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PODCAST

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.

government politics

All Episodes

21:16

100 Days... And Counting

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/04/22

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 hereTo view our document with select county budget touchpoints, click here

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20:06

Counties and the Long Term Care System

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/04/17

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

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1:25

We Are Counties: Celebrating National County...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/04/03

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

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16:59

Who Pays for Justice? Funding the Right to Counsel in...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/03/27

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 hereLearn more about Indigent Defense Funding across the country here

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25:02

48th in the Nation: Understanding Arizona's Property...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/03/20

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 TermsLimits on Property TaxesBoard of

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24:04

Visiting the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat with...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/03/10

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

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25:02

Advancing Election Administration: Inside ASU’s...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/03/05

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

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27:49

State Decisions, Local Dollars: Impact of Pending...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/02/26

This week, we break down key legislative proposals that could impact county finances across Arizona. We explore pending state policies with the potential to restrict local revenue authority, as well as proposals that could shift costs to counties and drive additional spending. Learn more about what these proposals could mean for county budgets and the services Arizonans rely on.To view our document detailing these proposals, click here.To explore our handout detailing existing restrictions on county

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13:01

Constitutional Expenditure Limits Explained

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/02/17

This week, we break down what expenditure limits are, why they exist, and the practical implications on county operations. From historical context to modern challenges like workforce pressures and voter-approved adjustments, we explain how these constitutional rules guide—or constrain—the way counties serve their communities.To learn more about expenditure limits, check out our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/expenditurelimitsAnd check out our resource guide here

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10:49

Fixing the Calendar: County Priority First Bill...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/02/10

In this episode, we unpack the first bill of the 2026 legislative session to be signed into law and a key county priority: HB 2022, sponsored by Representative Kolodin. We’re joined by AACo’s Jen Marson, who has been at the tip of the spear on this issue, to discuss how the bill streamlines election administration, moves the next primary election to July 21, and ensures overseas and military voters receive their ballots on time for the upcoming general election.

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29:57

From Roads to Public Safety: The Hidden Value of...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/02/03

It’s not just about buying things—it’s about how local government actually gets things done. This episode spotlights an 18-month research partnership between CSA, the League of Cities and Towns, the Arizona Board of Regents, and Arizona State University exploring how procurement delivers real value for residents. Led by Dr. Akheil Singla, Dr. Justin Stritch, PhD candidate Mariah Lindberg, PhD student Ignacio Pezo, and the ASU research team, the conversation unpacks why this work matters, and what it

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26:49

From the Ground Up: How NACo Supports Counties, with...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/01/27

On the heels of his visit to Arizona, we sat down with Matt Chase, CEO of the National Association of Counties (NACo), to discuss how counties are supported at the national level. We explore NACo’s role in assisting local leaders, key federal issues—from public lands and disaster response to AI and data centers—and the growing importance of data-driven advocacy and local storytelling.To learn more about NACo, visit their website at https://www.naco.org/To learn more about how CSA supports Arizona's

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16:41

Baseline to Bottom Line: FY27 State Budget Breakdown

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/01/21

The Arizona Legislature is back in session and with it comes the first major look at the state’s budget picture. This week, we recap what the Governor is prioritizing in her FY 2027 budget recommendation, how it compares to the JLBC Baseline, and, most importantly, what it all means for counties.View CSA's analysis on the county touchpoints in the state budget here.To view our Budget and Legislative Priorities, click here.To access the Governor's budget recommendation, click here.To view the JLBC

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14:24

Funding Justice: Why Counties Seek State, Judicial...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/01/14

In this episode, we break down our adopted resolution focused on court funding, and what it means for counties across the state. Join us as we unpack the court-county relationship, why court costs are placing increasing strain on county budgets, and what county leaders are calling the Legislature and the judicial branch to do.Adopted Court Funding Resolution2025 Summit Briefing MaterialsCounty 101 HandoutJudicial Salary HandoutIndigent Defense Case StudyTo learn more about courts and criminal

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20:44

From Statehouse to Supervisor with Supervisor Kate...

Creatures of Statute ·

2026/01/09

In this week's episode, we sit down with Maricopa County Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee. Listen in as we talk about her journey from the statehouse to supervisor, the complexities of county government, and the importance of building strong relationships between the state and the counties.

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18:21

Connecting the Ships: A Conversation with CSA...

Creatures of Statute ·

2025/12/18

In this episode, we sit down with CSA President Alton Joe Shepherd, Supervisor, District 2, Apache County. Listen in as we talk about his journey to County Supervisor, his vision for CSA over the next year, and the importance of collaboration at all levels of leadership.To learn more about CSA, visit our website at https://www.countysupervisors.org/

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13:53

CSA Proudly Endorses Coconino County Treasurer Sarah...

Creatures of Statute ·

2025/12/03

Arizona’s counties are proud to support Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar in her run for NACo 2nd Vice President! Tune in as she shares more about her candidacy, her commitment to restoring local power, and how collaboration across counties can shape stronger communities nationwide.When counties decide, communities thrive.Visit https://www.sarah4naco.com/ to connect and learn more.

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20:03

The Legislative Lowdown: CSA Insight Ahead of Next...

Creatures of Statute ·

2025/12/03

In this episode, our team talks progress on county priorities, previews some emerging issues and outlines some key dates for county folks to know. To see CSA’s policy agenda and resolutions, please see www.countysupervisors.org/advocacy

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57:05

AZ Water Law and Policy with Professor Rhett Larson

Creatures of Statute ·

2025/11/24

In this episode, we feature audio from our November learning series with Professor Rhett Larson of ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. He breaks down the major water issues impacting Arizona—particularly those involving the Colorado River—and offers his perspective on the path forward.To view his slide deck, click here.

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21:40

Under the Hood of CSA's Transportation Resolution ft....

Creatures of Statute ·

2025/11/19

In this episode, we break down CSA’s Transportation Resolution and explore the policy factors shaping Arizona’s transportation system. Find out why county HURF only buys about half of what it could ten years ago, and less than a third of what it could have when the Legislature last set the gas tax in 1990.Special thanks to Economist Jim Rounds, Graham County Supervisor Paul David, and Mohave County Manager Sam Elters for their insights.Click here to read CSA's Transportation Resolution.To learn more

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