Hobbs signs bill to cancel election over Axon HQ zoning
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Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed legislation Friday scrapping a scheduled election next year that challenged zoning for Axon's proposed headquarters in Scottsdale.
Catch up quick: The Scottsdale City Council last November approved the company's rezoning request for a building near Hayden Road and Loop 101 that would include 1,900 apartments and a hotel.
- Opponents of the apartments specifically, with support from the organized labor group Worker Power, collected enough signatures to put the issue on the 2026 general election ballot.
The intrigue: Axon CEO Rick Smith has said the apartments are critical to the project and threatened the Taser maker would leave Arizona if the special election proceeded.
- Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on X earlier this month that his state would welcome Axon.
What they're saying: Smith called the bill-signing a "defining moment for Scottsdale, and for the state of Arizona" and "a bold step forward for Arizona's economy."
- "This legislation ensures that Arizona remains competitive in attracting high-impact global headquarters projects, providing the tools needed to create high-wage jobs and drive innovation at scale," he said in a statement.
- Hobbs did not comment on the bill.
The other side: Opponents said the bill was driven by special interests and disenfranchised Scottsdale voters.
- "I stand with the people of Scottsdale in opposition to the legislature's unconstitutional overreach," Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky posted on X.
Context: The bill would force cities with populations between 200,000-500,000, including Scottsdale, to allow apartments and hotels on the campus of an international business headquarters on land zoned for light industrial use.
What we're watching: Bob Littlefield, leader of the campaign that collected signatures to refer the Axon issue to the ballot, told the Arizona Republic his group plans to sue to block the law.
- Borowsky said the city is also evaluating its legal options.
- Opponents suggested that it violates the Arizona Constitution's prohibition against "special legislation," which bars the Legislature from granting "special or exclusive privileges, immunities, or franchises" to corporations, associations or individuals.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with new details throughout.