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CSA Weekly Update (04.17.2026)

  • Apr 17
  • 8 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

In the April 17th, 2026, edition of the CSA Weekly Update:


April CSA Board of Directors Meeting


On Thursday, February 19th, county supervisors met in Phoenix for the April County Supervisors Association Board of Directors meeting. The agenda included elections for the National Association of Counties Board of Directors representative as well as two NACo Western Interstate Region Board of Directors representatives. The Board elected Santa Cruz County Supervisor Rudy Molera to the NACo Board of Directors Position and elected Gila County Supervisor Woody Cline and Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman to the NACo Western Interstate Region Board of Directors. Members also officially endorsed Steve Peru - a nominee to the Arizona Board of Regents and former Coconino County Manager - and commended him for his service to counties and the state. Association leadership also recognized Angel Gutierrez, CSA's 22nd intern, highlighting his contributions to the Associations legislative, research, and communication priorities this legislative session.


The meeting continued with a staff legislative report, additional discussion on public safety member trends through FY 2025, and a federal update. Staff also provided an overview of NACo’s National County Government Month in April 2026 and the “We Are Counties” campaign, including efforts to highlight Arizona’s counties, supported by a proclamation issued by the Governor. The meeting concluded with reports from the County Managers Association and County Caucus updates.


Rural Leadership Meets in Phoenix: April Small County Caucus


On Wednesday, April 15th, the Small County Caucus convened with special guests Senators Gowen and Shamp and Representatives Griffin and Diaz in attendance, demonstrating the cooperation between count supervisors and state leaders for the benefit of Arizona’s rural communities. The legislators provided updates on the bills they have introduced, outlining their progress through the legislative process and offering insight into how those measures are advancing. A roundtable discussion followed, highlighting key issues impacting small counties, including county development, improvements to transportation routes serving mining operations, and considerations related to sulfuric acid use and regulation.


A Focus on Forestry: Medium County Caucus Meeting  


On Thursday, April 16th, the Medium County Caucus met in Phoenix. The meeting began by thanking the Sun Corridor Trail Alliance for their previous presentation and a shared emphasis on pursuing actionable change. Members discussed key concerns across their counties, including communication on priority items with Arizona Game and Fish and the National Forest Service, strong public turnout at a recent county road meeting, and the growing strain on fire districts as expenses outpace revenues. The caucus also reviewed the policy roadmap and priorities for the upcoming CSA Summit, followed by a round-robin discussion focused on advancing resolutions related to lake restoration, permit reform, opportunity zones, and issues such as wildcat subdivisions and lot splits. The meeting concluded with plans for a summer online session and adjustments to the agenda structure for future meetings.


County Leaders Meets with Senate President


On Thursday, April 16th, Navajo County Supervisor Jason Whiting and Maricopa County Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee met with Senate President Warren Petersen to discuss important county budget priorities. Thank you, President Petersen, for meeting with county leadership and your collaboration with county governments!


CSA Learning Series: Arizona Department of Water Resources Presentation


On Thursday, April 16th, Clint Chandler - Deputy Director from the Arizona Department of Water Resources - presented to supervisors and county professional staff as part of the CSA Learning Series, providing a high-level overview of Arizona’s water management. The presentation covered statewide water use, the agency’s role in managing supply, and ongoing coordination along the Colorado River, including declining reservoir levels at Lake Mead. Deputy Director Chandler also highlighted groundwater management efforts, challenges in rural basins, and the importance of long-term planning to sustain Arizona’s water future.



To view the ADWR presentation, please click the pdf below:


We Are Counties: Highlighting Important County Programs


CSA is partnering with AACo and NACo in the We are Counties campaign to highlight the vital work that counties do for Arizonans.

To support this effort, we've created a number of resources to highlight all of the lines of business counties are in to support Arizona including:

Records, Elections & Services

Infrastructure

Health & Human Services

Public Safety

Public Land Stewardship



As a part of that campaign, join us in celebrating County Government Month in April to share all of the essential services that counties provide. This week, we are highlighting important county programs for health and human services and records, fiscal responsibility, elections and services!


CSA Podcast: Counties and the Long Term Care System


This week on Creatures of Statute, we examine the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) — one of the most significant cost drivers in county budgets. 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. You can access our podcast by clicking here.

 

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.



April Financial Advisory Committee: Updated State Fiscal Outlook


This week, the state’s Finance Advisory Committee (FAC) convened to review the April General Fund revenue forecast, providing updated projections through FY 2029. While the state continues to project positive revenue growth, the outlook has become more constrained compared to the January forecast, reflecting moderating economic conditions and increased uncertainty. Current estimates project 3.4% net revenue growth in both FY 2026 and FY 2027, slightly below the 3.6% growth projected in January. 


