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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The U.S. Forest Service earlier this month issued the Final Record of Decision (ROD) for the Hermosa Critical Minerals Project in Southern Arizona’s Patagonia Mountains, completing the federal environmental review required for portions of the project planned on National Forest land. The decision follows several years of environmental study, public input, tribal and interagency consultation. 

Project developer South32 says Hermosa could produce up to five federally designated critical minerals, including zinc, silver, and manganese. The project includes a broader land package with potential for additional polymetallic and copper mineralization, positioning it as a significant domestic source of minerals tied to energy, manufacturing and supply-chain needs. 

The decision paves the way for South32 to fully develop the project beyond its privately held land, including building ancillary infrastructure such as a primary access road, a secondary dry-stack tailings facility, and allowing utility UniSource Energy Services to build a portion of a 138-kV power line on Coronado National Forest land.  

Construction is already halfway complete on private land. It was the first mining project accepted into the federal FAST-41 permitting program, which is reserved for nationally significant infrastructure projects meeting rigorous criteria.  

鈥淔rom the beginning, we designed Hermosa to be a different kind of mine, and the federal review process helped make it even better,鈥� South32 Hermosa President Pat Risner said. 鈥淵ears of agency review, Tribal consultation and community engagement strengthened environmental protections, informed project refinements and shaped a project that can transform the local economy. We are grateful to everyone who participated throughout the process and look forward to continuing that engagement as we move from construction and development into operations.鈥� 

The Final ROD also represents an important milestone in the broader national conversation around domestic critical mineral development and permitting reform. Hermosa鈥檚 advancement under FAST-41 did not reduce the thoroughness of environmental review or limit public input. Rather, the process helped improve interagency coordination, transparency, and accountability across federal agencies while ensuring the project moved through permitting in a timely and disciplined manner.  

Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry, said the Hermosa project also demonstrates the value of a predictable and transparent permitting process. 

鈥淪outh32鈥檚 Hermosa project represents the kind of investment Arizona needs to strengthen domestic supply chains, support critical minerals production, and create long-term jobs in Santa Cruz County and across the state,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also a model for how permitting should work. Hermosa has gone through years of environmental review, public input, and interagency consultation, and the project remains on track under the federal permitting schedule. That鈥檚 the kind of predictable, transparent process Arizona needs more of if we want to lead in industries critical to our economy and national security.鈥� 

Over the course of the review process, Hermosa underwent extensive federal environmental analysis and consultation including more than 120 days of formal public comment periods, coordination across six federal and state agencies and consultation with 12 Tribes with historic affiliation to the region. 

鈥淚f we鈥檙e serious about bringing supply chains back to America and reducing our dependence on foreign countries, we need to responsibly produce more critical minerals here at home. This is exactly what the Hermosa project is doing,鈥� said U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.). 鈥淭his milestone shows we can move projects through an efficient permitting process to create good-paying jobs while strengthening our national security.鈥� 

South32 conducted extensive baseline environmental studies and community engagement before permit applications were formally submitted, allowing project alternatives, water management approaches, access roads and mitigation measures to be shaped by stakeholder input early in the process. 

The Final ROD confirms that environmental protections, mitigation commitments, and adaptive management measures are integrated into the approved project. Throughout the review process, South32 refined Hermosa’s design in response to agency feedback, Tribal consultation and community input, including: 

• Redesign of the dry-stack tailings facility to avoid sensitive plant species;聽
• Design of a Primary Access Road, necessary for expansion, to also reduce traffic impacts to Patagonia and outdoor recreation areas;聽
• Surface and ground water quality and quantity monitoring beyond state level requirements;聽
• Wildlife crossings and habitat protections;聽
• Cultural resource avoidance measures; and聽
• Operational refinements聽are designed聽to reduce emissions,聽noise,聽and surface disturbance.听

In total, South32 committed to more than 135 conservation, mitigation and monitoring measures developed in coordination with federal agencies, Tribes and local stakeholders. Many of those commitments will become federally enforceable components of the final Mine Plan of Operations, and associated management plans outlined in the Final ROD. 

鈥淭he Final Record of Decision for Hermosa is another important milestone for Nogales. It reflects years of collaboration to ensure the Hermosa project is developed in a way that balances economic opportunity with environmental stewardship,鈥� said Nogales Mayor Jorge Maldonado. 鈥淪outh32 is making a long-term investment in the people and future of Nogales through investments like its remote operating center 鈥淐entro鈥�. Hermosa has the potential to create new opportunities to support good-paying jobs and help ensure that more of our young people can build successful careers right here at home, and we appreciate South32’s commitment to developing Hermosa responsibly while creating opportunities for local families, students and businesses.鈥� 

With a surface footprint of 750 acres and projected to use approximately 90% less water than other mines in the region, South32 designed Hermosa to minimize its environmental impact. Once in operation, Hermosa would help transform and grow the local economy and create up to 900 good-paying jobs during peak operations, and support investment across surrounding communities for decades to come. 

