The Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry this week hosted its 鈥淏etter In My Backyard鈥� Barbecue, bringing together business leaders, lawmakers, and economic development officials to defend responsible growth in Arizona and counter a rising tide of opposition to development projects across the state.

The event was held at U-Haul鈥檚 Shoen Family Conference and Fitness Center in Phoenix,  itself a symbol of the kind of long-term corporate commitment to Arizona that the campaign aims to protect. Sebastian Reyes, president of a U-Haul subsidiary, welcomed attendees and outlined the company鈥檚 deep roots in the state.

Arizona 番茄社区 President and CEO Danny Seiden opened the program by framing growth as a practical matter for everyday Arizonans, not just a business priority. Responsible development, he argued, means more jobs, a more diverse industrial base, and greater revenue for public services like schools and infrastructure.

Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson moderated a panel that ranged across the issues shaping Arizona’s economic future 鈥� from zoning and permitting to advanced manufacturing, ballot initiative reform, and the projects currently in Arizona’s development pipeline. Panelists Chris Camacho of Axon, Jimmy Lindblom of Willmeng Construction, Senator T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge), and Courtney Coolidge of the Arizona 番茄社区 each stressed the importance of keeping Arizona’s pro-growth environment intact.

The conversation repeatedly returned to a concern that has grown louder in recent years: the influence of out-of-state interests using the ballot initiative process to block or slow development that local communities support.

The Better In My Backyard campaign was launched to address exactly that dynamic 鈥� providing Arizonans with factual information about key projects and pushing back against misinformation that, the panelists argued, harms communities more than the projects themselves.

The campaign has spotlighted a range of signature Arizona developments, from Axon’s new Scottsdale headquarters and TSMC鈥檚 North Phoenix semiconductor facility to the proposed renovation of Chase Field in downtown Phoenix and the construction of the VAI Resort in Glendale.

Coalition members span local chambers of commerce, retailers, and tourism organizations, united around the argument that economic momentum in Arizona depends on continuing to welcome investment rather than relitigate it.

On the legislative front, Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) last month vetoed a bill by Shope and Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro that would have created greater parity between the processes for sending a measure to the statewide ballot versus the local ballot, a direct response to what panelists described as a coordinated effort by outside groups to shape Arizona policy through the initiative process.

Coalition partners led by the 番茄社区 are now backing an that they hope will pass muster with the governor.

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The Industrial Commission of Arizona voted last week to adopt strengthened workplace heat safety guidelines for employers statewide, delivering an outcome the business community called a practical, Arizona-driven solution to a genuine challenge.

The commission’s action follows nearly a year of work by the Governor’s Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, which brought together business, labor, and occupational safety experts to develop guidance grounded in real-world conditions. The Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council participated throughout that process, with Grace Appelbe representing both organizations.

Appearing before the commission, Appelbe urged members to support the task force recommendations, describing them as the product of genuine collaboration and the right fit for the state’s diverse economic landscape.

“The recommendations before you reflect a thoughtful, Arizona-specific approach grounded in real-world experience,” Appelbe told the commission. “They focus on practical measures 鈥� water, shade, rest, acclimatization, and training 鈥� while preserving the flexibility needed across different industries and job sites.”

The guidelines adopted by the commission build on the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s existing Heat Stress State Emphasis Program, launched in 2023. In the months ahead, the commission will expand employer training on heat risks, encourage the development of workplace heat safety plans, and collect data on the effectiveness of heat safety interventions across the state. Commissioners plan to revisit the recommendations in December.

For Arizona’s business community, the outcome reflects a broader principle that worker safety and economic sustainability are not in conflict 鈥� but that the path to both runs through collaboration rather than mandate.

“That balance is critical,” Appelbe said in her testimony. “In other states, more rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates have created compliance challenges without necessarily improving outcomes. Arizona has taken a better approach 鈥� one that prioritizes safety while recognizing operational realities.”

The commission’s chairman described the vote as a beginning rather than an endpoint, noting that guidelines carry the advantage of taking effect immediately, allowing employers to act now while the state continues gathering data to inform any future rulemaking.

