CSG West was pleased to welcome Western legislators to Sandpoint, Idaho for the annual Legislative Council on River Governance (LCRG), held October 13–15. Under the leadership of this year’s LCRG Chair, Idaho Senator Jim Woodward, legislators from Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington gathered at the University of Idaho Organic Agriculture Center to discuss shared challenges and opportunities across the Columbia and Snake River Basins.
Continue readingManaging Today’s Energy Challenges in the West & the Role of Data Centers in Powering Artificial Intelligence
Policymakers across the West have been giving greater attention to data centers, which are creating unprecedented demands for electricity and water. The demand in data centers is driven by the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and increased digitalization across a wide range of industries.
Continue readingMeet the Co-Chairs: Arizona Representative Justin Wilmeth
Arizona Representative Justin Wilmeth
Co Chair, CSG West Technology & Future of Work Committee
As part of our continuing co-chair spotlight series, we’re excited to introduce Arizona Representative Justin Wilmeth, who serves as co-chair of the CSG West Technology & Future of Work Committee. Representative Wilmeth recently shared his perspective on Arizona’s innovations, the emerging technology issues he’s most passionate about, and a few fun facts you might not know about him.
What technologies or emerging issues are currently top of mind for you?
Semiconductors, obviously. TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) sits about a mile west of the edge of my district, Legislative District 2. That company alone is transforming my section of Phoenix in so many ways. But beyond that, artificial intelligence. The AI boom is on, and it’s changing our world in ways we don’t quite realize yet. And don’t even try to predict what AI will be like in five years—it’s making Moore’s Law look slow.
With that said, how do we as legislators tackle the issue of AI? How much regulation should be imposed? CAN regulation actually be imposed on it? What would that look like? Will we like AI for telemedicine but not trust it for something else? How can Legislatures—designed to be slow and deliberative—approach AI, which is lightning quick and changing often?
AI is going to be the biggest policy issue every state—and the Federal government—faces over the next decade.
The theme of our 2025 CSG West Annual Meeting is “Innovating at New Heights.” What’s something you find innovative about Arizona—whether related to legislative work or something else entirely?
The great thing about Arizona is that it’s a bit of a blank canvas. While the Painted Desert in northeast Arizona is truly a vibrant and full canvas, the state itself—and how it operates—is more wide open. That’s because Arizona is relatively young. The state is 113 years old, but modern Arizona is really only about 40.
The massive population growth we experienced in the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and into the present has transformed what this state is and what can be done here. We used to celebrate a call center relocating to Phoenix as a major economic achievement. Now? We have one of the world’s largest semiconductor companies, TSMC, located in North Phoenix—a truly worldwide achievement that has helped put Arizona on the international stage.
While California might still feature Silicon Valley, Arizona is now becoming the “Silicon Desert.” TSMC, Intel and others are making Arizona into a major technological player —something that really wasn’t the case even 15 years ago. The relative business youth of Arizona is what allows us to be so innovative.
Could you share something light or fun about yourself that’s unrelated to legislative work?
I’m probably the most fun legislator you’ll ever meet. I grew up in Los Angeles and was a child actor. I performed in commercials, plays, tv shows and even a music video: Phil Collins’ “Do you Remember?” I jokingly refer to myself as the poor man’s Ronald Reagan, in that I’m in SAG, the acting career didn’t really work out, and now I’m in politics.
What’s funny is that both acting and politics are similar. How so? Well, you’ve got to be an effective communicator, remember your lines (talking points), and spend countless hours off the stage (House Floor) preparing for your big moments in action. I will say this—the improv classes I took as a child have been extremely beneficial as a legislator, as I can always find a good answer to the questions I receive.
Thank you to Representatives Wilmeth for sharing their perspectives. We invite you to join all of CSG West’s committee co-chairs for thoughtful, policy-driven conversations on key regional issues at the 78th CSG West Annual Meeting in Jackson, Wyoming.
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What’s Innovative About Your State?
