Public Policy + Advocacy

The Arizona Technology Council is the principal advocate for science- and technology-based companies in Arizona.

Through the collective strength of its members, the Council informs and educates policymakers on issues that are important to Arizona’s technology sectors.

The Council continuously monitors federal, state and local legislation and policies that impact the sustainability and growth of Arizona’s technology industry. From  U.S. Congress and the Office of the Governor to legislative committee rooms and city halls across the state, the Council serves as the voice advocating for a technology-based, pro-growth and business-focused agenda. Many thanks to Ideas Collide for the beautiful layout and design of this year’s guide.

The committee first created a list of principles in several subject areas then established related positions to be used as the foundation of the Council’s public policy efforts in 2026. In some cases, the positions will advance through the development and advocacy of legislation that will be introduced during the Arizona Legislature’s 2026 session. In other instances, the positions will be used on an ongoing basis as policy makers introduce new regulations or changes to existing regulations pertinent to Council members. At all stages, the committee will be engaged in various efforts to advance the position of Arizona’s technology companies. The following principles and positions will aid elected officials and other stakeholders at all levels of government and business as they craft legislation and policies that will affect Arizonans and the Arizona economy for years to come.

ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL STATE LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 2026

• Increase availability of computer science offerings for students to keep Arizona competitive with surrounding states, as well as other countries. Develop a phased-in option for students to enroll in a computer science course offered by their schools or an online course approved by the Arizona Department of Education. The course should be a standalone computer science course for high school-age students while computer science principles should be incorporated into a general education course for students in earlier grades. Support funding for computer science courses to guide these classes.
• Creation of the Arizona AAM Interoperability Sandbox as a strategic initiative to accelerate the safe integration of advanced air mobility technologies statewide. By fosteringcollaboration with the FAA, tribal nations, industry partners and research institutions, this effort will generate immediate economic and community benefits while establishing Arizona as a leader in AAM innovation. The sandbox will drive job creation, improve transportation and emergency response in underserved areas, and provide critical real-world data to shape national airspace policies, all while reinforcing Arizona’s position as a hub for cutting-edge aerospace and technology advancements.
• Support and protect economic development programs that have proven to work for Arizona. Maintain and fund programs that support manufacturing; encourage research and development; support high-quality, high-paying jobs; and incentivize innovation. Ensure these programs are continued and additional restrictions are not applied that would hamper the economic growth and success Arizona has experienced. During the past several years, the Council has helped extend and expand these programs while defeating efforts to repeal them. Some economic development tools may require modernization to ensure the most effective utilization in order to continue spurring economic growth.
• Work collaboratively with both the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) and the state Legislature to advance energy policy that encourages demand-side adoption of energy efficiency, prioritizes clean and renewable energy use, invests in electric vehicle infrastructure development, and supports innovation in the industry. With the ever- increasing demand for energy in Arizona, especially with the expanding technology ecosystem, renewable energy is an instrumental part of the portfolio to meet the needs for Arizona’s growth in an affordable, reliable and sustainable manner. The Council will work to protect the advancements that have been made and work to defeat efforts that would undermine efforts in the renewable energy space.
• Seek opportunities to expand Arizona’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, including computer sciences and coding opportunities for students. Focus on long-term, shared, sustainable and flexible STEM missions that bridge, integrate and strengthen the learning opportunities offered by organizations across sectors instead of isolated, independent entities. STEM education helps prepare our students for the jobs of today and the future, and will build a strong, diverse talent pipeline to meet the state’s continued growth.