Key Takeaways
- More than 2,000 voters in Marana have signed a referendum petition to challenge a town council decision that could grant substantial tax breaks to a developer.
- The Town Council approved a 19-acre downtown entertainment and multi-use district, promising up to $84 million in sales and construction tax reimbursements to the developer.
- The community group Worker Power coordinated the petition effort, emphasizing the importance of involving voters directly in economic development decisions.
- The outcome of this process could influence how Marana approaches economic development and tax incentives in the future.
- The Town Clerk has 20 business days to verify the signatures and determine if the minimum requirement of 1,360 eligible signatures has been met.
Introduction to the Issue
A community discussion is unfolding in Marana, Arizona, as residents rally to determine the future of corporate tax incentives in their town. The debate began when the Town Council approved a 19-acre downtown entertainment and multi-use district on December 16, 2025. The decision promises up to $84 million in sales and construction tax reimbursements to the developer, sparking concern among voters who worry about tax incentives benefiting wealthy developers over local interests. This concern is not unique to Marana, as similar issues have been raised in other Arizona cities, where community groups have opposed projects that they believe prioritize corporate interests over community needs.
The Petition Effort
Worker Power, a community group known for opposing similar projects in other Arizona cities, coordinated the petition effort. The group submitted the signatures to the Marana Town Clerk, who will verify them. If validated, the town council will determine when the referendum will appear on the ballot. According to Brendan Walsh, Executive Director of Worker Power, "We believe that the decisions made on this development are important enough that more community members should have direct input into them." Walsh expressed confidence in involving voters directly, emphasizing that this approach ensures economic development decisions benefit the entire community, not just the companies involved. By giving voters a say in the matter, Worker Power aims to promote a more equitable and transparent approach to economic development.
The Town’s Response
The Town of Marana released a statement regarding the petition, confirming that the Town Clerk had received an initial estimated count of over 2,000 filed signatures. The signatures will undergo a verification process required by A.R.S. 19-121.01 to determine the number of eligible signatures. The Town Clerk has 20 business days to verify that they’ve met the minimum requirement of 1,360 eligible signatures. If that requirement is met, a 5% random sample will then go to the Pima County Recorder’s Office for review. The town’s statement suggests that they are committed to following the necessary procedures to ensure the integrity of the petition process.
Implications for the Future
The outcome of this process could have significant implications for how Marana approaches economic development and tax incentives in the future. If the referendum is successful, it could lead to a re-evaluation of the town’s economic development strategies, with a greater emphasis on community input and benefits. On the other hand, if the referendum fails, it could embolden the town council to continue pursuing corporate tax incentives, potentially leading to further controversy and debate. Ultimately, the decision will depend on the outcome of the verification process and the subsequent referendum, which will give voters the opportunity to have their say on the matter.
The Importance of Community Input
The debate over corporate tax incentives in Marana highlights the importance of community input in economic development decisions. By involving voters directly, Worker Power and other community groups aim to ensure that economic development decisions benefit the entire community, not just wealthy developers. This approach recognizes that economic development is not just about attracting businesses and creating jobs, but also about creating a thriving and sustainable community that benefits all residents. As the town council and community groups continue to navigate this issue, it is essential to prioritize transparency, accountability, and community engagement to ensure that economic development decisions align with the values and interests of the community.