CSG West is proud to launch a new video series spotlighting innovation across the West—told directly by the legislators leading the way. Inspired by the theme of the 2025 CSG West Annual Meeting, Innovating at New Heights, this series asks a simple question: What’s innovative about your state?
Our first video features Utah Representative Doug Welton, who shares how Utah is approaching education through forward-thinking initiatives designed to meet the needs of today’s students and teachers.
Each installment in the series will showcase a different Western state and a new story of innovation. Stay tuned for the next release—coming soon!
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Policy Tour on Wildlife Migration and Conservation
This summer’s CSG West Annual Meeting in Jackson, Wyoming will feature a special offsite policy tour hosted by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. See below for details.
Connecting Landscapes: Policy Solutions for Wildlife Migration and Habitat Conservation in the West
Thursday, September 18, 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
CSG West 78th Annual Meeting | Jackson, Wyoming
Western states are home to some of North America’s most iconic wildlife and expansive migration corridors. As development, climate change, and land-use pressures increase, safeguarding these critical pathways and habitats is becoming a shared regional challenge. This tour will explore innovative, cross-jurisdictional approaches to protecting migratory routes and sustaining healthy ecosystems. Policymakers, scientists, and land managers will discuss data-driven tools, public-private partnerships, and legislative strategies that support wildlife connectivity while balancing infrastructure and economic development.
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Legislative Exchange on Homelessness in Utah: A Policy Perspective from Law Enforcement
The Westrends Board at CSG West will host a virtual Legislative Exchange on Homelessness in Utah: A Policy Perspective from Law Enforcement this Thursday, June 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
Utah Representative Tyler Clancy, also a police officer, shares how Utah is reducing their homeless population and trying to avoid their entry into the criminal justice system. Legislators are encouraged to join the discussion by sharing experiences in their states as to what measures have been effective and what barriers may still exist.
The Exchange will be moderated by Westrends Board Co-Chair, Utah Representative Andrew Stoddard.
Please join us for an engaging conversation about the intersection of homelessness and criminal justice.
To secure your seat and receive programming updates, please register here.
If you have any questions, please contact Martha Castaneda at [email protected].
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Notice of Open 2026 CSG West Officer Position
The CSG West Nominating Committee is currently accepting applications from Western legislators interested in serving as an officer of CSG West. The position of 2026 Vice Chair is open, and the legislator elected by the Executive Committee will advance to serve as Chair in 2028.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be members of the CSG West Executive Committee.
- To ensure political balance among CSG West Officers, the Nominating Committee will be interviewing Republican legislators this year.
- Legislators not aligned with either major political party are welcome to apply and will be considered.
- Complete the online application by Tuesday, September 2.
- Submit a minimum of one letter of support from your legislative leadership and/or other members endorsing your interest in this role.
Please submit your biography and letter(s) of support by either of the following methods:
- Upload them directly to the online application; or
- Email them to CSG West Director Edgar Ruiz at [email protected].
Below, please find links to the 2026 CSG West Vice Chair Application, Notice of Officer Elections, a letter from the CSG West Chair to members of the Executive Committee, and CSG West Officer positions descriptions.
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WLA in Their Words: Legislators Share Their Experience
CSG West is pleased to share this firsthand look at the Western Legislative Academy (WLA) experience, featuring members of the Western WLA Class of 2024. In it, legislators reflect on what motivated them to apply, what impacted them most, and what they’ll carry forward in their public service.
Led by faculty from academic, nonprofit, and legislative backgrounds, the WLA program offers interactive sessions on communications, consensus building, ethics, focus management, and more. Class members not only gain new tools and insights — they also build lasting relationships with their legislative peers.
The 2025 WLA will be held December 16–19 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Learn more about the Western Legislative Academy below.
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Meet the Co-Chairs of CSG West’s Education & Workforce Development Committee
Idaho
Co-Chair
New Mexico
Co-Chair
CSG West is excited to spotlight Idaho Representative Marco Erickson and New Mexico Representative Kristina Ortez, co-chairs of the newly launched CSG West Education & Workforce Development Committee. In this Q&A, they share insights on the education and workforce policies they’re most passionate about, innovative efforts in their home states, and a few fun facts you might not know about them.
