The Arizona Association for Economic Development has laid out its priorities for this year’s legislative session.

The group, comprised of various economic development officials around the state, is aiming to protect a host of interests at the city and county level at the same time keep the state open for more business, its officials said.

“Arizona competes with other states, regions and nations for businesses and jobs,” said Michael Jansen, chair of AAED’s Governmental Affairs Committee in a press release. “Arizona policies should reflect a commitment to competing in a global market and as such AAED has set the following as its legislative priorities for the coming year.”

Here is what the statewide organization is targeting as the legislative session got underway this week.

Advancing the competitiveness of Arizona’s business climate: AAED will support performance-based and return-driven policies and encourage a diversity of businesses to locate and remain in Arizona for the long term. 

Enhance the access to capital: Recognizing access to capital as one of the major drivers to the formation and growth of new companies, AAED will support policies that enhance businesses’ access to venture capital and leverage tax credits that encourage high-wage employment growth.

• Support export-oriented businesses and industries: AAED will support initiatives that improve Arizona’s ability to increase the number of export-oriented businesses within the state.
• Create and expand development and revitalization tools: AAED supports the creation of infrastructure financing tools that will allow for the long-term financing of improvements through the capture and reallocation of property taxes within specific geographic boundaries.
• Allowing for ease of business creation: AAED will support policies that reduce costly administrative burdens on small and midsized businesses.
• Supporting an educated workforce: AAED will encourage state and local governments to recognize that high-quality graduates from Arizona institutions — both primary and secondary — are a key component to the state’s future revenue growth, and that thoughtful and sustainable spending on education represents an investment, not a cost.
• Support rural economic development: AAED will encourage diverse economic development within our urban centers and also around our smaller, more remote communities that contribute to Arizona’s gross state product.
• Support of Native American economic development: AAED will support efforts of Arizona’s Native American tribes to build upon their economic prosperity, while respecting their unique cultural values and political sovereignty.
• Support of the tourism industry: AAED will support efforts to enhance tourism efforts in all regions of Arizona.
• Support of Arizona’s military mission: AAED will support efforts to protect the military’s long-term mission throughout Arizona. 
• Oppose shifts to local governments: AAED opposes state cost shifts to local Arizona governments. 

“It is critical that the state continues to protect and enhance the existing economic development tools and resources and economic development practitioners rely on to attract and retain successful businesses in our communities,” said Carrie Kelly, executive director of AAED, in a press release. “AAED applauds the governor and the legislature for recognizing the need to add tools that advance economic development that helps ensure that Arizona remains competitive in the marketplace.”