Arizona’s opportunities deserve a fair hearing.
Projects that would create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, and expand opportunity are too often defined by their opponents before the facts get a hearing. We see it across water, energy, data centers, housing, mining, and innovative technologies.
Project 48 was created to change that.
We dig into the facts, explain what they mean for Arizona, and make the case for our state’s continued growth. We examine the benefits, address legitimate concerns, and ask what will actually work for Arizona.
Why we exist
We help close the gap between what people hear about a project and what it can deliver for Arizona. When that gap shapes decisions, Arizona loses out.
How does Arizona keep growing, and how do we make sure Arizonans benefit?
How we work
Four principles guide what we take on and how we make the case.
Arizona-specific
Arizona is different. Our water laws, electric grid, geography, and economy don’t fit neatly into national talking points. We start with Arizona data and Arizona facts.
Built for the public conversation
Good research doesn’t matter if nobody sees it. We turn complex information into clear arguments that reach policymakers, journalists, business leaders, and the public.
Fast when it counts
Public debates move quickly. We bring facts and checkable sources into the conversation while decisions are still taking shape.
Selective by design
We don’t weigh in on every issue. We focus where the stakes for Arizona are high and our research can make a difference.
Meet the founders
Stephen Richer
Co-Founder
Stephen Richer is co-founder of Project 48 Arizona. He served as Maricopa County Recorder from 2021 to 2025. He is an attorney and political commentator, a lecturer at the Harvard Kennedy School, a fellow at the Cato Institute, and a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School.
Josh Heywood
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Josh Heywood is co-founder and executive director of Project 48 Arizona. He previously worked in elections administration and county government and now works in public affairs and strategic communications. He leads Project 48’s research and communications.
Nonpartisan. Guided by facts.
Project 48 is nonpartisan. We don’t work for campaigns or adjust our positions to fit a party. We make the case for growth because it creates jobs, expands opportunity, and supports the public services Arizonans rely on.
But being pro-growth doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. We go where the facts lead.
Work with us
Have a question about an Arizona project or policy? Send it our way. We’re happy to share sources, compare notes, or help sort through competing claims.