Community Announcements

1 hour ago

Governor Hobbs Announces Appointment of David Keys-Nunes, Joseph M. Rhoades, and Joshua M. Whitaker to Maricopa County Superior Court

Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced the appointment of David Keys-Nunes, Joseph M. Rhoades, and Joshua M. Whitaker to the Maricopa County Superior Court. Commissioner Keys-Nunes has served as court commissioner in the court’s Family Department since 2025. Prior to his appointment as a court commissioner, Commissioner Keys-Nunes was in private practice, where he gained experience in civil litigation, criminal defense, and juvenile law. He also served on the Arizona Foster Care Review Board for over four years prior to his appointment as a court commissioner, and for 12 years as an officer and detective in the Phoenix Police Department prior to becoming an attorney. Commissioner Rhoades was appointed as a court commissioner in 2023, and has served in the court’s Probate and Family Departments. Prior to joining the court, Commissioner Rhoades served for seven years as a practicing attorney in the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. He was a public school teacher before beginning his legal career. Mr. Whitaker has served in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office since 2020, first as senior litigation counsel in the Consumer Protection Division and Solicitor General’s Office and subsequently as Unit Chief in the Solicitor General’s Special Litigation Section. He was previously a litigation associate at Osborn Maledon, P.A. Mr. Whitaker has served as a judge pro tempore on the Maricopa County Superior Court in a volunteer capacity since 2025, and on the Chandler Citizens’ Panel for Review of Police Complaints and Use of Force since 2022. “I am proud to appoint these three outstanding attorneys and public servants to the bench,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Each has demonstrated superb legal knowledge and abilities, in addition to a passion for helping others and their communities. I am confident they will serve the people of Arizona well in their new roles.” The appointments are to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Judges Dean M. Fink, Michael D. Gordon, and Joan M. Sinclair.

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When You Know, You Know

Knowing gives you the power to live as your true self because when you know, you know. Maricopa County is among the 50 local jurisdictions in the United States that made up nearly half of new HIV diagnoses in 2016 and 2017. Knowing Frees You When you know your HIV status, you have the freedom to live as your true self. Getting tested is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV. HIV testing is easy! There are several locations all over Arizona where you can receive a free HIV test. You can even take an at-home test, in the comfort of your own space, on your time. You can be guided in the right direction to treatment or preventative care, based on your HIV status. When to gettested Should I get tested for HIV? I think I've beenexposed Everyone aged 13 to 64 should get tested for HIV at least once in their life. If you are sexually active, you should get tested more often. Click on the arrows to find out more. When to get tested You should get tested at least once a year if you continue to engage in any of the following behaviors: You have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection, like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, HIV, and/or Syphilis. You’re a man who has had sex with another man. You’ve had sex with a partner who has HIV. You’ve had more than one partner since your last HIV test. You’ve shared needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs. You’ve exchanged sex for drugs or money. You’ve had sex with anyone who has done anything listed above or with someone whose sexual history you don’t know. I think I’ve been exposed You may be eligible to start taking medication which can stop a new HIV infection. This is called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP must be taken within 72 hours of exposure. To get started on PEP right away, go to a clinic or emergency room. Or call the PEP hotline at 602-241-6100. Find a testing location near you Get Tested for HIV Today Find out what’s involved Knowing who you are is Powerful. So is knowing your HIV status. Testing Locations Locate Services - HIV prevention, care, and resources throughout Arizona. Developed and maintained by Aunt Rita’s Foundation, HIVAZ is dedicated to providing accurate, thorough information to Arizona residents. Find out what’s involved You can have a blood or saliva test. Free home test kits are available in Arizona. Get one now Different types of HIV tests: Type | Blood | Saliva | Approximate Window period1 --- | --- | --- | --- Standard | x | | 18-45 days Fingerstick | x | | 18-90 days Oral Swab | | x | 23-90 days Self Test Kits | x | x | 23-90 days 1 Window period: the time between when a person may have been exposed to HIV and when a test can tell for sure whether a person has HIV. Negative (Non-Reactive)? What does my result mean? Positive (Reactive)? Knowing gives you the power to live as your true self. Negative (Non-Reactive)? This most always means you are not living with HIV. If you have engaged in risk behaviors during the month prior to your test, you should speak to someone about retesting. Ask someone now. To stay negative, get linked to PrEP. Find PrEP now! Condoms work very well to prevent HIV and other STIs. Get free condoms! If you use needles or syringes, use new needles and equipment each time. Don’t share anything. Avoid buying needles on the street, even if they look new. Learn more here! Positive (Reactive)? Confirming an HIV diagnosis involves a series of tests. You may be given a follow-up test to confirm you are living with HIV. You can still live a normal, healthy life with HIV, but you must seek care! If you’re diagnosed with HIV, start treatment right away. Treatment has been shown to reduce a person's chance of transmitting the virus to others. See a list of places that can get you linked for treatment to live your best life with HIV. Resources To learn more about HIV check out these resources. All things HIV in Arizona HIV Testing info from CDC Free Condoms Home Test Kit Delivery Harm Reduction/ Needle Exchange Arizona Department of Health Services 150 North 18th Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85007 Operating hours Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed weekends and state holidays. General Public Information 602-542-1025 602-542-0883 About us | Org chart | Careers Employees | Contact us | Media Individuals with hearing or speech challenges, please call 711 for Relay. Data & Communications • Request Information, Records, or Data • Connect with ADHS Report Fraud, Waste, Abuse, & Misconduct Sign up for email updates

