The management of Arizona’s trust land is drawing scrutiny from Republican state lawmakers after an audit revealed significant shortcomings in the state land department’s operations. This public land, vital for funding public education, has not been handled in compliance with state law.
The audit report highlighted the absence of required “disposition plans” for trust land from 2016 to the end of 2024. This has reportedly led to challenges in determining the optimal use of state trust land, which is essential for maximizing benefits for trust beneficiaries.
Besides, the department is yet to undergo a sunset review, a process that determines whether an agency should continue its operations.
Concerns were raised by Rep. Matt Gress (R-Phoenix), who questioned the productive use of the land and why more of it isn’t being allocated for housing development. “Land is perhaps one of the most important areas, and we have nearly 300,000 acres within miles of cities and towns that are going undeveloped, unleased or whatever,” Gress remarked, referencing a Common Sense Institute report.
In defense, Commissioner Robyn Sahid noted that while not all state land is developed, many portions are utilized for purposes like grazing. She emphasized the importance of conditions such as zoning and infrastructure in determining land development. “Even though it’s close to a municipality or an incorporated jurisdiction, there are other things we need to weigh. Like does it, you know, what’s the infrastructure look like? Is there infrastructure there to support development? Is there water?” Sahid explained.
Adding to the concerns, various leases have expired or been canceled without successors, and the department faces a backlog of lease applications. Additionally, the audit revealed that rental rates weren’t adjusted according to the agricultural market, leading to low-value auctions.
Expressing frustration, Rep. Mark Finchem pointedly addressed Sahid, “I don’t think you have any idea, madam, the level of frustration that your stakeholders and this legislative body is experiencing with the lack of progress on all the things that you’ve been told need to be corrected.” He warned of the possibility of not renewing the agency if improvements aren’t made, adding, “That’s part of the frustration that we’re hearing from constituents. They don’t get an approval, they don’t get a denial, they’re held in limbo.”
The audit also cited lapses in inspecting lands designated for mineral leases and the premature release of bonds without thorough inspections.
Republican panelists further accused Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs of stifling land use and targeting industries like mining and agriculture. Rep. Michele Peña (R-Yuma) stated, “These internal delays and cancellations are not oversights. They come from a governor who believes Arizona’s legacy industries are a problem to be eliminated, rather than an economic opportunity to be utilized, simply because her radical environmental allies oppose them.” Requests for comments from Hobbs’ office went unanswered.
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