The Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry recognized business, civic and legislative leaders helping shape the state’s economy Tuesday evening at its 2026 Annual Awards Celebration.

The event, held at Warehouse215 in downtown Phoenix, honored the City of Peoria, Amkor Technology, Banner Health, RNDC Arizona’s Chris Curtin and three state lawmakers for their work to support job creation, economic growth and Arizona’s business climate.

“Arizona’s success does not happen by accident,” ˿����Ƶ President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “It takes leaders who are willing to take on complicated issues, bring the right people to the table, and stay focused on what matters for employers, workers and communities across the state.”

The ˿����Ƶ named Peoria its 2026 Best City for Business, recognizing the city’s efforts to attract investment and plan for long-term growth.

Under Mayor Jason Beck’s leadership, Peoria has made economic development, water security and public safety core priorities. The Peoria Innovation Core, located along the Loop 303 corridor, is designed to position one of the city’s key growth areas as a hub for advanced industries and employment.

In accepting the award, Beck said, “I wanted to make a difference in my city, I wanted to make a difference in my community,” and that he didn’t waste any time getting to work executing a business plan for the city that spurred major investments and created to new jobs.

Amkor Technology’s planned advanced semiconductor packaging and test campus is one of the most visible examples of that strategy. The $7 billion project is expected to create approximately 3,000 high-wage jobs.

Amkor also received the ˿����Ƶ Business News Top Newsmaker Award. Its Peoria project was named magazine’s No. 1 North American deal of 2025 and will bring advanced packaging and testing capacity to the United States, strengthening a critical piece of the domestic semiconductor supply chain.

“It is more than just a strategic investment,” Amkor’s Mark Rogers said. “It is a testament to Amkor’s deep roots in Arizona, our confidence in the semiconductor ecosystem in Arizona, a manifestation of our commitment to U.S.-based advanced manufacturing and supply chain resiliency.”

The ˿����Ƶ presented the Doug Yonko Volunteer of the Year Award to Chris Curtin, director of regulatory affairs for RNDC Arizona.

Curtin has supported the ˿����Ƶ for years by making RNDC facilities available for policy events, member receptions, board meetings, candidate forums and previous Annual Awards celebrations. The award is named for Doug Yonko, a former Hensley Beverage Company vice president of communications who served as ˿����Ƶ board chairman from 2012 to 2013.

Three state lawmakers were honored for their work on issues affecting Arizona employers and communities.

Rep. Janeen Connolly (D-Tempe) received a Representative of the Year Award for her collaborative approach, willingness to work across the aisle and engagement with the business community on practical solutions.

Rep. Jeff Weninger (R-Chandler) also received a Representative of the Year Award for his consistent advocacy on behalf of Arizona job creators, including his work to support small businesses and last year’s legislation to modernize Chase Field and help keep the Arizona Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix without creating a new tax.

Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) was named the ˿����Ƶ’s 2026 Senator of the Year for his leadership on major growth issues, including last year’s Ag-to-Urban water legislation and this year’s ˿����Ƶ-backed proposal to bring greater transparency and consistency to the local initiative process.

Banner Health was named the ˿����Ƶ’s 2026 Corporate Citizen of the Year, recognizing the nonprofit health system’s role as a care provider, employer, research institution and community partner.

As Arizona’s largest health care provider and largest private employer, Banner supports communities across the state. Its $80.5 million research enterprise advanced 1,300 clinical and translational studies in 2025, while the organization provides more than $1 billion in annual community benefit.

“As a nonprofit health organization that serves the people of Arizona, we succeed when you stay healthy, not when you get sick,” said Dr. Marjorie Bessel, chief clinical officer at Banner Health. “That means we reinvest every dollar we generate into care, technology, talent and community health initiatives.

“We partner with Arizona organizations making real impact every day, from supporting recovery and family services with the Arizona Women’s Recovery Center and Chicanos Por La Causa to generating breakthrough research and training the next generation of health providers with the University of Arizona. This is what we can accomplish when healthcare, business, and community work together as true partners to build Arizona’s future.”

