The Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry has announced its endorsements for the July 21, 2026 primary election, backing a bipartisan group of candidates for the Arizona Legislature, Congress, and the Arizona Corporation Commission.

The endorsements, approved by the Chamber鈥檚 board of directors following recommendations from its Political Affairs Committee, reflect what the organization describes as a continued focus on supporting candidates whose records and policy positions align with the Chamber鈥檚 Business Agenda, an annual document that outlines the organization鈥檚 positions on various public policy issues.

鈥淕ood policy has helped make Arizona one of the most attractive places in the country to start, grow, or relocate a business,鈥� X站福利所President and CEO Danny Seiden said. 鈥淭he decisions made at the Capitol, in Congress, and at the Corporation Commission have real consequences for employers, workers, and communities across our state. Many of the candidates we鈥檙e endorsing have already demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting Arizona鈥檚 competitive advantage, and we鈥檙e confident this slate will bring the serious leadership and practical solutions needed to keep that momentum going.鈥�

The Chamber鈥檚 endorsements include candidates from both major political parties and span races across the state. Among those receiving the Chamber鈥檚 backing are Republican legislative leaders and Democratic lawmakers, as well as U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton (D) and Juan Ciscomani (R).

The organization said incumbents were evaluated based on their voting records and their alignment with the Chamber鈥檚 policy priorities. Candidates seeking offices they have not previously held were asked to complete questionnaires and participate in interviews with members of the X站福利所Political Affairs Committee before recommendations were forwarded to the board of directors for final approval.

The Chamber鈥檚 endorsements come as Arizona prepares for a competitive election cycle that will determine the makeup of the Legislature and other key offices that influence the state鈥檚 economic climate.

The X站福利所also endorsed incumbent Arizona Corporation Commissioners Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers. The commission regulates utilities and oversees matters affecting energy reliability, infrastructure investment, and rates.

鈥淩eliable, affordable energy is one of the most important issues in today鈥檚 economy,鈥� X站福利所Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. 鈥淪ustaining Arizona鈥檚 rapid growth means electing leaders who will work to ensure we have the energy mix and modern infrastructure that job creators demand.鈥�

The organization said additional endorsements could be issued ahead of the general election, which culminates on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

The full list of endorsements can be found .

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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 X站福利所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 X站福利所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 X站福利所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�

Image courtesy by

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This column by Arizona X站福利所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 X站福利所of Commerce & Industry.

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The Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry convened business leaders and policymakers last Friday for its annual Update from Capitol Hill luncheon, which featured a timely and wide-ranging discussion with U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton (D) and Juan Ciscomani (R) alongside national political analysis from Jonathan Martin of Politico.

A federal outlook with Arizona implications

The conversation with Stanton and Ciscomani covered a broad policy landscape, reflecting the complex and interconnected challenges facing Arizona employers. Topics included infrastructure investment, international trade, workforce development, regulatory reform, foreign affairs, and ongoing negotiations over the Colorado River鈥攊ssues with immediate and long-term consequences for the state鈥檚 economic outlook.

For Arizona鈥檚 business community, the opportunity to hear directly from members of Congress鈥攑articularly in a divided government environment鈥攔emains a central value of the event.

A battleground state in focus

Providing a national lens, Martin offered a detailed assessment of the 2026 election cycle, with particular emphasis on Arizona鈥檚 role as a key battleground state. His analysis highlighted the evolving dynamics of modern campaigns, including the growing influence of social media platforms and artificial intelligence in shaping voter behavior and information consumption.

The discussion underscored the degree to which national political trends are increasingly intertwined with local economic and policy considerations, especially in a state that continues to draw national attention.

A signature forum for dialogue

Arizona X站福利所President and CEO Danny Seiden emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections between the business community and federal policymakers.

鈥淭his event continues to be one of the most important opportunities we have each year to bring Arizona鈥檚 business leaders together with the people shaping policy in Washington,鈥� Seiden said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to Congressman Stanton and Congressman Ciscomani for sharing their perspectives and engaging in a candid discussion on the issues that matter most to our state. And Jonathan Martin provided valuable insight into a rapidly evolving political environment, especially as we head into a consequential midterm election year.鈥�

The luncheon was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Salt River Project, along with sponsors EPCOR, Arizona Public Service, Mastercard, and Banner Health.

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The Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry will host its annual Update from Capitol Hill luncheon on Friday at the Arizona Biltmore, bringing together members of Arizona鈥檚 congressional delegation and one of the country鈥檚 most closely watched political analysts.

will feature U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Greg Stanton, along with Jonathan Martin of Politico, columnist and host of the .

X站福利所 spoke with Arizona X站福利所President and CEO Danny Seiden about the event and what he鈥檚 most interested in hearing.

Tell us about Update from Capitol Hill. It鈥檚 one of the Chamber鈥檚 premier annual events, isn鈥檛 it?

Danny Seiden:

It really is one of our signature events each year. What makes it so valuable is that it brings Arizona鈥檚 business community face-to-face with members of our congressional delegation at a time when so many federal decisions are directly affecting our state鈥檚 economy.

