Creatures of Statute

Mohave County Flood Control: Protecting Property & Recharging the Aquifer with Scott Holtry

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:36:57 GMT

This week, we learn about how Mohave County is leveraging stormwater mitigation projects to promote groundwater recharge, strengthening long-term water resilience in the Kingman area. In this episode, Mohave County Development Services Director Scott Holtry discusses how the county partnered with local and state agencies, including WIFA, USGS, and ADWR, to protect communities and support future growth.

Learn more about Mohave County Water Information here

View a presentation on Kingman Area Stormwater Mitigation and Recharge Projects here

County Touchpoints in the FY27 State Budget

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:18:53 GMT

We break down the FY 2027 state budget package introduced by the Arizona Legislature this week after months of negotiations between legislative leaders and the Governor's Office. We discuss the state's fiscal outlook, review several of the major tax and spending provisions included in the proposal, and take a closer look at where key county priorities landed in the final agreement.

To view our full analysis of the budget as introduced, view our document here

Off the Charts: Why Home Values Rise but Tax Burdens Stay Low

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 23:53:34 GMT

In this episode of Off the Charts, we explore how Arizona's property tax framework has kept our relative property tax burden one of the lowest in the country—even as home prices have more than doubled. We break down the data behind levy limits, inflation, county budget pressures, and what Arizona's low-tax status means for taxpayers and local services.

Watch this week's episode on our youtube channel here

Explore our data tools at https://www.countysupervisors.org/data and check out our levy limit guide at https://www.countysupervisors.org/levy-limits

The Business of Food Safety: Counties & the Restaurant Industry with Dan Bogert

Fri, 29 May 2026 12:41:33 GMT

This week on Creatures of Statute, we sat down with Dan Bogert, COO of the Arizona Restaurant Association, to discuss the intersection of county government, public health, and Arizona’s restaurant industry. The conversation explored food safety regulations, health inspections, permitting, and the vital role local restaurants play in Arizona’s economy and communities. Tune in for an inside look at how industry and local government work together to support public health and small businesses across the state.

Check out the Arizona Restaurant Association here

View current and previous winners of the Foodist Awards here

Beyond Concrete: Innovating Flood Control in Pima County

Tue, 19 May 2026 16:32:46 GMT

Flood control is one of the many essential services counties provide to protect residents, infrastructure, and local communities. In this episode, we take a closer look at how Pima County is modernizing flood control through targeted infrastructure investments, stormwater management projects, and community partnerships designed to reduce risk and improve public spaces.

Learn more about Pima County Green Stormwater Infrastructure here

To learn more about flood control districts, check out CSA's overview of special districts here

Off the Charts: What Counties Run On - A Copper Case Study

Fri, 15 May 2026 20:19:04 GMT

Welcome to Off the Charts, the Creatures of Statute series where we dig into the data and explore the stories that most people and policymakers don't get to see. In this episode, we dig into Greenlee County and the role copper plays in shaping its revenue picture. As one of Arizona’s historic “Five C’s,” copper has long driven the local economy, but what happens when a county’s tax base is heavily concentrated in a single industry?

Explore the County Encyclopedia and other data tools referenced in today's episode at https://www.countysupervisors.org/data

Inside the Majority's FY27 Budget Plan

Thu, 07 May 2026 22:16:56 GMT

In this episode, we provide a legislative update on the FY2027 state budget package released by the legislative majority, and how it compares to the Governor's January executive budget. We also cover Governor Hobbs’ veto of the package, the breakdown in negotiations over major policy items, and what it means for counties moving forward.

Find our FY27 Budget Summary here

View our Policy Priorities here

View our summary of County Pass Through Appropriations here

View our background on Opioid Settlement Funds and the Expenditure Limit here

Creating Supply: How WIFA Works to Secure Arizona's Water Future

Fri, 01 May 2026 17:08:13 GMT

In this episode, Yuma County Supervisor and Chair of the WIFA Board, Jonathan Lines, and WIFA Director Chelsea McGuire break down how the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority is guiding strategy around water augmentation, reuse, and rural system development. Tune in to hear how Arizona is building its water future through long-term planning, innovative infrastructure projects, and collaboration across agencies and partners.

