As Arizona’s energy landscape undergoes rapid transformation—driven by surging data center investment, record summer peak demand, and an accelerating shift toward renewable generation—few companies are better positioned to speak to what that transition requires than Strata Clean Energy. A family-owned, fully integrated energy infrastructure firm, Strata has built a portfolio of more than 300 projects across 25 states, with a 5 GW development pipeline and nearly 2 GWh of battery storage either operating or under construction in Arizona alone. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ sat down with the Strata team to discuss how the company is helping utilities, large energy users, and the broader grid prepare for what comes next.

What is Strata Clean Energy and who are your customers?

Strata Clean Energy is a family-owned, fully integrated energy infrastructure company focused on developing, building, and operating large-scale solar and energy storage solutions across the United States. We also support power-first data center development in key data center markets by enabling faster, integrated power solutions.

What differentiates Strata is our ability to deliver energy projects from concept through long-term operations—all under one platform. Strata has developed and manages a portfolio of over 300 projects constructed and operating across 25 states, representing more than 6 gigawatts in commissioned projects.

We serve three primary customer groups: electric utilities, independent power producers, and increasingly, large energy users such as hyperscale data center operators. Across all of these partnerships, our role is the same—to provide high-quality, dependable energy infrastructure that supports long-term growth and grid reliability.

Can you share an overview of Strata Clean Energy’s footprint and projects in Arizona?

Arizona is one of the most important markets in the country for energy innovation and data center demand, and Strata has established a strong and growing presence in the state. Today, Strata has a 5 GW development pipeline of solar and storage projects in Arizona, in addition to the over 2 GWh of battery storage currently in operation or under construction.  Additionally, we have data center development pipeline approaching 2GW in the State.

We have been actively developing and constructing utility-scale solar and battery storage projects across Arizona, including multiple long-term partnerships with utilities to bring new capacity online. These energy storage projects are designed to deliver power during peak demand periods—helping stabilize the grid during Arizona’s most energy-intensive hours.

These projects are especially important in a region where summer peak demand continues to set new records and energy needs are increasing rapidly. Our work helps ensure that reliable, dispatchable energy is available when it matters most.

Our commitment to Arizona extends beyond energy delivery—we see our work as supporting the state’s continued economic growth by ensuring reliable, scalable power is available where and when it’s needed.

Can you explain what your vertically integrated model means in practice and how it differentiates your approach?

Strata’s vertically integrated model means we manage every stage of an energy project—from early site identification and permitting through engineering, construction, and long-term operations.

In practice, this approach allows us to move faster, reduce risk, and deliver more predictable outcomes for our partners. Because our teams are aligned across the full lifecycle, we’re able to optimize decision-making early in development—whether that’s interconnection strategy, equipment procurement, or construction sequencing.

This integration helps address today’s environment, where project timing and coordinated execution are increasingly important. While traditional energy projects can take many years to advance, a fully coordinated platform enables projects to move more quickly while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, and long-term performance.

Ultimately, our model is built around certainty, ensuring that projects are not only delivered efficiently, but continue to perform reliably through the life of the facility.

How does Strata Clean Energy collaborate with utility partners, particularly those serving Arizonans?

Collaboration with utilities is at the core of what we do. We work closely with our utility partners from the earliest stages of project development to align on long-term system needs, interconnection planning, and infrastructure investment. Our goal is to complement—not compete with—the utility planning process by bringing forward well-positioned projects and thoughtful solutions that help address emerging challenges. We apply this same collaboration framework whether we are advancing a solar, storage or data center project. We believe that collaboration with utilities and communities is the key to mutually beneficial outcomes.

Today, utilities across Arizona are managing a complex transition that includes rapid load growth and unprecedented demand. In some cases, large-load requests now exceed current peak demand levels on the system, requiring new creative approaches to planning and infrastructure development that add resiliency to the electrical system.

Strata supports this effort by developing projects that don’t just generate energy, but also contribute to overall grid stability and flexibility. Through the integration of technologies like battery storage, we help utilities manage peak demand, smooth variability, and improve system performance.

At its core, our partnership approach is about alignment: working together to deliver solutions that benefit customers, support long-term planning goals, and maintain the reliability that Arizonans depend on.

