A delegation of Missouri state lawmakers and business leaders visited Arizona last week for a policy exchange focused on economic development, emerging technologies, and regulatory strategy, hosted by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Goldwater Institute.

The visit drew a cross-section of Arizona’s legislative leadership, including House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Majority Leader Michael Carbone, and several members focused on Arizona’s technology and economic development agenda. Representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority also participated.

Discussions centered on the policy decisions and public-private partnerships that have helped Arizona build a competitive footprint in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies.

“Arizona’s growth didn’t happen by accident,” said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona Chamber. “It reflects deliberate policy choices that prioritize certainty, competitiveness, and a regulatory environment where businesses can invest, innovate, and scale. We were glad to share what’s working with leaders from Missouri.”

The exchange comes as the Arizona Chamber has been pressing a broader push on digital economy policy, including its recently launched , which aims to strengthen the state’s position in artificial intelligence and emerging technology sectors.

Arizona’s legislative leaders framed the state’s approach as deliberate and long-term. “Arizona has made a conscious decision to lead on innovation rather than wait for other states to set the pace,” said Speaker Montenegro. “That kind of alignment and forward-looking policy environment allows industries to grow and scale here.”

Majority Leader Carbone pointed to the fundamentals underpinning that growth. “Arizona’s success in attracting major investment is tied directly to our focus on advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply chain strength,” he said. “Those fundamentals are critical to sustaining long-term economic momentum.”

Regulatory predictability came up consistently as a deciding factor for businesses. “Companies are looking for certainty,” said Rep. Weninger. “Arizona’s predictable regulatory environment and competitive tax structure give businesses the confidence to invest and expand.”

Sen. T.J. Shope emphasized that the state has worked to distribute economic development beyond major metro areas. “We’ve been intentional about making sure economic development isn’t concentrated in one region,” he said. “Infrastructure, water, and land use policies all play a role in supporting growth across Arizona, including in rural communities.”

“Arizona continues to attract new and emerging industries by staying focused on innovation and targeted economic development,” said Sen. Carroll. “That approach is helping position the state for the next phase of economic expansion.”

Rep. Wilmeth echoed that, pointing to Arizona’s light-touch approach to emerging technology regulation as a competitive differentiator. “We’ve taken a thoughtful approach to emerging technologies by avoiding premature regulation,” he said. “That flexibility allows innovation to develop while still ensuring appropriate oversight.”

The discussion also explored how elements of Arizona’s policy framework could be adapted in other states and how cross-state collaboration might strengthen the broader U.S. economy.

Victor Riches, president and CEO of the Goldwater Institute, framed the stakes broadly. “As emerging technologies continue to reshape industries, policy certainty and deregulation matter more than ever,” he said. “Arizona needs to ensure an environment where innovation can move forward.” The Missouri delegation included state Sens. Travis Fitzwater, Maggie Nurrenbern, Karla May, Barbara Anne Washington, and Jamie Burger, along with a policy adviser to Gov. Kehoe and representatives from the .

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The state House Commerce Committee on Tuesday advanced HB 4026, legislation sponsored by Rep. Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye) that modernizes and strengthens a public infrastructure tool that has helped make Arizona a national leader in advanced manufacturing investment.

The bill, supported by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Arizona Manufacturers Council, and a broad coalition of business and community leaders, ensures that Arizona communities have the infrastructure capacity necessary to compete for high-wage manufacturing projects.

Modernizing a proven program

Arizona’s Public Infrastructure Program was established in 2012 and has since helped secure billions of dollars in private capital investment, positioning the state as the nation’s leader in semiconductor manufacturing investment.

The program allows cities, towns, and counties to recapture a portion of construction-related state sales tax revenues generated directly by a qualifying manufacturing project and reinvest those dollars into public infrastructure improvements — including roads, water, wastewater, and reclamation systems — that support both the facility and the broader community.

During committee testimony, advocates pointed out that the program does not create new taxes and instead reinvests tax revenue generated by the project itself into infrastructure that makes the investment possible.

