How does Arizona go from having potential to realizing it? In this post, I outline how we’re in danger of losing a homegrown $40 billion company to an out-of-state union, how we can keep them here, and how we can set up the next 30 years to be an era of flourishing, not floundering, for Arizona’s tech scene. Pause White Lotus and give me five minutes of your time.

The company I’m talking about is Axon, the $40 billion company formerly known as Taser. Founded and headquartered in Scottsdale, Axon is a prime example of a homegrown success story. They want to expand their HQ in North Scottsdale, building out a beautiful new campus with housing, a hotel, and office space—creating jobs and further cementing Arizona as a serious player in the tech world.

The Scottsdale City Council saw the value in this and approved the project with a 5-2 vote. That should have been the end of it. But then, a labor union with no real ties to Arizona, UNITE HERE, stepped in to block it. Using Arizona’s flawed referendum process, they collected enough signatures to force the decision onto the ballot in 2026. That means this expansion, which was already approved, is now in limbo for years—maybe permanently.

If this sounds familiar, it should. This is the same group that helped push the Coyotes out of Arizona by blocking their Tempe arena project. The same group that’s stalled the VAI Resort project in Glendale. And now they’re doing it again, preventing one of Arizona’s most successful companies from growing in the state where it was built. These politically motivated efforts, funded by dark money, are making Arizona a less attractive place to build, grow, and invest.

There’s a fix: SB 1352 and House Bill 2925. These bills would classify rezoning as an administrative act, rather than a legislative one. That means outside groups wouldn’t be able to use referendums to block developments that have already been approved by the city. It would stop these kinds of delays from happening, allowing companies to move forward without unnecessary interference.

Arizona is at a crossroads. Either we embrace growth and support businesses that want to invest here, or we let political games continue driving companies away. Passing these bills is a necessary step to keeping Arizona open for business. Otherwise, we’re just setting ourselves up to lose more companies, more jobs, and more opportunities. Let’s not let another one slip away.

What You Can Do

Sign the petition

Show your support for keeping Axon—and the jobs and innovation it brings—in Arizona. Sign it here.

Send a letter to your legislators

Let them know Arizona must remain a place where businesses can grow and create opportunities. Send a letter here.

Come To The “Keep Axon In AZ” Rally

A few of us are organizing a Rally to build awareness for this issue on Saturday April 5th. Bring your friends, family, and even the stranger you’re sitting next to right now in the coffeeshop. We need all the people we can get. Let’s give ambition a home in Arizona. See you there!

RSVP For The April 5th Rally!