Projected cash balances have also narrowed over the budget window. Under the January forecast, the state anticipated approximately $577 million in discretionary spending available; however, the April forecast reduces available spending capacity to $378 million, with the lowest ending balance occurring in FY 2028. As the lowest ending balance effectively determines the ceiling for new ongoing commitments, this updated projection significantly limits the state’s capacity to take on additional spending while maintaining structural balance. 

 


However, the forecast does not fully account for several significant fiscal pressures. Under either the January or April projections, the state faces challenges in addressing major budget priorities. For example, tax conformity is estimated to cost approximately $440 million in the current year, exceeding available ongoing resources under the April outlook. In addition, several ongoing funding needs remain unresolved, including a $195 million state employee health insurance subsidy and $183 million for school facility repairs. These obligations continue to place structural pressure on the General Fund and constrain budget flexibility moving forward. 


Economists also provided a broader economic outlook, noting that while growth is expected to continue, it is likely to moderate in the near term. Inflation has declined from its 2022 peak but remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, with continued pressure from rising food and energy costs weighing on consumer sentiment. Arizona’s labor market has softened, with slower job growth driven primarily by reduced hiring activity, resulting in a “low hire, low fire” environment. Job gains have been concentrated in sectors such as healthcare and private education. 


Panelists also highlighted several short-term risks to the economic outlook, including geopolitical uncertainty, particularly ongoing conflict in the Middle East and its potential impact on oil and gas prices, as well as uncertainty surrounding federal economic policy and tariffs, which may dampen business investment and hiring. Additional risks include potential constraints on labor supply and ongoing resource challenges, including reductions in CAP water supplies. Despite these headwinds, Arizona continues to experience steady population growth, and inflation in the Phoenix area remains below the national average, though elevated housing costs continue to present affordability challenges.  


For more information, you may access the April FAC meeting book here. 

Where to Watch: Upcoming Live Proceedings


The Legislative Session has reached a critical point in the session timeline. Committees are no longer meeting as last Tuesday. As such, any action taken from this point forward will be on the floor, in Rules, or in Caucus. These agendas typically are not released until the day before, so predictability becomes more difficult. As such, rather than updating on the next week's action, we will be updating you on where to find agendas as they become available.


To see the full legislative calendar, click here.


To see live proceedings, click here.


To see archived meetings, click here.

Session Timeline: Important Dates and Deadlines 


This week, the Governor issued a bill moratorium, meaning no bills sent to her by the legislature will be signed. This moratorium is contingent on the legislative majority sending a budget to her office. The Association will provide an update if the Legislature sends a budget to the Governor's desk in the coming weeks.


The 100th day of session will be next week on Tuesday, the 21st of April; however, with no budget in sight the legislature is not likely to sine die on the predicted date of Saturday, April 25th.


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:


NACo’s AI Leadership Academy


Lead Your County into the AI Future


The question isn't whether AI is coming to your county—it's how effectively you will lead the transition.


Join the next NACo AI Leadership Academy cohort starting May 11th. This program moves past the hype, giving you the practical tools to navigate risks and implement technology successfully.


Master the Pillars of Modern Leadership:

  • Innovation: Empower your staff to explore new technological frontiers.

  • Collaboration: Build cross-functional teams for seamless implementation.

  • Strategy: Align tech investments with your organization's specific needs.

  • Equity: Ensure new initiatives benefit all employees and residents.


Enrollment & Exclusive Discounts

Maximize your budget by enrolling your entire team.

  • Individual Price: $1,000

  • Team Discount: $750 per person (for groups of two or more)



Lifelong Learning: Upcoming NACo Webinars


Deploying EV Charging Infrastructure Without an RFP – A Procurement-Safe Path for Public Agencies

Tuesday, April 21, 2026; 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. EST


California public agencies are under increasing pressure to deploy EV charging infrastructure quickly—without compromising procurement compliance. We invite you to join a focused, 45-minute webinar hosted by Frank Huerta of LilyPad EV on either of these available dates:

  • Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. EST

  • Tuesday, July 14, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. EST

  • Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 2:00 p.m EST


Key Topics Covered:

  • The Challenge Facing California Public Agencies

  • A Procurement-Safe Solution: Cooperative Purchasing Through National Association of Counties (NACo)

  • Eligible public agencies may procure EV charging infrastructure through a competitively awarded cooperative contract—eliminating the need to issue a standalone RFP.

  • What Is Included Under the Contract? Go to: publicpromiseprocurement.org/lilypad

    • California-Specific Advantages

    • Utility coordination strategies

    • Support for port electrification and municipal fleet conversion


If your agency is evaluating EV infrastructure but facing procurement or timeline constraints, this webinar will provide a clear, compliant pathway forward.


While this webinar is designed to cover issues specific to public agencies in California, it is open to agencies nationwide.


To register, click here


NACo Policy Insider Webinar Series: Understanding the Federal Landscape for Counties, April 23

Thursday, April 23, 2026; 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. ET


This series will take place on Zoom Webinar. Please email nacomeetings@naco.org with any questions regarding registration or login issues.


To register, click here


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