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The Arizona Court of Appeals Division Two has upheld a lower court ruling in favor of the Town of Marana in a referendum dispute tied to a planned hotel development.

In a memorandum decision filed June 23, the Court of Appeals affirmed the Pima County Superior Court鈥檚 ruling denying requests from Arizonans for Responsible Development to force Marana to process referendum petitions challenging a town development agreement.

The case centered on a Marana resolution approving a development agreement for approximately 19 acres of town-owned property near Marana Main Street and Civic Center Drive. The agreement is tied to the Rancho Marana West Town Center Specific Plan, which was adopted in 2008 and contemplated a mixed-use town center with commercial, retail, office, institutional, entertainment and residential uses.

Arizonans for Responsible Development submitted referendum petitions seeking to refer the resolution to voters. Marana rejected the petitions, arguing the resolution implemented previously adopted policy and was administrative rather than legislative. Under Arizona law, legislative acts may be subject to referendum, while administrative acts generally are not.

The superior court sided with Marana earlier this year, finding the resolution was administrative and not subject to referendum. The Court of Appeals agreed.

The Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry participated in the case as amicus curiae through the Arizona 番茄社区 Legal Center.

鈥淭his decision is an important affirmation of the principle that referendum powers cannot be used to relitigate every administrative step needed to carry out an already-approved development plan,鈥� said Mike Bailey, general counsel and director of legal reform programs for the Arizona 番茄社区. 鈥淎rizona鈥檚 referendum process is an important constitutional right, but there has to be a clear line between creating new policy and implementing policy that has already gone through the public process. That distinction matters for communities, employers and developers who need certainty to move projects forward.鈥�

In its decision, the Court of Appeals said the Marana resolution did not create new policy. Rather, the court found that the development agreement implemented the requirements of the Rancho Marana West Town Center Specific Plan Amendment, which had already been adopted by a 2008 ordinance.

The court wrote that the development agreement 鈥渇urthers an already-declared policy鈥� and later concluded the resolution was 鈥渘ot legislative but administrative and is therefore not referable.鈥�

The court also rejected the challengers鈥� broader statutory argument that all development agreements are automatically subject to referendum under Arizona law. The court said Arizona statute does not expand the traditional limits on local referendum power and noted that if the Legislature intended to make all development agreements subject to referendum, 鈥渋t could have said so clearly.鈥�

Bailey said the ruling is especially important as Arizona communities work to advance projects that support housing, hospitality, commercial development and job creation.

鈥淓conomic development depends on a process that is transparent, predictable and fair,鈥� Bailey said. 鈥淲hen a community has already adopted a plan, and a later action simply carries out that plan, businesses should not face endless uncertainty over whether that implementation step can be delayed or derailed. This ruling helps reinforce that common-sense boundary.鈥�

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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This column by Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden originally appeared in the on May 27, 2026.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

鈥淲e are deeply committed to advancing patient care through the power of clinical research,鈥� said Corey Casper, MD, MPH, Banner鈥檚 chief research officer.  

Banner鈥檚 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鈥檚 president and chief executive officer, described the research enterprise as a 鈥渟trategic investment in Arizona鈥檚 future鈥� in the release.  

Among the milestones highlighted in the 2025 report was Banner鈥檚 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.  

鈥淏anner Health鈥檚 continued commitment to patients and communities shows the role Arizona can play in advancing medical innovation,鈥� said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淚ts investment in research and patient care is strengthening our economy and making a meaningful difference for Arizona patients and communities.鈥� 

Banner Health will be recognized with the Corporate Citizen Award at the Arizona 番茄社区鈥檚 Annual Awards Celebration on June 2, 2026, highlighting its broader role in Arizona鈥檚 economy and its dedication to serving communities 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鈥檚 proposed headquarters expansion in Scottsdale, which included plans for housing, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial development surrounding the company鈥檚 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 鈥渟pecial legislation鈥� tailored specifically for Axon鈥檚 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.

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

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 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry, which filed an amicus brief in the case, said the decision reinforces the state鈥檚 ability to compete for major employers and long-term investment.

鈥淭his ruling is about much more than a single project,鈥� said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淎rizona鈥檚 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.鈥�

Mike Bailey, the 番茄社区鈥檚 general counsel and director of legal reform programs, said the ruling should result in additional clarity around the Legislature鈥檚 role in zoning and economic development policy.

