Voters Want Leaders to Plan Ahead as the State Grows

New Arizona Voters' Agenda findings show strong support for long-term action on water, energy, extreme heat and infrastructure

PHOENIX, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New statewide, nonpartisan public opinion research from Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) finds Arizona voters want leaders to plan ahead for the water, energy, and infrastructure needed to sustain continued growth, economic opportunity, and quality of life. Many voters question whether the state's systems will keep pace with future demands. At the same time, strong majorities support long-term action on water, view reliable and affordable energy as essential, support investments to address extreme heat, and say growing industries should share the additional infrastructure costs their growth creates.

The latest findings from the 2026 Arizona Voters' Agenda show that voters want the state to plan for the long term, address challenges before they limit opportunity, and make choices today that support the future Arizona wants. Voters want reliable water and energy, communities and infrastructure able to meet the demands of increasingly extreme heat, and growth that does not place its additional infrastructure costs solely on existing ratepayers. 

"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."

Water Is Central to Arizona's Long-Term Growth
Arizona voters recognize that a secure water future is essential to continued economic opportunity, strong communities, and quality of life, and they expect the state to plan for both water and growth over the long term.
Voters are open to solutions and strongly support action to secure Arizona's water future.

• 93% agree elected leaders must make long-term investments to secure Arizona's water future, including dedicating more state funding to water. Agreement includes 90% of Republicans, 91% of independent and unaffiliated voters, and 97% of Democrats.
• 89% agree Arizona needs to add to its water supply through strategies such as finding other water sources, investing in desalination, and recycling wastewater. Agreement includes 87% of Republicans, 86% of independent and unaffiliated voters, and 96% of Democrats.

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SOURCE Center for the Future of Arizona