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Inside Pima County with Rex Scott

Supervisor Rex Scott

Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott is a new podcast created to bring our community closer to the people, programs, and services that keep Pima County running. Hosted by District 1 Supervisor and Chair of the Board, Rex Scott, this series opens the doors to county government in a way that’s accessible, transparent, and genuinely human.

Every episode features candid conversations with the dedicated department and program directors who lead Pima County’s essential work. From public health and public safety, to parks, transportation, economic development, environmental stewardship, community resources, and beyond, these are the people who help make our neighborhoods safer, our region more resilient, and our quality of life stronger.

Whether you’re curious about how county decisions are made, want to understand the services available to your family, or simply enjoy learning more about the community you call home, this podcast offers a front-row seat to the work happening every day on your behalf.

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#24
October 9 · 33 min
Pima County Elections Department
Welcome to this latest episode of Inside Pima County with Rex Scott. In this installment, we are joined by Constance Hargrove, Director of the Pima County Elections Department, for an in-depth and wide-ranging conversation about how elections are administered in one of Arizona’s largest counties. The discussion begins with Constance’s unexpected entry into the elections field—an opportunity that emerged when she was working at the Virginia Legislature and was invited to join the City of Richmond’s elections office. What started as an unfamiliar role grew into nearly two decades of experience, followed by time in seminary and later positions in Chesterfield County that ultimately led to her becoming Director of Elections for Pima County in 2022. The conversation focuses on the structure of election responsibilities in Pima County, clarifying the distinct duties of the County Recorder’s Office—such as voter registration, list maintenance, and early ballot handling—and providing an overview of the Elections Department, which is responsible for ballot processing, vote center operations, election programming, equipment testing, and tabulation. Constance provides a detailed look at how early ballots are processed, how damaged or unreadable ballots are duplicated, and how vote centers are identified, evaluated, and maintained across the county. She explains the intricacies of ballot-on-demand technology, electronic poll books, connectivity challenges in remote locations, and the extensive training, staffing, and coordination required for both permanent and temporary election workers. We also walk through the safeguards built into every election, including logic and accuracy testing, post-election audits, chain-of-custody procedures, and the creation of the official canvass. Constance outlines how each step ensures accuracy and transparency before results ever reach the Board of Supervisors for certification. Finally, the discussion highlights recent improvements such as Pima County’s new election night reporting platform and the optional early ballot drop-off verification process. Constance also shares her enthusiasm for launching a voter academy in the coming years to further improve public understanding of elections. Through this discussion, listeners gain a clear, accessible overview of the complex work required to run secure, accurate, and transparent elections in Pima County.
#23
October 2 · 38 min
Pima County Parks and Recreation
Welcome to the latest episode of Inside Pima County, where today’s conversation highlights one of the County’s most far-reaching and community-centered departments: Parks and Recreation. Joining in this conversation is Vic Pereira, the department’s director, whose path to this role is grounded in service, leadership, and a deep connection to the community he now helps shape. Pereira’s journey to Pima County began with a distinguished 31-year career as an Air Force officer, culminating in his assignment as Deputy Commander at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. In that role, he was responsible for community engagement, forging relationships with civic leaders across Tucson. As he approached retirement, a family decision to remain in the area created an opportunity for a new chapter. That led Pereira, first, to the Health Department, where he served as Deputy Director, and later to Parks and Recreation, a position he assumed in 2022. Today, Pereira oversees a department whose footprint stretches across Pima County’s 9,200 square miles, touching nearly every community and every age group. The Parks and Recreation Department is made-up of 42 urban parks, 12 community centers, nine pools, a shooting sports complex, a golf course, and the iconic Chuck Huckleberry Loop. But Pereira emphasizes that beyond the parks, pools, and programs, the department’s true strength lies in its people: the hundreds of dedicated professionals and seasonal staff who maintain facilities, teach children, support families, and often go above and beyond in moments that matter most. In this episode, Pereira shares some stories of staff, outlines the departments newly completed master plan, discusses priorities for rural and fast-growing communities like Vail and Catalina, and offers a look at upcoming initiatives—from a countywide e-bike study to future accreditation. He also highlights beloved programs such as youth aquatics, adult fitness opportunities, seasonal community events, and the critical role of the Parklands Foundation in supporting Parks and Recreation. Through the conversation, one theme stands out: Parks and Recreation is not only about infrastructure and amenities; it’s about enriching lives. Pereira’s leadership reflects that belief, and his team’s work demonstrates it daily. This episode offers a closer look at the department’s mission, its people, and its plans for a future that continues to serve Pima County residents with excellence, accessibility, and heart.