Seiden said the range of recipients reflected the many factors behind Arizona’s continued economic momentum.

“Each of this year’s honorees represents a different part of Arizona’s success story: public leadership, private investment, community service, bipartisan problem-solving and a shared commitment to keeping Arizona competitive,” Seiden said. The 2026 Annual Awards Celebration was presented by Arizona Public Service. Warehouse215 served as host sponsor, and ViaWest Group served as gold sponsor.

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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.

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Banner Health’s research enterprise delivered new treatment opportunities to patients in 2025 while strengthening Arizona’s position in medical innovation, according to the health system’s newly released��.��

The report also highlights Banner’s role in Arizona’s health care and research economy. 

Banner’s $80.5 million research enterprise now supports 1,300 translational and clinical studies spanning neuroscience, cardiology, oncology and orthopedics.  

“We are deeply committed to advancing patient care through the power of clinical research,” said Corey Casper, MD, MPH, Banner’s chief research officer.  

Banner’s research footprint spans 33 hospitals and includes 371 team members, 315 scientific publications, 158,470 biomarker tests for collaborators and 16,389 brain tissue samples shared with scientific groups in 10 countries. 

Banner said partnerships are also helping expand the reach of its research enterprise, including collaborations with the University of Arizona and MD Anderson Cancer Center, as well as relationships with institutions such as Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins University and Arizona State University.  

Amy Perry, Banner Health’s president and chief executive officer, described the research enterprise as a “strategic investment in Arizona’s future” in the release.  

Among the milestones highlighted in the 2025 report was Banner’s role in advancing the first FDA-approved device for severe mitral annular calcification, a heart valve condition affecting up to 30% of older Americans that has traditionally required open-heart surgery.  

“Banner Health’s continued commitment to patients and communities shows the role Arizona can play in advancing medical innovation,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry. “Its investment in research and patient care is strengthening our economy and making a meaningful difference for Arizona patients and communities.” 

Banner Health will be recognized with the Corporate Citizen Award at the Arizona ˿����Ƶ’s Annual Awards Celebration on June 2, 2026, highlighting its broader role in Arizona’s economy and its dedication to serving communities across the state. 

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As Arizona’s energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation—driven by surging data center investment, record summer peak demand, and an accelerating shift toward renewable generation—few companies are better positioned to speak to what that transition requires than Strata Clean Energy. A family-owned, fully integrated energy infrastructure firm, Strata has built a portfolio of more than 300 projects across 25 states, with a 5 GW development pipeline and nearly 2 GWh of battery storage either operating or under construction in Arizona alone. ˿����Ƶ Business News sat down with the Strata team to discuss how the company is helping utilities, large energy users, and the broader grid prepare for what comes next.

What is Strata Clean Energy and who are your customers?

Strata Clean Energy is a family-owned, fully integrated energy infrastructure company focused on developing, building, and operating large-scale solar and energy storage solutions across the United States. We also support power-first data center development in key data center markets by enabling faster, integrated power solutions.

What differentiates Strata is our ability to deliver energy projects from concept through long-term operations—all under one platform. Strata has developed and manages a portfolio of over 300 projects constructed and operating across 25 states, representing more than 6 gigawatts in commissioned projects.

We serve three primary customer groups: electric utilities, independent power producers, and increasingly, large energy users such as hyperscale data center operators. Across all of these partnerships, our role is the same—to provide high-quality, dependable energy infrastructure that supports long-term growth and grid reliability.

Can you share an overview of Strata Clean Energy’s footprint and projects in Arizona?

Arizona is one of the most important markets in the country for energy innovation and data center demand, and Strata has established a strong and growing presence in the state. Today, Strata has a 5 GW development pipeline of solar and storage projects in Arizona, in addition to the over 2 GWh of battery storage currently in operation or under construction.  Additionally, we have data center development pipeline approaching 2GW in the State.

