Legislative Agenda
2026 Federal & State Legislative Agenda
MISSION STATEMENT
Glendale Mayor and Council are committed to providing a safe and propserous community through fiscally-responsible, balanced and strategic planning.
In order to fulfill this mission, the City Council urges the State Legislature to preserve and enhance the ability to deliver quality and cost-effective services to Glendale citizens and visitors by retaining local decision-making authority and protecting local revenues.
GUIDING LEGISLATIVE PRINCIPLES
PROTECT LOCAL DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY
Maintain local decision-making authority on issues of local control. Support new and existing funding sources that bring revenue to Glendale, which support the quality of life for its residents, including but not limited to the following:
State Shared Revenue
Retain state shared sales and income tax revenues and oppose any reduction or cap in state shared revenues, either directly or through the creation of exemptions, unless equal revenue sources are made available.
Revenue & Directed Funding Sources
Secure the full disbursement levels of existing revenue streams including the Heritage Fund, the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF), the Vehicle License Tax (VLT) and the Maricopa County half-cent sales tax for transportation.
Responsible & Balanced Budgeting
Preserve local control over revenue and ensure cities have the ability to maintain stable, balanced funding. Support the efforts of the Municipal Tax Code Commission to make tax collection more efficient. Advocate for federal and state investments in regional projects.
Oppose Tax Shifts & Unfunded Mandates
Oppose unfunded state mandates placed on local jurisdictions and encourage the Legislature to evaluate the fiscal impact such mandates will have on communities prior to considering the issue. Oppose policies that shift a greater tax burden to homeowners as a consequence of restructuring property tax assessment ratios.
SAFEGUARD GLENDALE’S NEIGHBORHOODS & QUALITY OF LIFE
Maintain attributes that make Glendale a desirable community for families and businesses alike. These may include economic opportunities; protection of zoning and citizen involvement; orderly growth; efficient transportation; public safety; and safe neighborhoods.
PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & PROSPERITY
Maintain and enhance the caliber of economic development opportunities available to the City through supporting new and existing tools for private sector growth and revitalization. Support legislative changes that allow growth to pay for itself in order to attract new and reliable development opportunities.
SUSTAIN THE MISSION OF LUKE AIR FORCE BASE
Secure the long-term mission and viability of Luke Air Force Base through local and regional community support as well as any state or federal legislation that strengthens local efforts to protect the base. Ensure the viability of Luke Air Force Base and the importance of the base to our national security interests, state and local economies, and to the retirees who rely on the base for services. Specific items may include protecting military airports, limiting encroachment, and expanding future missions.
PRESERVE & ENHANCE WATER SUPPLY
Collaborate with the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association and agency members to support legislation that prioritizes long-term water security, protects the City’s aquifers, and advocates for the development of new water supplies. Ensure Glendale is able to supply assured, safe and sustainable water and wastewater services to its residents.
COLLABORATE TO BUILD & MAINTAIN A ROBUST TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
Engage with regional partners to ensure Glendale residents have reliable transportation options in and out of their community. Encourage efforts that modernize existing funding sources to ensure viability and maintenance of the transportation network.
Support federal, state and regional funding for statewide, regional and local transportation and infrastructure projects. Ensure successful completion of Glendale’s priority projects funded in part by the region’s half-cent transportation sales tax. Work collaboratively with our federal, state, regional and other local partners to secure additional funding for the region’s important infrastructure needs.
These 2026 legislative priorities will serve as the leading document providing direction to the Intergovernmental Programs staff to ensure Glendale is actively engaged on issues at the U.S. and State Capitols that reflect the priorities and mission of the Glendale City Council.