Addressing a critical cap

Under current law, total distributions under the program statewide are subject to a $200 million lifetime cap. But as supporters pointed out in the hearing, the arbitrary cap is rapidly being reached, putting current and future public infrastructure projects at risk of being underfunded and limiting Arizona’s ability to compete for the next generation of mega-projects.

“This program has worked in helping cities build the infrastructure they need to support these massive projects,” Arizona Chamber Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. “We don’t win these projects every day, but when we do, they’re a huge benefit to the entire state, supporting jobs, tax revenue, and small business.”

The legislation replaces the lifetime cap with a $75 million annual cap, providing predictable, statewide access to the program. The bill also clarifies that payments are limited to the lesser of the state transaction privilege tax revenues generated from construction of the facility or 80% of the public infrastructure cost.

Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley told committee members the program was essential to her town’s ability to attract a huge LG Energy investment on a former state land trust plot.

“In order to build on that barren state trust land, the town needed to build supporting public infrastructure,” she said. “Building the infrastructure from scratch was a very costly endeavor for the town and we needed to utilize the public infrastructure program to help us recapture some of the $84 million in public investment from revenues generated as a result of LG’s own state construction sales tax dollars.”

Strengthening accountability and transparency

HB 4026 enhances oversight by requiring a detailed analysis of the anticipated direct and indirect revenues the state will receive as a result of constructing the manufacturing facility, which must be provided to the Arizona Commerce Authority.

The bill also requires development and intergovernmental agreements entered into under the program to be posted publicly on the Department of Revenue’s website, further reinforcing transparency.

Supporting high-wage jobs, long-term growth

Greater Phoenix Economic Council Vice President Tim Bourcet said that as Arizona competes nationally and globally to attract advanced manufacturing projects, particularly in semiconductors and other high-tech sectors, infrastructure readiness is often the deciding factor.

“The public infrastructure reimbursement program has been vital to the advanced manufacturing industry,” he said, pointing out that the program has played in role in investments by companies like TSMC and Amkor, in addition to the LG project in Queen Creek. “Modernization is now a necessity to continue to be the number one destination for advanced manufacturing in the United States.”

By modernizing the distribution cap while maintaining strong accountability measures, HB 4026 ensures that Arizona has the policy tools to remain competitive in the race to onshore advanced manufacturing.

The bill now advances to the Rules Committee and to reviews by each party’s caucus and then to a vote of the full House. Assuming passage, the bill will repeat the process in the state Senate in the coming weeks.

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Arizona is welcoming back a powerhouse in commercial real estate and public policy leadership.

Cheryl Lombard, a well-known figure in both state and national policy circles, has been named the new CEO of NAIOP Arizona, the state’s leading organization for commercial real estate development and advocacy. According to NAIOP’s announcement last Thursday, Lombard will officially take the helm on September 1, 2025.

The move marks a homecoming for Lombard, who previously served as president and CEO of Valley Partnership. During her tenure, she became a key voice in shaping Arizona’s water, transportation, and land use policy—building coalitions, influencing legislation, and navigating high-stakes regulatory debates. Her return is seen as a major win for the Grand Canyon State’s commercial real estate industry and the broader business community.

“I’m thrilled to return to Arizona and lead NAIOP at such a pivotal time for our state,” Lombard said. “As Arizona experiences dynamic growth and change, it’s critical that our industry not only has a seat at the table—but leads the conversation—on key issues like energy, water, and permitting. NAIOP Arizona has built a strong reputation for advocacy and impact, and I look forward to expanding that influence, strengthening our presence across all levels of government, and advancing policies that drive Arizona’s economic success.”

Lombard most recently served as senior program director for power, infrastructure, and minerals at ClearPath, a Washington, D.C.-based energy think tank. There, she led major policy work around clean energy, transmission, and permitting reform—placing her at the forefront of national conversations about growth, innovation, and climate strategy.

Her leadership now returns to Arizona, as NAIOP prepares to expand its influence and sharpen its mission amid rapid commercial growth across the state.

