PODCAST · government
Creatures of Statute
by 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.
Episodes
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Recapping our 2026 Policy Summit
This week, the CSA team recaps the County Supervisors Association’s 22nd Annual Policy Summit, held in Coconino County. Each year, the Summit brings together county supervisors and leaders to discuss shared challenges, exchange ideas, and establish the policy priorities that will guide CSA’s...
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How Community Bridges Supports Mental Health in Arizona with Dane Binder
This week, we're joined by Dane Binder, Director of Government Affairs at Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI), to explore Arizona's behavioral health system and CBI's role in delivering critical mental health and crisis services across the state. Tune in as we discuss Arizona's crisis response system,...
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The Colorado River's New Rulebook with Sarah Porter
This week, we sit down with Sarah Porter, Director of the Kyl Center for Water Policy at ASU's Morrison Institute for Public Policy, to unpack the federal government's newly released framework for managing the Colorado River over the next decade. Tune in as we discuss what the Final EIS says, the...
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Checking In with the League: Local Government at the State Capitol
We sit down with Rene Guillen, Executive Director of the League of Cities and Towns, to discuss some of the key issues emerging from the last legislative session and the League’s policy development process as it looks ahead to 2027. Tune in as we discuss the importance of stewarding political...
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Off the Charts: The Legacy of Arizona's 5Cs
Arizona's 5Cs helped build the state's economy. Join us as we examine how Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus, and Climate have influenced county revenues and what the data reveals about their changing impact over the last 20 years. Explore our data tools here: https://www.countysupervisors.org/data
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Off the Charts: Wayfair Windfall?
This week on Creatures of Statute, we're bringing you another episode of our series Off the Charts. The 2018 Wayfair decision is often cited as a major revenue boost for local governments. But what do the numbers actually show? We take a data-driven look at remote retail collections across…
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Mohave County Flood Control: Protecting Property & Recharging the Aquifer with Scott Holtry
This week, we learn about how Mohave County is leveraging stormwater mitigation projects to promote groundwater recharge, strengthening long-term water resilience in the Kingman area. In this episode, Mohave County Development Services Director Scott Holtry discusses how the county partnered with...
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County Touchpoints in the FY27 State Budget
We break down the FY 2027 state budget package introduced by the Arizona Legislature this week after months of negotiations between legislative leaders and the Governor's Office. We discuss the state's fiscal outlook, review several of the major tax and spending provisions included in the…
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Off the Charts: Why Home Values Rise but Tax Burdens Stay Low
In this episode of Off the Charts, we explore how Arizona's property tax framework has kept our relative property tax burden one of the lowest in the country—even as home prices have more than doubled. We break down the data behind levy limits, inflation, county budget pressures, and what…
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The Business of Food Safety: Counties & the Restaurant Industry with Dan Bogert
This week on Creatures of Statute, we sat down with Dan Bogert, COO of the Arizona Restaurant Association, to discuss the intersection of county government, public health, and Arizona’s restaurant industry. The conversation explored food safety regulations, health inspections, permitting, and the...
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Beyond Concrete: Innovating Flood Control in Pima County
Flood control is one of the many essential services counties provide to protect residents, infrastructure, and local communities. In this episode, we take a closer look at how Pima County is modernizing flood control through targeted infrastructure investments, stormwater management projects, and...
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Off the Charts: What Counties Run On - A Copper Case Study
Welcome to Off the Charts, the Creatures of Statute series where we dig into the data and explore the stories that most people and policymakers don't get to see. In this episode, we dig into Greenlee County and the role copper plays in shaping its revenue picture. As one of Arizona’s historic…
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Inside the Majority's FY27 Budget Plan
In this episode, we provide a legislative update on the FY2027 state budget package released by the legislative majority, and how it compares to the Governor's January executive budget. We also cover Governor Hobbs’ veto of the package, the breakdown in negotiations over major policy items, and...
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Creating Supply: How WIFA Works to Secure Arizona's Water Future
In this episode, Yuma County Supervisor and Chair of the WIFA Board, Jonathan Lines, and WIFA Director Chelsea McGuire break down how the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority is guiding strategy around water augmentation, reuse, and rural system development. Tune in to hear how Arizona is...