What role does Strata Clean Energy play in supporting a strong and reliable power grid in Arizona?

A reliable grid is the foundation for economic growth, especially in a state like Arizona where demand continues to increase.

Strata plays an important role by developing and delivering energy resources that are not only cost-effective, but also designed to enhance reliability. Our projects, particularly those that pair solar generation with battery storage, help ensure that energy is available when it is needed most, including during peak demand and periods of extreme heat.

Energy storage in particular is becoming a critical part of the solution, allowing utilities to shift energy from times of high production to times of highest demand.

We are also focused on how energy resources can contribute more broadly to grid performance. Modern energy systems require more than just power generation; they require flexibility, responsiveness, and stability.

In short, our role is to help build the next generation of energy infrastructure. One that supports continued growth while maintaining the high level of reliability that Arizona’s communities and businesses expect.

How is Strata Clean Energy positioning itself to support industries that require significant and reliable energy resources for years to come, such as AI and data centers?

Industries like AI and data centers are redefining energy demand. They require large amounts of power, delivered quickly, with exceptional reliability. In high-growth regions like Arizona, large-load demand can reach into the tens of gigawatts, creating both opportunity and complexity for the grid.

Strata is addressing this through a combination of long-term planning and innovative delivery models.

One key part of our approach is our “Bring Your Own Power” (BYOP) framework, which allows large energy users to accelerate access to power while still aligning with long-term grid solutions. BYOP is designed so data centers can function as grid assets—contributing new generation and supporting reliability as they scale. These approaches can meaningfully reduce time to initial power availability compared to traditional approaches, while transitioning into fully integrated, utility-supported infrastructure over time.

At the same time, we are developing sites in key data center markets with an emphasis on power planning and increased execution readiness. This approach is intended to improve speed and confidence for customers by helping create a more execution-ready path to long-term power availability.

Equally important is how these large energy users interact with the grid itself. At Strata, we believe the most successful projects are those that are intentionally designed to support the power system—not just add demand. By integrating solutions such as energy storage, coordinated generation, and flexible load strategies, data centers can play a positive role in strengthening overall system reliability.

This model benefits everyone involved. It enables faster deployment for companies investing in Arizona, supports utilities in managing growth responsibly, and helps ensure that rising demand does not place undue pressure on existing customers.

As Arizona continues to attract large-scale investment, Strata is focused on helping ensure that energy infrastructure keeps pace—supporting innovation, strengthening the grid, and enabling long-term economic development across the state.

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A recent court decision in Pima County is being viewed as a meaningful win for Arizona’s business and development community, reinforcing long-standing legal boundaries around when local actions can be challenged by referendum.  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

The April 30 ruling denied a petition filed by a group called Arizonans for Responsible Development, which had sought to force the Town of Marana to process a referendum challenge to a development agreement tied to a hotel project on approximately 19 acres of town-owned property in downtown Marana. Judge Jeffrey T. Bergin found that the town’s action was administrative rather than legislative, meaning it is not subject to referendum under Arizona law.   

The practical effect: the project can move forward subject to appellate review.  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

Why it matters for Arizona’s business community  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

Mike Bailey, general counsel and director of legal reform programs for the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­, said the ruling has implications well beyond Marana.  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

“This decision reinforces an important principle: when a community has already gone through a public process to establish its development plan, a resolution that carries out that plan shouldn’t have to start from scratch,” Bailey said. “Using the referendum process to relitigate settled land-use policy is a tactic we’re seeing more frequently, and it creates real uncertainty for businesses and communities trying to plan ahead.” &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ President and CEO Danny Seiden said the case reflects a broader pattern the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ has been watching closely.  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

“Communities across Arizona are working hard to attract investment and create jobs, and that work depends on a process that’s predictable and transparent,” Seiden said. “When development projects that have gone through proper public channels get tied up in legal challenges designed to delay or derail them, everyone loses. This ruling is a good outcome for Marana and a good outcome for Arizona.”  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

The legal background  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

The central question was whether the town’s resolution created new policy or simply carried out a framework already in place. The court found that the resolution implemented zoning and land-use parameters established nearly two decades ago through a 2008 ordinance that created the Downtown Marana plan. Because it executed existing policy rather than establishing new policy, the court concluded it was administrative in nature and not subject to referendum.  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

The plaintiffs had also argued that state law requires all development agreements to go through the referendum process.  