100 Days... And Counting

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:05:23 GMT

This week, we mark the 100th day of the legislative session and take a closer look at what that milestone really means (and doesn’t mean) for the timeline ahead. We break down where budget negotiations stand, share updates on CSA’s priority bills and key county issues, and look ahead to what could surface in the final stretch of session.

To view our key Legislative and Budget Priorities, click here

To view our document with select county budget touchpoints, click here

Counties and the Long Term Care System

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:12:41 GMT

In this episode, we examine the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) — one of the most significant cost drivers in county budgets. Listen as we trace the evolution from county-run indigent care to today’s statewide Medicaid-managed system, explain the funding formula that determines each county’s share, and discuss the current cost environment and its impact on county finances.

To learn more about counties and the long term care system, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/healthcare

To view our primer on ALTCS, click here.

We Are Counties: Celebrating National County Government Month!

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:13:28 GMT

April is National County Government Month!

Across Arizona, counties are on the front lines delivering essential services, supporting our communities, and keeping our state running every day. From public safety and infrastructure to elections and health services, the impact of county government reaches every resident. This month, we’re proud to partner with the National Association of Counties and the Arizona Association of Counties to elevate the work of counties here in Arizona.

Want to learn more about how counties serve you? Explore our resources on our website: https://www.countysupervisors.org/counties

Who Pays for Justice? Funding the Right to Counsel in Arizona

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:11:41 GMT

Join us as we break down how Arizona fulfills the constitutional right to counsel—and why counties are at the center of delivering and funding indigent defense. Explore the history, structure, and real-world budget pressures behind public defense systems, and what a new statewide evaluation could mean for the future.

Check out our indigent defense overview and case study here

Learn more about Indigent Defense Funding across the country here

48th in the Nation: Understanding Arizona's Property Tax System

Fri, 20 Mar 2026 16:42:04 GMT

This week, we break down how Arizona’s property tax system works, from how tax bills are calculated and who sets the rates, to the key taxpayer protections that keep costs relatively low. We also explore what property taxes fund across counties and the growing cost pressures, including state-mandated programs, that shape local tax policy.

Tune in to the episode to learn more, and explore our resources on property taxes below:

Property Tax Primer and Key Terms
Limits on Property Taxes
Board of Supervisors' Property Tax Roles and Responsibilities
Constitutional Levy Limits Report
Tax Burden FAQs
Explore our website for additional materials: https://www.countysupervisors.org/property-tax

Visiting the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat with Supervisor Woody Cline

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:34:58 GMT

In this episode, we take our show on the road to visit and tour the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat in Young, Arizona, a Gila County-led effort to transform a former U.S. Forest Service site in the heart of the Tonto National Forest.

Gila County Supervisor Woody Cline and Executive Assistant Cathy Melvin walk us through the years-long process of working with the U.S. Forest Service and partners across county, state, and federal government, including advancing federal legislation to convey the site to the county, all in pursuit of turning more than 200 acres into a peaceful retreat where veterans can visit, connect, and heal.

To learn more about the retreat, visit their website here

Advancing Election Administration: Inside ASU’s Mechanics of Democracy Lab with Bill Gates

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:06:04 GMT

This week, we’re joined by Bill Gates, former Maricopa County Supervisor and current Director of Arizona State University’s Mechanics of Democracy Lab (MODL) and Professor of Practice at ASU, to discuss the lab’s work to strengthen election administration and public understanding of elections. We also highlight MODL’s efforts to train the next generation of election professionals through student fellowships and innovative programs like its new AI and Elections Clinic.

To learn more about MODL, visit their website here

State Decisions, Local Dollars: Impact of Pending State Policies on County Budgets

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:16:42 GMT

This week, we break down key legislative proposals that could impact county finances across Arizona. We explore pending state policies with the potential to restrict local revenue authority, as well as proposals that could shift costs to counties and drive additional spending. Learn more about what these proposals could mean for county budgets and the services Arizonans rely on.

To view our document detailing these proposals, click here.

To explore our handout detailing existing restrictions on county revenues and transparency requirements, click here.

For more information about counties, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

Constitutional Expenditure Limits Explained

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:59:25 GMT

This week, we break down what expenditure limits are, why they exist, and the practical implications on county operations. From historical context to modern challenges like workforce pressures and voter-approved adjustments, we explain how these constitutional rules guide—or constrain—the way counties serve their communities.