We have been actively developing and constructing utility-scale solar and battery storage projects across Arizona, including multiple long-term partnerships with utilities to bring new capacity online. These energy storage projects are designed to deliver power during peak demand periods—helping stabilize the grid during Arizona’s most energy-intensive hours.

These projects are especially important in a region where summer peak demand continues to set new records and energy needs are increasing rapidly. Our work helps ensure that reliable, dispatchable energy is available when it matters most.

Our commitment to Arizona extends beyond energy delivery—we see our work as supporting the state’s continued economic growth by ensuring reliable, scalable power is available where and when it’s needed.

Can you explain what your vertically integrated model means in practice and how it differentiates your approach?

Strata’s vertically integrated model means we manage every stage of an energy project—from early site identification and permitting through engineering, construction, and long-term operations.

In practice, this approach allows us to move faster, reduce risk, and deliver more predictable outcomes for our partners. Because our teams are aligned across the full lifecycle, we’re able to optimize decision-making early in development—whether that’s interconnection strategy, equipment procurement, or construction sequencing.

This integration helps address today’s environment, where project timing and coordinated execution are increasingly important. While traditional energy projects can take many years to advance, a fully coordinated platform enables projects to move more quickly while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and long-term performance.

Ultimately, our model is built around certainty, ensuring that projects are not only delivered efficiently, but continue to perform reliably through the life of the facility.

How does Strata Clean Energy collaborate with utility partners, particularly those serving Arizonans?

Collaboration with utilities is at the core of what we do. We work closely with our utility partners from the earliest stages of project development to align on long-term system needs, interconnection planning, and infrastructure investment. Our goal is to complement—not compete with—the utility planning process by bringing forward well-positioned projects and thoughtful solutions that help address emerging challenges. We apply this same collaboration framework whether we are advancing a solar, storage or data center project. We believe that collaboration with utilities and communities is the key to mutually beneficial outcomes.

Today, utilities across Arizona are managing a complex transition that includes rapid load growth and unprecedented demand. In some cases, large-load requests now exceed current peak demand levels on the system, requiring new creative approaches to planning and infrastructure development that add resiliency to the electrical system.

Strata supports this effort by developing projects that don’t just generate energy, but also contribute to overall grid stability and flexibility. Through the integration of technologies like battery storage, we help utilities manage peak demand, smooth variability, and improve system performance.

At its core, our partnership approach is about alignment: working together to deliver solutions that benefit customers, support long-term planning goals, and maintain the reliability that Arizonans depend on.

What role does Strata Clean Energy play in supporting a strong and reliable power grid in Arizona?

A reliable grid is the foundation for economic growth, especially in a state like Arizona where demand continues to increase.

Strata plays an important role by developing and delivering energy resources that are not only cost-effective, but also designed to enhance reliability. Our projects, particularly those that pair solar generation with battery storage, help ensure that energy is available when it is needed most, including during peak demand and periods of extreme heat.

Energy storage in particular is becoming a critical part of the solution, allowing utilities to shift energy from times of high production to times of highest demand.

We are also focused on how energy resources can contribute more broadly to grid performance. Modern energy systems require more than just power generation; they require flexibility, responsiveness, and stability.

In short, our role is to help build the next generation of energy infrastructure. One that supports continued growth while maintaining the high level of reliability that Arizona’s communities and businesses expect.

How is Strata Clean Energy positioning itself to support industries that require significant and reliable energy resources for years to come, such as AI and data centers?

Industries like AI and data centers are redefining energy demand. They require large amounts of power, delivered quickly, with exceptional reliability. In high-growth regions like Arizona, large-load demand can reach into the tens of gigawatts, creating both opportunity and complexity for the grid.

Strata is addressing this through a combination of long-term planning and innovative delivery models.

One key part of our approach is our “Bring Your Own Power” (BYOP) framework, which allows large energy users to accelerate access to power while still aligning with long-term grid solutions. BYOP is designed so data centers can function as grid assets—contributing new generation and supporting reliability as they scale. These approaches can meaningfully reduce time to initial power availability compared to traditional approaches, while transitioning into fully integrated, utility-supported infrastructure over time.

