PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a controversial bill on Friday that will block a scheduled citizen vote on Axon Enterprise Inc.’s massive construction project in Scottsdale.
The law, which came to her desk as Senate Bill 1543, will make local rezoning an administrative action not subject to referendum petitions.
This will benefit Axon, which previously had its plans to build a headquarters and housing development thwarted by a petition effort.
Gov. Katie Hobbs signs bill clearing way for Axon Scottsdale development
Hobbs’ decision to sign the bill into law essentially wipes out a petition effort that previously thwarted Axon’s plan to build 1,900 residential units, a hotel, multiple restaurants and a 250,000-square-foot headquarters in a parcel of land near Loop 101 and Hayden Road in Scottsdale.
Axon CEO Rick Smith said this new law will benefit countless companies.
“This legislation ensures that Arizona remains competitive in attracting high-impact global headquarters projects, providing the tools needed to create high-wage jobs and drive innovation at scale,” Smith said in a Friday statement. “For Axon, it means the opportunity to continue growing in the state we’ve proudly called home since our founding more than 30 years ago.”
CEO expresses excitement over law impacting Axon Scottsdale development
Smith, who previously threatened to pull Axon out of Scottsdale if the bill didn’t get passed, said the legislation is addressing Arizona’s housing supply crisis.
“By leveling the playing field and allowing companies moving to Arizona to build housing for their employees, SB1543 supports not just Axon team members, but also teachers, public safety professionals, and working families across the Valley who deserve access to attainable housing near where they work,” Smith said.
Smith said he is honored that many state legislators advocated for the law.
“With the passage of SB1543, Axon is poised to expand our Scottsdale headquarters, increasing our Arizona workforce to more than 5,500 high-tech jobs and generating an estimated $38 billion in economic impact over the next decade,” Smith said. “The legislation ensures that our company — and our people — can continue to thrive in the community where we started.”
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