The Arizona Commerce Authority is under scrutiny. How significant is it?
Download mp3 (10 MB)The Arizona Commerce Authority has come under scrutiny recently for some of the ways in which it tries to entice businesses — and their CEO’s — to come to the state. An auditor general’s report from this past fall said, among other findings, that the agency couldn’t show whether money it had given out actually led to companies to invest in Arizona. And earlier this month, Attorney General Kris Mayes said events known as "CEO forums" violate the state constitution.
Meanwhile, there’s debate at the Arizona Capitol over the agency’s future.
There’s a bill to get rid of the Commerce Authority altogether, while other lawmakers are suggesting continuing it, but with changes, and for a shorter period of time than what’s typical.
The Show spoke with economist Jim Rounds with Rounds Consulting Group to talk more about what all of this means for economic development in Arizona.
