2026 Legislative & Budget Updates Bring Positive News for Arizona State Parks Heritage Fund

Arizona’s State Parks Heritage Fund continues to show measurable progress in strengthening parks, historic sites, trails, and outdoor education statewide, following its restoration to statute in 2019. Thanks to sustained advocacy and bipartisan legislative support, a total of $25.7 million has now been allocated to Heritage Fund projects across Arizona, including $1 million approved by the Legislature and Governor for FY 2026–2027.

The Heritage Fund supports a broad range of community priorities, with allocations structured as follows:

• 50% – Local, regional, and state parks

• 30% – Historic preservation

• 10% – Non-motorized trails

• 10% – Outdoor and environmental education

Combined with projects funded between 1992 and 2008, these investments have left a lasting statewide legacy – improving outdoor recreation, preserving historic and cultural resources, and enhancing quality of life in both urban and rural communities. Project descriptions, photographs, and an interactive map documenting funded projects are available at azheritage.org.

Legislative Outlook and Long-Term Planning

As Arizona enters the next budget cycle, attention is increasingly focused on protecting and strengthening the State Parks Heritage Fund. The Arizona Heritage Alliance’s Legislative Task Force is currently developing a forward-looking legislative strategy addressing both the State Parks Heritage Fund and the Arizona Game and Fish Heritage Fund.

This work comes amid ongoing challenges. A significant backlog of deferred maintenance remains across Arizona’s parks, historic properties, and cultural sites – much of it dating back to the Great Recession, when the Heritage Fund was removed from statute and revenues were redirected to the General Fund. At the same time, communities across Arizona are exploring adaptive reuse of historic buildings as a tool to address housing needs while preserving local character.

Recent flooding events in historic downtowns such as Globe and Miami have further highlighted the vulnerability of aging infrastructure and historic resources. Strategic reinvestment through Heritage Fund programs has the potential to stabilize these assets while supporting economic development, downtown revitalization, and heritage tourism.

A Pivotal Year Ahead: 2026 Milestones

The year 2026 presents a unique convergence of national and state significance, including the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Arizona is expected to play a prominent role in both commemorations, with statewide observances showcasing the state’s landscapes, history, and communities.

Ensuring that parks, historic sites, and cultural institutions are prepared for increased visitation and public engagement is widely seen as both a responsibility and an opportunity. More information on Arizona’s America 250 planning efforts is available at America250AZ.org

FY 2026 Grant Applications Now Open

Applications are currently being accepted for FY 2026 State Parks Heritage Fund grants. Eligible organizations and communities are encouraged to apply. Comprehensive information on all Arizona State Parks grant programs – including eligibility, timelines, and program guidance – is available through Arizona State Parks and Trails.

Program Spotlight: Arizona Game and Fish Heritage Fund

Alongside the State Parks Heritage Fund, the Arizona Game and Fish Heritage Fund continues to deliver conservation and education outcomes statewide, benefiting more than 800 wildlife species. One notable initiative, Focus Wild Arizona, provides educators with free or low-cost resources, including:

• Lesson plans, books, posters, and online materials

• Professional development workshops

• Standards-based curriculum aligned with multiple subject areas

• Grants of up to $3,000 for wildlife education projects and student field trips

These tools help bring Arizona’s natural heritage into classrooms across the state. Program details are available through Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Recognizing Leadership and Collaboration

Progress made through the Heritage Fund reflects collaboration among legislators, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community partners statewide. The Arizona Heritage Alliance Board of Directors continues to provide leadership in supporting initiatives that strengthen Arizona’s natural, historic, and cultural resources.