At the same time, we are developing sites in key data center markets with an emphasis on power planning and increased execution readiness. This approach is intended to improve speed and confidence for customers by helping create a more execution-ready path to long-term power availability.

Equally important is how these large energy users interact with the grid itself. At Strata, we believe the most successful projects are those that are intentionally designed to support the power system—not just add demand. By integrating solutions such as energy storage, coordinated generation, and flexible load strategies, data centers can play a positive role in strengthening overall system reliability.

This model benefits everyone involved. It enables faster deployment for companies investing in Arizona, supports utilities in managing growth responsibly, and helps ensure that rising demand does not place undue pressure on existing customers.

As Arizona continues to attract large-scale investment, Strata is focused on helping ensure that energy infrastructure keeps pace—supporting innovation, strengthening the grid, and enabling long-term economic development across the state.

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A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has upheld the constitutionality of an Arizona law designed to help mid-sized cities attract large international headquarters projects, delivering a win for state business groups and economic development advocates.

Senate Bill 1543 was passed in 2025 amid debate surrounding Axon Enterprise’s proposed headquarters expansion in Scottsdale, which included plans for housing, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial development surrounding the company’s corporate campus.

Supporters argued the measure would help Arizona compete for major corporate and international headquarters investments by giving qualifying cities additional flexibility for large mixed-use campus developments. Critics, meanwhile, argued the bill amounted to unconstitutional “special legislation” tailored specifically for Axon’s project.

A lawsuit was brought by Scottsdale-based TAAAZE, a political action committee that argued the law improperly carved out special treatment for certain developments and effectively bypassed local referendum efforts.

In a ruling issued late last week, Judge Michael Herrod rejected those claims, finding that the measure serves a broader statewide economic development purpose by helping attract major international headquarters investments to Arizona.

“The statewide problem addressed by A.R.S. § 9-461.19 is attracting international headquarters,” the ruling states. “The legislature has made a determination that to address this problem, cities of middle-sized populations are likely candidates to attract such headquarters.” 

The court further concluded that because the statute could apply to other qualifying cities and projects in the future, it is not a special law.

The Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry, which filed an amicus brief in the case, said the decision reinforces the state’s ability to compete for major employers and long-term investment.

“This ruling is about much more than a single project,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry. “Arizona’s economic growth depends on our ability to compete for major employers, attract high-wage jobs, and create an environment where companies can invest with confidence. The court recognized that the Legislature has the authority to pursue policies that support statewide economic development and long-term competitiveness.”

Mike Bailey, the ˿����Ƶ’s general counsel and director of legal reform programs, said the ruling should result in additional clarity around the Legislature’s role in zoning and economic development policy.

“The court affirmed an important legal principle here: zoning authority ultimately flows from the state, and the Legislature has broad discretion to address matters of statewide concern,” Bailey said. “The decision also reinforces that laws aimed at encouraging economic development are not unconstitutional simply because they may initially apply to a limited number of jurisdictions or projects.”

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Arizona business, agriculture, and government leaders gathered in Phoenix last week for a roundtable discussion hosted by the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry and to underscore the importance of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to Arizona’s economy and to warn against policies that could disrupt the deeply integrated North American trade relationship.

As the three countries prepare for the scheduled 2026 review of the agreement, the conversation brought together Arizona agriculture leaders, produce importers, and state officials, including Gov. Katie Hobbs and Arizona Department of Agriculture Director Paul Brierley.

The message from panelists was consistent: free trade with Mexico and Canada is not an abstract policy debate for Arizona. It is foundational to the state’s economic success, food supply chain, and workforce.

“Trade supports one in five jobs in Arizona, so it’s critical to our economy,” Hobbs said during the discussion. “We can have a USMCA that puts America first, Arizona first, while continuing to leverage the benefits of the free market to make us more competitive.”

