2026 Buckeye Legislative Priorities Presentation_FINAL.pptx

City of Buckeye — Regular Council Meeting (2026-01-06)

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Legislative
Priorities
January 6, 2026

Government Affairs
The Government Affairs 
Division serves as 
Buckeye’s designated 
liaison to the State 
Legislature, advocating 
for policies that 
support the city’s 
strategic plan and 
ensuring that we are 
represented in critical 
policy discussions

Government Affairs
We work in collaboration with governmental and non-
governmental stakeholders to advocate on behalf of the city 
on transportation, housing, water, transit, economic 
development and protecting Luke Air Force base

2025 Legislative Session
Bills & Resolutions Introduced: 
1,854
Bills Signed: 265
Bills Vetoed: 174
On Friday, June 27, the First Regular Session of the 
57th Arizona Legislature came to an end after 166
days

2025 legislative Session
Ag-to-Urban Conversion Program
I-10 Funding
Municipal
Tax
Authority
Preserved
Starter Home Legislation Defeated
Sober Living Home Licensing

2026 Legislative Session
2nd Regular Session of the 57th Arizona Legislature 
convenes on 
Monday, January 12, 2026 
Senate: 17 Republicans, 13
Democrats 
House:  33 Republicans, 27
Democrats

Legislative District 23
Senator
Brian Fernandez
Representative
Michele Peña
Representative
Mariana Sandoval

Legislative District 25
Senator
Tim Dunn
Majority Leader
Michael Carbone
Representative
Nick Kupper

Legislative Themes
HR1 (OBBBA) Conformity
Budget Deficit 
Colorado River 
Consultation
Rural Ground Water 
Data Centers
Short Term Rentals
Proposition 123
Housing
Transportation

2026 Legislative Priorities
Buckeye is committed to transparent and fiscally 
responsible governance that provides a SAFE and 
SUSTAINABLE QUALITY OF LIFE for our residents 
while PRESERVING LOCAL DECISION-MAKING 
AUTHORITY

2026 Legislative Priorities
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY 
Implement innovative, responsible policies and business-friendly practices by:
SUPPORTING local authority to adopt diverse revenue sources that meet community needs
OPPOSING unfunded mandates or legislation that reduces local revenue sources
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND HOUSING
Seek high-quality development that supports economic sustainability and fosters growth by:
SUPPORTING innovative water management policies that respect local authority 
SUPPORTING economic development tools and tax credits
SUPPORTING innovative, community-driven housing solutions
OPPOSING legislation that preempts the city’s zoning, building, fire code or design-review 
authority
INNOVATIVE AND HIGH-PERFORMING ORGANIZATION
Provide outstanding service to residents and exceptional value for their tax dollars by:
SUPPORTING clear, timely and effective legislation that respects municipal authority 
unnecessary, costly or redundant requirements that place undue burdens on city staff.

2026 Legislative Priorities
SAFE COMMUNITY
Protecting the community and maintaining safe neighborhoods by:
SUPPORTING funding for pay, training and equipment for first responders
SUPPORTING Wildland-Urban Interface mitigation and Firewise programs 
SUPPORTING efforts to streamline the Certificate of Necessity process
ADVOCATING for increased funding of 9-1-1 emergency response systems
PROTECTING the long-term viability of the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System 
OPPOSING reductions in public safety funding
OPPOSING legislation that limits local authority to establish public safety service levels and 
policies
WATER AND TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE
Deliver infrastructure that supports quality of life and economic vitality by:
SUPPORTING Colorado River operating guidelines that ensure durable and equitable operations 
SUPPORTING and protecting state funding to widen I-10 from Citrus Road to SR-85
SUPPORTING the State Aviation Fund and programs that strengthen and expand Buckeye Municipal 
Airport
OPPOSING efforts to limit local authority over transportation decisions or the management of 
roadways

2026 Legislative Priorities
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE
Protecting the community and maintaining safe neighborhoods by:
ENSURING compatible land uses that prevent encroachment around the base
SUPPORTING legislation and policies that strengthen protections for Luke Air Force Base
FEDERAL PARTNERSHIPS
Collaborate with federal agencies to advance critical infrastructure, water security and 
community resilience by:
PURSUING federal funding for city infrastructure through grants and appropriations
COLLABORATING with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on water infrastructure and development 
initiatives
PARTNERING with the Federal Aviation Administration to accelerate critical improvements at 
Buckeye Municipal Airport through the Airport Improvement Program and the Federal Contract 
Tower program

2026 Legislative Priorities
Keep Mayor and 
Council INFORMED
and work 
COLLABORATIVELY to 
advocate for 
policies that 
advance our 
strategic goals and 
priorities

Questions or Complements