Arizona Lawmakers Consider Changes to Special Taxing Districts for Coyotes Arena Project

Arizona lawmakers are considering modifying the state law on theme park districts, which are special taxing districts that can be created to help finance development projects. The proposed changes, introduced as an amendment to House Bill 2274, would allow counties to create theme park districts, potentially overriding any objections or input from cities. This has raised concerns among some local officials and community groups, who argue that it would reduce local control and make it easier for wealthy developers and sports teams to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. The Coyotes, who are planning to build a $3 billion arena complex in northeast Phoenix, could potentially benefit from the changes to the theme park district law. Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo has said the complex will be privately funded, but critics have pointed out the potential tax breaks and sales-tax revenue that the team could generate with a theme park district.

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