Joseph Kavetsky, Author at ��

Ariz. �� Foundation and Common Sense Institute release Business in Your District tool

Joseph Kavetsky — Thu, 22 May 2025 18:50:36 +0000

The Arizona �� Foundation, in collaboration with Common Sense Institute Arizona (CSI), have introduced a new initiative titled Business in Your District. This tool aims to equip policymakers, business leaders, and community stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the economic and demographic characteristics of each of Arizona’s legislative districts, along with the localized impacts of public policy decisions.

The platform delivers up-to-date, district-specific data across a range of key metrics, including workforce participation, housing, education, infrastructure, and top employers. Organized by legislative district, the tool provides detailed snapshots that include figures on median income, housing availability, school enrollment, employment patterns, and more.

“As Arizona continues to grow, the policies we pursue at the state and local level must be grounded in data,” said Danny Seiden, Arizona �� president and CEO. “Business in Your District gives lawmakers and business leaders a shared starting point for smart, targeted decision-making that drives economic growth across all corners of the state.”

One example is Legislative District 2, which encompasses parts of northeast Phoenix and the Desert Ridge area. The district profile reveals the following:

Median Household Income: $72,111

Total Workers: 129,353

Median Home Value: $325,500

Total Housing Units: 105,011

Rental Vacancy Rate: 3.70%

Owner-Occupied Vacancy Rate: 0.80%

Median Gross Rent: $1,374

Unemployment Rate: 4.40%

School-Aged Population: 37,456 (15.53%)

K-12 Public School Enrollment: 32,120 (85.75%)

Top Employer: USAA

“The Business in Your District tool gives policymakers and business leaders a clearer understanding of the economic footprint in their own backyard,” said Katie Ratlief, Common Sense Institute executive director. “With access to data on housing inventory, median income, and employment trends by district, leaders are better equipped to make informed decisions that reflect local realities and support economic growth across Arizona. By linking economic data directly to legislative boundaries, this tool empowers lawmakers to better understand the impact of their policy decisions—not just at the state level, but for the businesses and families they represent.”

The Arizona �� Foundation and CSI Arizona plan to release the Business in Your District data to elected officials, local chambers of commerce, economic development professionals, and stakeholders across the state.

A sample snapshot of legislative district data can be found .

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New nonstop service between Phoenix and Taiwan announced

Joseph Kavetsky — Wed, 21 May 2025 17:52:24 +0000

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego has announced that STARLUX Airlines plans to launch new nonstop service between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei, Taiwan.

The announcement came during Gallego’s annual State of the City Address. The route will mark the first direct air connection between Phoenix—and the entire state of Arizona—and Asia. Service is expected to begin early next year, operating three to four times weekly, pending final regulatory approvals.

“I knew from the moment I set foot in Phoenix that STARLUX should make the investment to fly here,” Chairman K.W. Chang said. “Not only is the growth of business between Taipei and Phoenix staggering, it’s a perfect match for our level of service. We are proud and honored to be the first carrier to provide nonstop Asia service for the Phoenix community.”

The move comes amid growing economic ties between Arizona and Taiwan, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s historic $165 billion investment in its Phoenix operations—the largest foreign direct investment in U.S. history.

“Phoenix’s first non-stop flight to Asia reflects the incredible strides we’ve made with our local economy, and our emergence as an international city,” Gallego said. “TSMC’s historic investment in Phoenix has brought thousands of high wage jobs and boosted our reputation as a semiconductor hub, and now it’s helping increase air service demand.”

The airline, founded by aviation pioneer and former EVA Air chairman Captain Kuo-Wei (K.W.) Chang, will initially operate the Phoenix-Taipei route using an Airbus A350-900, featuring 306 seats.

“I am thrilled that STARLUX Airlines has chosen Phoenix Sky Harbor as its newest destination,” Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said. “This significant win for Phoenix and our entire region is a testament to the vision and dedication of Mayor Gallego and our City Council as they support the continued growth and modernization of our airport to serve as a top-tier international gateway.”

