On this episode, Zach sits down with General Ted Maxwell to talk about one of the biggest policy issues facing our desert region: do we have enough water? Besides his role as the CEO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (along with many other community hats he wears), Maxwell represents Pima County on the Arizona Reconsultation Committee that is working to make sure Arizona gets a fair shake in Colorado River negotiations.

Maxwell talks about how he sees our water future as it stands right now, whether or not Arizona and the other Lower Basin States are going to get a fair shake as we negotiate our Colorado River allocations going into 2026, how business and civic leaders can do a better job telling the story about how our conservation ethos has prepared us for smart growth (while continuing to be responsible with our natural resources), what the State Legislature is doing on water issues, and more! Tune in to hear the whole conversation.

Editorial Note: After this conversation aired, Ted Cooke's nomination to lead the Bureau of Reclamation was withdrawn.