As President/CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce, I believe one of our most important responsibilities is to be a voice for our business community. Guided by our Advocacy Policy and with input from our Board of Directors, we carefully consider issues that impact our businesses, families, and the future of Marana.
We recognize that our members and community may have different perspectives on these issues. Our goal is not to speak for every individual or tell anyone how to vote, but to offer the perspective of a connected business community as voters make their own informed decisions.
I am proud of the role our Chamber plays in these important conversations and encourage our members and community to stay informed and engaged.
Below, I am sharing two letters outlining the Chamber's positions on Propositions 320 and 424 for the 2026 election.
Sincerely,
Amanda Wiggins
President/CEO
Marana Chamber of Commerce
Why Supporting Our Schools Matters to Marana
Opposition to Proposition 320
As President and CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce and a proud Marana Unified School District parent, I see firsthand the important role our schools play in building a strong community and preparing our future workforce.
While Proposition 320 may sound reasonable at first glance, requiring certain school districts to spend at least 60% of operational spending on direct instructional expenses does not account for the many essential services that contribute to student success.
In Marana, our community recognizes that supporting students goes beyond the classroom. Transportation, school safety, counselors, nurses, librarians, and other essential services all contribute to student success.
The reality is simple. Just like a business or household budget, when revenue stays the same, increasing spending in one area means reducing it somewhere else. If school districts are required to shift spending to meet this mandate, funding for other essential student services could be reduced.
The Marana Chamber of Commerce's mission is to build a thriving community through connected business leadership. Marana Unified School District is one of our strongest community partners, a major local employer, and an important factor in helping regional businesses attract and retain employees. Changes to how MUSD allocates its resources could directly impact not only the students and families it serves, but also the broader community and local economy that depend on strong schools.
At the direction of the Marana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, we oppose Proposition 320 and encourage voters to consider its potential impact on our students, schools, and future workforce.
Helpful Resources:
Southern Arizona Leadership Council: Proposition 320 Ballot Briefing
Arizona School Boards Association: https://azsba.org/proposition-320-what-arizona-school-boards-need-to-know/
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Argument in Favor of Proposition 424
As President/CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce and a proud resident within the Northwest Fire District, I encourage voters to support Proposition 424.
A thriving and safe community doesn't happen by chance. It requires thoughtful investment, long-range planning, and a commitment to the public safety infrastructure that protects our families, protects local businesses, and preserves our quality of life. Marana's geography, including the Interstate 10 corridor, makes the strategic placement of emergency services especially important to maintaining response times. The Northwest Fire District's Capital Improvement Plan calls for a new fire station near Twin Peaks Road and Interstate 10, and Proposition 424 provides the funding needed to make that investment possible.
The Northwest Fire District's mission is to save lives, protect property, and care for our community. As a resident, business leader, and neighbor, I have seen that mission reflected in the professionalism and dedication of its firefighters and staff. They have earned our community's trust through responsible stewardship of public dollars, thoughtful planning, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.
Please join me in voting YES on Proposition 424 to strengthen public safety and protect our community for generations to come.