#22
September 18 · 16 min
Cooperative Extension
In this episode of Inside Pima County with Rex Scott, we take a slight detour from our usual conversations with Pima County program and department directors to highlight the University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension. In this episode, we’re joined by Jenn Parlin, who is currently serving as the interim Cooperative Extension Director. We’re delighted to have her with us to shed light on this unique and tremendously impactful resource. Jenn found her way to Arizona and chose to stay because of our iconic mountains and sunshine. Jenn’s journey with Cooperative Extension began in 2010, following her time at the University of Florida, where she earned degrees in business and sociology. After running business operations for her team, she steadily moved through roles as business manager, program coordinator, faculty member, and now serves as the interim director. Cooperative Extension, she explains, is rooted in the mission of land‑grant universities, institutions established to ensure that education and innovation reach beyond campus walls and into surrounding communities. For Arizona, the University of Arizona fulfills that role, and since 1915 Cooperative Extension has served as a bridge between university expertise and the everyday needs of residents across all 15 counties and multiple tribal communities. Jenn walks us through the four pillars of Cooperative Extension: Family and Consumer Sciences; Agriculture and Natural Resources; 4‑H Youth Development; and Tribal Extension programs. Whether it provides support for mental health, nutrition, financial literacy, sustainable agriculture, youth leadership, or culturally relevant community engagement, Cooperative Extension is designed to serve people across their entire lifespan—from youth discovering vegetables at Tucson Village Farm to older adults seeking gardening advice from the Master Gardeners program. With programs ranging from urban agriculture at Tucson Village Farm and culinary education at the Garden Kitchen, to wildfire mitigation, invasive species management, livestock support, and Smartscape trainings for landscapers, Cooperative Extension’s reach is broad and intentionally community‑centered. Many programs are free, tailored to local needs, and enhanced by an extraordinary network of volunteers. In this episode, Jenn highlights how Cooperative Extension collaborates closely with Pima County, expands access to nutritious food, engages youth through hands‑on learning, and supports families with practical tools to thrive. Whether you’re two, or one hundred and two, Cooperative Extension has something for you—and Jenn is here to help us understand just how valuable that is.
#21
September 4 · 24 min
Pima County Environmental Quality
Today’s guest brings decades of expertise in air quality, water protection, solid waste, and climate planning. We are glad to be joined by Scott DiBiase, Director of the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality. Director DiBiase’s professional journey spans several states, agencies, and roles, all of which shaped the deep technical and leadership experience he now brings to Pima County. After earning his degree in atmospheric sciences from the University of Arizona in 1991, he began his career in Connecticut in 1993, working in the state’s air monitoring program. He then returned to Arizona to work for the Maricopa Association of Governments, focusing on air quality modeling and state implementation planning. That technical foundation led him to Pinal County in 2004, where he grew from planning manager to deputy director, eventually serving as interim director of their air quality program before joining Pima County DEQ in 2023. Today, Director DiBiase leads a department of about 40 professionals across a broad range of programs including air, water, waste, climate planning, and community outreach. DEQ’s responsibilities stretch from air monitoring, permitting, and enforcement, to water system inspections, septic reviews, pool and spa permitting, hazardous waste oversight, and management of the county’s landfill and transfer stations. The department also plays a major role in stormwater inspections, landfill closure maintenance, and regional climate planning efforts. These programs, though diverse, share a common goal: safeguarding the air residents breathe, the water residents drink, and the environmental quality of Pima County as a whole. Director DiBiase explains how DEQ’s air program is the largest and most technical component of the department, requiring daily fieldwork, precise monitoring, rulemaking, and enforcement. He outlines the county’s stormwater inspections, water sampling responsibilities, and the complexities of maintaining closed landfills for three decades. He also discusses recycling services at county transfer stations, the challenges of expanding those services in unincorporated areas, and the realities of tracking septic system use across the region. The Director also shares updates on the county’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant, a four‑year EPA planning effort that has produced both a Priority Climate Action Plan and a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan in collaboration with regional partners. He highlights workforce development efforts with the University of Arizona’s Drachman Institute, aimed at preparing residents for jobs in home energy auditing and weatherization that support both household savings and regional emissions reductions. Finally, Director DiBiase touches on one of the most important roles the Department plays, managing the concerns of the public while ensuring environmental protection. Learn more about the types of complaints DEQ receives from the public, how residents can report concerns, and ongoing outreach programs including the state’s “No Drive Day” and Lawn and Garden equipment exchange grants. It’s a wide‑ranging conversation that sheds light on the daily work required to maintain environmental quality across a large, diverse county. We’re grateful to Director DiBiase for sharing his insight, and grateful to all of you for tuning in to Inside Pima County.