The court rejected that argument as well, consistent with prior Court of Appeals rulings on the same question.  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

A second case, a similar outcome &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

In a separate but related case, the court also ruled in favor of the Town of Marana in a dispute over referendum petitions tied to a proposed data center project. &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

In that case, the court granted summary judgment affirming the Town Clerk’s decision to reject the petitions after finding they did not strictly comply with Arizona’s statutory requirements governing referendum filings.  &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

The ruling reinforces another key principle: even when a referendum is permitted, the process must be followed precisely. Arizona statutes establish a strict compliance standard to ensure voters have full and accurate information when considering ballot measures. &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

Together, the two rulings draw clearer lines around both when referendums can be used and how they must be executed — distinctions that matter to businesses and communities trying to plan and invest with confidence. &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

The decisions come as the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ continues to push for local ballot reform at the Legislature through SB 1429 and HCR 2051, aimed at bringing greater consistency and transparency to the initiative and referendum process at the local level. &˛Ô˛ú˛ő±č;

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Valleywise Health is expanding its independently accredited dental residency program to strengthen Arizona’s health care workforce while improving access to oral health services in underserved communities.

The Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, which launched its inaugural cohort in 2025, recently welcomed three new residents as part of its continued growth. The program is designed to prepare dentists to deliver comprehensive, community-focused care—particularly in complex medical and social environments often encountered in safety-net settings.

The expansion marks a significant milestone for Valleywise Health, which has long played a central role in training medical professionals but only recently established its first dental residency program under its sole sponsorship.

Dr. Christopher Brendemuhl, director of dentistry at Valleywise Community Health dental clinics and chair of the Department of Dentistry, said the program is intentionally designed to cultivate a new generation of dentists committed to service.

“Our goal is to influence the next generation of dentists to be community-service minded and to truly embrace the Valleywise Health mission,” Brendemuhl said. “We want to build a group of dentists who are connected to the community, who are lifelong learners and who are passionate about serving the most vulnerable of our populations.”

The residency received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation in August 2024 and is working toward full accreditation, an important step in solidifying its role as a long-term training pipeline.

Integrated care model reflects evolving health needs

A key feature of the program is its emphasis on integrated, team-based care. Residents rotate through Valleywise Health’s network of Federally Qualified Health Centers and its flagship medical center, gaining hands-on experience that connects oral health with broader medical treatment.

This interdisciplinary approach reflects a growing recognition across the health care sector that oral health is closely tied to overall health outcomes.

“Our residency uniquely integrates dentistry with broader medical care, offering a holistic view of health that extends beyond the dental chair,” Brendemuhl said. “This experience is enriched through rotations in specialized clinics and interdisciplinary settings where residents see firsthand how oral health impacts overall health.”

Training sites include the Comprehensive Health Center in Phoenix, where residents collaborate across specialties; the Peoria location, which offers exposure to ambulatory surgical care; and the McDowell clinic, which focuses on treating patients living with HIV/AIDS.

Building a pipeline for community-based care

The program’s expansion comes as Arizona, like much of the country, faces ongoing challenges in ensuring adequate access to health care providers—particularly in community health settings that serve low-income and medically complex populations.

Valleywise Health operates a network of Federally Qualified Health Centers across Maricopa County, positioning the residency program as a direct pipeline for dentists prepared to practice in those environments.

The organization, which has trained medical professionals since 1952 and serves as Arizona’s only public teaching hospital and safety-net health system, sees the dental residency as a natural extension of its broader workforce mission.

“This program is about more than training dentists,” Brendemuhl said. “It’s about building a workforce that understands the needs of our community and is equipped to meet them with skill and compassion.”

As Arizona continues to grow, efforts like Valleywise Health’s AEGD program highlight the critical role of locally driven workforce development in meeting the state’s long-term health care needs—particularly for populations that have historically faced barriers to care.

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The Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry convened business leaders and policymakers last Friday for its annual Update from Capitol Hill luncheon, which featured a timely and wide-ranging discussion with U.S. Reps. Greg Stanton (D) and Juan Ciscomani (R) alongside national political analysis from Jonathan Martin of Politico.

