Arizona Tourism Director Resigns Amid Conflict Allegations

Lisa Urias has resigned as the head of the Arizona Office of Tourism following allegations of a conflict of interest related to a $700,000 contract for a new state logo, which involved her own marketing agency. Governor Katie Hobbs accepted Urias' resignation, stating that the 'appearance of conflict is not acceptable,' despite Urias' claims of innocence and that neither she nor her agency profited from the project. The resignation came just hours after State Rep. Teresa Martinez called for an investigation into the contract, particularly questioning the high cost of the logo design. Urias maintains that she has severed financial ties with her agency, although she continues to receive a stipend from it. Martinez insists the investigation will continue regardless of Urias' resignation, as questions about the legality of the spending remain. The situation reflects broader concerns about governance and public trust in state agencies.