Appelbe told the commission that the Arizona 番茄社区 and Manufacturers Council are prepared to be active partners in what comes next. “We stand ready to work with the Commission and its staff on the distribution and implementation of these employer guidelines to ensure Arizona’s workers are informed and protected,” she said.

The Arizona 番茄社区 and Manufacturers Council have been engaged in the heat safety conversation since the task force was convened by executive order in 2025. Appelbe said the business community’s consistent goal throughout has been to ensure that any guidance coming out of the process works in actual workplaces 鈥� across manufacturing floors, construction sites, agricultural operations, and the full range of industries that make up Arizona’s economy.

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Last week, the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry office was a hub of policy exchange as we hosted a delegation of lawmakers and business leaders from Missouri. The 鈥淪how Me State鈥� representatives came west to see how our deliberate policy choices in areas like regulation, taxes, and emerging technologies have turned Arizona into a global leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors.

Arizona has much to teach other states about economic growth, and we are proud to showcase the work of our lawmakers and successive governors.

But during those conversations, one lesson ran in the other direction: Missouri is showing us a better way to help small businesses afford health care.

In Missouri, the state chamber of commerce , or MEWA. It鈥檚 model that allows small businesses to pool their risk and gain a level of buying power typically reserved for larger corporations. The result is greater rate stability, more plan choices, and lower costs. 

It鈥檚 not just Missouri that offers MEWAs. Nearly 30 other states have already implemented similar programs. Yet in Arizona, many small businesses and sole proprietors remain on the sidelines. , sponsored by Rep. David Livingston, is our opportunity to catch up.

HB 2693 expands the definition of entities that can operate these self-funded health plans to include statewide chambers of commerce and business leagues. By allowing small employers to join a larger pool, the bill helps stabilize premiums and expand access to quality coverage for the job creators who are the backbone of our economy.

Despite no group coming forward to oppose the bill publicly, some legislators have expressed criticisms, but they miss the mark.

First, HB 2693 is fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Opponents often confuse this state-level expansion with a 2018 federal rule that was struck down in court. This bill is different. It operates within the explicit authority granted to states under ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, to regulate MEWAs. 

This bill also doesn鈥檛 weaken coverage protections. Arizona law continues to require coverage for preexisting conditions, maternity care, mental health coverage, and prescription drugs. In practice, large group plans鈥攚hich MEWAs emulate鈥攐ften provide more comprehensive benefits than what many smaller employers can access today, including superior dental and vision coverage. 

This bill creates affordability through scale. By pooling together, small employers create a larger risk pool that puts natural downward pressure on costs and reduces volatility. By purchasing as a coalition, small businesses gain the leverage to negotiate for the high-quality, robust coverage usually only available to the state鈥檚 largest employers. This isn鈥檛 about cutting corners; it鈥檚 about using collective strength to make comprehensive care more attainable. 

The bill also recognizes the modern workforce by including sole proprietors and working owners. If an individual works at least 20 hours a week or earns enough to cover their premiums, they deserve access to the same stable, high-quality coverage as a corporate executive.

For years, Arizona has led by embracing innovation and market-based solutions. It鈥檚 time we apply that same mindset to health care. By passing HB 2693, we are giving Arizona鈥檚 small businesses another tool to grow, compete, and thrive.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry.

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A delegation of Missouri state lawmakers and business leaders visited Arizona last week for a policy exchange focused on economic development, emerging technologies, and regulatory strategy, hosted by the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry and the Goldwater Institute.

The visit drew a cross-section of Arizona鈥檚 legislative leadership, including House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Majority Leader Michael Carbone, and several members focused on Arizona鈥檚 technology and economic development agenda. Representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority also participated.

Discussions centered on the policy decisions and public-private partnerships that have helped Arizona build a competitive footprint in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies.