Governor’s Office Opens Arizona Game And Fish Commission Application

Governor’s Office Opens Arizona Game And Fish Commission Application | Office of the Arizona Governor Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Governor’s Office Opens Arizona Game And Fish Commission Application News Release September 1, 2026 Phoenix, AZ – The Governor’s Office is now accepting applications to fill two seats on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. All residents of Apache, Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai, and Yuma counties knowledgeable and passionate about Arizona wildlife and conservation are welcome to apply.Eligible applicants are open to apply to the following positions: One seat with a partial term, expiring January 17, 2028 One seat with a full five-year term, beginning January 18, 2027 The five-member Game and Fish Commission establishes policy, rules, and regulations for the management, preservation, and harvest of wildlife and fishery resources, as well as watercraft and off-highway vehicle operations. The commission also serves in an advisory role to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and its mission, please click HERE. The commission is structured to ensure geographical and political representation from across Arizona. All applicants must disclose their party affiliation and must not have changed party registration within the past two years in order to be eligible. By state law, no more than three commissioners can be from the same political party, and no two from the same county.Applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30th.Individuals interested in applying must do so through the Office of Executive Appointments website. Applicants are required to include their current residential address, political party, resume, and any additional materials or letters of recommendations with their application. The Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board (CARB) will be meeting in October to review applications and conduct interviews in-person. Questions regarding the review process should be directed to Madeline Gaffney ([email protected]) with the Arizona Game and Fish Department.Individuals also may contact the Governor’s Office of Executive Appointments by emailing [email protected]. ### PreviousGovernor Katie Hobbs, Arizona Board of Regents Announce Genetic Viability Study For Salt River Horse Herd Next Governor Katie Hobbs Announces Termination of State Land Leases for AgTech LLC Governor Hobbs Offices of the Governor News Priorities and Accomplishments Connect Stay In Touch I am a member of the press. Yes No Office of the Governor1700 W. Washington St.Phoenix, AZ 85007602-542- [email protected]

Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona Board of Regents Announce Genetic Viability Study For Salt River Horse Herd

Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona Board of Regents Announce Genetic Viability Study For Salt River Horse Herd | Office of the Arizona Governor Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Governor Katie Hobbs, Arizona Board of Regents Announce Genetic Viability Study For Salt River Horse Herd News Release August 31, 2026 Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Board of Regents announced a $325,000 grant to fund a comprehensive genetic viability study of the Salt River Horse Herd, pairing state university researchers with natural resource managers to protect the herd’s long-term health. The announcement comes after the Arizona Board of Regents voted unanimously in favor of funding the study as a part of their Regents’ Grant program.The study will be conducted jointly by genetics and horse researchers at Northern Arizona University and the University of Arizona along with assistance from federal wild horse experts at the US Geological Survey. To ensure scientists can establish an accurate baseline, the Department of Agriculture has paused herd removals under the current management plan for 2026 and 2027 while research is underway.Data gathered during the two-year study will provide the Arizona Department of Agriculture with science-based findings to assist in their herd management decisions.“Arizona’s Salt River horses are a beloved part of our state's heritage, and they deserve management that protects the herd for generations to come while preserving the natural ecosystem they rely on,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Partnering with our world-class state universities will give us the independent data we need to make informed and responsible decisions.”"The Regents' Grant program puts the research expertise of Arizona's public university faculty to work on important challenges facing our state," said ABOR Chair Doug Goodyear. "Arizonans care deeply about the Salt River Horse Herd, and this research will give the Arizona Department of Agriculture sound, science-based data so that any decision about the herd's future is made carefully, transparently and grounded in evidence."Read more about the study approved by ABOR here. ### PreviousGovernor Hobbs Announces Appointment of David Keys-Nunes, Joseph M. Rhoades, and Joshua M. Whitaker to Maricopa County Superior Court Next Governor’s Office Opens Arizona Game And Fish Commission Application Governor Hobbs Offices of the Governor News Priorities and Accomplishments Connect Stay In Touch I am a member of the press. Yes No Office of the Governor1700 W. Washington St.Phoenix, AZ 85007602-542- 4331[email protected]azgovernor.gov

Governor Katie Hobbs Launches Program to Cut Red Tape and Lower Housing Costs for Arizonans

Governor Katie Hobbs Launches Program to Cut Red Tape and Lower Housing Costs for Arizonans | Office of the Arizona Governor Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Governor Katie Hobbs Launches Program to Cut Red Tape and Lower Housing Costs for Arizonans News Release September 17, 2026 State Affordability Infrastructure District Program to help advance public infrastructure and accelerate housing development Phoenix, AZ – This week, Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Finance Authority (AFA) launched the State Affordability Infrastructure Districts (SAID) program to accelerate housing development opportunities and lower housing costs throughout the state. Through the program, property owners can submit a petition to the Arizona Finance Authority to form a SAID, allowing the use of tax-exempt bonds to fund core public infrastructure. This funding mechanism is expected to attract new development opportunities as well as re-engage dormant housing development projects by lowering initial site development barriers and fostering housing attainability and community growth.In June 2026, Governor Hobbs signed HB 2999, bipartisan legislation that created the SAID program and enables tax-exempt bonds to fund infrastructure projects like roads, water, and sewer lines over time rather than requiring significant upfront capital.“We are cutting red tape and lowering the cost of housing for Arizonans,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “The formation of State Affordability Infrastructure Districts will facilitate the development of new communities, lowering housing costs by removing the upfront infrastructure costs that can pose a barrier to new housing. Giving builders and property owners the ability to use this funding mechanism to pay for public infrastructure in their communities helps make homes in those communities more affordable, particularly for first-time buyers.”“High front-end infrastructure costs are among the most significant barriers to building master-planned developments and affordable workforce housing, another pillar of the Governor’s priorities designed to strengthen Arizona’s workforce,” said Arizona Finance Authority Executive Director Gregg Ghelfi. “SAIDs address this by enabling low-cost, tax-exempt municipal bond financing. Rather than paying for infrastructure costs up front, the formation of a SAID can reduce initial capital requirements, spread infrastructure costs over up to 30 years at municipal tax-exempt interest rates, improve project cash flow and overall project feasibility, and accelerate public infrastructure delivery and physical home construction.”AFA has published guidelines for how SAIDs may be formed and implemented, which include robust transparency measures for homebuyers and local governments. Developers interested in submitting a petition to form a district are encouraged to review information about the program, including the policies and procedures that define the program and its regulations and restrictions. Frequently asked questions about SAIDs can be found here.“Arizona’s extraordinary growth creates tremendous opportunity, but developers know that building thriving communities begins long before the first home goes up,” said Howard Hughes Chief Operating Officer for Arizona Kate Kaminski. “It begins with investing in the roads, water systems, and critical infrastructure that everything else depends on. The SAID framework gives us a more predictable and efficient way to make those investments, helping pave the way for more housing, more jobs, and greater economic prosperity for future generations.”“This will accelerate the construction of infrastructure and reduce upfront capital costs which will lower housing costs across the state,” said Valley Partnership President and CEO Clark Princell. “SAIDs will allow developers to finance public infrastructure with new tools while not creating any new obligations for existing taxpayers. Allowing developers to construct and deliver roads, utilities, and amenities in advance of development rather than after dramatically accelerates project timelines and reduces capital costs, which will ultimately reduce construction and home prices.”“The SAID framework is an investment in Arizona’s long-term growth and affordability,” said Tyler Cobb, a Partner at Taft who assists in forming SAIDs. “By reducing the cost of financing critical infrastructure, it can accelerate housing production, unlock economic-development projects and help ensure that Arizona remains a place where families and businesses can afford to grow.” ### PreviousGovernor Katie Hobbs Announces Termination of State Land Leases for AgTech LLC Governor Hobbs Offices of the Governor News Priorities and Accomplishments Connect Stay In Touch I am a member of the press. Yes No Office of the Governor1700 W. Washington St.Phoenix, AZ 85007602-542- 4331[email protected]azgovernor.gov

