Government Affairs

AAED supports sustainable policies and funding for education and training programs that result in a qualified Arizona workforce. Supporting a healthy innovation pipeline and a robust internship and craft training ecosystem has verifiable impacts on the state’s overall economic health. AAED supports Arizona career and technical education districts and programs, increasing awareness for students to access career and technical education and obtaining in-demand industry credentials. A qualified workforce with a balance of post-secondary education and workforce training will support Arizona’s competitiveness in retaining and attracting high-wage jobs. Additionally, AAED advocates for policies that support working parents, including access to affordable childcare and flexible workplace policies, recognizing that these measures are essential for fostering a stable workforce. 

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 that facilitates and results in business development and job creation. Technological advances must be included when considering transportation needs. This critical infrastructure ensures Arizona’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining businesses into our communities.  

AAED supports programs and policies encouraging businesses to expand in Arizona and enhance our state’s competitive position in attracting and retaining high-wage jobs. AAED also supports policies and investments that promote reliable and affordable electric service and emphasize resource adequacy, price stability, and consumer protection as a foundation of Arizona’s continued economic success. Finally, AAED supports performance-based and return-driven policies and encourages diverse businesses to locate and remain in Arizona long-term, enhancing Arizona’s competitive efforts to attract and retain high-wage jobs and encourage capital investment.  

For Arizona to remain competitive amid an ever-changing global economy, the state must continue to evaluate its economic development programs. Programs should reflect the state’s focus on business attraction, growth, and retention compared to other parts of the world. AAED membership opposes unnecessary changes that reduce or delay existing and proven economic development tools and programs. Many companies choose to relocate or expand in Arizona because of these programs. The need to remain consistent and competitive is critical to Arizona’s long-term economic development success.  

AAED applauds the Arizona Legislature for its investment in water conservation, reuse, and augmentation projects. In addition to supporting additional water infrastructure funding, 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 the state’s broadband plan by ensuring federal BEAD dollars are spent first in unserved and underserved communities. All levels of government must work with the private sector to reduce barriers to entry to broadband providers, including creating reasonable license fees, expediting permit times, and encouraging construction deployment methods of broadband that will allow for 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 to build Arizona’s robust 21st-century broadband workforce. Finally, Arizona’s federal congressional delegation should actively pursue a permanent mechanism to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has helped nearly half a million Arizonans access the internet.