鈥淎rizona’s growth didn’t happen by accident,鈥� said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona 番茄社区. 鈥淚t reflects deliberate policy choices that prioritize certainty, competitiveness, and a regulatory environment where businesses can invest, innovate, and scale. We were glad to share what鈥檚 working with leaders from Missouri.鈥�

The exchange comes as the Arizona 番茄社区 has been pressing a broader push on digital economy policy, including its recently launched , which aims to strengthen the state鈥檚 position in artificial intelligence and emerging technology sectors.

Arizona鈥檚 legislative leaders framed the state鈥檚 approach as deliberate and long-term. 鈥淎rizona has made a conscious decision to lead on innovation rather than wait for other states to set the pace,鈥� said Speaker Montenegro. 鈥淭hat kind of alignment and forward-looking policy environment allows industries to grow and scale here.鈥�

Majority Leader Carbone pointed to the fundamentals underpinning that growth. 鈥淎rizona鈥檚 success in attracting major investment is tied directly to our focus on advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply chain strength,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hose fundamentals are critical to sustaining long-term economic momentum.鈥�

Regulatory predictability came up consistently as a deciding factor for businesses. 鈥淐ompanies are looking for certainty,” said Rep. Weninger. 鈥淎rizona’s predictable regulatory environment and competitive tax structure give businesses the confidence to invest and expand.鈥�

Sen. T.J. Shope emphasized that the state has worked to distribute economic development beyond major metro areas. 鈥淲e’ve been intentional about making sure economic development isn’t concentrated in one region,鈥� he said. 鈥淚nfrastructure, water, and land use policies all play a role in supporting growth across Arizona, including in rural communities.鈥�

鈥淎rizona continues to attract new and emerging industries by staying focused on innovation and targeted economic development,” said Sen. Carroll. 鈥淭hat approach is helping position the state for the next phase of economic expansion.”

Rep. Wilmeth echoed that, pointing to Arizona鈥檚 light-touch approach to emerging technology regulation as a competitive differentiator. 鈥淲e’ve taken a thoughtful approach to emerging technologies by avoiding premature regulation,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat flexibility allows innovation to develop while still ensuring appropriate oversight.鈥�

The discussion also explored how elements of Arizona鈥檚 policy framework could be adapted in other states and how cross-state collaboration might strengthen the broader U.S. economy.

Victor Riches, president and CEO of the Goldwater Institute, framed the stakes broadly. 鈥淎s emerging technologies continue to reshape industries, policy certainty and deregulation matter more than ever,鈥� he said. 鈥淎rizona needs to ensure an environment where innovation can move forward.鈥� The Missouri delegation included state Sens. Travis Fitzwater, Maggie Nurrenbern, Karla May, Barbara Anne Washington, and Jamie Burger, along with a policy adviser to Gov. Kehoe and representatives from the .

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week finalized a ruling that shields the Phoenix-Mesa region from a more stringent federal air quality classification, delivering a significant win for Arizona businesses and capping a years-long effort to address a problem the state has long argued it didn’t cause.

The EPA determined that the Phoenix-Mesa area would have met federal ozone standards by its August 2024 deadline but for pollution coming in from outside the United States. Under a provision of the Clean Air Act known as Section 179B, the agency will not reclassify the region from “Moderate” to “Serious” nonattainment.

The distinction matters. A reclassification to “Serious” would have significantly tightened the regulatory screws on businesses 鈥� lowering thresholds for major emission sources, increasing offset requirements, and expanding air quality control obligations 鈥� all while adding complexity to permitting.

The case for the exemption rested on a straightforward argument backed by years of modeling: Phoenix’s ozone problem is largely not of Phoenix’s making. Independent modeling by both the Maricopa Association of Governments and the EPA found that approximately 80 percent of the ozone in the region comes from natural sources or emission sources outside the nonattainment area, including pollution transported from Mexico and Asia, and wildfire smoke.

MAG, the regional planning agency for metropolitan Phoenix, said it had been advocating for the exemption since the Biden administration. It formally submitted its demonstration to EPA in September 2025, and the Phoenix ruling marks the first time the EPA has used its Section 179B authority since Administrator Lee Zeldin rescinded prior guidance that had made the process difficult for states to navigate.

Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry, called the outcome long overdue. “For decades, Arizona’s businesses have done everything right,” Seiden said. “They’ve invested in cleaner operations, embraced new technology, and helped cut the region’s air pollution by roughly 70 percent since 1990 鈥� all while our economy and population grew dramatically.”

The National Association of Manufacturers weighed in quickly after the ruling, saying the EPA decision gives Arizona’s manufacturers greater flexibility to grow while advancing environmental stewardship. The NAM also called on Congress to build on the momentum by modernizing the Clean Air Act’s permitting process, noting that manufacturers consistently cite Clean Air Act permits as the most burdensome approval process they face.

said the ruling reflects the agency’s broader approach under Administrator Zeldin. “This action is yet another example of the Trump EPA making sure we are not punishing Americans for emissions from countries that do not have our same environmental standards,” Martucci said.

Under the final determination, the Phoenix-Mesa area remains classified as Moderate nonattainment and is not subject to reclassification requirements or the more burdensome permitting and offset requirements that would have come with a Serious designation. All other existing Moderate area obligations remain in effect.

Seiden said the 番茄社区 would continue to watch the ruling closely. “We stand ready to vigorously defend this decision against any effort to undo it,” he said.

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From off-road vehicles built for Arizona鈥檚 rugged terrain to partnerships that support small businesses, public safety, and workforce development, Polaris Inc. has established itself as a leader in innovation and outdoor recreation. With a growing presence in the state and an active role in public policy discussions, Polaris continues to shape the future of powersports while investing in the communities it serves. In this 番茄社区 Member Spotlight, J.R. Burke, senior director of government relations & legal 鈥� on-road, shares insights into the company鈥檚 operations, policy priorities, and commitment to Arizona.

What is Polaris?

Polaris has spent over 70 years designing, engineering, and manufacturing products that help people do more outside. We were founded in Roseau, Minnesota 鈥� a town about 10 minutes from the Canadian border. Since creating our first snowmobile in Roseau in 1954, Polaris has transformed from a regional manufacturer into a global powersports leader. Consistently redefining market segments through relentless innovation, we are best known today for our off鈥憆oad vehicles, snowmobiles, and marine brands. From the Polaris RANGER and RZR, to our other leading brands like the Polaris Slingshot and Bennington pontoons, our products are fan-favorites. At our core, Polaris is focused on building high-quality products that meet real鈥憌orld needs while being a strong partner to the communities where we operate.

Can you talk about your areas of focus (off road, on road, marine) and the markets in which you do business?

Polaris operates across three primary segments: off鈥憆oad vehicles, on鈥憆oad vehicles, and marine. Our off鈥憆oad vehicles鈥攊ncluding side鈥慴y鈥憇ides and ATVs鈥攁re widely used for recreation, agriculture, ranching, land management, and public safety. Snowmobiles remain a strong business for Polaris, and we hold the #2 market share position in the industry. With its bold styling, our Slingshot vehicles offer distinctive three鈥憌heeled, open鈥慳ir on-road experience and are introducing new customers to powersports and Polaris. Through our Polaris Marine segment, we have the #1 pontoon brand in the market with Bennington pontoons, as well as Hurricane deck boats and Godfrey pontoons.

What makes Arizona a great place for Polaris to do business?

Arizona鈥檚 vast public lands and diverse outdoor landscapes offer exceptional opportunities for recreation. Polaris鈥� powersports products are uniquely built to meet the needs of Arizonans鈥攚hether their adventures take them onto trails, along the state鈥檚 scenic highways, or out on the water. Our network of independent dealer partners across Arizona play a critical role in bringing these experiences to life for our customers. In our work at the Capitol over the past several years, we鈥檝e consistently met with legislators who share our commitment to supporting small businesses and manufacturers like Polaris. Their partnership helps ensure we can continue delivering the innovative products our customers expect.

Are there any policy priorities you鈥檙e focusing on in Arizona?

