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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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