NAIOP Arizona represents more than 1,100 members across office, industrial, multifamily, retail, and mixed-use development. The organization has played a critical role in shaping legislation and advancing priorities from construction defect reform to EPA compliance and infrastructure investment.

“On behalf of the board of directors, staff, membership, and our sponsors, we could not be more thrilled to welcome Cheryl to lead NAIOPAZ,” said Phil Breidenbach, board chair and senior executive vice president at Colliers. “Cheryl’s experience, energy, and passion for key issues impacting commercial real estate align strongly with NAIOPAZ’s mission and the goals of our members. Her leadership is what NAIOP needs to advance our chapter, our sponsors’ agendas, and our industry as a whole.”

As CEO, Lombard will lead the chapter’s long-range strategic plan, expand sponsorship engagement, and serve as NAIOP Arizona’s primary liaison with business leaders, policymakers, and economic development groups.

She succeeds Suzanne Kinney, who helped elevate the organization’s visibility and reach over the past several years.

“Suzanne Kinney has been a tremendous leader for Arizona’s business community and a valued voice on the Chamber’s board of directors. Her steady hand and strategic vision helped elevate NAIOP Arizona during a period of major growth and policy challenges,” said Danny Seiden, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “We’re thrilled to welcome Cheryl Lombard back to Arizona. Her deep expertise and policy acumen make her the ideal person to carry NAIOP’s momentum forward and help drive Arizona’s continued economic success.”

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This column by Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden originally .

Arizona has an important choice to make when it comes to growth: We can try to stop it, or we can plan wisely for it and ensure that it positions the state for a prosperous future.

BNSF Railway is choosing the smarter path: preparing thoughtfully for growth and helping position Arizona for a brighter tomorrow. Building on the legacy of its predecessor, the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe — whose tracks helped transform Arizona in the late 1800s — BNSF is looking ahead to help ensure the state’s continued economic strength.

BNSF is working to develop a state-of-the-art freight rail facility in northwest Maricopa County near Phoenix. When complete, Logistics Park Phoenix (LPP) will add critical rail capacity, supporting Arizona’s growth and prosperity by efficiently processing and delivering the goods families and businesses use every day.

The new $3.2 billion, 4,320-acre facility will feature a rail-served intermodal terminal, logistics center and logistics park. It will facilitate the transportation, storage and distribution of goods throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area and the broader Southwest region. Integrating with BNSF’s extensive 32,500-mile freight rail network, this facility will connect the region to the global marketplace and strengthen the supply chain, while maximizing use of rail, the most environmentally efficient way to move goods.

The benefits are significant: LPP is expected to create 76,000 direct and indirect jobs, generate nearly $4 billion in labor income, and contribute $258 million annually in tax revenue to support Maricopa County schools, community colleges, flood control management and other local initiatives.

This is undeniably good news. Unfortunately, not everyone sees it that way.

Somehow even economic development and job creation have become controversial.

But no economy has ever gotten stronger by rejecting growth.

If we slam the brakes on new capital and future-focused investment, we’ll lose jobs. People will stop coming. Our population will shrink. Our economy will stagnate. Achieving the president’s goal of building a resilient domestic manufacturing supply chain will become more difficult.

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry believes that strong and modern infrastructure is essential to a healthy economy. Equally critical is Arizona’s ability to attract and develop businesses in diverse industry sectors. We support policies that improve Arizona’s economic vitality, retain existing businesses, and spur new business growth and job creation.

The Chamber strongly supports planning efforts that will enhance the efficiency and convenience with which goods and people are moved through the state. This includes supporting rail projects such as Logistics Park Phoenix.

Arizona’s success stems from its embrace of opportunity, innovation and responsible growth.

We can’t let critics divert attention from what’s working. Arizona’s progress isn’t a problem to solve — it’s a model of how pro-growth policies drive broad-based success. Shutting out new jobs and residents won’t protect what makes Arizona unique; it will weaken it.

Choosing stagnation over progress risks undoing the vibrant state we’ve created and turning it into the kind of place people and investment flee. Let’s make the right choice and plan for Arizona’s future.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

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Two bills that are of critical importance to the state’s energy infrastructure and the maintenance of competitive rates are on their way to Gov. Katie Hobbs. 