According to Sky Harbor’s latest economic impact report, international flights contribute more than $3 billion annually to the local economy. This new Phoenix-Taipei route alone is projected to generate over $100 million in economic benefits each year.

Ticket sales are expected to begin once regulatory approvals are finalized.

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Two bills on energy infrastructure reach governor’s desk

Joseph Kavetsky — Thu, 08 May 2025 18:21:31 +0000

Two bills that are of critical importance to the state’s energy infrastructure and the maintenance of competitive rates are on their way to Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Wildfire mitigation

Sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin (R-Hereford), HB 2201 would require Arizona utility companies to submit detailed wildfire mitigation plans to the state forrester and governing body every two years. These plans must include vegetation management strategies, power line safety measures, and coordination with fire and land agencies.

HB 2201 is smart policy that reduces wildfire risks, protects ratepayers, and ensures reliability of service.

Huge thanks to the Arizona House for sending it to the governor’s desk with strong bipartisan approval!
— Arizona �� (@AZ��)

The goal is to enhance fire prevention while also defining utility liability. Arizona Public Service (APS), which already spends around $110 million annually on wildfire prevention, testified in support of the bill as it made its way through the committee process, emphasizing its proactive efforts like maintaining fire-access corridors.

Securitization

Backed by the Arizona �� and a coalition of business leaders, HB 2679 would authorize the Arizona Corporation Commission to allow utility companies to use securitization — a financing tool already used in over 30 states.

A letter to state senators from a coalition of dozens of the state’s leading business organizations argued the bill would promote greater reliability and lower consumer costs.

“Securitization is not a new solution—it’s a proven concept that has been successfully implemented in 33 other states. As our state continues to grow under your leadership, it is essential that we embrace forward thinking utility policies that support economic vitality, reliability, and affordability,”.

HB 2679 just cleared the House and now heads to the governor — a major step toward smarter energy policy for Arizona.

This bill gives AZ a proven tool to lower utility costs, modernize energy infrastructure, and strengthen grid reliability — all critical to staying competitive.…
— Arizona �� (@AZ��)

HAPPENING TODAY: The Arizona Senate is set to vote on HB 2679 — legislation that lowers energy costs, modernizes aging infrastructure, and keeps Arizona’s power grid reliable and competitive.

WATCH to see why securitization is the kind of smart, commonsense policy Arizona…
— Arizona �� (@AZ��)

This mechanism lets utilities recover extraordinary one-time costs (like wildfire damage or plant retirements) by issuing low-interest bonds rather than imposing immediate rate hikes on consumers. The bill ensures utilities cannot profit from these costs, directing the savings to customers and promoting long-term bill stability.

The business community view

“We’re grateful to Rep. Griffin for her leadership and to the Legislature for passing these two bills with strong, bipartisan support,” Arizona �� of Commerce & Industry Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. “These bills will protect ratepayers against wild swings in rates and send a strong message that our state will work to preserve reliable service for businesses and homeowners. We’re hopeful Gov. Hobbs will sign them both into law.”

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Logistics park to be economic powerhouse in Northwest Valley

Joseph Kavetsky — Tue, 06 May 2025 19:32:16 +0000

A new logistics park planned for northwest Maricopa County is anticipated to create a multi-billion-dollar positive economic impact for the region once it’s approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Valued at $3.2 billion, the LPP project is expected to generate more than $3.9 billion in economic output during construction, creating more than 26,400 jobs and adding approximately $1.4 billion in labor income. State and local tax revenues from the construction phase alone are estimated to top $189.5 million, funding public services, infrastructure improvements, and community development.

Once operational, the logistics hub will continue to drive growth, supporting over 50,000 jobs annually and producing $2.5 billion in labor income each year. The long-term outlook includes $245.6 million in yearly state and local tax revenues, providing substantial fiscal support to Maricopa County, local municipalities, school districts, colleges, fire and medical services, and more.

“New jobs, new tax revenues for essential services, and a stronger regional economy. This is the type of project that states around the country fight for,” Arizona �� of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “A logistics hub of this scale not only is an impressive contributor to Maricopa County and the Northwest Valley’s economic assets, but it’s a tremendous job creator. We’d encourage supervisors to approve the project as soon as possible.”

