The City of Tempe has committed to evaluating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies before implementation with the recent adoption of an Ethical AI Policy that outlines principles, guidelines and procedures for responsible use within the city. Tempe is believed to be the first city in Arizona to enact a policy involving ethical use of AI. The City Council approved the … [More]
Maricopa Association of Governments Elects New Officers 2023
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego was elected as chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Council today during the agency’s annual meeting. As the agency’s new chair, Gallego said the extension of Proposition 400 will be her top priority. “Our most pressing priority is to give voters the power to shape their transportation future through the extension of … [More]
$42.2M in Tribal Gaming Contributions for Q4 Culminates in Back-to-Back Record Years
The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) announced $42,177,864 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2023. This caps off another year of record tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund, with over $153 million dollars contributed in FY 2023. “Tribal gaming in Arizona continues to impress, with … [More]
State Transportation Board OKs Five-Year Construction Program
The State Transportation Board has approved the 2024-2028 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program, which includes funding to expand and improve pavement conditions on multiple highways vital to moving passengers and commerce. The final 2024-2028 Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is available here. The … [More]
New Historic Federal Investments in Phoenix to Accelerate Clean Energy Economy
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs and the Director of the Governor’s new Office of Resiliency Maren Mahoney joined Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and clean energy experts and business leaders highlighting new federal investments to help more Phoenix families and business owners access affordable clean energy, earlier today. Thanks to the efforts of Arizona’s clean energy champions in … [More]
Their Take: Arizona’s Water Future Depends on New Water Supplies
None of us has a crystal ball, but we can be certain that our water future will require a variety of adaptive changes. We must adjust to reduced availability of Colorado River water and adjust to enhanced regulation of groundwater uses. This regulation will come in various forms. For the first time in decades, additional groundwater basins have been designated for … [More]
Arizona Chamber Celebrates Legislative Wins for Job Creators, Economic Development, and Pro-Business Climate
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry is proud to announce a host of legislative wins this session that will pave the way for further economic development, preserve Arizona’s pro-growth business climate, and protect our citizen initiative process from out-of-state special interests. The Chamber is particularly grateful for the passage of HB 2809, priority … [More]
As the Legislature Adjourns Again, Much Has Been Accomplished
The 2023 Legislative Session has recessed and is expected to come back again July 31. Much has been accomplished focused on keeping the Arizona economy moving forward with investments. The legislature and Governor Katie Hobbs created new laws related to Transportation, Economic Development, Water, and Education. Unlike prior years, each legislator was given a sum of money to … [More]
General Obligation (GO) Bond Program Gets Chamber Support
The Greater Phoenix Chamber proudly supports the 2023 $500 million General Obligation (GO) Bond program to revitalize and improve the city’s infrastructure and services. We applaud the implementation of the program without raising tax rates. Typically, GO Bond principal and interest payments are backed by secondary property taxes. Phoenix City Council approved the GO Bond … [More]
Phoenix’s Cool Pavement Program Hits 100-Mile Mark
The Phoenix Street Transportation Department has applied the innovative cool pavement seal coat to 100 miles of city streets. Mayor Kate Gallego, and Vice Mayor and District 7 Councilwoman Yassamin Ansari joined with community members, media and city staff to celebrate the milestone on Tuesday in Estrella. The most recent neighborhood streets to receive the cool seal … [More]
Governor Hobbs Unveils 100-Year Study to Protect Valley Groundwater Supplies; Announces $40M Investment in Arizona Water Resiliency Fund
Last week, Governor Katie Hobbs unveiled the Phoenix Active Management Area (AMA) Groundwater Model and the Arizona Department of Water Resources’ latest study of groundwater conditions across the Phoenix metropolitan area. The groundwater model evaluates water level changes after 100 years of existing and projected pumping, and gives water managers critical information to … [More]
Governor Hobbs Names New Chief of Staff
Governor Hobbs announced that Chad Campbell, former House Democratic Leader and longtime public affairs and policy consultant, will become chief of staff to the governor on Monday, June 5th. “As House Democratic Leader, Chad Campbell effectively led his caucus and worked across the aisle to get big things done for the State of Arizona,” said Governor Hobbs. “While we served … [More]
Arizona, California, and Nevada Governors Announce Lower Basin Plan to Protect Colorado River
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo announced that the Colorado River Lower Basin States have developed a plan to conserve 3 million acre-feet over the next three years to protect the Colorado River system. “The Lower Basin Plan is the product of months of tireless work by our water managers to develop an agreement … [More]
Region to Address Unsheltered Homelessness through New Federal Program
The Maricopa region is teaming up with the White House and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) to participate in ALL INside, a first-of-its kind initiative to address unsheltered homelessness. (Watch the launch event live at 11 a.m. on YouTube highlighting Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Mesa Mayor John Giles) As part of ALL INside, the region will … [More]
Voters Decline to Move Tempe Entertainment District Forward
An Arizona Coyotes hockey arena, hotels, apartments, restaurants and retail will not move forward at Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway now that residents have voted to decline the Tempe Entertainment District. Tempe voters have spoken and we respect their voices. The Tempe City Council's unanimous vote in November 2022 to move the Tempe Entertainment District forward, … [More]
State Cracks Down on Fraudulent Medicaid Providers
Governor Hobbs, alongside Attorney General Mayes, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community President Martin Harvier, AHCCCS Director Carmen Heredia, representatives from 13 tribal nations, and law enforcement, announced actions against over 100 Medicaid behavioral health residential and outpatient treatment service providers believed to be engaging in fraud. These providers … [More]
Tempe Votes in Tempe Entertainment District Project Special Election Today
Voters have options for casting their ballots on Propositions 301, 302 and 303 as part of the city’s Special Election on the Tempe Entertainment District. In November, the City Council unanimously approved the resolutions/ordinances for the Tempe Entertainment District project. Three aspects of the primarily privately funded proposal from Bluebird Development, the affiliate … [More]
Governor Hobbs Announces Arizona’s Title 42 Preparedness Approach
Ahead of the lifting of Title 42, Governor Hobbs today announced the state’s five-point preparedness approach outlining Arizona’s priorities for managing the expected influx of migrants. At the press conference, Hobbs was joined by DPS Director Jeffrey Glover, DEMA-EM Allen Clark, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls, and Representative Mariana … [More]