To learn more about expenditure limits, check out our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/expenditurelimits

And check out our resource guide here

Fixing the Calendar: County Priority First Bill Signed in 2026 ft. Jen Marson

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 21:43:21 GMT

In this episode, we unpack the first bill of the 2026 legislative session to be signed into law and a key county priority: HB 2022, sponsored by Representative Kolodin. We’re joined by AACo’s Jen Marson, who has been at the tip of the spear on this issue, to discuss how the bill streamlines election administration, moves the next primary election to July 21, and ensures overseas and military voters receive their ballots on time for the upcoming general election.

From Roads to Public Safety: The Hidden Value of Procurement for Arizonans with Dr. Akheil Singla and Mariah Lindberg

Tue, 03 Feb 2026 21:45:15 GMT

It’s not just about buying things—it’s about how local government actually gets things done. This episode spotlights an 18-month research partnership between CSA, the League of Cities and Towns, the Arizona Board of Regents, and Arizona State University exploring how procurement delivers real value for residents.

Led by Dr. Akheil Singla, Dr. Justin Stritch, PhD candidate Mariah Lindberg, PhD student Ignacio Pezo, and the ASU research team, the conversation unpacks why this work matters, and what it means for communities across Arizona.

Explore the full report on our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/general-government/procurement

To watch the video briefing, click here.

From the Ground Up: How NACo Supports Counties, with Matt Chase

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 12:02:01 GMT

On the heels of his visit to Arizona, we sat down with Matt Chase, CEO of the National Association of Counties (NACo), to discuss how counties are supported at the national level. We explore NACo’s role in assisting local leaders, key federal issues—from public lands and disaster response to AI and data centers—and the growing importance of data-driven advocacy and local storytelling.

To learn more about NACo, visit their website at https://www.naco.org/

To learn more about how CSA supports Arizona's counties, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

Baseline to Bottom Line: FY27 State Budget Breakdown

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 00:11:23 GMT

The Arizona Legislature is back in session and with it comes the first major look at the state’s budget picture. This week, we recap what the Governor is prioritizing in her FY 2027 budget recommendation, how it compares to the JLBC Baseline, and, most importantly, what it all means for counties.

View CSA's analysis on the county touchpoints in the state budget here.

To view our Budget and Legislative Priorities, click here.

To access the Governor's budget recommendation, click here.

To view the JLBC Baseline, click here.

Funding Justice: Why Counties Seek State, Judicial Partnership

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:44:39 GMT

In this episode, we break down our adopted resolution focused on court funding, and what it means for counties across the state. Join us as we unpack the court-county relationship, why court costs are placing increasing strain on county budgets, and what county leaders are calling the Legislature and the judicial branch to do.

Adopted Court Funding Resolution

2025 Summit Briefing Materials

County 101 Handout

Judicial Salary Handout

Indigent Defense Case Study

To learn more about courts and criminal justice, explore our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/courts

From Statehouse to Supervisor with Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:26:24 GMT

In this week's episode, we sit down with Maricopa County Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee. Listen in as we talk about her journey from the statehouse to supervisor, the complexities of county government, and the importance of building strong relationships between the state and the counties.

Connecting the Ships: A Conversation with CSA President Alton Joe Shepherd

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:41:50 GMT

In this episode, we sit down with CSA President Alton Joe Shepherd, Supervisor, District 2, Apache County. Listen in as we talk about his journey to County Supervisor, his vision for CSA over the next year, and the importance of collaboration at all levels of leadership.

To learn more about CSA, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

CSA Proudly Endorses Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar for NACo 2nd Vice President!

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:13:29 GMT

Arizona’s counties are proud to support Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar in her run for NACo 2nd Vice President! Tune in as she shares more about her candidacy, her commitment to restoring local power, and how collaboration across counties can shape stronger communities nationwide.

When counties decide, communities thrive.

Visit https://www.sarah4naco.com/ to connect and learn more.

The Legislative Lowdown: CSA Insight Ahead of Next Session

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 13:13:15 GMT

In this episode, our team talks progress on county priorities, previews some emerging issues and outlines some key dates for county folks to know.

To see CSA’s policy agenda and resolutions, please see www.countysupervisors.org/advocacy

AZ Water Law and Policy with Professor Rhett Larson

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:56:23 GMT

In this episode, we feature audio from our November learning series with Professor Rhett Larson of ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. He breaks down the major water issues impacting Arizona—particularly those involving the Colorado River—and offers his perspective on the path forward.

