House committee votes to continue Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board for eight years, schedules four-year check-in

The Arizona House Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee voted 9-0 to continue the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board for eight years and requested the board return for review in four years following a sunset review presentation.

The motion, moved by Representative Michelle Pena and approved by the committee, follows a presentation by Juanel Castillo, executive director of the Arizona Exposition and State Fair, who described the fairgrounds as a self-funded agency and summarized its economic and community activities.

Castillo told the committee the Arizona State Fairgrounds has hosted events since 1905 and includes the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. He said the fairgrounds and state fair draw visitors from across all 15 Arizona counties and generate substantial economic activity. Castillo said the agency’s work produces $138,000,000 in annual economic output, $48,200,000 in wages, the equivalent of 1,221 full-time jobs, and $7,800,000 in employee-spending impacts to state and local governments. He also said agency-generated funds support capital improvements and that the agency returned $5,000,000 to the state general fund in 2024 while remaining self-funded in routine operations.

Castillo highlighted community programs and donations, including a book sale that raised $516,000 for charitable efforts, a Junior League rummage sale that generated $125,000 for nonprofits, donations to Saint Mary's Food Bank, and public-health and safety uses of the fairgrounds. "As long as the Arizona community exists, the Arizona State Fair will be here to bring that community together in joyful celebration," Castillo said.

Members asked clarifying questions about the agency's funding model and the proposed length of continuance. Several members expressed support for continuing the board but noted reservations about an eight-year continuance; Representative Rachel Kessel and Representative Teresa Martinez both said they prefer shorter continuances in principle but voted to continue the board after the presentation and additional explanation that the committee wanted a return in four years to highlight the agency's work.

Representative Michelle Pena moved the committee recommendation: "that the House Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of Reference recommend that Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board be continued for eight years and return in four years for review." The chair called the roll; the committee recorded nine ayes and zero nays, and the motion carried.

The committee's action continues the board through the statutory sunset process and directs the Arizona Exposition and State Fair to appear before the committee again in four years for an update and review. The committee provided no additional directives tied to funding or legislative changes during the hearing.

Having completed the single order of business, the committee adjourned.