What education or workforce issues are currently top of mind for you?
Rep. Marco Erickson: Top of mind for me in education is addressing deferred maintenance in older school buildings and modernizing our approach to meet the needs of today’s students. On the workforce side, I’m concerned about livable wages and ensuring we have enough skilled workers to replace the retiring generation and meet industry demand.
Rep. Kristina Ortez: I’m focused on expanding access to opportunities for rural and underserved students, from early childhood through career. My priorities include strengthening dual credit programs, expanding apprenticeships and behavioral health workforce pipelines, and addressing barriers such as broadband and transportation.
The theme of our 2025 CSG West Annual Meeting is “Innovating at New Heights.” What’s something you find innovative about your state – whether related to legislative work or something else entirely?
Rep. Marco Erickson: Idaho is highly innovative in our nuclear technology at the Idaho National Laboratory. Legislatively, we are innovative through our Idaho Launch program, which gives scholarships to graduating seniors to pursue in-demand careers in Idaho.
Rep. Kristina Ortez: New Mexico excels at blending tradition with forward-thinking sustainability. From acequia stewardship to land-based education and community-centered workforce development, innovation here often means honoring cultural heritage while building for a resilient future.
Could you share something light or fun about yourself that’s unrelated to legislative work?
Rep. Marco Erickson:
People may not know that I love to write and perform country music. When I’m at a concert, I try to be backstage as much as possible—or in the front row close to the performers. I also have a talent for doing impressions of cartoon characters—Donald Duck is the most popular. I think I’d make a great voice actor. And I love watching live NASCAR races.
Rep. Kristina Ortez:
I spent time as a whitewater raft guide before working in land conservation and on housing equity. I still geek out over irrigation ditches and compost!
Thank you to Representatives Erickson and Ortez for sharing their perspectives. We invite you to join all of CSG West’s committee co-chairs for thoughtful, policy-driven conversations on key regional issues at the 78th CSG West Annual Meeting in Jackson, Wyoming.
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CSG Led Bipartisan Delegation to Mexico to Address Key Bilateral Issues
On February 23-26 CSG led a bipartisan delegation of Utah and California state legislators to Mexico City to address key binational issues. Headed by Utah Senator Todd Weiler, CSG West chair-elect, and California Assemblymember David Alvarez, chair-designee of the Assembly Select Committee on California – Mexico Bi-National Affairs, the delegation was the first official visits by U.S. elected officials to Mexico since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January. Participating legislators also included Utah Representative Ken Ivory and California assemblymembers Anamaria Avila Farias, Jose Luis Solache, and Dr. Jasmeet Bains.
The current state of the bilateral relationship, particularly concerns about potential impacts on the economies of both countries if President Trump moves forward with the application of 25% tariffs on imported goods was among the most discussed issue with key officials and representatives of the private sector. This included meetings with Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, members of the Senate Norther Border Affairs Committee, the office of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and key executives of the American Chamber of Commerce in Mexico (AmCham/Mexico), and Mexico’s industrial sector.
Analysis of U.S. – Mexico Trade Relationship
The delegation had a chance to meet with representatives of AmCham / Mexico, which represents over 1,500 U.S. companies doing business in Mexico and promotes trade and investment between both countries. AmCham’s Executive Vice President & Director General, Pedro Casas Alatriste, provided a comprehensive analysis of the trade relationship between Mexico and the U.S. In 2023, Mexico became the top trading of the U.S., capturing a majority of the market by taking advantage of decline in U.S. imports from China.
Mr. Casas Alatriste stated that the U.S. and Mexico are not trading partners; but rather are an integrated co-production system for a wide range of manufactured goods, including automobiles, televisions and a host of other valued added products. As such, he stated that if the U.S. imposes across the board tariffs of 25% it will have cumulative impacts and increase costs to U.S. consumers, as well as potential job losses, given the interdependent nature of manufacturing among both countries.