What Is the Logistics Park Phoenix?

The LPP is a master-planned, 4,320-acre freight facility that will integrate three major components:

Intermodal Facility (IMF) – 1,770 acres for domestic intermodal container movement

Logistics Center – 1,131 acres of rail-served customer facilities

Logistics Park – 1,420 acres of adjacent warehousing and distribution space

These interconnected elements will allow businesses to efficiently process, transfer, store, and distribute goods throughout the Phoenix metro area and across the broader Southwest. The LPP will be located along existing BNSF railroad tracks near US-60 and will tie into the railway’s 32,500-mile national freight rail network, which advocates say will link Arizona to the global marketplace.

The location

The LPP will be situated just northwest of Phoenix, bounded by 211th Avenue, State Route 74, 235th Avenue, and US-60/Grand Avenue. The company chose the site to serve the industrial and commercial needs of the Phoenix area and to ease pressure on existing transportation infrastructure.

The facility will feature internal roadways that will allow goods to be transported between the intermodal terminal, warehouses, and logistics facilities without needing to hit public roads.

The timeline and process

Construction is slated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with the first phase of operations opening in 2028. That initial phase will include:

1 million square feet of warehousing

223,000 annual container lifts at the intermodal facility

2,400-square-foot truck terminal

25,000-square-foot general office space

By 2033, the project will ramp up to 11.5 million square feet of warehousing and 330,900 annual lifts. Full buildout by 2050 will feature:

18 million square feet of warehouse space

539,800 container lifts per year

20,000-square-foot truck terminal

Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe says Logistics Park Phoenix is good news for area manufacturers.

“Our area’s manufacturing sector is growing so fast that we need to enhance our logistics infrastructure and freight mobility to maintain our momentum,” she said. “The LPP ensures we’ll have the means to get inputs into our market and finished products on their way to customers with fewer costly delays. It’s a modern logistics hub for today’s advanced supply chain.”

Environmental benefits

The facility will be serviced by BNSF’s newer, cleaner-burning locomotive fleet, which Appelbe said her members support.

“We all know that economic development in Maricopa County is occurring against a backdrop of concerns over environmental regulations that could severely crimp our ability to attract jobs,” she said. “We’re making excellent progress with the EPA to recognize that some emissions are beyond our control, but we should still demonstrate that manufacturers and job creators will continue to look for opportunities to reduce emissions where possible.”

Photo courtesy��

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Air France increases flight frequency at Sky Harbor

Joseph Kavetsky — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:58:01 +0000

Air France is increasing the number of nonstop flights between Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to five times weekly starting in May, an expansion expected to significantly benefit Arizona’s economy.

According to Phoenix Sky Harbor’s most recent economic impact study, international flights contribute more than $3 billion to the state’s economy each year.

The nonstop Phoenix–Paris service, which launched in May 2024 with three weekly flights, was projected to generate $70 million in annual economic impact. With the increased frequency and a larger aircraft now in operation, that number is estimated to rise to $103 million annually.

“Since the launch of their Paris service just under a year ago, Air France has almost doubled the capacity of the Phoenix-Paris route,” Phoenix Aviation Director Chad Makovsky said. “The airline has been a fantastic addition to our airport, and we are grateful for their partnership and commitment to growing this route. With the announced capacity increase, this nonstop flight alone is estimated to have an estimated $103 million annual statewide economic impact, benefitting all of Arizona.”

The route’s May 2024 launch marked the first-ever nonstop air service between Phoenix and France. Initially operated three times a week using a Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner with 279 seats, the service now uses the more spacious Airbus A350-900. The upgraded aircraft includes 324 seats and an expanded business class with 34 seats, offering passengers more comfort and flexibility.

The increase to five weekly flights gives travelers more choices and enhances competition on fares, not only to France but to the more than 190 destinations Air France serves beyond Paris. The expanded service complements Phoenix’s existing transatlantic routes to London Heathrow, operated by both American Airlines and British Airways.

