For now, Maricopa’s spared the shutdown’s effects. It may not last

A week into the federal government shutdown , most Maricopa residents haven’t noticed much change. But with federal workers furloughed, offices shuttered and key programs running on reserve funds, the local effects could surface soon if Congress doesn’t act.

Late this morning, the gates at Box Canyon shooting range stood open. Rifle shots cracked through the canyon as usual, shutdown or not. When asked whether that would change, an automatic reply from the Bureau of Land Management’s local spokesperson made things clear: “Due to the lapse in appropriations, I am out of the office and not authorized to work during this time.”

A follow-up email from the agency’s broader communications office offered further clarification.

“The Bureau of Land Management remains committed to maintainin