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Prop. 320 effect on technical education programs unclear

The Arizona Auditor General will determine whether Prop. 320 applies to CTEDs.

News

State officials are trying to determine whether a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballot measure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/25/statewide-ballot-measures-propositions-arizona-election-2026-" data-vars-content-id="4fe3f896-495e-4101-849c-0e30ac26c1fe" data-vars-headline="Prop. 320 effect on technical education programs unclear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/25/statewide-ballot-measures-propositions-arizona-election-2026-" target="_self">ballot measure</a> mandating specific levels of classroom spending by school districts would apply to unique districts for technical education.Why it matters: Career and Technical Education District (CTED) schools and programs serve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tens of thousands" data-vars-click-url="https://arizonadigitalfreepress.com/west-mec-reaches-record-enrollment-as-career-education-demand-grows/" data-vars-content-id="4fe3f896-495e-4101-849c-0e30ac26c1fe" data-vars-headline="Prop. 320 effect on technical education programs unclear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arizonadigitalfreepress.com/west-mec-reaches-record-enrollment-as-career-education-demand-grows/" target="_blank">tens of thousands</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="of students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cusd80.com/newsroom/press-releases/details/~board/hp-news/post/arizona-school-districts-highlight-the-value-of-on-campus-career-and-technical-education-programs?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="4fe3f896-495e-4101-849c-0e30ac26c1fe" data-vars-headline="Prop. 320 effect on technical education programs unclear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cusd80.com/newsroom/press-releases/details/~board/hp-news/post/arizona-school-districts-highlight-the-value-of-on-campus-career-and-technical-education-programs?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">of students</a>, and if those districts are subject to Proposition 320 then they&#x27;ll be at risk of losing funding if they don&#x27;t comply.

You'll need a nap after eating a burger at La Hamburguesa

These big, messy burgers require a recovery period.

Food and Drink

Eating at Phoenix <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burger spot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/03/25/bad-jimmys-chain-burgers-phoenix" data-vars-content-id="1fdba2e6-06bd-45a4-8748-b2455f076764" data-vars-headline="You&#x27;ll need a nap after eating a burger at La Hamburguesa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/03/25/bad-jimmys-chain-burgers-phoenix" target="_self">burger spot</a> La Hamburguesa presents two logistical challenges: finding the restaurant, whose building still features the previous tenant&#x27;s sign, and finding a couch to lie down on afterward.Dig in: The Axios Phoenix team grabbed lunch there last week, and after a hefty meal of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burgers and fries" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/12/get-a-cheap-burger-in-phoenix" data-vars-content-id="1fdba2e6-06bd-45a4-8748-b2455f076764" data-vars-headline="You&#x27;ll need a nap after eating a burger at La Hamburguesa" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/12/get-a-cheap-burger-in-phoenix" target="_self">burgers and fries</a>, we just woke up a few minutes ago.

Democrats eye strongly Republican 2nd Congressional District

Jonathan Nez is getting a lot more support than he did against against Eli Crane in 2024.

Politics

An unexpectedly competitive race in a congressional district that President Trump easily won by double digits two years ago could spell trouble as Republicans look to fend off a Democratic wave.Why it matters: Significant spending by both parties in the 2nd Congressional District, which covers most of rural, northern Arizona and extends into northern Pinal County, suggests that even districts normally considered to be safe Republican territory could be up for grabs.

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How Phoenix is preparing for Colorado River water cuts

The city has prepared, but it's still going to hurt.

Water

Phoenix has spent decades preparing for the type of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Colorado River cutbacks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/21/feds-announce-colorado-river-cuts-arizona" data-vars-content-id="f2b555d0-29a8-411a-8bdd-9e95a6d763b5" data-vars-headline="How Phoenix is preparing for Colorado River water cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/21/feds-announce-colorado-river-cuts-arizona" target="_self">Colorado River cutbacks</a> it will face starting next year, but making up for them will still require lots of sacrifice and investment.Why it matters: The city doesn&#x27;t yet know exactly how much water it will lose from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the dwindling river" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/19/conservation-in-the-west-poll-colorado-college-arizona-water" data-vars-content-id="f2b555d0-29a8-411a-8bdd-9e95a6d763b5" data-vars-headline="How Phoenix is preparing for Colorado River water cuts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/19/conservation-in-the-west-poll-colorado-college-arizona-water" target="_self">the dwindling river</a>, and Phoenix is pursuing several avenues to make up the difference from other sources.