The event highlighted Arizona’s unique role within the North American economy, particularly in agriculture. According to Farmers for Free Trade data, Arizona exported approximately $1.1 billion in agricultural goods to Mexico and Canada in 2025, supporting roughly 5,900 Arizona jobs.

Mexico and Canada remain the dominant destinations for Arizona agricultural exports. Vegetables and melons, fruits and tree nuts, beverages, meat products, and dairy products rank among the state’s top exports to its USMCA partners.

Speakers repeatedly emphasized that modern agriculture is built around integrated supply chains spanning all three countries.

The Arizona Farm Bureau’s Jim Boyle, a dairy farmer, pointed to the dramatic expansion of export opportunities since the original North American Free Trade Agreement took effect in 1994. Arizona dairy producers, for example, now ship various dairy products into Mexico, supporting processing plants and jobs across the state.

Panelists also pushed back on the notion that the United States can simply eliminate agricultural imports without significant consequences for consumers and producers alike.

Fresh Produce Association of the Americas President and CEO Lance Jungmeyer noted that Arizona’s produce industry depends heavily on complementary growing seasons between the United States and Mexico. Imports through Nogales help ensure year-round availability of fruits and vegetables while also stabilizing prices and supporting Arizona warehousing, trucking, logistics, and distribution jobs.

That interconnectedness extends well beyond produce. Brierley noted the importance of cross-border cooperation on food safety inspections, livestock health, fertilizer supply chains, and water management.

The discussion also touched on growing concerns over tariffs and uncertainty surrounding future trade policy. While participants acknowledged there may be areas within USMCA that could be improved — particularly around enforcement issues involving Canada — the broader consensus was that maintaining stability and predictability remains paramount.

Boyle warned that tariffs often hit agricultural producers particularly hard, reducing export opportunities for one of the world’s most productive farming sectors.

“Tariffs hurt American farmers greatly,” Boyle said. “We produce more food in the United States than we consume. Our export market really does help feed the world. Tariffs, essentially put up barriers to continue to do that.”

Panelists argued that preserving and strengthening North America’s economic integration is especially important as global competition intensifies.

Brierley noted that North America’s integrated supply chains give the United States, Mexico, and Canada a strategic advantage in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

The roundtable comes amid heightened attention on Arizona’s relationship with Mexico, particularly as the state continues to navigate issues involving border security, water policy, and international commerce simultaneously.

Still, speakers stressed that Arizona’s economic future is deeply tied to maintaining strong relationships with both neighboring countries.

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A recent court decision in Pima County is being viewed as a meaningful win for Arizona’s business and development community, reinforcing long-standing legal boundaries around when local actions can be challenged by referendum.  &�Բ�����;

The April 30 ruling denied a petition filed by a group called Arizonans for Responsible Development, which had sought to force the Town of Marana to process a referendum challenge to a development agreement tied to a hotel project on approximately 19 acres of town-owned property in downtown Marana. Judge Jeffrey T. Bergin found that the town’s action was administrative rather than legislative, meaning it is not subject to referendum under Arizona law.  ��

The practical effect: the project can move forward subject to appellate review.  &�Բ�����;

Why it matters for Arizona’s business community  &�Բ�����;

Mike Bailey, general counsel and director of legal reform programs for the Arizona ˿����Ƶ, said the ruling has implications well beyond Marana.  &�Բ�����;

“This decision reinforces an important principle: when a community has already gone through a public process to establish its development plan, a resolution that carries out that plan shouldn’t have to start from scratch,” Bailey said. “Using the referendum process to relitigate settled land-use policy is a tactic we’re seeing more frequently, and it creates real uncertainty for businesses and communities trying to plan ahead.” &�Բ�����;

Arizona ˿����Ƶ President and CEO Danny Seiden said the case reflects a broader pattern the ˿����Ƶ has been watching closely.  &�Բ�����;

