Poll Under Fire: Did Support for Axon Project Come Without Full Disclosure?
With Texas extending an invitation to relocate, State 48 News unpacks the politics, the polling, and what’s at stake if Axon’s zoning change request fails.
Although it was no April Fools’ joke—on April 1st, the Arizona Chamber of Commerce released a poll revealing strong bipartisan support among Arizona voters, including those in Scottsdale, for the Axon campus project and SB 1543.
When news of the poll hit social media, it didn’t take long for people to start raising questions and voicing concerns. To get clarity, State 48 News turned to a trusted source—Arizona-based polling firm Data Orbital.
George Khalaf, president of Data Orbital, also casts questions on the recent poll used to promote legislation greenlighting Axon’s controversial Scottsdale headquarters expansion. Khalaf says the poll, conducted last week by Cygnal and released by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry, omits critical details about the true impact of the strike-everything amendment to Senate Bill 1543 (SB 1543) — namely, that it would override local zoning authority and allow 1,900 apartments not limited to Axon employees.
The poll results show broad support for employee, campus-based “housing”—omitting the word “apartments.” That detail matters. Critics argue the wording softens the reality of adding 1,900 apartment units to the area, many of which would be open to the general public, not just Axon employees.
“There are serious implications that most folks would care a lot about,” Khalaf told State 48 News.
“It is a well known fact that some of the dwellings could be used by staff, but not all of them. It will not be Axon apartments exclusively for Axon usage.” Khalaf continues, “It’s a business move. If you’re a business like Axon, and Scottsdale is a highly profitable rental market, that’s why they’re doing it. This isn’t just to fulfill the need of their specific employees.”
George Khalaf | Data Orbital | April 2, 2025
THE HEART OF THE DISPUTE: LOCAL CONTROL VS. STATE POWER
At issue is striker amendment to SB 1543, which would force cities like Scottsdale to approve corporate housing and hotels in light industrial zones—if part of a campus employing 2,000+ workers. The bill eliminates public hearings, restricts tenant eligibility, and strips zoning decisions from local governments, handing them to the state.
Critics argue it’s tailored specifically to benefit Axon, thanks to a population range (200,000–500,000) which conveniently applies only to Scottsdale.
The Poll vs. Public Pushback
The Chamber-backed poll, conducted by Cygnal, reports broad bipartisan support for the Axon project and SB 1543: 75% of Arizona voters and 65% of Scottsdale voters support the headquarters, with 59% statewide backing the bill. But its questionable if the survey ever disclosed the 1,900 apartments or the loss of local oversight—two issues driving grassroots opposition.
At last week’s hearing for SB 1543, Arizona Chamber President and CEO Danny Seiden testified in support of the striker. Afterward, the Chamber posted a thank-you message to the House International Trade Committee for advancing what it called “smart legislation that protects jobs, supports housing, and helps great homegrown companies keep growing.” Notably, the message made no mention of the 1,900 apartments at the center of the controversy.
Scottsdale residents already collected over 26,000 signatures to force a public vote on the rezoning, pausing the project until 2026. But if SB 1543 passes, that referendum may be in jeopardy.
Khalaf notes the original version of SB 1543 had broader reach, but the new language “is laser focused” on Axon and Scottsdale alone. ‘'
Khalaf tells State 48 News, “Every single legislator in the City of Scottsdale opposes this for obvious reasons. But if you’re not in Scottsdale, you’re in Goodyear like you just mentioned, well maybe it’s not as applicable to you. You have a different dynamic with apartments. Scottsdale is obviously very differently built out than the City of Goodyear, City of Buckeye, far West Valley or what have you. So that matters. But this new strike-everything amendment is very peculiarly worded to be laser focused on this issue in front of them and almost only apply to Axon.”
CORPORATE PRESSURE MOUNTS
Axon CEO Rick Smith warned lawmakers last week his company may leave Arizona if the project is blocked, noting negotiations are underway for a potential relocation. “We’d make money on the land,” Smith said. “But I’d leave with a broken heart.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott publicly invited Axon to relocate late this afternoon.
The House International Trade Committee advanced SB 1543 with an 8–0 vote last week. All members expressed hope for compromise, but Khalaf remains skeptical. “Compromise doesn’t mean getting your way and bullying others into it,” he said. “The apartments are the big issue.”
THE MORE YOU KNOW.
Unanswered Questions and a Divided House
As of today, the Arizona House Republican caucus remains split over the bill. Some members fear the erosion of municipal authority; others side with Axon and the Chamber, framing the bill as vital for economic growth.
Meanwhile, State 48 News contacted the Arizona Chamber, Cygnal, and Axon multiple times for comment—with no response. The biggest unanswered question: Who funded the poll?
With corporate influence rising and public trust wavering, the future of SB 1543—and local control in Arizona—hangs in the balance.