“Air France is very pleased with the Phoenix-Paris route and we are excited the frequency is increasing,” said Boaz Hulsman, vice president of commercial, North America at Air France-KLM. “This capacity increase symbolizes our commitment to enhancing the transatlantic travel connection. We look forward to soon providing more passengers from Phoenix with an experience embodying the best of French elegance.”

In addition to international connectivity, the enhanced Air France schedule supports domestic travel through its codeshare partnership with Delta Air Lines, enabling seamless U.S. connections. Travelers can also access broader European and global destinations through KLM, another Air France partner.

Sky Harbor, known as America’s Friendliest Airport, currently offers nonstop service to over 140 destinations worldwide. The increased service to Paris underscores Phoenix’s growing role as a hub for international commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange.

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Governor and OEO connect Arizonans with new apprenticeship opportunities, announce new grants

Joseph Kavetsky — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 17:24:41 +0000

Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) announced that the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative has successfully connected nearly 3,000 Arizonans with apprenticeship opportunities in the construction industry. The announcement also included the release of more than $1 million in new grants to expand training programs and the launch of the largest round of BuildItAZ funding to date.

The BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative was launched in 2023 to address the growing demand for skilled construction workers. Arizona is projected to need an additional 20,000 construction workers by 2030, according to Talent Ready AZ. Since the initiative’s start, the number of active construction and trades registered apprentices in Arizona has grown from 4,350 to 7,252, with the goal of reaching 8,700 by the end of 2026.

“Together, with industry-led registered apprenticeship programs, we’ve expanded capacity of high-quality programs with state workforce development funding and connected thousands of Arizonans with earn-while-you-learn career pathways that are jobs from day one with competitive wages, and a nationally recognized credential,” OEO Director Carlos Contreras said. “Next, we plan to meet the critical 2026 goal by continuing to invest in apprenticeship capacity and launching a new outreach campaign to reach and inspire the builders across the state who could be future carpenters, laborers, electricians, superintendents and pipefitters.”

The newly announced grants will support seven construction and trades registered apprenticeship programs across the state. The second-round grant recipients are:

Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. Apprenticeship Trust Fund

Boilermakers Local 627

Laborer’s Training School and Retraining Trust Fund

Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee

Sundt Construction

Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program

Western Electrical Contractors Association Inc.

Funding from the BuildItAZ initiative, including the $650,000 awarded in the first round last year, focuses on recruiting and retaining apprentices. It supports wrap-around services such as childcare and transportation assistance, program tuition, tools, boots, textbooks, and essential training equipment. These resources aim to eliminate barriers to employment and expand capacity in existing apprenticeship programs.

“Tucson Electrical Apprenticeship currently serves 175 active apprentices across Pima County, Cochise County, Greenlee County, Yuma County, Graham County, Pinal County and even as far as west of La Paz County,” said Tucson Electrical Apprenticeship Training Director Karen King. “The apprenticeship program is committed to creating pathways to enter the skilled trades. With the rapid growth of the construction sector in Arizona, this expansion is essential to fill the workforce gap and ensure the supply of qualified electricians in the state.”

In addition to the grant awards, Hobbs announced a third round of BuildItAZ funding totaling $3 million—the initiative’s largest single investment yet. This funding is intended to further the state’s commitment to growing a strong, industry-led construction workforce.

“This BuildItAZ grant is a significant enhancement for Sundt’s workforce development initiatives in Arizona,” said Sundt Construction Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Nicole Calamaio. “These funds will expand apprenticeship opportunities, empower more women to enter the construction industry, and provide Spanish-speaking residents in Maricopa County with accessible training and career pathways. This investment strengthens our commitment to build a diverse, skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”

This spring, OEO will also launch a BuildItAZ multimedia outreach campaign designed to inspire more Arizonans, especially women, to pursue careers in construction. The campaign will use digital media and community engagement to promote construction as a stable, well-paying career path and to increase participation in apprenticeship programs.