Governor Katie Hobbs Announces Termination of State Land Leases for AgTech LLC

Governor Katie Hobbs Announces Termination of State Land Leases for AgTech LLC | Office of the Arizona Governor Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Governor Katie Hobbs Announces Termination of State Land Leases for AgTech LLC News Release September 10, 2026 Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced that the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) has terminated five state land agricultural leases held by AgTech LLC and related entities in Yuma County. AgTech LLC currently spreads, injects, and applies treated sewage sludge - commonly referred to as biosolids - and domestic septage at a commercial scale on Arizona State Trust Land. AgTech LLC began leasing state land in 2002. In 2025, AgTech applied over 68,000 dry metric tons of treated sewage sludge with over 97% of that coming from California utilities.“I’m proud of the Arizona State Land Department for taking this critical action to protect the best interests of the State Land Trust,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Arizona is not a disposal site for California’s treated sewage sludge, and AgTech’s commercial operations on Arizona state land were damaging local businesses, hurting Arizona farmers, and eroding the quality of life of families in the community, all at the expense of Trust beneficiaries, largely K-12 education. I’m proud we have protected Yuma County from the harmful environmental and economic impacts of their operation. My administration will continue taking action to put Arizona first and protect our state land.”The average loading rate of biosolids on the overall AgTech LLC site is approximately 140 dry metric tons per acre, which far exceeds the average loading rate of approximately 7 dry metric tons per acre for other Arizona biosolids applicators. An estimated 47 haul trucks deliver material to the site daily, and AgTech is the only registered biosolids land applicator in Arizona applying domestic septage to agricultural land. Local farmers, businesses, and homeowners have raised concerns about fly infestations, overwhelming odors, and the spread of dust and debris in the area. After inspection by the State Land Department, it was found that AgTech LLC was not in compliance with its leases, and the Land Commissioner determined that continued leasing of the land to AgTech LLC and related entities was not in the best interest of the State Land Trust.The Yuma County Board of Supervisors raised concerns about AgTech’s presence on state land in a letter to ASLD, highlighting the detrimental impact to surrounding farmers and businesses. Read the letter here.AgTech LLC and related entities held five State Land leases for its biosolids operations. ASLD found one in default of their lease agreement and chose to not renew four in order to deliver maximum value to state land trustees and protect funding for Arizona’s public education system. This action by the Arizona State Land Department does not impact the responsible application of biosolids by other Arizona farmers or other State Trust Land agricultural leases granted by the Department. PreviousGovernor’s Office Opens Arizona Game And Fish Commission Application Next Governor Katie Hobbs Launches Program to Cut Red Tape and Lower Housing Costs for Arizonans Governor Hobbs Offices of the Governor News Priorities and Accomplishments Connect Stay In Touch I am a member of the press. Yes No Office of the Governor1700 W. Washington St.Phoenix, AZ 85007602-542- 4331[email protected]azgovernor.gov