Wildfire mitigation 

Sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin (R-Hereford), HB 2201 would require Arizona utility companies to submit detailed wildfire mitigation plans to the state forrester and governing body every two years. These plans must include vegetation management strategies, power line safety measures, and coordination with fire and land agencies.  

The goal is to enhance fire prevention while also defining utility liability. Arizona Public Service (APS), which already spends around $110 million annually on wildfire prevention, testified in support of the bill as it made its way through the committee process, emphasizing its proactive efforts like maintaining fire-access corridors. 

Securitization 

Backed by the Arizona Chamber and a coalition of business leaders, HB 2679 would authorize the Arizona Corporation Commission to allow utility companies to use securitization — a financing tool already used in over 30 states.  

A letter to state senators from a coalition of dozens of the state’s leading business organizations argued the bill would promote greater reliability and lower consumer costs. 

“Securitization is not a new solution—it’s a proven concept that has been successfully implemented in 33 other states. As our state continues to grow under your leadership, it is essential that we embrace forward thinking utility policies that support economic vitality, reliability, and affordability,”. 

This mechanism lets utilities recover extraordinary one-time costs (like wildfire damage or plant retirements) by issuing low-interest bonds rather than imposing immediate rate hikes on consumers. The bill ensures utilities cannot profit from these costs, directing the savings to customers and promoting long-term bill stability. 

The business community view 

“We’re grateful to Rep. Griffin for her leadership and to the Legislature for passing these two bills with strong, bipartisan support,” Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry Executive Vice President Courtney Coolidge said. “These bills will protect ratepayers against wild swings in rates and send a strong message that our state will work to preserve reliable service for businesses and homeowners. We’re hopeful Gov. Hobbs will sign them both into law.”

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A new logistics park planned for northwest Maricopa County is anticipated to create a multi-billion-dollar positive economic impact for the region once it’s approved by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.

Valued at $3.2 billion, the LPP project is expected to generate more than $3.9 billion in economic output during construction, creating more than 26,400 jobs and adding approximately $1.4 billion in labor income. State and local tax revenues from the construction phase alone are estimated to top $189.5 million, funding public services, infrastructure improvements, and community development.

Once operational, the logistics hub will continue to drive growth, supporting over 50,000 jobs annually and producing $2.5 billion in labor income each year. The long-term outlook includes $245.6 million in yearly state and local tax revenues, providing substantial fiscal support to Maricopa County, local municipalities, school districts, colleges, fire and medical services, and more.

“New jobs, new tax revenues for essential services, and a stronger regional economy. This is the type of project that states around the country fight for,” Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “A logistics hub of this scale not only is an impressive contributor to Maricopa County and the Northwest Valley’s economic assets, but it’s a tremendous job creator. We’d encourage supervisors to approve the project as soon as possible.”

What Is the Logistics Park Phoenix?

 The LPP is a master-planned, 4,320-acre freight facility that will integrate three major components:

• Intermodal Facility (IMF) – 1,770 acres for domestic intermodal container movement

• Logistics Center – 1,131 acres of rail-served customer facilities

• Logistics Park – 1,420 acres of adjacent warehousing and distribution space

These interconnected elements will allow businesses to efficiently process, transfer, store, and distribute goods throughout the Phoenix metro area and across the broader Southwest. The LPP will be located along existing BNSF railroad tracks near US-60 and will tie into the railway’s 32,500-mile national freight rail network, which advocates say will link Arizona to the global marketplace.

The location

The LPP will be situated just northwest of Phoenix, bounded by 211th Avenue, State Route 74, 235th Avenue, and US-60/Grand Avenue. The company chose the site to serve the industrial and commercial needs of the Phoenix area and to ease pressure on existing transportation infrastructure.

The facility will feature internal roadways that will allow goods to be transported between the intermodal terminal, warehouses, and logistics facilities without needing to hit public roads. 

