Skip to main content
Important Update

Due to a parking lot construction project, the Arizona Talking Book Library building will be closed to walk-in visitors from July 20 – August 14, 2026. We will continue to provide talking books, braille, and library equipment by mail.

During this time, staff may be unavailable to answer calls immediately. Please leave a voicemail message with your full name, phone number with area code, and message and we will return your call within one business day. You may also contact us by email at [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you!

Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism and Film Authority

Revision Date

Authority

The Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism and Film Authority, established by Laws 2022, Chapter 364, is a corporate and political body, separate and independent of the state and the counties. The Authority consists of the counties of Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Pima and Pinal and may issue revenue bonds to finance projects in the member counties that relate to sports, tourism or film. Statutory authority is found at A.R.S. §§5-1401 through 5-1477.

Function

The Authority is an independent corporate and political body with the powers of a municipal corporation, but does not have the power to acquire real property by eminent domain. Subject to limitations, the Authority is considered to be a tax levying public improvement authority. Although the Authority or its Board may not levy or impose tax or assessment, the qualified electors residing within the boundaries of the authority may levy a tax as outlined by statute.

The Authority is governed by a 13-member Board who serve 5-year terms. Members may be reappointed to one full, subsequent term. The Board, on behalf of the Authority, may issue revenue bonds, enter into intergovernmental agreements, adopt administrative rules, and acquire real and personal property. The Board may also acquire land, finance, build and operate amateur or professional sports facilities, recreational facilities, multipurpose facilities, and other community facilities located within the Authority. It may regulate the sale of alcoholic beverages at events held on the Authority’s property, subject to existing law. An annual progress report of the activities of the Authority is due to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee within three months of the end of each fiscal year.

The Board is required to

  • Appoint four advisory boards relating to sports, tourism, film and workforce development.
  • Maintain and operate properties and interests owned or controlled by the Authority.
  • Promote tourism, youth and professional sports, and filming opportunities.
  • Employ an executive director.
  • Maintain complete and accurate records of its proceedings.

History

Background

Arizona law allows the formation of certain entities to create a funding stream for a specific purpose, and may include taxing and bonding authority. Formation for some entities are conditioned on voter approval. These entities, sometimes known as special taxing districts or authorities, are formed, funded and governed according to specific statutory provisions, which vary depending on the type of district.

A number of entities have been created to provide a source of dedicated funding for the creation and operation of tourism, sporting or entertainment facilities. Those include

  • Tourism and Sports Authority, formed by Laws 2000, Chapter 372. (Maricopa County) See A.R.S. §§ 5-801, et seq.
  • Sports Authority District, formed by Laws 2009, Chapter 122 (Pima County). See A.R.S. §§5-1101, et seq.
  • County Sports Authorities, formed by Laws 1988, Chapter 245 (any county). See A.R.S. §§11-701, et seq.
  • County Stadium Districts, formed by Laws 1990, Chapter 390 (Maricopa County). See A.R.S. §§48-4201, et seq.
  • Theme Park Districts, formed by Laws 2005, Chapter 248 and expanded by Laws 2021, Chapter 298 to include sports venues and overnight lodging. See A.R.S. §§48-6201, et seq.

Session Laws

In 2021, the Senate President appointed the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on the Formation of a Southern Arizona Regional Sports and Tourism Authority to research the establishment of a southern Arizona regional sports and tourism authority. The Ad Hoc Committee met on November 23, 2021 and December 14, 2021. A final report was not required, however SB 1710 was introduced and enacted as Laws 2022, Chapter 364. See Sources section (below) for links to information related to the Ad Hoc Committee.

Laws 2022, Chapter 364 established the Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism and Film Authority consisting of six counties: Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, Santa Cruz, Pima and Pinal. The measure outlines the formation and organization of the Authority; its powers, duties and limitations; financial provisions; bonding authority; and reporting requirements. The measure also appropriates $750,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2022-2023 to the Office of Tourism to fund the Authority.

Sources

  • Arizona Revised Statutes §§5-1401 through 5-1477
  • Session Laws
    • Laws 2022, Chapter 364

Senate Ad Hoc Committee information

Joint Legislative Budget CommitteeFY 2023 Appropriations Report, page 331.