A federal outlook with Arizona implications

The conversation with Stanton and Ciscomani covered a broad policy landscape, reflecting the complex and interconnected challenges facing Arizona employers. Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ included infrastructure investment, international trade, workforce development, regulatory reform, foreign affairs, and ongoing negotiations over the Colorado River—issues with immediate and long-term consequences for the state’s economic outlook.

For Arizona’s business community, the opportunity to hear directly from members of Congress—particularly in a divided government environment—remains a central value of the event.

A battleground state in focus

Providing a national lens, Martin offered a detailed assessment of the 2026 election cycle, with particular emphasis on Arizona’s role as a key battleground state. His analysis highlighted the evolving dynamics of modern campaigns, including the growing influence of social media platforms and artificial intelligence in shaping voter behavior and information consumption.

The discussion underscored the degree to which national political trends are increasingly intertwined with local economic and policy considerations, especially in a state that continues to draw national attention.

A signature forum for dialogue

Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ President and CEO Danny Seiden emphasized the importance of maintaining strong connections between the business community and federal policymakers.

“This event continues to be one of the most important opportunities we have each year to bring Arizona’s business leaders together with the people shaping policy in Washington,” Seiden said. “We’re grateful to Congressman Stanton and Congressman Ciscomani for sharing their perspectives and engaging in a candid discussion on the issues that matter most to our state. And Jonathan Martin provided valuable insight into a rapidly evolving political environment, especially as we head into a consequential midterm election year.”

The luncheon was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor Salt River Project, along with sponsors EPCOR, Arizona Public Service, Mastercard, and Banner Health.

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More than  currently have a credit card in their name, and an estimated 18 million cards are held by Arizonans. Nationally, nearly 3 out of 4 retail sales are transacted via a credit card – accounting for $6.5 trillion in total purchasing volume in 2024 alone.

Convenience alone may help explain why so many shoppers are choosing to use credit cards. Now, a new analysis conducted by the Electronic Payments Coalition (EPC) suggests credit may be a preferable alternative to cash for many merchants and retailers, also. 

“Credit cards are the most secure and convenient way for consumers to make a purchase and for small businesses to accept payment,” said EPC spokesman Nick Simpson. “This new data shows the benefits save businesses money, increase sales and help families by providing fraud protection and create valuable rewards to help offset the rising costs of every day purchases. Credit cards are essential to our modern economy.”

Consumers using credit rather than cash tend to spend more, according to the EPC. In fact, when a merchant first begins accepting credit card payments, they experience a  in their average transaction amount.

Costs associated with using a credit card are well-known – amounting to 2-3% on a typical transaction, in order to pay for the infrastructure that enables secure and instantaneous electronic transactions. Less understood are the expenses associated with using cash. 

Cash transactions are more labor-intensive than credit, as well as vulnerable to losses due to theft or accidental miscounting. On average, according to the EPC analysis, it costs merchants approximately 9% of the purchase amount to handle and process a cash transaction. Those expenses add up: based on total transaction volume, EPC estimates U.S. merchants’ cash handling/processing costs total approximately $121 billion each year.

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The Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry will host its annual Update from Capitol Hill luncheon on Friday at the Arizona Biltmore, bringing together members of Arizona’s congressional delegation and one of the country’s most closely watched political analysts.

will feature U.S. Reps. Juan Ciscomani and Greg Stanton, along with Jonathan Martin of Politico, columnist and host of the .

Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ spoke with Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ President and CEO Danny Seiden about the event and what he’s most interested in hearing.

Tell us about Update from Capitol Hill. It’s one of the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s premier annual events, isn’t it?

Danny Seiden:

It really is one of our signature events each year. What makes it so valuable is that it brings Arizona’s business community face-to-face with members of our congressional delegation at a time when so many federal decisions are directly affecting our state’s economy.

There’s no substitute for hearing directly from the people who are in the room making those decisions—whether it’s on taxes, trade, infrastructure, or regulatory policy. And just as important, it gives our members a chance to better understand the dynamics in Washington and how those decisions translate back home to Arizona.

What topics are you anticipating you’ll hear about from Congressmen Ciscomani and Stanton?

There’s certainly no shortage of issues right now. Water is always top of mind in Arizona, and I expect that to be part of the conversation given the federal government’s role in long-term solutions.

