top of page

CSA Weekly Update (1.16.2026)

  • kaytlink
  • 1 day ago
  • 6 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

In the January 16th, 2026, edition of the CSA Weekly Update:

County Managers’ Meet in Phoenix: First Meeting of the New Year!

On January 16th, 2026, the Association hosted the first County Managers meeting of 2026, The meeting included a productive round-table discussion about emerging issues facing counties across the state, updates on the Association’s legislative and budget priorities, and updates on the federal budget landscape. Staff also highlighted an exciting new way for counties to connect with constituents about their achievements with NACo’s new “County Storytellers” initiative, a way for counties to share powerful and purposeful stories about county priorities impacting constituents. CSA will also be taking part in this initiative by highlighting counties podcasts in the Association's weekly newsletter.


Opening Day at the Legislature: Recapping the Governor’s State of the State Address

This past week on January 12th, 2026, the 57th Arizona State Legislature convened for its 2nd Regular session. State representatives gathered at the Capitol eager to begin discussions on their top priorities for this session. Supervisors from counties across the state attended opening day, joining colleagues in the third-floor gallery, or accompanying their representatives as honored guests on the house and senate floors.


On Opening Day, Governor Katie Hobbs’ State of the State Address emphasized the importance of working across the aisle to address key issues such as affordability, water challenges, data centers, and securing the southern border. She reiterated that bi-partisan cooperation is essential to deliver meaningful and effective results for the people of Arizona.


With that, the legislative session is now officially open for business. Moving forward, the Association will provide consistent updates on key developments and important deadlines. Whether you watched Opening Day from home or joined us in the Capitol, Association staff hopes you had a great Opening Day!



Opening Week Festivities: Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day 

On January 14, 2026, the 31st Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day brought together tribal leaders, state officials, and community members to celebrate their ongoing collaboration and dedication to shared priorities. Representatives from our Board of Supervisors were honored to attend this important event.


The event opened with remarks from Timothy Williams, Chairman of the Fort Mojave Tribe, who spoke on the importance of protecting water rights and working collaboratively with all Arizonans. The Honorable Verlon Jose, Chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation, followed with a message of unity and thanking Governor Hobbs for her partnership with tribal nations.


The program also featured Dr. Laura Tohe, former Poet Laureate of the Navajo Nation, who shared powerful poetry reflecting culture, resilience, and connection.

County Story Tellers: Introducing Navajo County Service Station Podcast

This week, the Association is highlighting the Navajo County Service Station Podcast, a podcast produced by Navajo County professional staff to bring information about various county services to their constituents. Episodes include National Preparedness Month”, “Real Life Economic Development in Northeastern Arizona” and more! Please check out their podcast (linked here) to see all the great things going on in Navajo County!


New Podcast Episode: Funding Justice - Why Counties Seek State, Judicial Partnership

On this week’s episode of Creatures of Statute, CSA staff breaks down our adopted resolution focused on court funding, and what it means for counties across the state. Join us as we unpack the court-county relationship, why court costs are placing increasing strain on county budgets, and what county leaders are calling the Legislature and the judicial branch to do.


CSA Data Collection: Updated State & County Revenue Performance Data

The Association has compiled information about state and county revenue performances to provide supervisors, legislators, and constituents with a snapshot of how the state and counties are performing, where each entity receives primary revenues, and to provide a side-by-side analysis of the financial performance of the state and counties as political subdivisions of the state. Track and compare the performance of major state and county general fund revenue streams and explore fiscal year-to-date growth by tax category and uncover historical trends at a glance through the State & County Revenue Performance page!


Session Timeline: Important Dates and Deadlines

As the 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session progresses, the Association will continue to provide updates on important deadlines as they pass.


This week started with Opening Day festivities and will end with the start of the House’s 7-bill limit, the release of the Governor’s Executive Budget, and the release of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee’s Baseline Budget.


Please find additional deadlines linked here as well as listed below:


Committee Meetings: January 19- 22, 2026

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


Monday, January 19th 

  • MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY (No Committees)

Tuesday, January 20th

Wednesday, January 21st

Thursday, January 22nd

Lifelong Learning: Upcoming NACo Webinars also – (Biweekly Newsletters called the Policy Insider)

Advocacy 101 for Counties: Maximizing Your Impact During the NACo Legislative Conference

Thursday, January 22, 2026; 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. ET


Heading to Washington, D.C. for the NACo Legislative Conference? This webinar provides a practical introduction to lobbying tailored specifically for county leaders. Attendees will learn how to prepare for Hill meetings, effectively advocate for NACo priorities, and translate county experiences into clear federal policy asks—ensuring every meeting counts while you’re in town.


To register, click here.


What to Know Before You Go to NACo’s Legislative Conference

Thursday, January 29, 2026; 3 p.m - 4 p.m.


If this is your first time attending NACo’s Legislative Conference, this webinar is for you! Join NACo’s Membership Chair and staff to learn ways to maximize your experience at the NACo Legislative Conference. This conference is the premier opportunity for county leaders to exchange cutting-edge practices, engage with members of Congress, and collaborate on policy solutions. You’ll leave this brief webinar prepared to navigate the conference schedule and participate in sessions, including policy meetings, a federal agency expo, and summits on pressing topics.


Speaker: Renee Couch, Membership Chair


To register, click here.


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page