BuildItAZ is funded by workforce grants through the Office of Economic Opportunity. For more information about the initiative visit BuildItAZ.az.gov

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Ariz. �� luncheon delivers insight from congressional delegation

Joseph Kavetsky — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 16:35:03 +0000

Arizona’s two United States senators and four members of its House delegation shared their insight on a host of topics facing the state and country at the Arizona �� of Commerce & Industry’s Update from Capitol Hill luncheon on Wednesday.

Presented by Salt River Project, luncheon attendees had the opportunity to hear firsthand about upcoming federal legislation and connect with fellow industry leaders dedicated to advancing Arizona’s economic growth and policy priorities.

Here’s a sampling of what was said in discussions moderated by Arizona �� President and CEO Danny Seiden.

CEO sits down with and for a wide-ranging conversation on Medicaid, trade policy, air quality, national security, and more. ⁰⁰Appreciate the senators for taking time to share their perspectives on the federal priorities that matter to…
— Arizona �� (@AZ��)

Innovation

“We are the most innovative country that has the best scientists, the best engineers, the best technology,” Sen. Mark Kelly said. “We’re still creating that technology here, whether it’s A.I. or quantum computing, these technologies are going to help grow our economy and drive it in the future. And I am incredibly bullish on America.”

Environmental regulation

“When I talked to (Energy) Secretary (Chris) Wright, he said that his approach was ‘all of the above.’ He’s not trying to get rid of wind and solar, but they’re also trying to keep coal going, they’re also working on nuclear, and it’s an all of the above approach,” Rep. Eli Crane said. “ I think that’s just going to be better for jobs in my district, I think it’s going to be better for our economy, but I also think it’s going to support much of the growth you see coming into Arizona right now.”

Thank you to the for the Update from Capitol Hill today. And thank you to Arizona’s congressional delegation for championing issues that matter to Arizona.
— Arizona Board of Regents (@AZRegents)

Today, I attended the 's Capitol Hill Luncheon to provide an update from Washington.

Enjoyed the panel discussion with , , & .

With President Trump in charge, we can expect more investment, growth, & prosperity in Arizona.
— Rep. Eli Crane (@RepEliCrane)

Tariffs and their effect on U.S. manufacturing

“90 percent of the chemicals and gas that they need to build these chips still come from Taiwan,” Sen. Ruben Gallego said. “So the tariffs are actually adding an extra cost onto TSMC for our American-made chips.”

From tariffs to chips to health care access — no topic’s off the table as , , , and join for a timely discussion at . Always insightful to hear how national policy decisions are playing out on…
— Arizona �� (@AZ��)

Medicaid

“As the federal government has grown, so have inefficiencies and unnecessary bureaucracies,” Rep. Juan Ciscomani said. “I have been crystal clear that I do not support reducing Medicaid coverage for those the program was intended to serve. What I do support are targeted reforms, such as implementing work requirements for able-bodied adults with no dependents and strengthening eligibility verification to ensure that every dollar is maximized and spent on vulnerable individuals who rely on Medicaid.”

Had a productive discussion with my colleagues at the 's annual Capitol Hill Update lunch.

I reaffirmed my commitment to protect Medicaid benefits for the people this program was made to serve like those with disabilities, single mothers and elderly. I will continue…
— Congressman Juan Ciscomani (@RepCiscomani)

“I’m afraid, quite frankly, and I don’t want to see it go this way, that it might get pushed down to the states,” Rep. Andy Biggs said of potential cost shifts from the federal government to state governments. “We may have a problem in the state when that comes.”

“Medicaid is the foundation, one of the foundations of our healthcare system here in Arizona. People often think there is a healthcare system for people on Medicaid, Medicare, private payer, private insurance–it’s one system,” Kelly said. “When you drastically cut the number of people on Medicaid that affects all of us. Make no mistake, if (significant federal cuts) happen, this will have an impact on everybody.”

"The truth is, smart, bipartisan policy has helped get us here — creating the kind of stability and predictability businesses need to invest, grow, and succeed." ⁰
�� CEO kicks off our 2025
— Arizona �� (@AZ��)

Separation of powers

“I do think it’s a little ridiculous to see some of these federal judges trying to usurp authority of the president of the United States,” U.S. Rep. Eli Crane.

