Creatures of Statute

Latest Episodes:

State Decisions, Local Dollars: Impact of Pending State Policies on County Budgets Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

This week, we break down key legislative proposals that could impact county finances across Arizona. We explore pending state policies with the potential to restrict local revenue authority, as well as proposals that could shift costs to counties and drive additional spending. Learn more about what these proposals could mean for county budgets and the services Arizonans rely on.

To view our document detailing these proposals, click here.

To explore our handout detailing existing restrictions on county revenues and transparency requirements, click here.

For more information about counties, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

Constitutional Expenditure Limits Explained Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

This week, we break down what expenditure limits are, why they exist, and the practical implications on county operations. From historical context to modern challenges like workforce pressures and voter-approved adjustments, we explain how these constitutional rules guide—or constrain—the way counties serve their communities.

To learn more about expenditure limits, check out our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/expenditurelimits

And check out our resource guide here

Fixing the Calendar: County Priority First Bill Signed in 2026 ft. Jen Marson Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

From Roads to Public Safety: The Hidden Value of Procurement for Arizonans with Dr. Akheil Singla and Mariah Lindberg Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

It’s not just about buying things—it’s about how local government actually gets things done. This episode spotlights an 18-month research partnership between CSA, the League of Cities and Towns, the Arizona Board of Regents, and Arizona State University exploring how procurement delivers real value for residents.

Led by Dr. Akheil Singla, Dr. Justin Stritch, PhD candidate Mariah Lindberg, PhD student Ignacio Pezo, and the ASU research team, the conversation unpacks why this work matters, and what it means for communities across Arizona.

Explore the full report on our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/general-government/procurement

To watch the video briefing, click here.

From the Ground Up: How NACo Supports Counties, with Matt Chase Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

On the heels of his visit to Arizona, we sat down with Matt Chase, CEO of the National Association of Counties (NACo), to discuss how counties are supported at the national level. We explore NACo’s role in assisting local leaders, key federal issues—from public lands and disaster response to AI and data centers—and the growing importance of data-driven advocacy and local storytelling.

To learn more about NACo, visit their website at https://www.naco.org/

To learn more about how CSA supports Arizona's counties, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

Baseline to Bottom Line: FY27 State Budget Breakdown Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

The Arizona Legislature is back in session and with it comes the first major look at the state’s budget picture. This week, we recap what the Governor is prioritizing in her FY 2027 budget recommendation, how it compares to the JLBC Baseline, and, most importantly, what it all means for counties.

View CSA's analysis on the county touchpoints in the state budget here.

To view our Budget and Legislative Priorities, click here.

To access the Governor's budget recommendation, click here.

To view the JLBC Baseline, click here.

Funding Justice: Why Counties Seek State, Judicial Partnership Jan 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we break 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.

Adopted Court Funding Resolution

2025 Summit Briefing Materials

County 101 Handout

Judicial Salary Handout

Indigent Defense Case Study

To learn more about courts and criminal justice, explore our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/courts

From Statehouse to Supervisor with Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

In this week's episode, we sit down with Maricopa County Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee. Listen in as we talk about her journey from the statehouse to supervisor, the complexities of county government, and the importance of building strong relationships between the state and the counties.

Connecting the Ships: A Conversation with CSA President Alton Joe Shepherd Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we sit down with CSA President Alton Joe Shepherd, Supervisor, District 2, Apache County. Listen in as we talk about his journey to County Supervisor, his vision for CSA over the next year, and the importance of collaboration at all levels of leadership.

To learn more about CSA, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

CSA Proudly Endorses Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar for NACo 2nd Vice President! Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Arizona’s counties are proud to support Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar in her run for NACo 2nd Vice President! Tune in as she shares more about her candidacy, her commitment to restoring local power, and how collaboration across counties can shape stronger communities nationwide.

When counties decide, communities thrive.

Visit https://www.sarah4naco.com/ to connect and learn more.

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