#20
August 21 · 36 min
Grants Management and Innovation
In this latest episode of Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott, we shine a spotlight on a department whose work often happens behind the scenes but makes an enormous impact on how Pima County can serve its residents: the Grants Management and Innovation Department, known as GMI. Joining the podcast is GMI’s director, Ken Walker, along with Dorothee Harmon, who manages the division responsible for countywide grant development. Both bring decades of experience in nonprofit and governmental work, and both play critical roles in ensuring that Pima County can identify, secure, manage, and monitor the grant funding that supports so many essential public services. We discuss the mechanics of grant development, grant compliance, and the partnerships that make these funds possible. Learn how Ken’s and Dorothee’s backgrounds help shape the County’s grant strategy, how GMI supports departments large and small, and how their roles connect directly to the public good. We explore what makes federal and state grant opportunities so complex, why indirect cost recovery matters, and how GMI’s partnerships with dozens of nonprofit subrecipients strengthen the countywide network of services residents rely upon. You’ll also hear about recent grants that have benefited District 1 and Pima County as a whole, from FEMA-funded improvements to flood control infrastructure to innovative water conservation upgrades at Arthur Pack Park, as well as the essential human services delivered by organizations like Interfaith Community Services and IMPACT.
#19
August 7 · 23 min
Pima County Public Defense Services
In this episode of Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott, we’re pleased to host a conversation with the head of Pima County’s Public Defense Services Department, Dean Brault. Dean has spent nearly three decades in public service as an attorney, administrator, and advocate, and we’re grateful to have him with us. Public Defense Services performs duties that aren’t optional — they’re required to provide legal services under both Arizona law and the United States Constitution. As Dean explains, the right to legal representation for indigent individuals originates from foundational principles affirmed in landmark case, Gideon v. Wainwright. Those protections ensure that anyone facing prosecution has access to a lawyer regardless of their financial circumstances. Dean walks us through his professional journey, beginning with his graduation from the University of Arizona College of Law in 1996. His career started here in Pima County as a law clerk and bailiff, followed by years of service as a public defender handling everything from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Over time, Dean became a trial team supervisor, then served as the county’s legal defender, and eventually stepped into his current leadership role overseeing Public Defense Services. Dean breaks down the many divisions that fall under Public Defense Services, including the Public Defender’s Office, the Legal Defender’s Office, the Office of the Legal Advocate, the Office of Court Appointed Counsel, the Office of Children’s Counsel, the Mental Health Defender, the Public Fiduciary, and the administrative unit that ties them all together. Each division carries unique responsibilities—from criminal defense, to protecting the interests of children in dependency cases, to supporting vulnerable adults who have no one else to manage their affairs. Dean offers insight into how cases are assigned, why conflicts of interest require multiple divisions and contract counsel, and how the department balances a wide array of constitutional duties with limited resources. He also highlights one of the department’s most impactful public-facing services: the Pima County Legal Clinic, which helps individuals take important steps after their cases conclude—restoring civil rights, sealing records, or addressing the long-term consequences of past convictions. Above all, Dean emphasizes the dedication of the professionals who make up Public Defense Services. Their commitment ensures that every person entitled to representation receives high-quality advocacy during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
#18
July 24 · 32 min
Pima County Justice Services
In this latest edition of Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott, we’re shining the spotlight on one of the County’s most essential, yet often lesser-known, departments: Justice Services. We’re thrilled to be joined by the Director of Justice Services, Kate Vesely. Born at TMC and raised here, she’s a proud product of local public and private education, now raising her own children in the community her family has called home since the 1800s. With parents who dedicated their careers to public service and education, Kate grew up surrounded by a duty to serve her community. While other kids dreamed of being astronauts, she knew early on she wanted to be a bureaucrat — someone committed to strengthening systems and helping people navigate them. That commitment led her into a 25‑year career in justice system innovation. Justice Services is a department where the work happening within that team is fast-paced, data‑driven, and deeply impactful. Justice Services itself is a relatively new agency, about five years old, and was originally established to address jail overcrowding. A decade ago, the jail population regularly exceeded 2,300 individuals, presenting major challenges for detainees, staff, healthcare providers, and the broader justice system. Through targeted strategies and partnerships, the department helped drive the jail population down by 500–600 individuals, improving safety and saving millions of taxpayer dollars — all without increasing violent crime. With that success, Justice Services expanded its mission: advancing community safety, reducing unnecessary incarceration, supporting recovery, and improving outcomes for individuals and families involved in the justice system. One of the most visible and transformative elements of this work is the Transition Center: the “crown jewel” of Justice Services. It grew due to community feedback and from a simple but powerful question: if individuals with non‑violent misdemeanors aren’t entering custody, how do we ensure they still receive support? Open seven days a week, the Transition Center has become a trusted, walk‑in hub for people seeking help, guidance, and connection to services. Staffed entirely by justice navigators with lived experience, it offers stigma‑free support, immediate trust, and a path forward for individuals and families facing some of the hardest moments of their lives.