Polaris supports policies that encourage economic growth, protect access to public lands, and provide regulatory clarity for manufacturers and consumers alike. As a manufacturer representative on the Arizona OHV Study Committee, we have focused efforts to create policies that create safe experiences for motorized and non-motorized recreants on public lands and to modernize Arizona鈥檚 OHV laws to reflect advances in vehicle design that our customers expect. We value the working collaborations we鈥檝e been able to establish with lawmakers and stakeholders alike to provide industry insight and support balanced solutions.

Do you partner with vocational/technical programs and higher education to hire talent?

Yes, Polaris actively partners with nonprofits, technical and higher鈥慹ducation institutions to help build the next generation of skilled workers, both at Polaris and within our dealer network. These partnerships focus on manufacturing, engineering, skilled trades, and dealer service technicians鈥攁reas critical to long鈥憈erm economic growth and the future of the powersports industry. We support internship programs, curriculum alignment, and hands鈥憃n learning opportunities that connect students directly to career pathways. For example, in 2025 Polaris invested $80,000 in our S.T.E.P. scholarships program to help support the next generation of powersports technicians. Additionally, more than 1,000 students across 45 schools also received free access to Polaris eLearning focused on the maintenance of Polaris vehicles. 

How do some of your products support the farm and agriculture industry?

Many farmers and ranchers trust Polaris off-road vehicles as essential tools for daily operations. Our side鈥慴y鈥憇ide vehicles are used for hauling, fencing, irrigation checks, livestock management, and general property maintenance. These vehicles are designed to be durable, reliable, and adaptable to tough working conditions, qualities that are critical for customers who count on their vehicle to help them get the job done. Polaris products help them be more productive while reducing physical strain and time spent on manual tasks. Supporting the farm and agricultural community is a natural extension for Polaris. In fact, last year we ran our Ag Advantage program, a promotional offer that was available only to farmers and ranchers as our way to show our support for this hard-working community. We will continue to look for ways to show our appreciation for them.

Can you talk about your defense and government vehicles, as well as your partnership with the federal government?

Polaris has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Defense and other state and federal agencies to deliver platforms used in border patrol, police, fire and rescue calls, disaster response, and worldwide supporting our military. We design and manufacture the most capable light tactical military vehicles available today with technology development and insertion for the battlefield of tomorrow. Our military vehicles have become force multipliers for expeditionary forces. Polaris is proud to have a dedicated Defense business that can leverage everything Polaris has to offer 鈥� for military forces worldwide. Almost half of the team are vets 鈥� ranging from elite special forces, helicopter pilots and military maintainers. Outside of our Defense business, our Government team is a trusted partner of many federal, state, and local government organizations, providing the most complete lineup of side-by-sides for public safety uses.

How does Polaris engage with the community?

Community engagement is an important part of how Polaris operates, particularly around responsible riding and helping to take care of the places our vehicles are used. We partner with local organizations, riding clubs, our dealers, and non-profits, like the National Forest Foundation, on projects such as responsible riding education, trail maintenance and improvements, and environmental stewardship initiatives. In Arizona alone, Polaris has donated over $125,000 through these types of programs. For example, last year, in partnership with the National Forest Foundation, we helped improve navigation, promote responsible riding, and helping protect natural resources through the production and installation of new signage in the Coconino National Forest and we have some more exciting projects coming up in Arizona later this year. These efforts help ensure public lands remain accessible, safe, and sustainable for multiple uses. Our approach is grounded in being a good neighbor and a long鈥憈erm community partner.

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Arizona鈥檚 decade of economic momentum now has a roadmap for what comes next. The Arizona 番茄社区 Foundation and the Arizona Commerce Authority have jointly released , a comprehensive competitiveness playbook developed with input from hundreds of leaders across business, government, academia, and workforce development.

The initiative, chaired by David Rousseau, president of Salt River Project, and co-chaired by Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, and former Arizona State Treasurer Eileen Klein, outlines more than 50 actionable strategies spanning eight critical areas: business climate, workforce, education, energy, water, infrastructure, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 success over the last decade didn鈥檛 happen by accident. It was driven by smart, focused policy decisions and strong collaboration across government, business, and philanthropy.鈥�

鈥� Danny Seiden, president & CEO, Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry

Five priorities emerged as most essential from the research and stakeholder engagement process that informed the report.