Beyond that, I think we’ll hear a lot about the broader state of Congress—how things are functioning, what’s realistic in terms of bipartisan cooperation, and what we can expect over the coming months.

There are also a lot of frontpage issues—from border policy to economic conditions to foreign affairs—that have real implications for Arizona employers. Having both Congressman Ciscomani and Congressman Stanton there gives us a valuable bipartisan perspective on those challenges.

This year the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ is welcoming Jonathan Martin from Politico. What do you believe he’ll add to the conversation?

is one of the most respected political commentators in the country. He’s been covering national politics for a long time, and he brings a level of experience and insight that’s hard to match.

He’s also a regular presence on the Sunday shows, so he’s constantly plugged into the national conversation. With this being an election year, his perspective on the state of politics—where things stand heading into the primaries and what to expect in November—will be incredibly valuable.

Honestly, there are very few people who can provide that kind of real-time, informed analysis of what’s happening in Washington and on the campaign trail. I think our attendees will really benefit from hearing his take.

How do federal decisions right now directly impact Arizona’s business community, and what should employers here be paying closest attention to?

Federal policy has a very real, day-to-day impact on Arizona employers, whether people always see that connection or not. Decisions coming out of Washington affect everything from the cost of doing business to the availability of workforce and the reliability of our supply chains.

For Arizona, trade and border policy are especially important. We’re a major gateway state, so anything that affects cross-border commerce—whether it’s customs operations, infrastructure, or security—has a direct impact on our economy. The USMCA review is coming up, for example, so we’re paying close attention to that.

Energy is another major factor right now. Global uncertainty, particularly events in the Middle East, can create volatility in energy markets, and that has a ripple effect across the economy. When fuel costs rise, it impacts everything from what we pay at the pump to the cost of transporting goods, which ultimately shows up in prices on store shelves.

And, obviously, water is also an area where federal involvement matters, particularly in terms of long-term planning and investment. I know our delegation is deeply involved in that issue.

And of course, tax and regulatory policy always play a role in shaping whether businesses can grow and compete.

I’d also point to the overall economic environment—interest rates, inflation, and federal spending decisions—all of which influence business confidence and investment.

The bottom line is that what happens shows up here in Arizona, and that’s why it’s so important for our business community to stay informed and engaged.

More about this year’s Update from Capitol Hill luncheon can be found on the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­â€™s .

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The Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry this week hosted its “Better In My Backyard” Barbecue, bringing together business leaders, lawmakers, and economic development officials to defend responsible growth in Arizona and counter a rising tide of opposition to development projects across the state.

The event was held at U-Haul’s Shoen Family Conference and Fitness Center in Phoenix,  itself a symbol of the kind of long-term corporate commitment to Arizona that the campaign aims to protect. Sebastian Reyes, president of a U-Haul subsidiary, welcomed attendees and outlined the company’s deep roots in the state.

Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ President and CEO Danny Seiden opened the program by framing growth as a practical matter for everyday Arizonans, not just a business priority. Responsible development, he argued, means more jobs, a more diverse industrial base, and greater revenue for public services like schools and infrastructure.

Arizona Commerce Authority President and CEO Sandra Watson moderated a panel that ranged across the issues shaping Arizona’s economic future — from zoning and permitting to advanced manufacturing, ballot initiative reform, and the projects currently in Arizona’s development pipeline. Panelists Chris Camacho of Axon, Jimmy Lindblom of Willmeng Construction, Senator T.J. Shope (R-Coolidge), and Courtney Coolidge of the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ each stressed the importance of keeping Arizona’s pro-growth environment intact.

The conversation repeatedly returned to a concern that has grown louder in recent years: the influence of out-of-state interests using the ballot initiative process to block or slow development that local communities support.

The Better In My Backyard campaign was launched to address exactly that dynamic — providing Arizonans with factual information about key projects and pushing back against misinformation that, the panelists argued, harms communities more than the projects themselves.

The campaign has spotlighted a range of signature Arizona developments, from Axon’s new Scottsdale headquarters and TSMC’s North Phoenix semiconductor facility to the proposed renovation of Chase Field in downtown Phoenix and the construction of the VAI Resort in Glendale.

Coalition members span local chambers of commerce, retailers, and tourism organizations, united around the argument that economic momentum in Arizona depends on continuing to welcome investment rather than relitigate it.