#17
July 10 · 25 min
Pima County Finance and Risk Management
In the latest episode of Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott, Supervisor Scott is joined by someone whose work touches nearly every aspect of how our county operates: the Director of our Office of Finance and Risk Management, Art Cuaron. Art begins by sharing a bit about his deep roots in our community. A Tucson native born and raised on the upper west side, he built his academic foundation at the University of Arizona, graduating in 2004 before earning his MBA from the University of Phoenix. His career in public finance now spans almost two decades, beginning in 2007 with the Town of Oro Valley, where he served as a Financial Analyst for five years. He then moved to the City of Tucson in 2012, taking on a series of increasingly complex leadership roles—managing debt, banking and investments, and eventually overseeing the city’s internally managed pension system along with its benefits programs. Art explains that public service runs in his family. His father served as Finance Director for the Town of Marana, and his mother worked both for Pima County and the City of South Tucson. Growing up around those conversations and examples of civic leadership, Art knew early on that he wanted to become a finance director. When the opportunity to serve Pima County opened in late 2024, the timing aligned perfectly with both his professional goals and personal readiness. He was hired that December, and for the past 18 months he has led the department through a period of significant work, growth, and responsibility. What drives him, he says, is the daily challenge of balancing community needs with the long‑term fiscal health of the organization, work that is never repetitive, always important, and deeply meaningful. Today he oversees a $1.8 billion county budget and a department made up of 11 divisions that carry out essential functions ranging from budget development and financial reporting to grants management, payroll, accounts payable, internal audit, and risk management. Art describes how his team anchors its work in transparency, accountability, collaboration, communication, and service excellence. Whether supporting the budget process, managing revenues, ensuring accurate and timely financial information, or responding to public claims through Risk Management, the department works every day to protect taxpayer dollars and support the effective operation of every county department. He also shares insights into the County’s annual budget process—an effort that begins each fall, involves extensive collaboration with the County Administrator, department directors, and elected officials, and culminates in the Board’s tentative and final budget adoptions each spring and summer. This year included a new board retreat that Art describes as both successful and valuable in aligning priorities early in the process. Art outlines the difference between DREAM requests and supplemental requests, the role of state cost shifts, and the annual challenge of budgeting before the State finalizes its own spending plan. He also provides clarity on the functions of the Risk Management division and highlights several other key divisions within his department, including Financial Control and Reporting, Financial Grants, Departmental Analysis, Internal Audit, Financial Operations, Revenue Management, and Treasury and Capital Projects. Looking ahead, he previews two major initiatives: implementation of the Workday Grants module to strengthen financial reporting and compliance, and a countywide education campaign around the proposed expenditure limitation adjustment—an issue that has not been revisited in 45 years but will be essential to sustaining county operations moving forward.
#16
July 3 · 27 min
Pima County Wastewater
Pima County’s wastewater system is one of those essential public services most people rarely think about—until something goes wrong. Yet behind the scenes, an enormous amount of engineering, planning, and innovation keeps our community healthy, our environment protected, and our future water supply secure. In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott sits down with Jackson Jenkins, Director of Pima County’s Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, to explore the complex world of wastewater treatment, infrastructure, and sustainability. Jenkins, a Tucson native and University of Arizona–trained metallurgical engineer, didn’t begin his career in public service. He spent more than two decades in the copper mining industry, working with hydrometallurgical processes that mirror many of the biological and chemical systems used in wastewater treatment. That technical foundation eventually led him to Pima County in 2004, where he began as deputy director of treatment operations before becoming department director in 2010. Pima County is unique in that it is the only county that operates its own wastewater utility. With 400 employees, seven treatment facilities, more than 3,500 miles of sewer pipeline, and dozens of pump stations, the department manages a vast and constantly evolving system. Jenkins walks listeners through the locations of major facilities and explains how future growth is driving plans for a new regional plant in Sahuarita, targeted for startup in 2031. The conversation also demystifies how sewage becomes a resource. Wastewater is screened, biologically treated, disinfected, and transformed into high‑quality reclaimed water used for irrigation, riparian restoration, and recharge. Solids are converted into safe agricultural fertilizer, and biogas generated during digestion is refined into renewable methane—bringing in nearly $5 million annually. Beyond treatment, the department maintains thousands of miles of pipe using rodding equipment, CCTV inspections, and cured‑in‑place pipe technology. It also provides community‑focused programs, including odor and roach control, low‑income sewer subsidies, and assistance for homeowners when sewer lines fail in the public right‑of‑way. Jenkins closes by discussing new research on PFAS removal, the department’s adoption of artificial intelligence to optimize operations, and leaves listeners with a practical tip.