Five Core Priorities

The playbook emphasizes that other states are actively working to replicate Arizona鈥檚 recent success, making a proactive, coordinated strategy essential. 鈥淥ther states are not standing still 鈥� they are actively working to replicate Arizona鈥檚 recent success,鈥� Rousseau said. 鈥淭his forward-looking initiative helps identify where Arizona should focus its time, attention, and investment to protect its competitive advantages and ensure long-term economic strength.鈥�

鈥淐ompetitiveness today is about readiness 鈥� aligning workforce development, infrastructure capacity, and innovation in a way that reflects how real investment decisions are made.鈥�

鈥� Sandra Watson, President & CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority

Co-chair Eileen Klein, who spearheaded the project on behalf of the Arizona 番茄社区 Foundation, framed ArizonaW1NS as both an honest assessment and a call to action.

鈥淎rizonaW1NS shows what鈥檚 working, what needs attention, and where smart, disciplined action will help secure Arizona鈥檚 future,鈥� she said. 鈥淎rizona鈥檚 momentum is real. Our responsibility now is to protect it, strengthen it, and prepare for what comes next.鈥�

The initiative is supported through funding from the Arizona Legislature and Governor Katie Hobbs, along with additional contributions from Amazon, the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona Public Service, and Salt River Project. 

ArizonaW1NS will continue working with business leaders to periodically review the state鈥檚 progress, refresh priorities as milestones are achieved, and support competitiveness planning in communities across Arizona.

Business voices from across the state welcomed the initiative. Simer Mayo, CEO and founder of Valor Global, called ArizonaW1NS a reflection of a strong foundation: 鈥淯nder the leadership of Arizona鈥檚 governor and Legislature, combined with the vision of the Arizona Commerce Authority and Arizona 番茄社区, Arizona has built one of the strongest economic development platforms in the country.鈥�

Read the full ArizonaW1NS report at .

Image: DPPed, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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The Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry has announced the creation of the AZ AI Leadership Initiative, a new coalition bringing together business executives, technology experts, and policymakers to advance artificial intelligence policy, digital infrastructure, and workforce development across the state.

The initiative will focus on ensuring Arizona’s regulatory environment keeps pace with rapid advances in AI and emerging technologies, while also strengthening the infrastructure that underpins the state’s growing digital economy.

“Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming foundational to how businesses operate and compete,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区. “Arizona already has many of the building blocks in place, from semiconductor manufacturing and data infrastructure to world-class research universities. This initiative brings together experts and leaders across industries to ensure our policy environment and infrastructure support continued innovation and economic growth.”

The coalition draws members from sectors including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, finance, logistics, energy, education, and public policy. As AI capabilities expand across those industries, the initiative will engage with policymakers and regulators to help shape a forward-looking strategy that supports job creation and economic competitiveness.

The announcement has already drawn support from legislative leaders at the Arizona Capitol.

“Arizona has made significant progress establishing itself as a hub for advanced technology and innovation,” said House Speaker Steve Montenegro. “As artificial intelligence and advanced technologies continue to evolve, collaboration between policymakers, industry experts, and our communities will be essential to keeping Arizona competitive and prepared for the opportunities ahead.”

Representative Justin Wilmeth, who chairs the House Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Committee, also welcomed the effort. “Artificial intelligence is already transforming industries and creating new opportunities across Arizona’s economy,” Wilmeth said. “I appreciate the Arizona 番茄社区 bringing together leaders from across sectors to help guide thoughtful conversations around the future of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in our state.”

鈥淎rizona is well positioned to lead in artificial intelligence and the digital economy, but staying ahead will take smart policy, strong infrastructure, and a continued commitment to innovation,鈥� said Majority Leader Michael Carbone. 鈥淭his initiative brings the right leaders together to keep Arizona competitive and turn emerging technology into lasting economic strength.鈥�

Members of the initiative and other technology leaders are scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion hosted by the Arizona 番茄社区 during AZ Tech Week in April.

