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CSA Weekly Update (05.01.2026)

  • May 1
  • 6 min read

In the May 1st, 2026, edition of the CSA Weekly Update:

New District 7 Representative: Congratulations Sylvia Allen!


On Wednesday, April 28, the Navajo County Board of Supervisors voted to appoint Sylvia Allen as the new representative for Legislative District 7, following the resignation of former Representative David Marshall, who stepped down to serve as the Navajo County recorder.


The board selected Representative Allen because of her extensive public service, including her background as a former Navajo County Supervisor and State Senator. She will fill the vacancy and represent the largely rural district for the remainder of the term, through January.


“I love my district. I love rural Arizona, it’s in my DNA,” Allen said.



Recognizing CSA's 22nd Intern: Thank you Angel Gutierrez!


Today is the last day of the semester at Arizona State University, meaning it's our awesome intern's - Angel Gutierrez - last day in office. Angel has assisted staff with our weekly newsletter, data entry and management, and bill analysis and summaries! He has been an incredible addition to the team this semester, and we're very sad to see him go. However, we are also very excited to see what he does next! From here, Angel is headed to Washington D.C. to work on federal policy.


Thank you, Angel, for all your incredible work!


2027 Proposed Legislative Budget Report


This week, the Arizona House and Senate released their FY2027 budget proposal. Reporting indicates that the package was developed without coordination with Governor Hobbs’ office or the minority caucus, setting the stage for continued discussions in the weeks ahead.


The proposal outlines a $17.9 billion spending plan for FY2027, approximately $800 million below the Governor’s executive recommendation released in January. Key elements include alignment with the tax provisions in H.R. 1 for the current and future fiscal years, as well as a 5% reduction applied across most state agencies, excluding public safety.



Following its introduction on Monday, April 27, the budget bills were heard in a Joint Appropriations Committee made up of House and Senate members. The package advanced on a party-line vote, with all Democrats voting in opposition and Republicans supporting the measure.


The House took up the proposal again on Wednesday, April 28, advancing the bills through Committee of the Whole (COW) and third read, once again along party lines.



The proposal now awaits action in the Senate. If approved, it will move to the Governor’s office; however, current reporting suggests the package is unlikely to be signed in its present form. As a result, further negotiation and potential revisions are expected.


We will continue to monitor developments and keep counties informed as the budget process moves forward. For additional detail on county-related provisions included in the proposal, please refer to our summary document here.

Save the Date: CSA Annual Policy Summit


In October 2026, Supervisors from across the state will meet in Coconino County for the Annual CSA Policy Summit. The 61 county supervisors use this event to vote on the Association's 2027 legislative, budget, and research agendas. Registration details will be out soon. Looking forward to seeing you all there!




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


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.



CSA at the Legislature: CSA Staff Testimony


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


This week, staff testified on the following bills:


SB 1831/ HB 4138: 2026-2027; general appropriations act. (Farnsworth) (Text)


We're Back! 2026 Annual CSA Sine Die Guess


It's that time of year again: the session has officially passed its 100-day mark! However, the end is not yet in sight as budget negotiations are not yet concluded. With much work left to be done, it's left us wondering when the legislature will conclude its business for 2026.


If you'd like to dust off your legislative crystal ball, try your luck with the Annual CSA Sine Die Guess!


Last year's winner of the Annual CSA Sine Die Guess was Graham County Supervisor Paul David! The submitted guess was for June 20th, meaning Supervisor David was only off by 6 days!


The rules are as follows:

  • We'll only ask for your name, e-mail, and your guess so we can track who responds.

  • Only submit one response per person.

  • Answers will not be accepted after May 8th, so you have two weeks to submit your guess!

  • If two respondents pick the same day, the time will be the tiebreaker.

  • The individual who wins will get kudos in our weekly newsletter (we'll check with you first, otherwise we'll probably just say an anonymous winner, mention your county, and name 2nd place).


Please find the link to the Sine Die Guess form here: The Sine Die Guess #4 (Try and Guess the '26 Sine Die)

Session Timeline: Important Dates and Deadlines 


This week, the legislative majority introduced their budget proposal and debated the associated bills in a Joint Appropriations Committee. For more details on the majority budget, please see the previous article: 2027 Proposed Legislative Budget Report.


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:


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.

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


County Strategies to Support Mental Health and Wellbeing Across the Lifespan

Tuesday, May 5, 2026; 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET


Counties are on the front lines of supporting mental health and wellbeing—not only through clinical services, but by shaping the programs, partnerships and community conditions that help residents thrive. 


Join NACo and the Healthy Counties Innovation Council for a webinar exploring how counties are supporting mental health across the lifespan. This session will highlight practical, county-led approaches from Waukesha County, Wis., Clarendon County, S.C., and Boone County, Mo. 


Participants will gain insights into how counties can support mental health through both targeted services and broader community-based strategies. 


To register, click


Navigating Workforce System Consolidation: Policy Guidance for Local Leaders

Wednesday, May 6, 2026; 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET


The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) and the National Association of Counties (NACo) are hosting a joint webinar, Navigating Workforce System Consolidation: Policy Guidance for Local Leaders, on Wednesday, May 6, at 2pm ET. This session will guide local officials and workforce leaders through new policy guidance on workforce system consolidation, including an overview of the law, the typical consolidation process, key talking points for stakeholder engagement, and the practical tools featured in the new report. Attendees will gain clear, actionable insights to help their communities prepare for and navigate proposals to consolidate or redesignate workforce areas.


To register, click

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