Creatures of Statute

County Supervisors Association of Arizona

Creatures of Statute is your inside look at county government in Arizona. Produced by the County Supervisors Association, the podcast explores the policies and partnerships shaping how counties deliver essential services, the challenges they face, and the intergovernmental partnerships that make it all work.

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English

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Wednesday · 28 min
How Community Bridges Supports Mental Health in Arizona with Dane Binder
This week, we're joined by Dane Binder, Director of Government Affairs at Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI), to explore Arizona's behavioral health system and CBI's role in delivering critical mental health and crisis services across the state. Tune in as we discuss Arizona's crisis response system, CBI's Treatment Response Centers for juveniles, and the organization's partnership in Pima County's innovative SAFR program. Learn more about Community Bridges here.
August 19 · 30 min
The Colorado River's New Rulebook with Sarah Porter
This week, we sit down with Sarah Porter, Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU's Morrison Institute for Public Policy, to unpack the federal government's newly released framework for managing the Colorado River over the next decade. Tune in as we discuss what the Final EIS says, the potential for major reductions in Arizona's river allocation, and what counties need to be watching for as the Record of Decision remains pending. Learn more about the Kyl Center and check out the Water Blueprint here
August 13 · 36 min
Checking In with the League: Local Government at the State Capitol
We sit down with Rene Guillen, Executive Director of the League of Cities and Towns, to discuss some of the key issues emerging from the last legislative session and the League’s policy development process as it looks ahead to 2027. Tune in as we discuss the importance of stewarding political capital, the challenges facing local governments, and the League’s efforts to advocate for local control over short-term rental regulations.
July 13 · 15 min
Off the Charts: The Legacy of Arizona's 5Cs
Arizona's 5Cs helped build the state's economy. Join us as we examine how Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate have influenced county revenues and what the data reveals about their changing impact over the last 20 years. Explore our data tools here: https://www.countysupervisors.org/data
June 24 · 16 min
Off the Charts: Wayfair Windfall?
This week on Creatures of Statute, we're bringing you another episode of our series Off the Charts. The 2018 Wayfair decision is often cited as a major revenue boost for local governments. But what do the numbers actually show? We take a data-driven look at remote retail collections across Arizona counties, examine how online sales taxation changed after Wayfair, and compare those revenues to rising county costs, including mandatory ALTCS contributions. Explore the data featured in this episode at https://www.countysupervisors.org/data.
June 17 · 15 min
Mohave County Flood Control: Protecting Property & Recharging the Aquifer with Scott Holtry
This week, we learn about how Mohave County is leveraging stormwater mitigation projects to promote groundwater recharge, strengthening long-term water resilience in the Kingman area. In this episode, Mohave County Development Services Director Scott Holtry discusses how the county partnered with local and state agencies, including WIFA, USGS, and ADWR, to protect communities and support future growth. Learn more about Mohave County Water Information here View a presentation on Kingman Area Stormwater Mitigation and Recharge Projects here
June 11 · 18 min
County Touchpoints in the FY27 State Budget
We break down the FY 2027 state budget package introduced by the Arizona Legislature this week after months of negotiations between legislative leaders and the Governor's Office. We discuss the state's fiscal outlook, review several of the major tax and spending provisions included in the proposal, and take a closer look at where key county priorities landed in the final agreement. To view our full analysis of the budget as introduced, view our document here
June 2 · 17 min
Off the Charts: Why Home Values Rise but Tax Burdens Stay Low
In this episode of Off the Charts, we explore how Arizona's property tax framework has kept our relative property tax burden one of the lowest in the country—even as home prices have more than doubled. We break down the data behind levy limits, inflation, county budget pressures, and what Arizona's low-tax status means for taxpayers and local services. Watch this week's episode on our youtube channel here Explore our data tools at https://www.countysupervisors.org/data and check out our levy limit guide at https://www.countysupervisors.org/levy-limits
May 29 · 24 min
The Business of Food Safety: Counties & the Restaurant Industry with Dan Bogert
This week on Creatures of Statute, we sat down with Dan Bogert, COO of the Arizona Restaurant Association, to discuss the intersection of county government, public health, and Arizona’s restaurant industry. The conversation explored food safety regulations, health inspections, permitting, and the vital role local restaurants play in Arizona’s economy and communities. Tune in for an inside look at how industry and local government work together to support public health and small businesses across the state. Check out the Arizona Restaurant Association here View current and previous winners of the Foodist Awards here
May 19 · 18 min
Beyond Concrete: Innovating Flood Control in Pima County
Flood control is one of the many essential services counties provide to protect residents, infrastructure, and local communities. In this episode, we take a closer look at how Pima County is modernizing flood control through targeted infrastructure investments, stormwater management projects, and community partnerships designed to reduce risk and improve public spaces. Learn more about Pima County Green Stormwater Infrastructure here To learn more about flood control districts, check out CSA's overview of special districts here
May 15 · 16 min
Off the Charts: What Counties Run On - A Copper Case Study
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
May 7 · 14 min
Inside the Majority's FY27 Budget Plan
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
May 1 · 29 min
Creating Supply: How WIFA Works to Secure Arizona's Water Future
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.
April 22 · 21 min
100 Days... And Counting
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
April 17 · 20 min
Counties and the Long Term Care System
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 3 · 1 min
We Are Counties: Celebrating National County Government Month!
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
March 27 · 16 min
Who Pays for Justice? Funding the Right to Counsel in Arizona
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
March 20 · 25 min
48th in the Nation: Understanding Arizona's Property Tax System
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
March 10 · 24 min
Visiting the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat with Supervisor Woody Cline
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
March 5 · 25 min
Advancing Election Administration: Inside ASU’s Mechanics of Democracy Lab with Bill Gates
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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