To view his slide deck, click here.

Under the Hood of CSA's Transportation Resolution with Supervisor Paul David, Sam Elters, and Jim Rounds

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:57:04 GMT

In this episode, we break down CSA’s Transportation Resolution and explore the policy factors shaping Arizona’s transportation system. Find out why county HURF only buys about half of what it could ten years ago, and less than a third of what it could have when the Legislature last set the gas tax in 1990.

Special thanks to Economist Jim Rounds, Graham County Supervisor Paul David, and Mohave County Manager Sam Elters for their insights.

Click here to read CSA's Transportation Resolution.

To learn more about HURF resources and other transportation needs, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/transportation

CSA’s Public Pension Resolution: The Importance of Data-driven Policy

Wed, 12 Nov 2025 13:56:26 GMT

CSA recently adopted a policy resolution on public pensions—a statement that reflects a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and supporting Arizona’s public employees. In our latest episode, we take a closer look at what this resolution means for counties and the broader conversation around the sustainability of the systems.

To access our resolution, click here

To learn more about CSA's perspective on public pension policy, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

It's a Wrap! Recapping our 2025 Policy Summit

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 17:44:04 GMT

Tune in as we wrap up the 2025 Policy Summit in Yuma County. Hear what county officials are focused on, what stood out at the summit, and what’s next on the policy horizon.

Special thanks to Yuma County for their hard work in hosting our Summit. To explore our meeting materials and learn more about the proposals in our 2026 legislative agenda, visit our website here. To view our outcome report of the adopted proposals, click here.

The Fiscal Forecast: What the FAC’s Latest Outlook Means for Arizona

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 19:23:46 GMT

In this episode, we dive into Arizona’s fiscal outlook following the October meeting of the Legislature’s Finance Advisory Committee (FAC). Listen as we break down what the latest numbers reveal about state budget pressures and explore how federal policy—especially H.R. 1—could compound challenges over the state’s three-year budget horizon.

To read JLBC’s analysis of the impacts of H.R. 1 click here, and to learn more about CSA visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

Catching up with AACo's Jen Marson

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 19:23:43 GMT

Today we sit down with the Executive Director of the Arizona Association of Counties, Jen Marson to talk about the policy development process, reactive advocacy, and upcoming issues ahead of the 2026 legislative session.

To learn more about AACo, visit https://azcounties.org/, and to learn more about CSA visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/.

Funding Public Safety: The Future of Maricopa County's Jail Excise Tax with Danny De Hoog

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 17:53:28 GMT

In this episode we sit down with Danny De Hoog, Director of Maricopa County's Public Safety Funding Committee, to unpack how Maricopa County funds its public safety and detention services—and what’s next for its voter-approved jail excise tax.

To learn more about county jail funding authorities in Arizona, check out our overview here, or visit our website at http://www.countysupervisors.org/

County Basics: From Statute to Service

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 22:05:23 GMT

In this episode, we break down the basics of county government in Arizona—because while every Arizonan lives in a county and relies on county services, few truly know what counties do.

Counties are the quiet workhorses of government: building, maintaining, protecting, and serving communities every single day.

To learn more about county government in Arizona, check out our overview here. To learn more about limitations on county revenues and expenditures, check out our overview here, or visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

Building Strong State & County Partnerships with Supervisor Lynne Pancrazi

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 23:20:45 GMT

This episode features CSA President Lynne Pancrazi - Yuma County Supervisor and former state legislator. We dive into our Resolution on State-County Collaboration and what it means for Arizona counties.

The resolution focuses on two key goals:

CSA’s commitment to provide analysis and feedback on legislative proposals that affect county operations.
Encouraging collaborative policymaking, where state lawmakers work directly with county officials on decisions that impact local resources and services.

At its heart, it’s about making sure policies reflect real-world impacts — because when counties and the state collaborate, everyone benefits.

Learn more at www.countysupervisors.org

Introducing Creatures of Statute

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 22:40:15 GMT

Welcome to Creatures of Statute, a podcast production of the County Supervisors Association of Arizona. Join us in exploring the policies and partnerships shaping county government services in Arizona.