for ˿����Ƶ’s Update from Capitol Hill appeared first on ˿����Ƶ Business News.