Avondale council adopts 2026 state and federal legislative priorities

Liz Barker Alvarez, Avondale's intergovernmental affairs administrator, briefed the council on recommended public policy priorities for the 2026 state and federal sessions and outlined the process staff use to monitor bills and develop positions.

Barker Alvarez said the priorities reflect recurring issues municipalities face and emphasized staff coordination with department subject-matter experts and regional partners. She highlighted the state's tight fiscal condition for FY26 (presented as an estimated $69 million balance versus $469 million the prior year), the risk to education funding and cost shifts from federal conformity in programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. She also listed the city's recommended priorities: preserve local funding, oppose preemption of local authority, expand housing opportunities, enhance public safety, manage growth and development, promote economic development, advance transportation networks, protect water supply, and support the mission of Luke Air Force Base.

Council Member Solorio moved to adopt Resolution 1084-12-25 authorizing the city manager or designee to act on these items; Council Member White seconded and the measure passed on the council floor.

Council members thanked Barker Alvarez for the work and noted the importance of early engagement with lawmakers when fast-moving bills arise during the session.