Organizations interested in joining the coalition can find more information at azleadership.ai.

Image courtesy the   license. Image via .

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House Bill 4115, legislation by Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro is scheduled for consideration by the full state House, while companion legislation in the state Senate by Sen. T.J. Shope is similarly ready for consideration by the full Senate.

Here鈥檚 a look at how the bills would align the local initiative process with the well-established processes at a state level and protect local economic development efforts.

Bills align local initiative processes with established statewide initiative processes

House Bill 4115, introduced by Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro, seeks to standardize the regulation of initiative and referendum measures across Arizona by expanding state-level requirements to municipal and county levels. A mirror bill, SB 1489 by state Sen. T.J. Shope, has been introduced in the Senate.

The legislation focuses on three primary pillars:

• Increased transparency for paid petition circulators
• Mandatory financial disclosures for spending-related measures
• The creation of regulatory parity between state and local ballot processes

Supported by a broad coalition of the Arizona business community, the bill aims to protect the integrity of the ballot from out-of-state interests, support local decisionmaking, and provide voters with clearer information regarding the fiscal impacts of proposed local laws.

Key regulatory changes

HB 4115 and SB 1489 amend several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes (Title 19) to ensure that the standards applied to statewide measures are nearly as practicable for local jurisdictions.

Paid circulator requirements

The bill introduces identification and disclosure protocols for paid circulators to ensure voters understand who is soliciting their signatures, similar to the protocols in other states.

Financial disclosure and revenue sources

A critical component for local fiscal management is the new requirement for measures that mandate expenditures. Any municipal or county initiative or referendum that proposes a mandatory expenditure, establishes a specific fund, or allocates funding must:

• Provide a disclosure of the expenditure or allocation.
• Include this funding disclosure within the 200-word initiative description provided to voters.

Economic impact and business community perspectives

The Arizona business community has signaled strong support for HB 4115 and SB 1489, viewing it as a defense against out-of-state activists who leverage local processes to advance narrow political agendas that may conflict with regional economic development.

Proponent coalition

The bill is backed by a diverse group of organizations, including:

• Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry
• Arizona Restaurant Association
• Greater Phoenix 番茄社区
• Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC)
• United Dairymen of Arizona
• Valley Partnership
• Local chambers of commerce across Arizona

Leadership insights

• Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry: 鈥淭hese bills contain commonsense reforms that protect the integrity of the ballot, ensure voters know who is behind an initiative, and provide clearer information about proposals that would require new taxpayer-funded spending.鈥�
• Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona 番茄社区: Coolidge has noted that out-of-state activists exploit the lack of guardrails at the local level. The goal of HB 4115 and SB 1489 is to ensure state and local processes are 鈥渆qually rigorous鈥� to prevent economic strategies from being 鈥渟idelined.鈥�

Case study in local volatility: The Marana data center dispute

Current litigation in the Town of Marana underscores the administrative and legal friction that the legislation aims to mitigate through clearer standards.

• The conflict: Residents filed a lawsuit against the Town of Marana after the town clerk rejected a referendum targeting a proposed data center.
• The technicality: The organizers behind the petition campaign argue that their submission was out of compliance and should thus be withdrawn. Supporters not affiliated with the organized referendum campaign, however, 聽argue that the petitions cannot be withdrawn.
• Business implication: Such disputes demonstrate how local economic development projects can be stalled by procedural ambiguities in the referendum process, highlighting the need for the consistent standards proposed in HB 4115 and SB 1489.

Public sentiment and voter data

Polling conducted by Cygnal in December 2025 indicates that the provisions in HB 4115 and SB 1489 align with a vast majority of Arizona voters:

• 90% believe ballot initiatives should be driven by Arizona residents rather than out-of-state organizations.
• 84% support requiring paid circulators to wear visible identification badges.
• 80% support requiring initiatives that mandate spending to identify a specific funding source.
• 70% support achieving parity between state and local initiative requirements.

