| ITEM #: 15. DATE: 07/06/2026 AI #:3397 |
 |
CITY COUNCIL ACTION REPORT
| SUBJECT: | 2026 POST-LEGISLATIVE SESSION OVERVIEW & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS UPDATE |
| STAFF PRESENTER(S): | Edwin Hernández-Vargas, Chief Government Affairs Officer; Anthony Casselman, Government Affairs Officer |
SUMMARY
The 2026 Post-Legislative Session Overview and Government Relations Update provides a concise recap of the recent state legislative session, highlighting major policy actions and funding decisions. The presentation summarizes key outcomes to ensure the council and the community have a clear understanding of how newly enacted legislation may affect city operations.
In addition to the state legislative session recap, the presentation includes brief informational updates on federal and regional government relations activities. The presentation will also provide insights into legislative proposals that are anticipated for the 2027 legislative session. This item is for informational purposes and is intended to keep council informed of emerging issues, and support ongoing planning as external policy environments evolve.
In addition to the state legislative session recap, the presentation includes brief informational updates on federal and regional government relations activities. The presentation will also provide insights into legislative proposals that are anticipated for the 2027 legislative session. This item is for informational purposes and is intended to keep council informed of emerging issues, and support ongoing planning as external policy environments evolve.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
.png) |
.png) |
.png) |
.png) |
RECOMMENDATION
Council to receive an update on government relations activities at the regional, state, and federal levels and provide direction to staff. No action will be taken. (Edwin Hernandez-Vargas, Chief Government Affairs Officer)
FISCAL IMPACT
As approved by the annual legislative agenda, Government Relations works to explore available resources such as state and federal appropriations.
BACKGROUND AND PREVIOUS ACTIONS
Prior to each legislative session, Government Relations presents the annual State and Federal Legislative Agenda, along with an overview of the city’s elected representation, relevant political dynamics, and anticipated policy topics for the upcoming year. On January 26, 2026, council approved the 2026 Legislative Agenda by resolution, which defines the city’s legislative priorities and guides the city’s government relations activities.
This year, government relations will also present a post-session overview to Mayor and Council. The proposed 2027 Legislative Agenda will still be brought before Mayor and Council in late 2026 or early 2027.
This year, government relations will also present a post-session overview to Mayor and Council. The proposed 2027 Legislative Agenda will still be brought before Mayor and Council in late 2026 or early 2027.
STAFF ANALYSIS
The second regular session of Arizona’s 57th Legislature convened on January 12, 2026, and adjourned sine die on June 13, 2026, concluding on the 153rd day of the session. The 119th United States Congress convened on January 3, 2025, and will continue through January 3, 2027.
This legislative session saw the introduction of a variety of bills that sought to undermine local authority in several ways. Despite a record number of bills introduced, Government Relations staff worked with all departments and colleagues to ensure that the impacts of those bills were understood and Goodyear’s nuances vocalized.
Throughout the year, Government Relations staff provided regular updates on activities related to the city’s adopted legislative agenda, as well as other legislative developments with potential impacts on Goodyear and other municipalities. As staff transitions into preparations for the 2027 legislative session, Government Relations will continue to closely monitor emerging priorities and policy discussions to ensure Goodyear’s interests remain well represented.
This legislative session saw the introduction of a variety of bills that sought to undermine local authority in several ways. Despite a record number of bills introduced, Government Relations staff worked with all departments and colleagues to ensure that the impacts of those bills were understood and Goodyear’s nuances vocalized.
Throughout the year, Government Relations staff provided regular updates on activities related to the city’s adopted legislative agenda, as well as other legislative developments with potential impacts on Goodyear and other municipalities. As staff transitions into preparations for the 2027 legislative session, Government Relations will continue to closely monitor emerging priorities and policy discussions to ensure Goodyear’s interests remain well represented.