#15
June 19 · 31 min
Kino Sports Complex
Sarah Hanna, Director of the Kino Sports Complex and head of the Kino Stadium District, brings a uniquely diverse professional background to one of Pima County’s most dynamic public assets. A Tucson native and Sabino High School graduate, Hanna’s early life revolved around competitive swimming—an experience that led her into lifeguarding and eventually into the water‑park industry. Director Hanna was able to make her way through leadership roles at major facilities in Arizona, Louisiana, and Connecticut. Her return to Tucson in 2011, prompted by family needs, shifted her career trajectory. With no large water parks to manage locally, she leaned into her passion for risk management and joined Pima County as a loss control officer. Over 12 years in the county’s Risk Management Department, she became deeply familiar with the stadium district through inspections, event oversight, and safety evaluations. That experience eventually led to her appointment as Deputy Director and, later, Director of the Kino Sports Complex. Today, Hanna oversees a 300‑acre, multi‑complex operation that functions not as a park, but as a sports‑tourism engine for Southern Arizona. The North Complex houses FC Tucson, public parks, and the Kino Environmental Restoration Project (KERP) recreation path. The Main Complex includes the 11,000‑seat stadium, ten baseball fields, administrative offices, and vast parking areas that support major events such as the Tucson Gem Show. The South Complex—opened in 2020—features 12 soccer fields and 20 pickleball courts and sits adjacent to the emerging Mosaic Quarter development. Kino hosts events 363 days a year, from local birthday parties to international tournaments like the World Baseball Classic Qualifier. The Kino Sports Stadium is supported by 56 full‑time staff and roughly 70 event workers. Hanna emphasizes a philosophy of flexibility and partnership. Whether accommodating professional soccer, building a 30,000‑gallon dock‑diving pool for a world‑class dog‑agility championship, or helping families plan small gatherings, she strives to “say yes” whenever possible. Above all, Hanna sees Kino as a community hub that has evolved far beyond its former identity as a spring‑training baseball site. With graduations, festivals, league play, international sports, and cultural events filling the calendar, she and her team continue to shape Kino into one of the region’s most vibrant public spaces.
#14
June 5 · 37 min
Pima County Community and Workforce Development
Pima County’s Office of Community and Workforce Development is one of the region’s most ambitious, human‑centered engines for economic mobility, housing stability, and opportunity. At its helm is Director Dan Sullivan, a lifelong Tucsonan whose personal history is woven tightly into the fabric of the county he now serves. Director Sullivan’s father not only worked for the county, but the Sullivan Jackson Employment Center, is named after him. Sullivan’s own path to leadership was shaped by journalism, political work, and years advocating for trade unions before joining Pima County nearly a decade ago. His tenure has spanned homeless services, workforce development, and dislocated worker programs, culminating in more than five years as director. Under his leadership, the department has grown into a broad, interconnected network of programs that touch tens of thousands of residents each year—from the Kino One Stop and youth workforce initiatives to rent and utility assistance, home repair, weatherization, and the nationally recognized Emergency and Eviction Legal Services (EELS) program. The department’s mission, as Sullivan puts it, is prosperity. “It is our mission to bring prosperity to this community”. That mission is reflected in CWD’s innovative navigator model that ensures “there’s no wrong door” for residents seeking help, and its commitment to meeting people where they are—literally and figuratively—during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Youth services have become a cornerstone of this work. The Pima County Youth Center now sees roughly 6,000 young people annually, offering a trauma‑informed, welcoming environment where teens and young adults can pursue GEDs, pre‑apprenticeships, and career pathways that lead not just to jobs but to long‑term stability. Early childhood education has also emerged as a defining priority, with the PEEPs program reducing barriers to high‑quality preschool and laying the foundation for lifelong success. Across all these efforts, Sullivan’s leadership philosophy is unmistakable: honor the people doing the work. Sullivan emphasized that his role is to empower staff, nurture internal talent, and foster a culture grounded in “heart and urgency”.
#13
May 22 · 27 min
Office of Digital Inclusion
Pima County’s commitment to digital equity has accelerated dramatically in recent years, and at the center of that effort is Michelle Simon, Director of the Office of Digital Inclusion. With 15 years of service to the county and a professional background spanning workforce development, nonprofit administration, public administration, and even network and database administration, Simon brings both technical expertise and deep community experience to the role. As she explains, her journey began in the public library system, where she taught residents how to use computers—“It’s funny how life comes full circle”. That early work eventually helped lay the foundation for the county’s digital inclusion strategy and the creation of the office in 2023. The Office of Digital Inclusion was formed to ensure that every resident has access to high‑speed, affordable internet, the devices needed to get online, and the skills to use technology safely. Simon describes the mission succinctly: the office “is the driver of the strategic efforts behind making sure that all of the county residents have access to high speed affordable internet, devices… and that they understand how to use it safely”. This work is tightly connected to Pima County’s broader economic development and prosperity initiatives, recognizing that digital access is now essential infrastructure. A major component of this effort is the Middle Mile project, funded through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Pima County secured a $30.3 million grant to build a 134‑mile fiber‑optic ring that will serve as the backbone for future broadband expansion. The route spans every municipality in the county and reaches into rural and remote areas where private providers have historically been unwilling to build. Simon emphasizes that the Middle Mile “is the backbone… that connects the Internet to an Internet service provider so they can reach people’s homes”. The county’s digital inclusion strategy also includes Connect Pima, a comprehensive plan developed with community input, and a network of more than 120 public Wi‑Fi hotspots installed after residents were forced to access library parking lots during COVID‑19 closures—“people were attempting to use the internet in our parking lot”. Digital navigators further support residents through one‑on‑one assistance, warm handoffs to other county services, and personalized help with devices and digital literacy. These efforts have earned national recognition. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance named Pima County a Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer in both 2024 and 2025. As Simon notes, Pima County is the first county in Arizona with a dedicated digital inclusion office and among the first with its own digital equity plan.