On the legislative front, Gov. Katie Hobbs (D) last month vetoed a bill by Shope and Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro that would have created greater parity between the processes for sending a measure to the statewide ballot versus the local ballot, a direct response to what panelists described as a coordinated effort by outside groups to shape Arizona policy through the initiative process.

Coalition partners led by the Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ are now backing an that they hope will pass muster with the governor.

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The Industrial Commission of Arizona voted last week to adopt strengthened workplace heat safety guidelines for employers statewide, delivering an outcome the business community called a practical, Arizona-driven solution to a genuine challenge.

The commission’s action follows nearly a year of work by the Governor’s Workplace Heat Safety Task Force, which brought together business, labor, and occupational safety experts to develop guidance grounded in real-world conditions. The Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Manufacturers Council participated throughout that process, with Grace Appelbe representing both organizations.

Appearing before the commission, Appelbe urged members to support the task force recommendations, describing them as the product of genuine collaboration and the right fit for the state’s diverse economic landscape.

“The recommendations before you reflect a thoughtful, Arizona-specific approach grounded in real-world experience,” Appelbe told the commission. “They focus on practical measures — water, shade, rest, acclimatization, and training — while preserving the flexibility needed across different industries and job sites.”

The guidelines adopted by the commission build on the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s existing Heat Stress State Emphasis Program, launched in 2023. In the months ahead, the commission will expand employer training on heat risks, encourage the development of workplace heat safety plans, and collect data on the effectiveness of heat safety interventions across the state. Commissioners plan to revisit the recommendations in December.

For Arizona’s business community, the outcome reflects a broader principle that worker safety and economic sustainability are not in conflict — but that the path to both runs through collaboration rather than mandate.

“That balance is critical,” Appelbe said in her testimony. “In other states, more rigid, one-size-fits-all mandates have created compliance challenges without necessarily improving outcomes. Arizona has taken a better approach — one that prioritizes safety while recognizing operational realities.”

The commission’s chairman described the vote as a beginning rather than an endpoint, noting that guidelines carry the advantage of taking effect immediately, allowing employers to act now while the state continues gathering data to inform any future rulemaking.

Appelbe told the commission that the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ and Manufacturers Council are prepared to be active partners in what comes next. “We stand ready to work with the Commission and its staff on the distribution and implementation of these employer guidelines to ensure Arizona’s workers are informed and protected,” she said.

The Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ and Manufacturers Council have been engaged in the heat safety conversation since the task force was convened by executive order in 2025. Appelbe said the business community’s consistent goal throughout has been to ensure that any guidance coming out of the process works in actual workplaces — across manufacturing floors, construction sites, agricultural operations, and the full range of industries that make up Arizona’s economy.

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Last week, the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry office was a hub of policy exchange as we hosted a delegation of lawmakers and business leaders from Missouri. The “Show Me State” representatives came west to see how our deliberate policy choices in areas like regulation, taxes, and emerging technologies have turned Arizona into a global leader in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors.

Arizona has much to teach other states about economic growth, and we are proud to showcase the work of our lawmakers and successive governors.

But during those conversations, one lesson ran in the other direction: Missouri is showing us a better way to help small businesses afford health care.

In Missouri, the state chamber of commerce , or MEWA. It’s model that allows small businesses to pool their risk and gain a level of buying power typically reserved for larger corporations. The result is greater rate stability, more plan choices, and lower costs. 

It’s not just Missouri that offers MEWAs. Nearly 30 other states have already implemented similar programs. Yet in Arizona, many small businesses and sole proprietors remain on the sidelines. , sponsored by Rep. David Livingston, is our opportunity to catch up.

HB 2693 expands the definition of entities that can operate these self-funded health plans to include statewide chambers of commerce and business leagues. By allowing small employers to join a larger pool, the bill helps stabilize premiums and expand access to quality coverage for the job creators who are the backbone of our economy.

Despite no group coming forward to oppose the bill publicly, some legislators have expressed criticisms, but they miss the mark.

First, HB 2693 is fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Opponents often confuse this state-level expansion with a 2018 federal rule that was struck down in court. This bill is different. It operates within the explicit authority granted to states under ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, to regulate MEWAs. 

