Goodyear's government relations staff outlined the city's 2025 state and federal legislative priorities during the Jan. 13 work session, identifying housing, water resources, sober-living home regulation, and protection of local revenue as top themes for the coming session.

Chief government affairs officer Jenna Carico framed the team's work as advocacy on behalf of Goodyear residents, saying, "The mission of government relations is to advance and protect the interests of Goodyear residents as represented by the mayor and council." Carico and Government Relations Coordinator Haley Ralph reviewed a two-page agenda packet intended for meetings with legislators and partners.

Why it matters: the Arizona Legislature convened for its 2025 session on opening day, and bills introduced this year could affect local land-use authority, water planning and funding, and municipal revenues.

Recap of 2024 and priority issues for 2025

- Housing and zoning: staff recalled last session's contentious House Bill 2570, the so-called Starter Home Act, which critics said would have removed local land-use controls. The governor vetoed that measure after a statewide push by mayors and cities; Carico noted the city will continue to oppose measures that would preempt local design review and zoning authority and expects new or revised housing bills from homebuilders this session.

- Sober-living homes: staff described ongoing work on legislation to create licensure and standards for sober-living homes after concerns about unlicensed, fraudulent facilities statewide. Government relations said Senator Frank Carroll is expected to reintroduce a bill this year to require licensing and penalties; staff emphasized continued coordination with police, fire and the Arizona Department of Health Services.

- Water: staff reported nearly 100 water-related bills were introduced last year and said Goodyear will work with Arizona Municipal Water Users Association and state partners to protect local resources and respond to new Department of Water Resources guidance and Colorado River negotiations.

- Budget and local revenues: Carico warned that state-level tax policy and budget choices could affect local revenue streams, citing concerns about proposals to eliminate certain local sales taxes. The Jan. 2025 packet included two city resolutions the council approved to become League of Arizona Cities and Towns priorities: (1) urging solutions to offset the loss of residential rental revenue repeal and (2) addressing an inconsistency in campaign finance law that restricts transfers between local- and statewide campaign committees.

Regional representation and outreach

Ralph summarized the post-2024 redistricting and election results that leave Goodyear represented across multiple legislative districts and noted new leadership assignments in the Legislature, including House Speaker Steve Montenegro of LD 29. The city said it will pursue resident engagement strategies, schedule meetings with lawmakers, and coordinate intergovernmental outreach; staff also confirmed federal lobbying contractors are under contract and that earmark and federal-priority work is underway.

What's next

Staff said they will track introduced bills, consult relevant department directors for technical analysis, and return to council when city position or action is recommended. Carico and Ralph said they will provide weekly updates during the session and issue action alerts to invite resident engagement when bills of local significance appear.

Ending note

Councilmembers discussed scheduling meetings with legislative leadership and the governor's office; staff said they would coordinate and share materials in advance.