Creatures of Statute

Latest Episodes:

Off the Charts: What Counties Run On - A Copper Case Study May 15, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to Off the Charts, the Creatures of Statute series where we dig into the data and explore the stories that most people and policymakers don't get to see. In this episode, we dig into Greenlee County and the role copper plays in shaping its revenue picture. As one of Arizona’s historic “Five C’s,” copper has long driven the local economy, but what happens when a county’s tax base is heavily concentrated in a single industry?

Explore the County Encyclopedia and other data tools referenced in today's episode at https://www.countysupervisors.org/data

Inside the Majority's FY27 Budget Plan May 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we provide a legislative update on the FY2027 state budget package released by the legislative majority, and how it compares to the Governor's January executive budget. We also cover Governor Hobbs’ veto of the package, the breakdown in negotiations over major policy items, and what it means for counties moving forward.

Find our FY27 Budget Summary here

View our Policy Priorities here

View our summary of County Pass Through Appropriations here

View our background on Opioid Settlement Funds and the Expenditure Limit here

Creating Supply: How WIFA Works to Secure Arizona's Water Future May 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

100 Days... And Counting Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

This week, we mark the 100th day of the legislative session and take a closer look at what that milestone really means (and doesn’t mean) for the timeline ahead. We break down where budget negotiations stand, share updates on CSA’s priority bills and key county issues, and look ahead to what could surface in the final stretch of session.

To view our key Legislative and Budget Priorities, click here

To view our document with select county budget touchpoints, click here

Counties and the Long Term Care System Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we examine the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) — one of the most significant cost drivers in county budgets. Listen as 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.

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.

We Are Counties: Celebrating National County Government Month! Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

April is National County Government Month!

Across Arizona, counties are on the front lines delivering essential services, supporting our communities, and keeping our state running every day. From public safety and infrastructure to elections and health services, the impact of county government reaches every resident. This month, we’re proud to partner with the National Association of Counties and the Arizona Association of Counties to elevate the work of counties here in Arizona.

Want to learn more about how counties serve you? Explore our resources on our website: https://www.countysupervisors.org/counties

Who Pays for Justice? Funding the Right to Counsel in Arizona Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

Join us as we break down how Arizona fulfills the constitutional right to counsel—and why counties are at the center of delivering and funding indigent defense. Explore the history, structure, and real-world budget pressures behind public defense systems, and what a new statewide evaluation could mean for the future.

Check out our indigent defense overview and case study here

Learn more about Indigent Defense Funding across the country here

48th in the Nation: Understanding Arizona's Property Tax System Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

This week, we break down how Arizona’s property tax system works, from how tax bills are calculated and who sets the rates, to the key taxpayer protections that keep costs relatively low. We also explore what property taxes fund across counties and the growing cost pressures, including state-mandated programs, that shape local tax policy.

Tune in to the episode to learn more, and explore our resources on property taxes below:

Property Tax Primer and Key Terms
Limits on Property Taxes
Board of Supervisors' Property Tax Roles and Responsibilities
Constitutional Levy Limits Report
Tax Burden FAQs
Explore our website for additional materials: https://www.countysupervisors.org/property-tax

Visiting the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat with Supervisor Woody Cline Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we take our show on the road to visit and tour the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat in Young, Arizona, a Gila County-led effort to transform a former U.S. Forest Service site in the heart of the Tonto National Forest.

Gila County Supervisor Woody Cline and Executive Assistant Cathy Melvin walk us through the years-long process of working with the U.S. Forest Service and partners across county, state, and federal government, including advancing federal legislation to convey the site to the county, all in pursuit of turning more than 200 acres into a peaceful retreat where veterans can visit, connect, and heal.

To learn more about the retreat, visit their website here

Advancing Election Administration: Inside ASU’s Mechanics of Democracy Lab with Bill Gates Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

This week, we’re joined by Bill Gates, former Maricopa County Supervisor and current Director of Arizona State University’s Mechanics of Democracy Lab (MODL) and Professor of Practice at ASU, to discuss the lab’s work to strengthen election administration and public understanding of elections. We also highlight MODL’s efforts to train the next generation of election professionals through student fellowships and innovative programs like its new AI and Elections Clinic.

To learn more about MODL, visit their website here

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