The House

“The House is much more united than people anticipated. They thought the Senate was going to be the easy way, but right now the House is keeping it all together,” said Rep. Abe Hamadeh.

Congressman Hamadeh had the pleasure of joining his colleagues, Congressmen , , and , to talk about the work the Arizona delegation is doing to restore peace and prosperity to their respective Districts and America at large.…
— Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh)

The Administration

“I know that there is concerns on many sides, but so far with President Trump, he’s the captain of this team, and it seems like he’s letting everybody get a victory,” said Rep. Abe Hamadeh.

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Tomato tariffs threaten consumer prices as Commerce Dept. eyes end of import agreement

Joseph Kavetsky — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:48:50 +0000

The United States Commerce Department recently announced its intent to withdraw from the 2019 agreement suspending the antidumping investigation on fresh tomatoes imported from Mexico, a decision that will take effect in July. The move will replace the current deal—which established minimum pricing for imports—with a 20.91% duty imposed on most Mexican tomato shipments.

Nogales, Ariz. is one of the country’s leading entry points for fresh tomato imports.

U.S. officials argue that termination is necessary to protect domestic tomato growers, but the decision threatens to disrupt a longstanding trade structure that has provided American consumers with an affordable supply of fresh tomatoes year-round.

It's simple: this is a tax hike that will raise the price of groceries. Arizona businesses and families will continue to pay the price for this administration's reckless trade war.
— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs)

Arizona Gov. Katie and Hobbs and the Arizona-Mexico Commission say the tariffs will harm U.S. consumers.

“Consumers may see prices spike as much as 50%, with Arizona losing up to $3 billion, if the U.S. Department of Commerce imposes tariffs on Mexican tomatoes,” the AMC in a statement.

With Mexico’s favorable climate and lower production costs, growers there are able to meet consistent year-round demand—a role that most U.S. producers are unable to match due to the climate. The removal of the agreement and the imposition of steep tariffs is expected to lead to higher prices, a cost that will likely be borne by American consumers.

Without the suspension agreement, there will no longer be a set minimum price for the imports, leading to greater instability in U.S. market prices. Because tomatoes are perishable and seasonal their pricing is especially volatile.

If no new agreement is reached before the July deadline, shoppers will face the fallout. Though the tariffs may benefit tomato growers in states like Florida, they risk sparking consumer backlash as inflation-weary households contend with rising food costs.

In a statement, the Nogales-based Fresh Produce Association of the Americas said, “Members of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas are U.S. companies that have led innovation in the tomato category over the last 30 years. Because of this innovation, consumers now can shop for a wide array of vine-ripened grape and cherry tomatoes, tomatoes on the vine, roma tomatoes, and other specialty tomatoes. With the pending termination of the Tomato Suspension Agreement and implementation of duties, those same U.S. companies are left to wonder if they can continue to supply consumers with the vine-ripened tomatoes people demand at affordable prices.”

FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer that consumers will bear the brunt of any new tariffs.

“This price has to be passed on,” he said. “It can’t be charged back to the grower or anything. A lot of companies that have year-round contracts are going to be renegotiating those in order to make sure they can fill those contracts. As a result, retailers are going to have to raise prices. Restaurants are going to have to raise prices or adjust menu output, for example, by putting fewer tomatoes on a salad or fewer slices on a sandwich.”

The U.S. is Mexico’s top agricultural trade partner, exporting $18 billion worth of products, which represents about 70 percent of Mexico’s agri-food imports. The agriculture sector is critical to the overall two-way goods and services trade between our two countries that supports an estimated five million U.S. jobs.

The 2019 agreement was designed to ensure free trade between the nations while keeping supply chains consistent. Its termination, framed by the Commerce Department as a protective measure, could disrupt a vital agricultural agreement and further inflation.

