Co-chair Rebecca Timmer introduced spotlight member Heather Wilkey, Intergovernmental Relations Director for the Town of Queen Creek
- Five years at the Town of Queen Creek
- Previously with Town of Gilbert and working in private sector working with AAED and others on economic development initiatives
- Intergovernmental role in AZ is unique as most nationwide utilize lobbying groups
- Benefit is collaborative celebration of economic development among governmental agencies and municipalities.
- Wears many hats with the legislative session providing opportunity to build relationships with allies across the valley and state
Rebecca introduced Zach Sakas of Greenberg Traurig, LLP
- Asked by League of Cities to work on legislation this session for improvement districts to revise timing of petition process too late in the game
- Received unanimous approval of SB1652 by League; moves the petition process earlier to identify issues before millions are invested
- Suppliers and manufacturers moving to Pinal County will find it a valuable tool
Katy Proctor of City of Maricopa will lead Intergov member discussion:
- See Intergov’s presentation here: Click here
- Intergov presentation was supported by comments from Katy Proctor, Heather Wilkey, Rob Aldous, Rob Wiseman and Jeff Graves
Richard Rosales asked if specific housing bills were being opposed statewide
- Katy Proctor indicated in Pinal County there is agreement that these bills take away local control and, in general, are being opposed by the League of Cities and local councils
- Rob Aldous added the population thresholds could have impacts years down the line based on population growth projections in Pinal County
James Smith asked about HB 2663 and Katy indicated it impacts only Maricopa County based developments.
Arizona Commerce Authority requested support for reauthorization. Pinal Partnership provided a letter of support from Tony Smith and the letter can be found here: Click here
Liz Recchia of WESERV announced the release of the Pinal County Housing Demand Study that includes survey comments on the importance of transportation improvements. Link to the study provided here:
Rebecca mentioned the Governor’s kick-off to Support Prop 479 is happening today and flyer and the link to future meetings are provided here: https://w15377.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Prop-479.png
The next PPGRC Meeting will be on March 26th with the goal to have a joint meeting with the Pinal Partnership Water Resources Committee.
Our next Monthly Breakfast Meeting on March 29th will focus on the Pinal County Maintenance Fund on the ballot for renewal this November. Breakfast and board meeting will take place at the Elements Event Center, Ak-Chin Circle in Maricopa.
Visit https://pinalpartnership.com/meetings-and-events/ for more information.
