Mark Barnes, founder and president of Barnes & Associates, has been directly involved in Arizona’s public policy arena since receiving a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Arizona in 1994. He has actively participated in the last twelve Legislative Sessions as a policy analyst, as a lobbyist for an association of governments, and as a private practice lobbyist. 

Over the last twelve years Mr. Barnes has worked on a variety of legislative issues, mostly in the areas of healthcare, transportation, taxation, appropriations and State budget issues. He has been the lead lobbyist on a number of major legislative issues, including healthcare finance, transportation, electric deregulation and State budget issues. He has provided his clients with expert legislative analyses, advised them on public policy issues as well as assisted them in developing and implementing legislative strategy. 

By representing clients with issues that affect every area of the State, Mr. Barnes has been able to cultivate relationships with legislators from all areas of Arizona. Through volunteering and assisting with their campaigns, he has been able to develop additional legislative contacts. 

Barnes & Associates' clients include the County Supervisors Association, Pinal County Board of Supervisors, the Town of Gilbert, Association of Arizona Food Banks, Community Information & Referral, and Information & Referral Services.