Joseph KavetskyA new statewide poll shows broad support for Axon’s proposed international headquarters project and legislation that would allow companies to build housing and hotels on their campuses, with voters in Scottsdale—the site of the proposed development—also backing the plan.
The Cygnal survey of likely general election voters found that 75% support Axon building its headquarters in their community. Support spans party lines, including 79% of Republicans, 76% of Independents, and 71% of Democrats. In Scottsdale, 65% of voters said they support the project.
Voters also back Senate Bill 1543, which would permit companies developing international headquarters to build housing and hotels on-site. The poll found 59% support for the legislation statewide and 56% support in Scottsdale, with just 35% of local voters opposed.
“Arizona voters across the political spectrum are sending a clear message: We want high-quality jobs, we want smart economic growth, and we want to keep homegrown innovators like Axon right here in Arizona,” said Danny Seiden, president & CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. “SB 1543 empowers companies that invest in Arizona to do even more to support their workers and communities—and voters are clearly behind that vision.”
Support for the Axon project increased after voters were given additional information about the proposed campus, which includes plans for restaurants, a hotel, entertainment venues, and a projected $38 billion economic impact over 10 years. After hearing those details, support rose to 64% statewide and 60% in Scottsdale, while local opposition fell to 27%.
The poll also found that a majority of voters oppose a public referendum effort led by a California-based union to overturn the city’s approval of the project. Statewide, 52% of voters said they oppose the referendum, including 60% of Republicans, 48% of union members, and 63% of voters in Scottsdale, nearly half of whom said they “strongly oppose” the challenge.
Favorability toward Axon also improved as voters learned more about the company’s work in public safety technology and its plans to bring more than 5,000 high-paying jobs to Arizona. Favorability rose to 67% statewide and 68% in Scottsdale, including 78% support from union members.
The results reflect consistent support for both the company and the proposed policy, as well as resistance to outside efforts to delay or block the project.
“This is a defining economic development issue for our state,” Seiden said. “Policymakers who listen to voters will recognize the opportunity and the clear mandate to keep innovation, jobs, investment—and a $50 billion homegrown success story like Axon—right here in the Valley.”
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