鈥淭he 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,鈥� Bailey said. 鈥淭he 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.鈥�

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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.鈥��&苍产蝉辫;

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.鈥��

The practical effect: the project can move forward subject to appellate review.鈥��&苍产蝉辫;

Why it matters for Arizona’s business community鈥�鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Mike Bailey, general counsel and director of legal reform programs for the Arizona 番茄社区, said the ruling has implications well beyond Marana.鈥��&苍产蝉辫;

“This decision reinforces an important principle: when a community has already gone through a public process to establish its development鈥痯lan, a resolution that carries out that鈥痯lan鈥痵houldn’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.”鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

Arizona 番茄社区 President and CEO Danny Seiden said the case reflects a broader pattern the 番茄社区 has been watching closely.鈥��&苍产蝉辫;

“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.”鈥��&苍产蝉辫;

The legal background鈥�鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

The central question was whether the town’s resolution created鈥痭ew鈥痯olicy or simply carried out a framework already in place. The court found that the resolution implemented zoning and land-use parameters鈥痚stablished鈥痭early two鈥痙ecades ago through a 2008 ordinance that created the Downtown Marana plan. Because it executed existing policy rather than鈥痚stablishing鈥痭ew鈥痯olicy, the court concluded it was administrative in nature and not subject to referendum.鈥��&苍产蝉辫;

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.鈥��&苍产蝉辫;

A second case, a similar outcome鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

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.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

In that case, the court granted summary judgment affirming the Town Clerk’s decision to reject the petitions after finding they did not鈥痵trictly comply鈥痺ith Arizona’s statutory requirements governing referendum filings.鈥��&苍产蝉辫;

The ruling reinforces another key principle: even when a referendum is鈥痯ermitted, the process must be followed precisely. Arizona statutes establish a strict compliance standard to ensure voters have full and鈥痑ccurate鈥痠nformation when considering ballot measures.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

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

The鈥痙ecisions鈥痗ome as the Arizona 番茄社区 continues to push for local ballot reform at the Legislature through SB 1429 and HCR 2051,鈥痑imed at鈥痓ringing鈥痝reater consistency and transparency to the initiative and referendum process at the local level.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;

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As Arizona鈥檚 largest private employer, Banner Health is highlighting its outsized role not only in health care, but in the state鈥檚 broader economy.

In its newly released 2025 annual report, the Phoenix-based nonprofit health system said it invested $1.1 billion back into the communities it serves, supporting patient care, workforce development, research, and prevention efforts. The report also estimates Banner鈥檚 operations generate a $12 billion annual economic impact across Arizona.

The figures reinforce Banner鈥檚 standing as one of Arizona鈥檚 most consequential institutions for both public health and economic growth.

According to the report, Banner supports 140,000 jobs statewide, including 60,000 direct employees and another 80,000 indirect jobs tied to its operations and related economic activity.

For Arizona鈥檚 business community, those numbers underscore how health care systems increasingly serve as pillars of regional economic development, workforce stability, and long-term competitiveness.

鈥淎 strong health care system is foundational to a strong economy,鈥� Arizona 番茄社区 of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. 鈥淏anner Health鈥檚 continued investment in Arizona鈥檚 workforce, communities, and long-term health outcomes demonstrates how essential institutions like this help make our state a place where businesses can grow, families can thrive, and talent wants to live and work.鈥�

That broader economic perspective is reflected in Banner鈥檚 nonprofit model, which emphasizes reinvestment in patient care, technology, workforce development, and community-based services across Arizona.

鈥淎s a nonprofit health system, every dollar we earn is invested into our care, services, technology, talent and communities, not Wall Street shareholders,鈥� Banner Health President and CEO Amy Perry said in the report鈥檚 .

That reinvestment model is especially visible in Banner鈥檚 workforce pipeline efforts, a critical issue as Arizona continues to grapple with population growth and a rising demand for health care professionals.

The annual report notes Banner trains more than 1,300 residents and fellows each year, supports 7,000 nursing students annually, and provides hands-on health care career experiences for more than 3,500 high school students through programs such as Camp Scrubs.

Those investments come as Arizona employers across sectors continue to emphasize the importance of talent development and workforce readiness.

Beyond its role as an employer, Banner also detailed major investments aimed at improving health outcomes in Arizona communities.

Among the report鈥檚 highlights, the system said it served 70,000 meals to low-income seniors through the Banner Olive Branch Senior Center and distributed more than 1 million pounds of food through its pantry operations.

Banner鈥檚 BIG Pink Bus mobile mammography program also screened nearly 1,000 women, with 18% receiving their first-ever screening, expanding access to preventive care in communities that may otherwise face barriers to early detection services.

The report also cites measurable gains in preventive care among Medicaid populations, including a 114% increase in colorectal cancer screenings and more than an 1,100% increase in blood pressure checks year over year.

For employers and policymakers alike, those gains carry implications that extend beyond the health sector.

A healthier workforce can translate into reduced absenteeism, improved productivity, and lower long-term health costs 鈥� all factors that influence Arizona鈥檚 economic competitiveness.

As the state continues to attract new residents, businesses, and investment, Banner鈥檚 report makes clear that health care infrastructure remains a central driver of Arizona鈥檚 economic momentum.

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