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CSA Weekly Update (02.13.2026)

  • Feb 13
  • 6 min read

In the February 13th, 2026, edition of the CSA Weekly Update

Celebrating Service to County Government: Thank you Sam Elters, Mohave County Manager!

On Friday, February 13th, the County Managers and Administrators Association honored retiring Mohave County Manager Sam Elters with a plaque commemorating his 6 years of outstanding service as a County Manager. Mr. Elters has had a tremendous career in both the private and public sector. His fellow Managers and Administrators noted that he was always a kind and supportive presence at any CMA event, and that they were grateful for his years of service and continued support of not only his county but all counties through CMA. Mr. Elters will continue to serve the state on the Arizona Department of Transportation.


Please join us in thanking Sam Elters for his incredible service to county governments!


Local Government Collaboration: County Managers and Administrators Meeting in Phoenix 

On February 13th, 2026, the Association hosted the Second County Managers meeting of 2026, The meeting included a productive round-table discussion about issues facing counties across the state, updates on the Association’s legislative and budget priorities, and presentations of county research priorities. County Managers also discussed the procurement study conducted in partnership with CSA, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, the Arizona Board of Regents, and Arizona State University. Finally, Managers and Administrators received a breakdown of the FY 2027 Executive budget that was released last month.


Arizona Celebrates 114th Anniversary!

On Saturday, February 14th, Arizona is turning 114 years old! Arizona was founded on February 14th, 1912, as the 48th state to join the Union. The story of Arizona is one of resilience, innovation, and determination to create a state where anyone is welcome.

Please join us in celebrating the 114th birthday of our great state!


Celebrating Statehood: Arizona Constitution Fun Facts!

As we celebrate Arizona’s statehood, we are launching a new series called “From Statehood Forward: Exploring Arizona’s Foundations” that takes a closer look at key moments and defining features in our state’s history. In this series, we will explore the foundations that shaped Arizona’s government and identity, moving chronologically from the state’s territorial era.


This week’s segment introduces one of the most powerful and distinctive elements of our state constitution, the Power of Initiative: a reform that gave citizens a direct voice in lawmaking and set the tone for Arizona’s commitment to democracy.


Power of Initiative:

  • Article 4, Section 1: Legislative authority; initiative and referendum

    • Proposed in 1912, The initiative power allows citizens to bypass the state legislature entirely by gathering signatures to propose new laws or constitutional amendments directly to the voters.

    • The men who wrote the Arizona Constitution in 1910, led by George W.P. Hunt (who later became the first governor), were part of the Progressive Movement at the time, concerned about the influence of corporate interests.

    • It wasn't intended as a primary means to make laws, but as a way of getting around legislative inaction.

Counties and Statehood: County Founding Dates

Since its territorial days, Arizona has had counties serving constituents with local services. To honor the counties’ part of Arizona’s history, please find the dates each county was founded below!  


County Storytellers: Maricopa's Bark Rangers!

This week's County Storytellers highlights a new outreach program spearheaded by Maricopa County: Bark Rangers! The County is engaging with their Animal Care and Control team to use dogs in their care as "Bark Rangers" to talk about safety in parks and on hiking trails. If you would like to see some cute dogs and learn more about Maricopa County parks and trails, please check out the Bark Rangers website here!



New CSA Podcast Episode: Fixing the Calendar - County Priority First Bill Signed in 2026 ft. Jen Marson

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.


CSA at the Legislature: CSA Staff Testimony

As the legislative session pushes forward, CSA staff are engaging with the Legislature through meetings with members, communicating with staff, and testifying before committees on issues of importance to county governments.


Association staff and County Supervisors testified on the following bills:  


  • SB 1547: Alternative fuel tax (Farnsworth) (text)

  • HB 2456: Small modular reactors; zoning; co-location (Wilmeth) (text)

  • HB 4030: Rates; fees; taxes; increase; moratorium (Olson) (text)

  • SB 1504: PSPRS; service requirement; cost-of-living adjustment (Gowan) (text)

  • SB 1241: Municipalities; counties; private permitting providers (Bolick) (text)

  • SB 1419: Solar energy; inspection; contractors (Carroll) (text)

  • SB 1418: Corporation commission; small modular reactors (Carroll) (text)


Committee Meetings: February 16 – 20, 2026

Please find the full calendar of committees linked here as well as all live proceedings linked here. Committees subject to change.   

Session Timeline: Important dates and Deadlines

This week, the Legislature wrapped up the introduction of bills, meaning the final number of bills introduced for the session is nearing. Next week will be the final week for bills in their chamber of origin – aside from the final appropriation committees which will occur the following week – and the agendas for committees will be incredibly long. As we get closer to crossover week, members and stakeholder groups alike are looking to get their bills through the first chamber.


As the 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session progresses, the Association will continue to provide updates on important deadlines as they pass. Please find additional deadlines linked here as well as listed below:



Lifelong Learning: Upcoming NACo Webinars


2026 NACo Legislative Conference

Feb. 21-24, 2026 


The NACo Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that matter most to county governments.

Attendees will experience timely, high-impact policy sessions and will interact with executive branch officials, members of Congress and their staff. Read below for highlights from the conference and click here to explore NACo's upcoming events.

 

Location: Washington, D.C.


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