These Phoenix programs will pay you to help save water

Thinking of tearing out your grass? The city wants to help.

Phoenix residents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="looking to cut back" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/19/conservation-in-the-west-poll-colorado-college-arizona-water" data-vars-content-id="673320d2-9bb8-4857-957c-ee9e29ba6c6b" data-vars-headline="These Phoenix programs will pay you to help save water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/19/conservation-in-the-west-poll-colorado-college-arizona-water" target="_self">looking to cut back</a> on their water usage — and bills — can benefit from several city programs built to encourage water efficiency.Why it matters: With <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="looming cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/21/feds-announce-colorado-river-cuts-arizona" data-vars-content-id="673320d2-9bb8-4857-957c-ee9e29ba6c6b" data-vars-headline="These Phoenix programs will pay you to help save water" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/21/feds-announce-colorado-river-cuts-arizona" target="_self">looming cuts</a> to the city&#x27;s share of Colorado River water, the city could institute drought surcharges on water bills, making household water savings all the more valuable.

Feds announce Colorado River cuts for Arizona

If conditions worse, Arizona and the rest of the Lower Basin could end up taking deeper cuts.

The U.S. Department of the Interior made its final decision on cuts to water allocations from the drought-stricken Colorado River over the next two years, and while it&#x27;s not good, it&#x27;s likely the best-case scenario for Arizona — at least for now.Why it matters: An environmental study that the department&#x27;s U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released in late July indicated that Arizona, California and Nevada — which constitute the Colorado River&#x27;s Lower Basin — could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lose up to 3 million acre-feet of water annually" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2026/07/31/feds-release-plan-colorado-river-water-shortages/91068491007/" data-vars-content-id="2d8cfc6a-89b1-47c9-bfa5-b4620d48b897" data-vars-headline="Feds announce Colorado River cuts for Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2026/07/31/feds-release-plan-colorado-river-water-shortages/91068491007/" target="_blank">lose up to 3 million acre-feet of water annually</a> for the next two years.

Arizona's infrastructure is barely scraping by, engineers say

The state received a "not acceptable" C grade.

Transit

Arizona&#x27;s infrastructure — the roads, bridges, water systems and more that make living in the state possible — leaves a lot to be desired, earning a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mediocre C grade" data-vars-click-url="https://infrastructurereportcard.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/irc_report-az_2026_web.pdf" data-vars-content-id="42e2c582-a7e7-4771-8ad2-f88bfdda6592" data-vars-headline="Arizona&#x27;s infrastructure is barely scraping by, engineers say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://infrastructurereportcard.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/irc_report-az_2026_web.pdf" target="_blank">mediocre C grade</a> from the state chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).Why it matters: Facing population growth, the state and its municipalities have yet to dedicate the massive amounts of funding required to address significant infrastructure demands.

Feds "cannot delay action" on Colorado River

Federal officials appear likely to mandate new Colorado River guidelines after key missed deadline.

The seven Colorado River basin states missed a key <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal deadline to reach a new water usage agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/03/katie-hobbs-colorado-river-agreement-upper-basin-burgum-meeting" data-vars-content-id="415790b4-b7f7-4b27-a9d0-83320aaa4cf3" data-vars-headline="Feds &quot;cannot delay action&quot; on Colorado River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/03/katie-hobbs-colorado-river-agreement-upper-basin-burgum-meeting" target="_self">federal deadline to reach a new water usage agreement</a>, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is now likely to impose a solution of its own.Why it matters: The Central Arizona Project (CAP), which transports water from the Colorado River to the interior of the state, is likely to see serious cuts as the feds seek to manage the basin through a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="megadrought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" data-vars-content-id="415790b4-b7f7-4b27-a9d0-83320aaa4cf3" data-vars-headline="Feds &quot;cannot delay action&quot; on Colorado River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" target="_self">megadrought</a>&quot; that&#x27;s persisted for more than 20 years.

Hobbs hopeful on Colorado River deal

Hobbs says Colorado River states won't meet federal deadline but sees progress in water talks.