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100 Days... And Counting
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…
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Counties and the Long Term Care System
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…
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We Are Counties: Celebrating National County Government Month!
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...
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Who Pays for Justice? Funding the Right to Counsel in Arizona
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...
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48th in the Nation: Understanding Arizona's Property Tax System
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...
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Visiting the Pleasant Valley Veterans Retreat with Supervisor Woody Cline
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…
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Advancing Election Administration: Inside ASU’s Mechanics of Democracy Lab with Bill Gates
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...
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State Decisions, Local Dollars: Impact of Pending State Policies on County Budgets
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…
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Constitutional Expenditure Limits Explained
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...
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Fixing the Calendar: County Priority First Bill Signed in 2026 ft. Jen Marson
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...
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From Roads to Public Safety: The Hidden Value of Procurement for Arizonans with Dr. Akheil Singla and Mariah Lindberg
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…
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From the Ground Up: How NACo Supports Counties, with Matt Chase
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…
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Baseline to Bottom Line: FY27 State Budget Breakdown
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....
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Funding Justice: Why Counties Seek State, Judicial Partnership
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...
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From Statehouse to Supervisor with Supervisor Kate Brophy McGee
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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Connecting the Ships: A Conversation with CSA President Alton Joe Shepherd
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,...
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CSA Proudly Endorses Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar for NACo 2nd Vice President!
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...
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The Legislative Lowdown: CSA Insight Ahead of Next Session
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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AZ Water Law and Policy with Professor Rhett Larson
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...
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Under the Hood of CSA's Transportation Resolution with Supervisor Paul David, Sam Elters, and Jim Rounds
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…
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CSA’s Public Pension Resolution: The Importance of Data-driven Policy
CSA recently adopted a policy resolution on public pensions—a statement that reflects a commitment to both fiscal responsibility and supporting Arizona’s public employees. In our latest episode, we take a closer look at what this resolution means for counties and the broader conversation around…
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It's a Wrap! Recapping our 2025 Policy Summit
Tune in as we wrap up the 2025 Policy Summit in Yuma County. Hear what county officials are focused on, what stood out at the summit, and what’s next on the policy horizon. Special thanks to Yuma County for their hard work in hosting our Summit. To explore our meeting materials and learn more…
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The Fiscal Forecast: What the FAC’s Latest Outlook Means for Arizona
In this episode, we dive into Arizona’s fiscal outlook following the October meeting of the Legislature’s Finance Advisory Committee (FAC). Listen as we break down what the latest numbers reveal about state budget pressures and explore how federal policy—especially H.R. 1—could compound…
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Catching up with AACo's Jen Marson
Today we sit down with the Executive Director of the Arizona Association of Counties, Jen Marson to talk about the policy development process, reactive advocacy, and upcoming issues ahead of the 2026 legislative session. To learn more about AACo, visit https://azcounties.org/, and to learn more...
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Funding Public Safety: The Future of Maricopa County's Jail Excise Tax with Danny De Hoog
In this episode we sit down with Danny De Hoog, Director of Maricopa County's Public Safety Funding Committee, to unpack how Maricopa County funds its public safety and detention services—and what’s next for its voter-approved jail excise tax. To learn more about county jail funding authorities…
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County Basics: From Statute to Service
In this episode, we break down the basics of county government in Arizona—because while every Arizonan lives in a county and relies on county services, few truly know what counties do. Counties are the quiet workhorses of government: building, maintaining, protecting, and serving communities…
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Building Strong State & County Partnerships with Supervisor Lynne Pancrazi
This episode features CSA President Lynne Pancrazi - Yuma County Supervisor and former state legislator. We dive into our Resolution on State-County Collaboration and what it means for Arizona counties. The resolution focuses on two key goals: CSA’s commitment to provide analysis and feedback on...
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Introducing Creatures of Statute
Welcome to Creatures of Statute, a podcast production of the County Supervisors Association of Arizona. Join us in exploring the policies and partnerships shaping county government services in Arizona.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
County Supervisors Association of Arizona
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Creatures of Statute have?
Creatures of Statute currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Creatures of Statute about?
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...
How often does Creatures of Statute release new episodes?
Creatures of Statute has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Creatures of Statute on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Creatures of Statute?
Creatures of Statute is created and hosted by County Supervisors Association of Arizona.
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