“Communities across Arizona are working hard to attract investment and create jobs, and that work depends on a process that’s predictable and transparent,” Seiden said. “When development projects that have gone through proper public channels get tied up in legal challenges designed to delay or derail them, everyone loses. This ruling is a good outcome for Marana and a good outcome for Arizona.”  &�Բ�����;

The legal background  &�Բ�����;

The central question was whether the town’s resolution created new policy or simply carried out a framework already in place. The court found that the resolution implemented zoning and land-use parameters established nearly two decades ago through a 2008 ordinance that created the Downtown Marana plan. Because it executed existing policy rather than establishing new policy, the court concluded it was administrative in nature and not subject to referendum.  &�Բ�����;

The plaintiffs had also argued that state law requires all development agreements to go through the referendum process.  

The court rejected that argument as well, consistent with prior Court of Appeals rulings on the same question.  &�Բ�����;

A second case, a similar outcome &�Բ�����;

In a separate but related case, the court also ruled in favor of the Town of Marana in a dispute over referendum petitions tied to a proposed data center project. &�Բ�����;

In that case, the court granted summary judgment affirming the Town Clerk’s decision to reject the petitions after finding they did not strictly comply with Arizona’s statutory requirements governing referendum filings.  &�Բ�����;

The ruling reinforces another key principle: even when a referendum is permitted, the process must be followed precisely. Arizona statutes establish a strict compliance standard to ensure voters have full and accurate information when considering ballot measures. &�Բ�����;

Together, the two rulings draw clearer lines around both when referendums can be used and how they must be executed — distinctions that matter to businesses and communities trying to plan and invest with confidence. &�Բ�����;

The decisions come as the Arizona ˿����Ƶ continues to push for local ballot reform at the Legislature through SB 1429 and HCR 2051, aimed at bringing greater consistency and transparency to the initiative and referendum process at the local level. &�Բ�����;

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This��opinion��column��from Arizona��˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden��originally��appeared in the Yuma Sun.

There’s been plenty of coverage lately about Arizona preparing to defend its water rights on the Colorado River. And yes, we’ve hired a law firm. Hard to blame us.

What’s gotten less attention is the other side of this story: what’s actually happening at the negotiating table. The answer isn’t complicated. Arizona and other Lower Basin states have put real solutions on the table. Colorado and its Upper Basin partners have not.

Arizona’s chief water negotiator, ADWR Director Tom Buschatzke, was blunt after collapsed. Despite months of discussions, the Lower Basin states received one consistent message from the Upper Basin: there will be no firm commitment to reduce water use, no matter how bad the hydrology gets or how low the reservoirs fall.

That’s not a negotiating position. That’s a refusal to engage.

And the stakes are real. Snowpack across the West is at record lows, with just 2.3 million acre-feet of water expected to reach Lake Powell through July — about a third of normal. The river is under serious strain, and time is not on our side.

Arizona has responded accordingly. This year alone, we’ve already absorbed more than 500,000 acre-feet in cuts. We’ve invested in conservation, recharge, and long-term infrastructure. These aren’t easy decisions. They come with real economic tradeoffs.

But that’s what shared responsibility looks like.

Other Lower Basin states stepped up too. Arizona offered to reduce its allocation by 27%. California offered 10%. Nevada nearly 17%. All of it was rejected by Upper Basin states, with Colorado chief among them. They have continued to insist that additional cuts fall primarily on the Lower Basin.

That’s not a partner. That’s a free rider.

And it reflects a broader pattern in how Colorado approaches governing.

Credibility at the negotiating table doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s built or eroded by whether a state is willing to make hard calls, take responsibility, and lead when it matters. On that front, Colorado’s track record deserves scrutiny.

Over the past decade, Colorado has enacted more than 10,000 new regulatory mandates. Job growth has slowed dramatically. More residents are leaving the state, and nearly half of its business leaders say they’re planning to invest elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Arizona has stayed focused on building a competitive, growing economy.

from Common Sense Institute Arizona and the Arizona ˿����Ƶ Foundation found that if Arizona had followed Colorado’s policy path, we’d have 113,000 fewer workers and an economy $18.6 billion smaller.