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State Senate sends governor bill allowing Axon corporate campus to proceed

Joseph Kavetsky — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:26:24 +0000

The Arizona state Senate on Tuesday passed a measure designed to open the way to the development of Axon’s proposed international headquarters in Scottsdale.

Axon, a leading manufacturer of law enforcement technology, plans to construct a mixed-use campus near Hayden Road and Loop 101. The development includes nearly 2,000 apartments, a hotel, restaurants, and entertainment venues, with an anticipated economic impact of $38 billion over the next decade.

The Scottsdale City Council approved the rezoning request for the project last November, but the project faced opposition from opponents of apartments and from an out-of-state organized labor group who wanted Scottsdale voters to overturn the council’s approval.

Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona �� of Commerce & Industry, celebrated the bill’s passage.

“This is smart, targeted reform that protects jobs, supports housing, and sends the right message to businesses here and across the country,” Seiden said. “Arizona is open for business—and we have your back.”

Public opinion appears to favor the development. A recent statewide poll conducted by Cygnal found that 75% of likely voters support Axon building its headquarters in their community, with 65% support among Scottsdale residents.

Worker Power also active in Glendale

The labor group opposing the Scottsdale project is Worker Power, the political arm of the California-based labor union UniteHere.

Worker Power has been a regular opponent of economic development in the Valley, opposing legislation this year to create a financing mechanism for repairs at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The group also opposed a project in Tempe to develop a home for the NHL’s Coyotes.

Worker Power in 2024 was the backer of Proposition 499 in Glendale, a measure to dramatically increase the minimum wage for hospitality workers in that city and place strict caps on their productivity. The proposition lost by a wide margin.

Like it did in the Axon case, the group is now attempting to derail a zoning agreement unanimously approved by the Glendale City Council for the new VAI Resort, which is slated to be the state’s largest resort. Glendale voters next month will decide in a special election whether to uphold the council’s decision.

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Bill to clear path to new Axon headquarters passes House

Joseph Kavetsky — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 19:28:30 +0000

Arizona lawmakers on Thursday seized an opportunity to increase positive economic activity for the state by passing Senate Bill 1543, taking a step closer to clearing the way for Axon’s proposed international headquarters in Scottsdale.

The project as envisioned promises to bring thousands of high-paying jobs, new housing, hospitality, and long-term growth to the region. The project has broad public support.

In spite of a lengthy opposition campaign, the bill cleared the state House Committee of the Whole on Wednesday and passed with bipartisan support today.

“The Arizona �� of Commerce & Industry applauds the House for today’s passage,” �� Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. “As we have said on multiple occasions, this is more about a single project in Scottsdale—this is about the future of the entire state, ensuring we send a message that Arizona is open for business and that out-of-state special interests won’t derail significant job-creation projects here.”

A recent statewide Cygnal poll found that 75% of likely voters support Axon building its headquarters in their own community. In Scottsdale, where the project is set to break ground, 65% of voters back the plan. This support crosses party lines, including strong majorities of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats.

Axon’s campus would be more than just a corporate office—it’s a dynamic mixed-use development with restaurants, a hotel, entertainment venues, and nearly 2,000 apartments. The projected economic impact is an impressive $38 billion over the next decade.

Once poll respondents were presented with these details, support jumped to 64% statewide and 60% in Scottsdale. Local opposition fell sharply to just 27%.

The legislation ensures that Arizona cities between 200,000 and 500,000 residents can’t block similar developments if they meet clear standards: at least 1,000 full-time jobs at above-average wages and a full campus plan that includes housing and hospitality.

Economic development and job creation advocates argue the bill is smart policy that welcomes innovation and strengthens Arizona’s competitive edge in attracting and retaining top employers.

Today’s passage sends the bill to the Senate for a final vote.

Despite attempts by a California-based union to overturn the city’s approval of the project through a referendum, a majority—63% in Scottsdale and 52% statewide—oppose the ballot effort. Nearly half of Scottsdale voters say they “strongly oppose” the campaign to derail the project.

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Joseph Kavetsky, Author at ��������

Ariz. �������� Foundation and Common Sense Institute release Business in Your District tool