More than 1,000 members of the Arizona business community and elected officials at all levels of government converged on Chase Field in downtown Phoenix last Friday for the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s annual Legislative Forecast Luncheon. 

The event was highlighted by a conversation with Gov. Katie Hobbs, a panel discussion with state legislative leaders, and a panel with statewide elected officials. 

Gov. Hobbs touched on a wide swath of issues, from the budget to school choice, water stewardship and semiconductors. 

“The Legislative Forecast Luncheon serves as the unofficial kick-off of the legislative session every January,” Chamber President and CEO Danny Seiden said. “It’s also the Chamber’s chance to present our annual Business Agenda, which outlines our positions on dozens of public policy issues. In the session ahead, we’re looking forward to working with Gov. Hobb and members of both parties to pursue policy that will solidify Arizona’s place as one of the country’s best states to do business.” 

Gov. Hobbs will deliver her second State of the State address on Monday. 

“We’re optimistic,” Seiden said. “As Gov. Hobbs mentioned on Friday, the challenges facing Arizona aren’t insurmountable. I’m confident that elected officials of all stripes are committed to negotiating in good faith to do what’s right for the state. We’ve got an outstanding business environment, and I’m positive the governor and Legislature will work to ensure it stays that way.”