There鈥檚 no substitute for hearing directly from the people who are in the room making those decisions鈥攚hether it鈥檚 on taxes, trade, infrastructure, or regulatory policy. And just as important, it gives our members a chance to better understand the dynamics in Washington and how those decisions translate back home to Arizona.

What topics are you anticipating you鈥檒l hear about from Congressmen Ciscomani and Stanton?

There鈥檚 certainly no shortage of issues right now. Water is always top of mind in Arizona, and I expect that to be part of the conversation given the federal government鈥檚 role in long-term solutions.

Beyond that, I think we鈥檒l hear a lot about the broader state of Congress鈥攈ow things are functioning, what鈥檚 realistic in terms of bipartisan cooperation, and what we can expect over the coming months.

There are also a lot of frontpage issues鈥攆rom border policy to economic conditions to foreign affairs鈥攖hat have real implications for Arizona employers. Having both Congressman Ciscomani and Congressman Stanton there gives us a valuable bipartisan perspective on those challenges.

This year the X站福利所is welcoming Jonathan Martin from Politico. What do you believe he鈥檒l add to the conversation?

is one of the most respected political commentators in the country. He鈥檚 been covering national politics for a long time, and he brings a level of experience and insight that鈥檚 hard to match.

He鈥檚 also a regular presence on the Sunday shows, so he鈥檚 constantly plugged into the national conversation. With this being an election year, his perspective on the state of politics鈥攚here things stand heading into the primaries and what to expect in November鈥攚ill be incredibly valuable.

Honestly, there are very few people who can provide that kind of real-time, informed analysis of what鈥檚 happening in Washington and on the campaign trail. I think our attendees will really benefit from hearing his take.

How do federal decisions right now directly impact Arizona鈥檚 business community, and what should employers here be paying closest attention to?

Federal policy has a very real, day-to-day impact on Arizona employers, whether people always see that connection or not. Decisions coming out of Washington affect everything from the cost of doing business to the availability of workforce and the reliability of our supply chains.

For Arizona, trade and border policy are especially important. We鈥檙e a major gateway state, so anything that affects cross-border commerce鈥攚hether it鈥檚 customs operations, infrastructure, or security鈥攈as a direct impact on our economy. The USMCA review is coming up, for example, so we鈥檙e paying close attention to that.

Energy is another major factor right now. Global uncertainty, particularly events in the Middle East, can create volatility in energy markets, and that has a ripple effect across the economy. When fuel costs rise, it impacts everything from what we pay at the pump to the cost of transporting goods, which ultimately shows up in prices on store shelves.

And, obviously, water is also an area where federal involvement matters, particularly in terms of long-term planning and investment. I know our delegation is deeply involved in that issue.

And of course, tax and regulatory policy always play a role in shaping whether businesses can grow and compete.

I鈥檇 also point to the overall economic environment鈥攊nterest rates, inflation, and federal spending decisions鈥攁ll of which influence business confidence and investment.

The bottom line is that what happens shows up here in Arizona, and that鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important for our business community to stay informed and engaged.

More about this year鈥檚 Update from Capitol Hill luncheon can be found on the Arizona Chamber鈥檚 .

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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 X站福利所of Commerce & Industry
• Arizona Restaurant Association
• Greater Phoenix Chamber
• 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 X站福利所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 Chamber: 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 Chamber, 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 X站福利所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 X站福利所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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The Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry will kick off the 2026 legislative session with its annual Legislative Forecast Luncheon on Friday, January 9 at the Phoenix Convention Center, bringing together Arizona鈥檚 top elected leaders and business community stakeholders for a timely discussion of the policy landscape ahead.

The event, one of the Chamber鈥檚 signature convenings each year, will feature a moderated conversation with state House and Senate legislative leaders, led by John Hook of FOX 10 Phoenix. The panel is expected to address major themes likely to shape the 2026 session, including the state budget, economic competitiveness, and how federal policies are affecting state-level decision-making.

In addition to the legislative leadership panel, attendees will hear directly from Gov. Katie Hobbs, who will sit down for an on-stage conversation with Arizona X站福利所President and CEO Danny Seiden. The discussion will provide insight into the governor鈥檚 priorities as lawmakers return to the Capitol, as well as her perspective on Arizona鈥檚 economic outlook and policy challenges in the year ahead.

The Legislative Forecast Luncheon traditionally draws a broad cross-section of Arizona鈥檚 business, civic, and policy leadership and serves as an early marker for where consensus and potential friction may emerge during the session. For employers and industry leaders, the event offers a valuable opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers and better understand how legislative dynamics could affect Arizona鈥檚 economy.

Additional details, including registration information, are available .

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Arizona employers are taking a proactive, collaborative approach to workplace heat safety聽that recognizes聽the realities of diverse industries and job sites across the state.聽

Gov. Katie Hobbs on December 31 announced that the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force had finalized and submitted its recommendations to the Industrial Commission of Arizona, delivering a set of Heat Guidelines for Employers grounded in real-world best practices and Arizona-specific conditions . 

The task force, which was convened by a 2025 executive order, brought together leaders from business, labor, and industry, along with occupational safety and health experts, to develop commonsense guidance for employers.  

The Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council participated in the process to ensure that employer perspectives were front and center throughout the discussions. 

The finalized recommendations focus on proven strategies to prevent heat-related illness, including access to water, shade, and rest; employee acclimatization; and heat safety training. Importantly for Arizona employers, the guidelines also clarify definitions, outline best practices for employer Heat Illness Prevention Plans, and include specific exemptions for emergency operations, recognizing that not all job sites or industries face the same conditions. 

For the Arizona X站福利所and the Arizona Manufacturers Council, participation in the task force was about ensuring that worker safety and economic sustainability go hand in hand. 

鈥淭his task force brought together employers, workers, and subject-matter experts from across Arizona to focus on what actually works in real workplaces,鈥� said Grace Appelbe, executive director of the Arizona Manufacturers Council and director of government affairs at the Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry. 鈥淭he recommendations reflect commonsense best practices many employers already use and provide clear, Arizona-specific guidance that prioritizes worker safety while recognizing the diversity of industries and job sites across our state.鈥� 

That emphasis on flexibility was a consistent theme throughout task force discussions, particularly for sectors like manufacturing, construction, utilities, and small business, where work environments, schedules, and operational demands can vary significantly. 

Next steps, ongoing implementation 

Following the task force鈥檚 work, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) will take additional steps to implement the governor鈥檚 executive order, including publishing annual data on heat-related claims, complaints, and citations, and providing downloadable template heat plans to help employers put the guidance into practice. 

The ADOSH Advisory Committee is scheduled to review the recommendations at a public meeting on February 4 before they advance to the Industrial Commission for final consideration later this spring.  

Appelbe said that for Arizona鈥檚 business community, the Workplace Heat Safety Task Force demonstrates the value of collaboration over mandates.  

鈥淏y bringing employers, workers, and regulators to the same table, the state has produced guidance that improves safety outcomes without undermining productivity or imposing rigid, one-size-fits-all rules,鈥� she said. 

Appelbe said the Arizona X站福利所and the Arizona Manufacturers Council will continue to engage with state agencies and stakeholders as these recommendations move forward, ensuring that Arizona remains both a safe place to work and a competitive place to do business. 

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With Congress missing the midnight deadline to fund the federal government, leaders from across the business community are warning of the significant economic consequences a shutdown would have on employers, workers, and families. From delayed contracts to shuttered national parks, industry groups say the disruption would ripple through Arizona鈥檚 economy and beyond.

Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry: 鈥淎rizona鈥檚 economy thrives on stability鈥�

The Arizona X站福利所of Commerce & Industry is urging swift congressional action to pass a continuing resolution and keep the government open.

鈥淎rizona鈥檚 economy thrives on stability,鈥� said X站福利所President and CEO Danny Seiden. 鈥淧rolonged debates that put government operations at risk create ripple effects of uncertainty for employers, workers, and investors alike. The effects of that uncertainty would extend across our economy, delaying critical government contracts and ultimately threatening both Arizona’s industries and the nation鈥檚 economic security. We urge Congress to act swiftly to avoid self-inflicted setbacks that weaken America鈥檚 competitiveness at home and abroad.鈥�

Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association: National parks at risk

The Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association warned that a shutdown would deal a devastating blow to Arizona鈥檚 tourism economy, particularly if it forced the closure of national parks such as the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro National Park.

鈥淔amilies, student groups, and international travelers plan their trips around access to our national parks,鈥� said AzLTA President and CEO Kim Grace Sabow. 鈥淚f visitors are turned away, the economic ripple effects will extend far beyond park boundaries, hurting hotels, restaurants, attractions, and local businesses. Arizona thrives because of tourism, and keeping our parks open is essential to safeguarding the jobs and economic vitality that so many Arizonans depend on.鈥�

Tourism is one of Arizona鈥檚 largest industries, supporting nearly 300,000 jobs and generating more than $33 billion annually. The Grand Canyon alone drew nearly 5 million visitors in 2024, supporting more than 8,700 jobs and generating over $1 billion in positive economic activity.

National Association of Manufacturers: Certainty needed for growth

In Washington, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) emphasized the critical role a functioning government plays in supporting industrial growth.

鈥淎 functioning government is essential for a strong manufacturing economy,鈥� said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons. 鈥淢anufacturers need certainty, not disruption. Our leaders in Washington must come together and keep the government open, so it continues working for the American people. From supply chains and permitting to regulatory certainty, product approvals and facility inspections, manufacturers rely on the government to do its job and provide the stability that drives growth.鈥�

U.S. X站福利所of Commerce: 鈥淪hutdowns are harmful to the economy鈥�

The U.S. X站福利所of Commerce also issued a warning, noting that shutdowns affect more than just government employees.

鈥淕overnment shutdowns are harmful to the economy, our national security, and the American people, often in ways that are not immediately obvious,鈥� said Neil Bradley, executive vice president and chief policy officer at the U.S. Chamber. 鈥淔rom passports and permits to clinical trials and air travel, a well-functioning economy requires a functioning government. The X站福利所calls on Congress and the Administration to work together to pass legislation to avert a federal government shutdown.鈥�

Photo courtesy Flickr user reivax, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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