The timeline and process 

Construction is slated to begin in late 2025 or early 2026, with the first phase of operations opening in 2028. That initial phase will include:

• 1 million square feet of warehousing

• 223,000 annual container lifts at the intermodal facility

• 2,400-square-foot truck terminal

• 25,000-square-foot general office space

By 2033, the project will ramp up to 11.5 million square feet of warehousing and 330,900 annual lifts. Full buildout by 2050 will feature:

• 18 million square feet of warehouse space

• 539,800 container lifts per year

• 20,000-square-foot truck terminal

Arizona Manufacturers Council Executive Director Grace Appelbe says Logistics Park Phoenix is good news for area manufacturers. 

“Our area’s manufacturing sector is growing so fast that we need to enhance our logistics infrastructure and freight mobility to maintain our momentum,” she said. “The LPP ensures we’ll have the means to get inputs into our market and finished products on their way to customers with fewer costly delays. It’s a modern logistics hub for today’s advanced supply chain.” 

Environmental benefits

The facility will be serviced by BNSF’s newer, cleaner-burning locomotive fleet, which Appelbe said her members support.

“We all know that economic development in Maricopa County is occurring against a backdrop of concerns over environmental regulations that could severely crimp our ability to attract jobs,” she said. “We’re making excellent progress with the EPA to recognize that some emissions are beyond our control, but we should still demonstrate that manufacturers and job creators will continue to look for opportunities to reduce emissions where possible.”

Photo courtesy����

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This column by the Arizona Chamber’s Danny Seiden and AzLTA’s Kim Grace Sabow originally��.

An out-of-state labor-affiliated group has cast a shadow over the Valley’s economic development future. Voters and elected officials can help clear things up.

An example is Glendale City Council’s recent approval of zoning for a 39-acre site on the west side of Loop 101 across from State Farm Stadium, which is set to feature a mix of multifamily housing, retail and hotels. It’s the type of development cities typically welcome. They create jobs, generate tax revenues and generally improve a community’s quality of life thanks to new amenities.

Worker Power, the Los Angeles-based political arm of the hospitality union UniteHere, opposes the zoning approval and is poised to thwart development at the site. A representative was at the April 22 Council meeting to express the group’s opposition, specifically calling out the inclusion of a hotel in the development.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the group attempting to throttle development across the Valley. Worker Power was a significant player in forcing a referendum on the Axon corporate campus in Scottsdale, a development also anticipated to include a hotel. A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs stepped in to ensure the project could proceed.

The group testified at the state Legislature earlier this session in opposition to legislation that would keep the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field in downtown Phoenix. It opposed the Tempe development that would have been home to the Arizona Coyotes and, perhaps not surprisingly, a hotel.

It was also behind last year’s Proposition 499, a measure that would have devastated Glendale’s tourism industry with new wage mandates, caps on hotel and event venue employees’ productivity, and the threat of stiff penalties. The motivation behind the proposal was made clear by a provision that would have exempted employers from the ordinance if the employer unionized their workplace. Voters wisely rejected the proposition by a wide margin.

Worker Power apparently hasn’t gotten the message that its narrow political agenda isn’t welcome in Glendale, hence its opposition to the 39-acre site approved in April, and its campaign against the VAI Resort near the 101 and Cardinals Way.

As it did in Scottsdale, the group forced a referendum on the zoning for a parcel of land adjacent to the new resort. The 10-acre dirt lot will feature an employee office building and parking lot. Before unanimously approving the parcel’s zoning and its inclusion in the resort’s overall plan, the City Council conducted regular public reviews and sought feedback from neighbors.

Despite support from citizens and the council’s unanimous approval, Glendale must hold a special election for voters to affirm or reject the council decision. Regardless of the election’s outcome, Worker Power’s actions threaten our cities’ economic development strategy. Must every routine hotel zoning decision first be validated by a California labor union?

We have two recommendations:

• In the near-term, voters should vote “yes” on Props 401 and 402 to uphold the council’s unanimous approval of the VAI Resort parcel’s zoning. Not only will it allow the project and the more than 2,000 jobs it will create to move forward, but it will once again send a clear message that Worker Power should pack its bags and head back to California.
  
