Arizona Voters Demand Planning for Growth Challenges
New research indicates Arizona voters want leaders to develop long-term strategies for water, energy, and infrastructure to accommodate state growth. Many express uncertainty about existing systems' future capacity.
PHOENIX, AZ – September 28, 2026 – Statewide, nonpartisan public opinion research released by the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) reveals that voters want leaders to plan for the water, energy, and infrastructure needed to sustain continued growth, economic opportunity, and quality of life.
The findings from the 2026 Arizona Voters' Agenda indicate that many voters question whether the state's systems will keep pace with future demands. Simultaneously, strong majorities support long-term action on water security, view reliable and affordable energy as essential, back investments to address extreme heat, and believe growing industries should share the additional infrastructure costs their expansion creates.
"Arizona voters expect leaders to make the choices today that will allow water, energy, and infrastructure to keep pace with growth and help communities meet the demands of extreme heat," said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of CFA. "Leaders need to explain how they will act on these priorities, sustain Arizona's success, and build a strong future for generations to come."
Securing water resources was identified as central to Arizona's long-term growth. A significant 93% of voters agree that elected officials must make long-term investments to secure Arizona's water future, including dedicating more state funding to water. Furthermore, 89% believe Arizona needs to add to its water supply through strategies such as finding other water sources, investing in desalination, and recycling wastewater.