Arizona made different choices. Those choices are reflected in how we’re showing up at the Colorado River table today.

None of this is to say Colorado doesn’t have rights to the river. It does. But rights come with responsibilities, especially when the system is under this level of stress. And especially when you’ve spent years sending the same message: the cuts are someone else’s problem.

The Colorado River supports 40 million people and an estimated $1.4 trillion in economic activity. A deal matters for Arizona, for the region, and for the country. But a deal that asks Lower Basin states to make deep, binding cuts while Upper Basin states make no firm commitments isn’t a solution. It’s an imbalance dressed up as compromise.

Governor Hobbs is right to push back. Arizona is right to keep every option on the table, including legal ones. And anyone who thinks we’re being unreasonable should read what Arizona’s negotiator said when the February deadline blew up: we cannot take on the task of saving this river system on our own.

Colorado has already done real damage to its own economy. We can’t let it drag ours down too. We won’t keep carrying their water.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona ˿����Ƶ of Commerce & Industry.

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Valleywise Health is expanding its independently accredited dental residency program to strengthen Arizona’s health care workforce while improving access to oral health services in underserved communities.

The Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, which launched its inaugural cohort in 2025, recently welcomed three new residents as part of its continued growth. The program is designed to prepare dentists to deliver comprehensive, community-focused care—particularly in complex medical and social environments often encountered in safety-net settings.

The expansion marks a significant milestone for Valleywise Health, which has long played a central role in training medical professionals but only recently established its first dental residency program under its sole sponsorship.

Dr. Christopher Brendemuhl, director of dentistry at Valleywise Community Health dental clinics and chair of the Department of Dentistry, said the program is intentionally designed to cultivate a new generation of dentists committed to service.

“Our goal is to influence the next generation of dentists to be community-service minded and to truly embrace the Valleywise Health mission,” Brendemuhl said. “We want to build a group of dentists who are connected to the community, who are lifelong learners and who are passionate about serving the most vulnerable of our populations.”

The residency received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation in August 2024 and is working toward full accreditation, an important step in solidifying its role as a long-term training pipeline.

Integrated care model reflects evolving health needs

A key feature of the program is its emphasis on integrated, team-based care. Residents rotate through Valleywise Health’s network of Federally Qualified Health Centers and its flagship medical center, gaining hands-on experience that connects oral health with broader medical treatment.

This interdisciplinary approach reflects a growing recognition across the health care sector that oral health is closely tied to overall health outcomes.

“Our residency uniquely integrates dentistry with broader medical care, offering a holistic view of health that extends beyond the dental chair,” Brendemuhl said. “This experience is enriched through rotations in specialized clinics and interdisciplinary settings where residents see firsthand how oral health impacts overall health.”

Training sites include the Comprehensive Health Center in Phoenix, where residents collaborate across specialties; the Peoria location, which offers exposure to ambulatory surgical care; and the McDowell clinic, which focuses on treating patients living with HIV/AIDS.

Building a pipeline for community-based care

The program’s expansion comes as Arizona, like much of the country, faces ongoing challenges in ensuring adequate access to health care providers—particularly in community health settings that serve low-income and medically complex populations.

Valleywise Health operates a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers across Maricopa County, positioning the residency program as a direct pipeline for dentists prepared to practice in those environments.

The organization, which has trained medical professionals since 1952 and serves as Arizona’s only public teaching hospital and safety-net health system, sees the dental residency as a natural extension of its broader workforce mission.

“This program is about more than training dentists,” Brendemuhl said. “It’s about building a workforce that understands the needs of our community and is equipped to meet them with skill and compassion.”

As Arizona continues to grow, efforts like Valleywise Health’s AEGD program highlight the critical role of locally driven workforce development in meeting the state’s long-term health care needs—particularly for populations that have historically faced barriers to care.

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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.

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