This bill also doesn’t weaken coverage protections. Arizona law continues to require coverage for preexisting conditions, maternity care, mental health coverage, and prescription drugs. In practice, large group plans—which MEWAs emulate—often provide more comprehensive benefits than what many smaller employers can access today, including superior dental and vision coverage. 

This bill creates affordability through scale. By pooling together, small employers create a larger risk pool that puts natural downward pressure on costs and reduces volatility. By purchasing as a coalition, small businesses gain the leverage to negotiate for the high-quality, robust coverage usually only available to the state’s largest employers. This isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about using collective strength to make comprehensive care more attainable. 

The bill also recognizes the modern workforce by including sole proprietors and working owners. If an individual works at least 20 hours a week or earns enough to cover their premiums, they deserve access to the same stable, high-quality coverage as a corporate executive.

For years, Arizona has led by embracing innovation and market-based solutions. It’s time we apply that same mindset to health care. By passing HB 2693, we are giving Arizona’s small businesses another tool to grow, compete, and thrive.

Danny Seiden is the president and CEO of the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry.

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A delegation of Missouri state lawmakers and business leaders visited Arizona last week for a policy exchange focused on economic development, emerging technologies, and regulatory strategy, hosted by the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ of Commerce & Industry and the Goldwater Institute.

The visit drew a cross-section of Arizona’s legislative leadership, including House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Majority Leader Michael Carbone, and several members focused on Arizona’s technology and economic development agenda. Representatives from the Arizona Commerce Authority also participated.

Discussions centered on the policy decisions and public-private partnerships that have helped Arizona build a competitive footprint in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, aerospace, autonomous systems, and emerging technologies.

“Arizona’s growth didn’t happen by accident,” said Courtney Coolidge, executive vice president of the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­. “It reflects deliberate policy choices that prioritize certainty, competitiveness, and a regulatory environment where businesses can invest, innovate, and scale. We were glad to share what’s working with leaders from Missouri.”

The exchange comes as the Arizona Â鶹´«Ă˝Ół»­ has been pressing a broader push on digital economy policy, including its recently launched , which aims to strengthen the state’s position in artificial intelligence and emerging technology sectors.

Arizona’s legislative leaders framed the state’s approach as deliberate and long-term. “Arizona has made a conscious decision to lead on innovation rather than wait for other states to set the pace,” said Speaker Montenegro. “That kind of alignment and forward-looking policy environment allows industries to grow and scale here.”

Majority Leader Carbone pointed to the fundamentals underpinning that growth. “Arizona’s success in attracting major investment is tied directly to our focus on advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and supply chain strength,” he said. “Those fundamentals are critical to sustaining long-term economic momentum.”

Regulatory predictability came up consistently as a deciding factor for businesses. “Companies are looking for certainty,” said Rep. Weninger. “Arizona’s predictable regulatory environment and competitive tax structure give businesses the confidence to invest and expand.”

Sen. T.J. Shope emphasized that the state has worked to distribute economic development beyond major metro areas. “We’ve been intentional about making sure economic development isn’t concentrated in one region,” he said. “Infrastructure, water, and land use policies all play a role in supporting growth across Arizona, including in rural communities.”

“Arizona continues to attract new and emerging industries by staying focused on innovation and targeted economic development,” said Sen. Carroll. “That approach is helping position the state for the next phase of economic expansion.”

Rep. Wilmeth echoed that, pointing to Arizona’s light-touch approach to emerging technology regulation as a competitive differentiator. “We’ve taken a thoughtful approach to emerging technologies by avoiding premature regulation,” he said. “That flexibility allows innovation to develop while still ensuring appropriate oversight.”

The discussion also explored how elements of Arizona’s policy framework could be adapted in other states and how cross-state collaboration might strengthen the broader U.S. economy.

Victor Riches, president and CEO of the Goldwater Institute, framed the stakes broadly. “As emerging technologies continue to reshape industries, policy certainty and deregulation matter more than ever,” he said. “Arizona needs to ensure an environment where innovation can move forward.” The Missouri delegation included state Sens. Travis Fitzwater, Maggie Nurrenbern, Karla May, Barbara Anne Washington, and Jamie Burger, along with a policy adviser to Gov. Kehoe and representatives from the .

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