#12
May 8 · 21 min
Pima County Health Department - Beat the Heat
In southern Arizona, the shift into heat season is unmistakable. Mornings warm-up earlier, evenings cool down more slowly, and the desert sun begins its months‑long climb toward triple‑digit temperatures. For Pima County, this isn’t just a change in weather—it marks the start of one of our most challenging public‑health periods. This episode of Inside Pima County focuses on how we prepare for that challenge and how residents can protect themselves as the hottest months arrive. Supervisor Rex Scott is joined by Dr. Theresa “Terry” Cullen, Director of the Pima County Health Department and a leader whose experience spans frontline medicine, national health‑informatics work, global health consulting, and nearly six years guiding one of the county’s largest and most complex departments. Her work is shaped not only by her professional background but by her personal connection to Pima County—her children, husband, and extended family all live here, giving her a deeply rooted commitment to community well‑being. The Health Department oversees nine divisions that touch nearly every part of daily life: food safety inspections, clinical services, disease prevention, substance‑use response, and more. But one of its most important responsibilities during summer is serving as the convener of Pima County’s heat‑mitigation network. This network includes more than 80 organizations—nonprofits, local governments, universities, and community groups—working together to prevent heat‑related illness and deaths. Weekly meetings throughout the heat season allow partners to coordinate cooling centers, share data, identify gaps in service, and ensure that vulnerable residents are not left behind. Dr. Cullen explains the risk factors that make some people more susceptible to heat illness: older adults living alone, people on certain medications, individuals with limited access to cooling, outdoor workers, and the unhoused population. Yet she also emphasizes that heat can affect anyone, even lifelong desert residents who think they “know” the climate. Understanding early signs of heat exhaustion, staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak hours, and checking on neighbors are among the simplest and most effective prevention steps. Listeners will also learn where to find reliable information about heat advisories, cooling centers, and county resources, including PimaCounty.gov/heat and materials available through public libraries. The episode highlights the importance of community awareness, shared responsibility, and simple acts of care that can save lives. This introduction sets the stage for a conversation about preparation, prevention, and the power of coordinated community action as Pima County enters another desert summer.
#11
May 1 · 28 min
Pima County Development Services Department
This is the 11th episode of Inside Pima County with Rex Scott, the show where we pull back the curtain on the people and decisions shaping life in our community. Today’s episode features Chris Poirier, Former Director of Development Services. If you’ve ever replaced a water heater, built a home, or watched a major project rise from the desert floor, the DSD team has been part of that story. Chris joins us to talk about what it really takes to guide development in a county as large and diverse as ours — from everyday residential permits to 600‑acre master plans, from zoning hearings to long‑range planning that will shape the next decade. We’ll explore how his department balances regulation with customer service, why public participation matters more than people think, and how state laws and voter initiatives shape what local government can and can’t do. Chris also talks about his legacy of 25 years at Pima County and reflects on what he’s learned about community, collaboration, and human nature along the way.
#10
April 17 · 23 min
Pima County Attractions and Tourism
In this episode of Inside Pima County with Rex Scott, Supervisor Rex Scott sits down with Diane Frisch, Director of Pima County’s Attractions and Tourism Department, to explore how tourism plays a vital role in our local economy and quality of life. Diane shares her unique path from managing radio and TV stations to leading the County’s efforts in promoting attractions, events, and tourism assets. With a small but dedicated team, her department manages the Visitor Center, supports County-owned properties, oversees film permitting, and coordinates events and partnerships across the region—all while working closely with organizations like Visit Tucson. The conversation highlights just how significant tourism is to Pima County. The industry supports approximately 24,000 local jobs, brings in over 6 million visitors annually, and generates nearly $3 billion in economic impact. Diane emphasizes that tourism is far more than leisure—it’s a key economic driver that supports hotels, restaurants, cultural institutions, and small businesses throughout the community. Listeners will also hear how the department helps distribute funding to local attractions and events, ensuring taxpayer dollars are invested in organizations that are sustainable, impactful, and aligned with the region’s character. Looking ahead, Diane discusses efforts to attract new events—especially in growing areas like cycling and indoor summer activities—while staying true to Pima County’s culture and heritage. The episode also touches on Tucson’s designation as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States, a recognition rooted in the region’s deep agricultural history, food traditions, and community pride. From signature events like the Gem and Mineral Show, Rodeo, and Tucson Festival of Books to emerging opportunities at venues like the Mosaic Quarter and the County’s new velodrome, Pima County continues to expand its role as a destination for visitors and a source of pride for residents. As Diane notes, whether it’s outdoor recreation, festivals, arts, or food, Pima County offers something for everyone—and her team is working every day to make sure people know it.
