Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher announced the appointment of Cynthia Aguilar and Frank McCune as Deputy City Managers, filling the final open positions on the City’s executive leadership team. "Cynthia and Frank bring decades of experience, proven leadership, and deep commitment to the City of Phoenix," said City Manager Ed Zuercher. "Their appointments strengthen our … [More]
State Issues First Groundwater Credits, Opening New Path for Housing Growth
Governor Katie Hobbs announced Arizona’s first issuance of Groundwater Savings Credits, granted under the state’s landmark “Ag-to-Urban” Groundwater Conservation Program. The approval of these Groundwater Savings Credits provide enough water for 825 new homes to be built and will save over 437 million gallons per year compared to the land’s historic agricultural use - an 80% … [More]
Arizona Secures Nearly $1B for Statewide Broadband Expansion
Governor Katie Hobbs announced a critical milestone in Arizona’s plan to invest $967 million to expand broadband infrastructure across the state. Arizona received final approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, paving the way for the project’s implementation. Arizona's Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Program (BEAD) Program is the … [More]
Arizona Appoints Experienced Health Administrator to Lead State Agency
Governor Katie Hobbs announced the appointment of Debbie Johnston to lead the Arizona Department of Health Services. For the past 21 years, she has worked for the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, focusing on policy development and regulatory affairs. During her tenure at AzHHA, Debbie served on various public health boards and committees at the Arizona Department of … [More]
City of Phoenix Sets Framework for Housing Trust Fund to Target Affordability Gaps
The City of Phoenix solidified the framework for an innovative solution to accelerate the creation and preservation of affordable housing in Phoenix. The City Council approved a new policy that guides how the City’s Housing Trust Fund will be used now and in the future. There is a shortage of nearly 60,000 affordable and available rental units in Phoenix, with the greatest … [More]
Arizona Launches First-in-Nation Broadband Permit Finder to Speed Infrastructure Development
As part of Arizona’s expansive efforts to expand high-speed broadband access statewide, the Arizona State Broadband Office recently launched the Arizona Permit Finder, a first-of-its kind interactive permitting map. The first-in-the-nation Permit Finder seeks to reduce regulatory barriers and accelerate the pace of broadband expansion – supporting new economic opportunities for … [More]
Policy Reset in Washington: What HR and In-House Counsel Must Do Now
Business leaders are seeing a rapid re-calibration of federal labor and employment priorities. With the White House expected to revive many of its earlier pro-business initiatives, the coming years will likely bring a move away from regulatory expansion and toward deregulation, employer flexibility, and economic growth. From the EEOC’s new enforcement posture to evolving DOL … [More]
Their Take: Diplomacy at the Local Level – How Cities Like Phoenix Shape Global Opportunity
When most people think of diplomacy, they picture world leaders gathered at summits or foreign ministers negotiating across long tables. But today, diplomacy is just as alive in our cities. Mayors and local leaders are at the front lines of international engagement, and the impact is both immediate and profound. For Phoenix, diplomacy and protocol are not abstract concepts. … [More]
Capital in a Shutdown—Why Relationships and Readiness Win
When government shutdowns occur, small businesses face immediate financial hurdles as SBA loan approvals grind to a halt. During these uncertain periods, maintaining access to capital becomes critical for business survival and growth. As a lender with over 30 years in commercial banking, I've witnessed firsthand how these disruptions affect entrepreneurs and the creative … [More]
Falcon Field Wins FAA Grants Targeting Capacity and Airfield Modernization
The City of Mesa's Falcon Field Airport has been awarded a series of grants through the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program. The funding will support design work for key projects that strengthen safety, efficiency and connectivity. Grants include a $363,485 award to design a new Taxiway I and Runway 22L holding apron on the … [More]
Executive Order Seeks Faster Permitting for Energy Projects
Governor Katie Hobbs signed an Executive Order 2025-13 to cut red tape, unlock Arizona’s energy potential, and deliver lower energy costs for Arizonans. The Executive Order directs State Land to develop a report within 30 days outlining proposals to streamline and expedite processes for energy infrastructure development on state land. State Land will also be directed to … [More]
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act: What Business Owners and Operators Need to Know
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) was signed into law. The sweeping piece of legislation included an array of provisions that impact both individuals and businesses. If you’re a business owner or leader, it’s important to understand what these changes could mean for you. For many businesses, the OBBBA changes how certain expenses are taxed. Specific … [More]
Arizona Targets Broader EV Fast-Charging Network with 21 Proposed Sites
The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input on a plan that would add nine corridors to its planned network of electric vehicle charging stations. The EV charging network plan is part of $76.5 million in federal funding Arizona is eligible to receive through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The program encourages adoption of electric … [More]
Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton Announces Retirement
After more than 25 years of dedicated service to the City, Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton announced his retirement effective on November 14, 2025. The announcement comes after a distinguished career, including the last four years as City Manager. Beginning his career with the City as an internal auditor in 1999, Barton served the City of Phoenix in … [More]
Arizona Universities Partner to Safeguard State’s Groundwater
As concerns about Arizona’s water future grow, the state’s public universities and the Arizona Board of Regents are offering solutions. The Regents’ Grant-funded Arizona Tri-University Recharge and Water Reliability Project is focused on enhancing groundwater recharge to sustain Arizona’s agriculture and ecosystems. In partnership with the Arizona Department of Water … [More]
What Does the Revived PAID Program Mean for Employers?
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the return of the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program. PAID is a voluntary compliance initiative that helps employers resolve inadvertent violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)—such as unpaid overtime or minimum wage—without litigation or civil monetary penalties. This announcement extended the reach of PAID … [More]
Queen Creek, Buckeye Unveil New Water Source through Transportation Order
The Arizona Department of Water Resources finalized a Transportation Order approving the importation of groundwater from the Harquahala Groundwater Basin to the City of Buckeye and Town of Queen Creek. This first-ever transportation approval from ADWR creates a new water source opportunity that will add to Arizona’s diverse and robust water portfolio. The City of Buckeye and … [More]
New Zoning Ordinance Addresses Data Center Concerns
The Phoenix Mayor and City Council approved updates to modernize the City's Zoning Ordinance to add data centers as a permitted use that must address health and safety concerns when applying for a special permit for construction. As Phoenix continues to flourish as a hub for high-tech jobs and industry, these updates establish requirements and a framework to address health and … [More]