The case for passage

• Uniformity is priority: Standardization of initiative processes reduces the ability of activists to target smaller municipalities with less-regulated processes.
• Fiscal accountability: Future local initiatives will be required to disclose potential costs of their proposals, potentially reducing the risk of unfunded mandates that impact the local tax base.
• Bipartisan support: HB 4115 passed the House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee with a 5-2 bipartisan vote. SB 1489 was cleared by the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee. Both bills are ready for consideration by the full House and Senate, respectively.
• Grassroots efforts unaffected: Initiative campaigns by local residents are not affected by the provisions of the legislation.

Photo courtesy Elizabeth Jenkins, licensed as CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

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The Arizona House Federalism, Military Affairs & Elections Committee on Wednesday advanced two measures designed to bring greater transparency, consistency, and voter clarity to Arizona鈥檚 local initiative process.

House Bill 4115, sponsored by Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro (R-Goodyear), passed on a bipartisan 5-2 vote.

The bill鈥檚 proponents, who include a broad coalition of the Arizona business community including the Arizona Restaurant Association, Greater Phoenix 番茄社区, Valley Partnership, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and local chambers of commerce across the state, say the bill ensures greater accountability in the way local ballot measures are circulated and presented to voters.

In addition, HCR 2051, sponsored by House Majority Leader Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye), passed the committee on a 4-3 vote. If approved by the Legislature, HCR 2051 would send the same reforms contained in the Montenegro bill to the November ballot.

Together, the measures reflect a growing recognition among lawmakers that while Arizona鈥檚 initiative process is a powerful and important constitutional tool, it must operate with transparency, fairness, and clear information for voters.

鈥淢ost of what the bill and referral do are already in place for statewide ballot measures,鈥� Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. 鈥淏ut out-of-state activists know there are relatively few guardrails around the initiative process at a local level. We鈥檙e attempting to fix that to ensure both state and local initiative processes are equally rigorous.鈥�

Bringing parity and transparency to the process

Supporters of the legislation note that the reforms are aimed at improving disclosure, strengthening voter awareness, and ensuring consistent standards for paid petition circulators, particularly in cases where ballot measures would mandate new government spending or impose significant fiscal impacts on taxpayers.

The measures seek to:

• Establish consistent rules and accountability standards for paid petition circulators.
• Improve disclosure requirements for initiatives that mandate new government spending.
• Ensure voters receive clear, accurate information before signing petitions or casting ballots.
• Promote parity between state and local initiative requirements.

Proponents argue that these changes do not diminish the initiative process but instead protect it by reinforcing public trust and transparency.

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 initiative process is a powerful tool, and it should be driven by Arizona residents with transparency and accountability,鈥� said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淭hese bills contain commonsense reforms that protect the integrity of the ballot, ensure voters know who is behind an initiative, and provide clearer information about proposals that would require new taxpayer-funded spending.鈥� 

Broad support

Coolidge said the 5-2 bipartisan vote on HB 4115 underscores support from members on both sides of the aisle for strengthening disclosure and accountability in the initiative system.

鈥淲e鈥檙e hopeful that members of both parties will continue to support these bills as they make their way through the process,鈥� she said. 鈥淲ithout these reforms, communities across the state鈥攂ig and small, urban and rural鈥攁re at risk of having their economic development strategy sidelined by out-of-state activists focused more on advancing a narrow political agenda than on creating jobs here in Arizona.鈥�

During testimony in committee, Montenegro and Coolidge pointed to polling conducted by the firm Cygnal in December 2025 that found that 90% of Arizonans believe ballot initiatives should be driven by Arizona residents, not out-of-state organizations, while 84% support requiring paid circulators to wear visible badges that include their name and home state. Additionally, 80% of voters support requiring initiatives that mandate new government spending to identify a funding source, and 70% support greater parity between state and local initiative processes.  Companion legislation in the Senate, SB 1489, sponsored by state Sen. T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge) will be heard on Friday by the Judiciary and Elections Committee.

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