#9
April 3 · 40 min
Pima County Regional County Flood Control District
In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott sits down with Eric Schepp, Director of the Pima County Regional Flood Control District, to explore how the County manages flood risk, protects communities, and is rethinking water as a long-term resource. Schepp shares his path from civil engineering studies at Johns Hopkins University to a 30-year career with Pima County, highlighting his early work as a hydrologist and eventual rise to district leadership. His passion for the region—and its unique desert environment—shapes his approach to flood control and water management. The conversation explains the Flood Control District’s core mission: protecting people and property through both structural solutions—like levees, detention basins, and bank protection—and non-structural approaches, including regulations, floodplain management, and land acquisition. These strategies are especially critical in older parts of Tucson, where development predated modern floodplain regulations and solutions are more complex. Schepp outlines how the District operates as a special taxing district and works across a vast 9,200-square-mile region, partnering with jurisdictions like Marana and Oro Valley to guide smarter development and reduce flood risk. He also discusses federal and state frameworks like the National Flood Insurance Program, noting that Pima County’s high rating earns residents significant flood insurance discounts—up to 40%. Beyond flood protection, the episode highlights a growing shift: treating stormwater as a valuable resource rather than a nuisance. Innovative projects like the Kino Environmental Restoration Project demonstrate how stormwater and reclaimed water can irrigate public spaces, while pilot efforts such as the Rillito Creek recharge project explore ways to capture and store water underground for long-term use. Schepp also discusses the County’s Water Working Group, which brings together departments and regional partners to address water sustainability, conservation, and future supply challenges—particularly in areas reliant on private wells. The episode concludes with a look at newer, community-focused solutions like stormwater parks. These smaller-scale projects reduce localized flooding while providing green space, improving water quality, supporting urban tree growth, and even creating educational and workforce development opportunities for local students. Overall, the discussion underscores how flood control in Pima County is evolving—balancing public safety, environmental stewardship, and innovative water management to build a more resilient future.
#8
March 20 · 30 min
PIma County Public Library
In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott sits down with Pima County Public Library Director Tess Mayer to discuss her background, the role of libraries in the community, and the future of the library system. Mayer shares her journey from teaching English as a second language to a career in librarianship, shaped by her belief that access to information can transform lives. Her experience working in major library systems in Seattle and Berkeley helped shape her focus on equity, outreach, and breaking down barriers to access—values that drew her to Pima County. Mayer highlights the scope and impact of the Pima County Public Library system, which includes 27 locations, approximately 500 employees, and around three million in-person visits annually, in addition to robust online usage. She emphasizes that modern libraries go far beyond books, offering a wide range of services including e-books, streaming content, online classes, workforce development programs, and community programming. Many of these digital resources remain underutilized, making outreach and awareness a key priority. The conversation underscores the library’s role as a community hub that supports lifelong learning, literacy, and connection. Traditional offerings like storytimes and book groups remain central, but Mayer also points to innovative programming—from live performances to unique learning experiences—that reflect the evolving needs and interests of the community. She also highlights nontraditional items available for checkout, such as health equipment and Culture Passes that provide free access to local museums, expanding access to education and enrichment opportunities. Looking ahead, Mayer identifies several priorities, including modernizing outdated materials-handling technology to improve efficiency, safety, and user experience. She also discusses ongoing and future capital projects, such as the new Mission Library and the long-term planning for a new main library, both of which will be shaped by community input. Expanding library hours and improving equitable access across the county are also key goals, particularly for working families and underserved areas. The discussion also touches on the connection between libraries and broader County initiatives, including early childhood education scholarships funded through the library district. Mayer emphasizes that supporting literacy and early education are complementary—not competing—priorities, both essential to community well-being. Finally, Mayer highlights the critical role of community partners like the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation, which provide funding and volunteer support for programs and services. She closes by reinforcing the idea that libraries are foundational to democracy—providing free and open access to information, supporting civic engagement, and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to learn, grow, and participate fully in their community. Overall, the episode presents the Pima County Public Library system as a dynamic, evolving resource—one that continues to adapt to meet the needs of a diverse and growing community while staying grounded in its core mission of access, literacy, and lifelong learning.