Gov. Katie Hobbs doesn&#x27;t expect Colorado River basin states to make a deal by the federal government&#x27;s Feb. 14 deadline, but she said she heard increased willingness from upper basin states to agree to cuts at an unprecedented <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="meeting of governors in Washington, D.C." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/29/colorado-river-negotiations-hobbs-washington-dc-water-proposals" data-vars-content-id="f0e07f56-2fb9-4513-b610-574c1d4cebb5" data-vars-headline="Hobbs hopeful on Colorado River deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/29/colorado-river-negotiations-hobbs-washington-dc-water-proposals" target="_self">meeting of governors in Washington, D.C.</a>Why it matters: Arizona has low-priority water rights from the Colorado River, meaning it&#x27;s at the top of the list for cuts amid shortages, which have been prevalent as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="regional drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" data-vars-content-id="f0e07f56-2fb9-4513-b610-574c1d4cebb5" data-vars-headline="Hobbs hopeful on Colorado River deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" target="_self">regional drought</a> persists.

Hobbs heads to D.C. for Colorado River talks as feds' deadline approaches

Hobbs heads to D.C. for Colorado River talks as Arizona officials blast federal water proposals.

Arizona water officials are blasting a set of federal proposals for a new Colorado River agreement as Gov. Katie Hobbs heads to Washington, D.C., with hopes of breaking the impasse over the critical waterway.Why it matters: Arizona has low-priority water rights from the Colorado River, meaning it&#x27;s at the top of the list for cuts amid shortages, which have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prevalent" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/05/22/arizona-california-nevada-proposed-colorado-river-cuts" data-vars-content-id="86414686-45e6-41b2-a2df-cb53b4a9a1e6" data-vars-headline="Hobbs heads to D.C. for Colorado River talks as feds&#x27; deadline approaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/05/22/arizona-california-nevada-proposed-colorado-river-cuts" target="_self">prevalent</a> as a regional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" data-vars-content-id="86414686-45e6-41b2-a2df-cb53b4a9a1e6" data-vars-headline="Hobbs heads to D.C. for Colorado River talks as feds&#x27; deadline approaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" target="_self">drought</a> persists.

Programs providing water for areas hit by homebuilding moratorium

Water programs to fuel housing in fast-growing areas have been hit by homebuilding moratoriums.

Two programs intended to bolster water supplies for housing in Arizona&#x27;s fast-growing, drought-stricken areas are gaining momentum.Why it matters: Gov. Katie Hobbs in 2023 imposed a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moratorium on homebuilding" data-vars-click-url="http://t/" data-vars-content-id="b963f283-0afc-442f-93ac-839e6a68c8b1" data-vars-headline="Programs providing water for areas hit by homebuilding moratorium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://t/" target="_blank">moratorium on homebuilding</a> in the rapidly growing Buckeye and Queen Creek communities unless they used water sources other than groundwater.

WIFA evaluating 6 proposed water importation projects

WIFA could choose up to six projects for feasibility evaluations.

Arizona&#x27;s Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFA) has six proposals it could fund for projects that could eventually <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="import billions of gallons of water" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/12/11/arizona-water-infrastructure-finance-authority-bidders-importation-project" data-vars-content-id="d631d918-b5c3-4de7-a5bf-64312345517c" data-vars-headline="WIFA evaluating 6 proposed water importation projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/12/11/arizona-water-infrastructure-finance-authority-bidders-importation-project" target="_self">import billions of gallons of water</a> into the drought-stricken state.Why it matters: The Colorado River basin, which includes Arizona, has been in a historic &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="megadrought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/14/southwest-megadrought-driest-1200-years" data-vars-content-id="d631d918-b5c3-4de7-a5bf-64312345517c" data-vars-headline="WIFA evaluating 6 proposed water importation projects" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/14/southwest-megadrought-driest-1200-years" target="_self">megadrought</a>&quot; for more than two decades, while demand for water is steadily increasing.

Proposed federal land sale stokes concerns over Utah water pipeline

Some land that could be sold to a Utah county follows the Lake Powell Pipeline's proposed route.

A proposed sale of federal land to local governments in Utah is raising concerns that it could help pave the way for a controversial water pipeline from Lake Powell.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lake Powell Pipeline" data-vars-click-url="https://lpputah.org/" data-vars-content-id="34ef2644-0ba2-469f-997f-ea4076a4d6aa" data-vars-headline="Proposed federal land sale stokes concerns over Utah water pipeline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lpputah.org/" target="_blank">Lake Powell Pipeline</a> is a proposed 143-mile duct that would transport 86,000 acre-feet of water annually from the lake into southwestern Utah.