Government Affairs

The Arizona Commerce Authority administers two crucial programs—the Arizona Competes Fund and Quality Jobs Tax Credit—both of which are set for reauthorization in 2026. The Arizona Competes Fund plays an essential role in enhancing Arizona’s ability to attract job-creating businesses that drive economic growth. The Quality Jobs Tax Credit program encourages business investment and fosters the creation of high-quality employment opportunities statewide. Quality Jobs achieves this goal by providing tax credits to employers who generate a minimum number of net new qualifying jobs and commit to a minimum capital investment in Arizona. AAED supports the reauthorization of these vital economic development tools, recognizing their importance in sustaining and advancing Arizona’s economic prosperity.

AAED advocates for sustainable policies and funding to bolster education and training programs, ultimately cultivating a thriving, qualified workforce in Arizona. Supporting a healthy innovation pipeline and a robust internship and apprenticeship ecosystem directly impacts the overall economic health of our state. AAED supports Arizona’s career and technical education districts and programs, working to elevate awareness among students about the benefits of career and technical education (CTE) and the opportunity to obtain in-demand industry credentials. A well-prepared workforce, characterized by a blend of post-secondary education and hands-on training, is essential for enhancing Arizona’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining high-wage jobs.

AAED supports expanding the existing infrastructure development tax capture mechanism for qualified manufacturing facilities. Existing projects and the communities in which they are located should be held harmless.

AAED supports the development, maintenance, and improvement of transportation infrastructure that drives business development and job creation. Additionally, we must incorporate technological advances when assessing transportation needs, as these innovations are crucial for modern infrastructure. By prioritizing infrastructure, we ensure Arizona remains competitive in attracting and retaining businesses, fostering economic growth.

AAED endorses programs and policies that encourage business expansion within Arizona, thereby strengthening our state’s competitive edge in attracting and retaining high-wage jobs. Moreover, AAED supports policies and investments that ensure reliable and affordable electric service, focusing on resource adequacy, price stability, and consumer protection—essential elements for Arizona’s ongoing economic success. AAED supports performance-based and return-driven policies that foster a diverse array of businesses to establish and sustain their presence in Arizona for the long term. This strategic approach is vital for enhancing Arizona’s competitive efforts in attracting high-wage jobs and stimulating capital investment.

To ensure Arizona’s competitiveness in an ever-changing global economy, it is essential for the state to continually assess and refine its economic development programs. These programs must align with Arizona’s strategic focus on attracting, growing, and retaining businesses in comparison to global counterparts. AAED’s membership firmly opposes any unnecessary changes that diminish or delay the effectiveness of existing, proven economic development tools and initiatives. Many companies are drawn to relocate or expand in Arizona precisely because of these essential programs. Maintaining consistency and competitiveness is paramount for Arizona’s long-term economic development success.

AAED supports the ongoing negotiations regarding future Colorado River operating rules (reconsultation) and the pursuit of larger contributions from other Colorado River Basin States to conserve additional Colorado River water.

AAED supports Arizona’s broadband plan by ensuring federal BEAD dollars are spent first in unserved and underserved communities. All levels of government should work with the private sector to reduce barriers of entry to broadband providers, including creating reasonable license fees, expediting permit times, and encouraging construction deployment methods for broadband to enable the greatest number of Arizonans to be served with high-speed internet as soon as possible. Workforce is also critical. AAED encourages community colleges and technical schools to offer programs aimed at building a robust 21st-century broadband workforce in Arizona. Finally, Arizona’s federal congressional delegation should actively pursue a permanent mechanism to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has helped more than 500,000 Arizonans access the internet.