#7
March 13 · 43 min
Pima County Department of Transportation
In this episode of Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott, Supervisor Scott speaks with Kathryn Skinner, Director of the Pima County Department of Transportation, about the work that goes into planning, maintaining, and improving the county’s transportation network. Skinner shares her professional journey from the University of Arizona, where she studied civil engineering, to nearly two decades of service with Pima County. After beginning her career designing bridges and transportation structures, she joined the county through the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and eventually worked her way through several leadership roles before becoming director three and a half years ago. The conversation provides an overview of the Transportation Department and the scale of its responsibilities. With roughly 190 authorized positions, the department maintains more than 2,200 miles of roadway throughout unincorporated Pima County—often described as the “donut around Tucson.” Crews work across a wide geographic area, from maintaining rural roads in Ajo to clearing snow on Mount Lemmon. Skinner explains the department’s five primary divisions: planning and engineering, maintenance operations, construction monitoring, mobility innovation and technology, and administrative services. Together, these teams manage traffic signals, roadway striping, grading of unpaved roads, storm response, and capital improvement projects. A major focus of the discussion is the county’s Road Repair and Maintenance Program. After assessments found that roughly 70 percent of county-maintained roads were in poor or failed condition several years ago, the county implemented a long-term program to address repairs. Since then, more than 500 miles of neighborhood streets have been resurfaced, improving the overall condition of the county’s road network to a “very good” rating. The episode also explains how transportation funding works in Arizona. The department relies heavily on state-shared transportation revenues such as the gas tax and vehicle license taxes. Because Arizona’s gas tax has not increased since 1991 and vehicles are becoming more fuel efficient, maintaining a growing road network presents ongoing financial challenges. Skinner also discusses new technology and partnerships that are helping the department work more efficiently, including drone mapping, advanced data analysis, and research collaborations with the University of Arizona’s Center for Advanced Transportation Sciences. The conversation highlights ways residents can participate as well, including the SeeClickFix mobile app, which allows the public to report issues such as potholes, damaged signs, or other roadway concerns. In addition, the Transportation Advisory Committee—made up of citizen representatives from each supervisor district—provides public input on transportation priorities. Finally, Skinner discusses the department’s upcoming Transportation Master Plan, which will gather community feedback to help guide long-term transportation planning and investments across Pima County. This episode offers listeners a closer look at the people, planning, and resources that keep Pima County’s transportation system operating every day.
#6
February 27 · 32 min
Pima Animal Care Center-PACC
In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott visits the Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) to speak with Director Steve Kozachik about the center’s operations, challenges, and future plans. Kozachik shares his background in public service and animal welfare, and explains that PACC is much more than an adoption center — it is the county’s only open-admission shelter, providing intake services, veterinary care, animal protection enforcement, dispatch support, and community resources across 9,200 square miles. The conversation highlights current overcrowding challenges, staffing and retention issues, and the emotional demands placed on employees and volunteers. Kozachik discusses new solutions, including the upcoming Eastside Adoption Center (EPAC) and the newly opened Animal Restoration Kennnel (ARK), which will address hoarding, cruelty, and neglect cases using privately donated funds. The episode also emphasizes the critical role of approximately 1,300 volunteers and nonprofit partner Friends of PACC, while encouraging the community to support PACC through adoption, fostering, volunteering, and reporting animal welfare concerns.
#5
February 13 · 45 min
RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega
In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott is joined by Mike Ortega, Executive Director of the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The conversation focuses on how regional transportation planning is structured in Pima County and Southern Arizona, and the respective roles of PAG, the RTA, and their governing boards. Ortega begins by outlining his professional background in engineering and public service, including prior roles with Pima County, the Arizona Department of Transportation, Cochise County, and the City of Tucson. He discusses how his engineering training informs his approach to managing complex public-sector projects and explains how technical analysis is applied to long-term transportation planning. The episode provides an overview of PAG’s function as the region’s metropolitan planning organization, including its responsibilities related to transportation funding coordination, air quality planning, and regional policy discussions. Ortega also explains how PAG provides administrative support to the RTA, which was established to fund and implement voter-approved regional transportation projects. Scott and Ortega review the structure and membership of the PAG Regional Council and the RTA Board, and describe the boards’ responsibilities for overseeing project delivery and financial accountability. The discussion includes background on the original RTA plan approved by voters in 2006, the scope of projects completed under that plan, and the financial challenges that affected project completion over time. The conversation also covers how the RTA evaluates remaining projects, project re-scoping, and long-term funding considerations. Ortega explains how accountability, reporting, and oversight processes are designed to track progress and address changing conditions over the life of a transportation program. Topics discussed include roadway improvements, pavement rehabilitation, transit and paratransit services, safety and active transportation investments, and environmental considerations such as wildlife crossings. The episode concludes with general information on where residents can find publicly available information about regional transportation planning and the structure of future transportation plans.

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