• In the long term, we would urge state lawmakers and city leaders to work together to put a stop to the hijacking of the zoning process and the chilling of economic development. Developers won’t risk their capital if an expensive and drawn-out election campaign is going to be required even after a council gives the OK.

There’s too much doubt hanging over future development in Glendale and other Valley cities. It will be up to voters and elected officials to decide whether out-of-state labor unions will hold a veto over our ability to attract new jobs.

Danny Seiden is president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Kim Grace Sabow is president and CEO of the Arizona Lodging & Tourism Association.

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Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) announced that the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative has successfully connected nearly 3,000 Arizonans with apprenticeship opportunities in the construction industry. The announcement also included the release of more than $1 million in new grants to expand training programs and the launch of the largest round of BuildItAZ funding to date.

The BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative was launched in 2023 to address the growing demand for skilled construction workers. Arizona is projected to need an additional 20,000 construction workers by 2030, according to Talent Ready AZ. Since the initiative’s start, the number of active construction and trades registered apprentices in Arizona has grown from 4,350 to 7,252, with the goal of reaching 8,700 by the end of 2026.

“Together, with industry-led registered apprenticeship programs, we’ve expanded capacity of high-quality programs with state workforce development funding and connected thousands of Arizonans with earn-while-you-learn career pathways that are jobs from day one with competitive wages, and a nationally recognized credential,” OEO Director Carlos Contreras said. “Next, we plan to meet the critical 2026 goal by continuing to invest in apprenticeship capacity and launching a new outreach campaign to reach and inspire the builders across the state who could be future carpenters, laborers, electricians, superintendents and pipefitters.”

The newly announced grants will support seven construction and trades registered apprenticeship programs across the state. The second-round grant recipients are:

• Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors of America, Inc. Apprenticeship Trust Fund

• Boilermakers Local 627

• Laborer’s Training School and Retraining Trust Fund

• Phoenix Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee

• Sundt Construction

• Tucson Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program

• Western Electrical Contractors Association Inc.

Funding from the BuildItAZ initiative, including the $650,000 awarded in the first round last year, focuses on recruiting and retaining apprentices. It supports wrap-around services such as childcare and transportation assistance, program tuition, tools, boots, textbooks, and essential training equipment. These resources aim to eliminate barriers to employment and expand capacity in existing apprenticeship programs.

“Tucson Electrical Apprenticeship currently serves 175 active apprentices across Pima County, Cochise County, Greenlee County, Yuma County, Graham County, Pinal County and even as far as west of La Paz County,” said Tucson Electrical Apprenticeship Training Director Karen King. “The apprenticeship program is committed to creating pathways to enter the skilled trades. With the rapid growth of the construction sector in Arizona, this expansion is essential to fill the workforce gap and ensure the supply of qualified electricians in the state.”

In addition to the grant awards, Hobbs announced a third round of BuildItAZ funding totaling $3 million—the initiative’s largest single investment yet. This funding is intended to further the state’s commitment to growing a strong, industry-led construction workforce.

“This BuildItAZ grant is a significant enhancement for Sundt’s workforce development initiatives in Arizona,” said Sundt Construction Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Nicole Calamaio. “These funds will expand apprenticeship opportunities, empower more women to enter the construction industry, and provide Spanish-speaking residents in Maricopa County with accessible training and career pathways. This investment strengthens our commitment to build a diverse, skilled workforce that reflects the communities we serve.”

This spring, OEO will also launch a BuildItAZ multimedia outreach campaign designed to inspire more Arizonans, especially women, to pursue careers in construction. The campaign will use digital media and community engagement to promote construction as a stable, well-paying career path and to increase participation in apprenticeship programs.

BuildItAZ is funded by workforce grants through the Office of Economic Opportunity. For more information about the initiative visit BuildItAZ.az.gov

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Recognizing the critical need for internet access, dozens of community and business leaders gathered today in Flagstaff to mark the start of construction on a transformative broadband infrastructure project.