Another key issue shared by Mr. Casas Alatriste were global trends, particularly how in just over 25 years China has surpassed the U.S. as the world’s largest trading partner. The slide below highlights how China has become the largest trading partner across Europe, Africa, Latin America and the rest of the globe.
After over 40 years of economic integration between the U.S. and Mexico through the North American Free Trade Agreement and subsequent U.S. – Mexico – Canada Free Trade Agreement, the threat of tariffs by the U.S. has caused much consternation and discussions among elected officials, economists and key stakeholders in Mexico of the opportunities and implications of decoupling its economy from the U.S. Such a step would reverse decades of economic integration by the two nations.
An overview of the AmCham presentation can be viewed HERE.
SelectUSA Mexico Conference
The delegation attended the 2nd Annual SelectUSA Mexico Conference, which is a key event for business leaders, investors, and government officials looking to strengthen U.S. – Mexico ties. The conference is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s efforts to helps companies navigate the U.S. market by providing key insights, connections to economic development organizations, and guidance on federal programs.
Senator Todd Weiler and Assemblymember David Alvarez participated in the conference’s general session that provided an economic and investment overview. Both policymakers shared insights of their respective states’ efforts and programs aimed at attracting foreign investment.
UFC Performance Institute
The delegation received a tour of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) Performance Institute in Mexico City, which promotes talent throughout Latin America. The 30,000 square foot facility, which is the largest mixed martial arts (MMA) facility of the three UFC performance institutes, delivers world-leading services that provide MMA athletes with talent development, fight preparation, health and well-being, and rehabilitation needs. Click HERE to learn more.
Meeting with Northern Border Affairs Committee, Mexico Senate
The CSG delegates were welcomed by members of the Mexican federal Senate’s Northern Border Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Juan Carlos Loera de la Rosa. The meeting provided an opportunity for the delegates and members of the committee to discuss a wide range of topics, including trade, immigration, and the role of subnational governments in both countries to advance the broader bilateral relationship notwithstanding what is occurring at the national level.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The delegation met with Cristina Planter, General Director of Diplomatic Strategy for North America, along with other key staff of Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Director General Planter shared the ongoing discussions and diplomatic efforts with the government of the U.S. on key issues, including trade, immigration, the asylum process, and Mexico’s efforts to curve the transportation of fentanyl to the U.S., as well as concerns about illegal weapons flowing into Mexico.
Director General Planter also answered questions from the CSG delegates with respect to a wide range of issues, including educational exchanges and labor force concerns for agriculture and other important sectors of the economy.
Ministry of Energy
The CSG delegates were hosted to an insightful conversation at Mexico’ s Ministry of Energy. Dr. Jose Antonio Rojas Nieto, Undersecretary of Electricity, along with other key officials from the Ministry of Energy, provided a comprehensive overview of Mexico’s efforts to transform its energy sector, referred as the second step in the transformation. This includes achieving ambitious clean energy goals, enhancing capacity and generation, and reducing energy exports. The legislative delegates from Utah and California shared their states’ respective experiences in transitioning to renewable energy sources while limiting financial impacts to their communities, as well as attempting to achieve balance between industry and the environmental objectives.
Office of President Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum
Jesus Ramirez Cuevas, Staff Coordinator for the Office of Mexico’s President Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum, hosted the delegation at the National Palace for an open conversation on a variety of issues. Mr. Ramirez Cuevas highlighted President Sheinbaum’s priorities and current bilateral challenges and opportunities. He also underscored the important role that states, the private sector, and non-governmental entities in both countries have to inform their federal officials to advance and promote a strong bilateral relationship, as well as share concerns about actions that may have detrimental impacts.
The delegation’s visit and important meetings with key Mexico government officials and private sector representatives were very informative and well-received. The participating legislators shared their enthusiasm and commitment to maintaining dialogue officials and follow-up with the aim of identifying state-level solutions, including legislation, hearings, and bilateral exchanges.
A special thanks to UFC for their generous financial support of the CSG Mexico delegation. CSG also thanks Tayrin Riojas and Gerardo Cruz of Lazos International and Arturo Carmona of Tzunu Strategies for their insights and support.
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