Contributed article
SAFFORD — The Graham County Chamber of Commerce is urging voters to approve Propositions 403, 404 and 405 on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot. The Chamber’s board of directors voted to support all three measures.
Vance Bryce, the Chamber’s executive director, said the Chamber’s support is based on the need for local government to operate efficiently and plan responsibly.
“For our member businesses, the choices local leaders make about roads, public buildings, public safety, housing, jobs and infrastructure show up in our ability to do business,” Bryce said. “Good public infrastructure determines whether customers can get to the door, employees can get to work and businesses can receive deliveries. Our local governments have been working diligently on improvements. A yes vote on these propositions allows the Gila Valley to keep improving.”
Voters are encouraged to pick up campaign signs in support of the propositions at the Graham County Chamber of Commerce during open office hours, Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Proposition 403 asks Thatcher voters to permanently adjust the town’s expenditure base by $2.5 million. The adjustment would provide additional room under Arizona’s expenditure limitation for infrastructure, town services and long-term planning.
Proposition 404 asks Graham County voters to permanently adjust the County’s expenditure base by $4 million. The measure would give the County greater authority to use available revenues and reserves for infrastructure, public facilities and other County needs. The Chamber said the measure could help the County use available funds instead of financing projects and paying interest when spending authority is restricted. The Chamber pointed to the Graham County Historic Courthouse and Graham County Fairgrounds as examples of community assets that require ongoing investment. Reliable roads, public buildings, fairgrounds, public safety facilities and other infrastructure help businesses serve customers, move goods, attract workers and compete for new investment.
Proposition 405 asks Safford voters to ratify the City’s updated 2026–2036 General Plan. The plan establishes long-term guidance for growth, land use, housing, transportation, infrastructure, economic development and quality of life. It would not automatically rezone individual properties, approve specific development projects or fund every project it identifies. Instead, it would provide a framework for future decisions by city leaders, residents and business partners. The Chamber said it supports the plan’s emphasis on strengthening existing businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship, attracting employers, improving infrastructure and partnering with the private sector. The plan also identifies the Chamber as a regional partner in business retention and marketing the Gila Valley as a tourism destination.
Arizona’s voter-registration deadline for the Nov. 3 general election is 11:59 p.m. Oct. 5. Eligible residents can register or update their registration through Arizona.Vote or AZMVDNow.gov/vr. Voters may also register in person at the Graham County Recorder’s Office, 921 W. Thatcher Blvd., second floor, Safford. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 928-428-3560.
The Chamber encourages voters to review the official election materials and participate in the Nov. 3 election.