“Conquering the digital divide is a priority for the Flagstaff City Council and this project is a game-changer for our community,” Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said. “With this Wecom partnership and the delivery of quality fiber broadband to dozens of high-traffic, public facilities, we are pleased to take a giant step toward our objective to bring the Internet within reach of every Flagstaff resident.”

The initiative, led by Kingman-based Wecom Fiber, aims to bring high-speed fiber broadband to public facilities and businesses throughout nearly all of Flagstaff. A regional leader in fiber-to-the-premises and fixed-wireless technologies, Wecom was unanimously selected by the Flagstaff City Council last year to deliver multi-gigabit service to 34 city-owned facilities. These include City Hall, public libraries, fire stations, the Flagstaff Recreation Center, and the Flagstaff Aquaplex, which hosted today’s groundbreaking ceremony.

The public-private partnership represents a $5 million investment, with Wecom contributing $3 million and the City of Flagstaff allocating a $2 million grant to support the effort.

“Wecom is thrilled to begin work on this project to deliver Flagstaff residents the fastest and most reliable fiber broadband Internet on the market,” said Wecom CEO Paul Fleming. “We thank Mayor Daggett and the Flagstaff City Council for partnering with us on this effort to eliminate the digital divide by bringing lightning-fast, affordable fiber broadband to Flagstaff residents, businesses and City facilities.

In a separate but complementary undertaking, Wecom is constructing a 1.1 million-foot fiber broadband network across the city. Fully funded by private investment—approximately $40 million—the network will bring next-generation internet access to nearly every home and business in Flagstaff.

The first customers are expected to be connected as early as this summer, with full citywide deployment projected within three years.

“Fast, reliable fiber Internet access is an economic imperative and necessity for Flagstaff entrepreneurs, job-seekers and business owners,” Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Julie Pastrick said. “The Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce applauds Mayor Daggett, City Council and Wecom for this innovative collaboration. It’s been a long time coming, and the first customers to come online this summer should be very excited!”

Beyond Flagstaff, Wecom continues to expand its broadband footprint through partnerships in Coconino, Yavapai, Mohave, Pinal, and La Paz counties—advancing digital connectivity throughout northern and central Arizona.

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During a visit to Utah, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin announced the agency’s decision to rescind its prior Guidance on the Preparation of Clean Air Act Section (CAA) 179B Demonstrations for Nonattainment Areas Affected by International Transport of Emissions.

The withdrawn guidance had been criticized by state business leaders and local governments for making it overly burdensome for states to prove that air pollution originating from outside the United States was contributing to local air quality problems. With the guidance no longer in effect, the EPA plans to partner with state and local air agencies to help develop the evidence needed to grant regulatory relief under Section 179B of the Clean Air Act.

“This is the right move by the EPA. It delivers regulatory certainty and ensures that areas like Maricopa County can continue to grow economically,” Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “Sanctions shouldn’t be slapped on entire regions for air quality problems that are completely beyond their control. Arizona job creators appreciate EPA and Administrator Zeldin’s willingness to work with the business community to find common ground.”

This move follows Administrator Zeldin’s recent trip to Arizona, where concerns about cross-border pollution were raised as a top priority by both local government leaders and the business community. In response, the agency has also removed the guidance from its website to prevent further confusion.

In a related development, the EPA agreed on March 5, 2025, to reconsider its earlier finding that Utah’s Northern Wasatch Front failed to attain the 2015 Ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards by the deadline, a decision that had led to the area’s reclassification from “Moderate” to “Serious” nonattainment. The reconsideration will include a fresh review of Utah’s claims about the impact of international air emissions on its air quality.

“Americans should not be harmed by other countries that do not have the same environmental standards we have in the United States,” said Administrator Zeldin. “Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction. Not only are we eliminating cumbersome red tape that placed excessive burden on states to prove emissions were from an international source, but we are also helping states across our nation prosper while ensuring they continue to provide clean air for their residents.”

The announcement is part of Administrator Zeldin’s broader Powering the Great American Comeback initiative, which emphasizes cooperative federalism and a renewed commitment to working collaboratively with states to fulfill environmental goals.

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