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Inside Pima County
Hello District 3!
As the days get warmer, we’re finding our rhythm. So far, we've met with over 30 departments and offices. It has been really insightful to visit teams across Transportation, Economic Development, the Office of Housing Opportunities and Homeless Solutions, the Clerk of the Superior Court, Justice Services, Finance, the Transition Center, and many others.
The more we learn about Pima County, the better prepared we are to serve our constituents and connect them with the programs and services the County provides.
Greetings from Supervisor Allen
Dear constituents and friends,
Over the past month, there has been a great deal of change across Southern Arizona—starting with the tragic passing of Congressman Raúl Grijalva. For decades, he was a true champion for our region and for all our communities. His passing brought significant shifts, including changes within the Pima County Board of Supervisors. His daughter, former Supervisor Adelita Grijalva, stepped down from her position to run for his congressional seat in District 7.
At our April 15th meeting, we voted to appoint Andrés Cano to represent District 5 on the Board of Supervisors. At that same meeting, I was honored to be elected by my colleagues to serve as Vice Chair. I'm proud to take on this leadership role while continuing to represent District 3.
These days, the real elephant in the room is the ongoing effect of policies from the Trump administration and Elon Musk. Their decisions have had a direct and harmful impact on our country, our county, and our local communities.
Every day, we hear from immigrant families who are afraid to send their children to school. Our border region has been turned into a militarized zone. Our health department is losing critical funding just as we face a measles outbreak spreading across the Southwest. The Ironwood Forest National Monument is under threat of elimination which would open the door for drilling and mining. Meanwhile, our air and water quality programs—and broader efforts to address climate change—have been gutted, and the agencies that once oversaw them have been dismantled. Tens of thousands of workers have been laid off, and our labor unions have been stripped of their leverage.
I wish I could throw a protective bubble around Pima County to shield us from these attacks—on our families, our desert, and the things that are important to us. Of course, I can't do that. But here's what I can do:
- I can work to ensure that our upcoming budget protects programs and services for the most vulnerable members of our community.
- I can ensure that the County stands up and fights back, by joining with other municipalities in lawsuits against the federal executive orders.
- I can also ensure that our office and I continue to be accessible to all of you, responding efficiently and effectively to the changing needs that we’re facing.
To that end, starting next month, we’re launching regular office hours throughout District 3—bringing our services directly to communities, rather than asking people to come to our downtown Tucson offices.
Meanwhile, I encourage you to stay strong, keep speaking out, and, most importantly, hold on to our shared humanity. It’s a simple thing, but it matters now more than ever.
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Community Spotlight
Erica Wofford: an Exemplary Educator in Flowing Wells
Erica Wofford is a fifth-grade teacher at J. Robert Hendricks Elementary. On May 9th, she was recognized as an Exemplary Educator by the Metropolitan Education Commission's. This recognition is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exemplary service to learners in both their academic and professional journeys.
Jessica Cenedese, Principal of J. Robert Hendricks Elementary, shared this about Erica: “Miss Wofford is a phenomenal teacher. She focuses on creating lessons that inspire students. If you ask her about any of her students, she can tell you what their favorite sports are, what their favorite lunches are, and she can also tell you how she supports them academically.” In 2024, Miss Wofford was selected as Arizona’s Science Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations also to the other outstanding District 3 educators who were honored this year: Jessica Hunt, Teacher of the Year at Marana High School; Mark Calton, Exemplary Educator from Marana; and Shawn Smith, Exemplary Educator from Amphitheater. Way to go!
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Upcoming Events
Meet Therapy Donkeys!
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Pima Animal Care Center invite you to the Canine Resource Fair happening by the end of May in District 3.
Also, stay up to date with exciting events hosted by PACC! From free pet services to important community meetings, there's always something for you and your pets: https://www.pima.gov/3507/PACC-Events
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Picture Rocks Community Events
Yoga, watercolors, knitting circle, congregate meals, tech help, and more! Check the Community Center May Calendar and join the fun.
The Pima County One-Stop
This program helps you get back to work! Check out a list of recruitment events and job fairs to assist you in your search: https://www.pima.gov/987/Job-Openings-in-Pima-County.
*Let us know about upcoming community events! Please e-mail us at district3@pima.gov.
Community Resources
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Swim for less in Pima County! Pima County Parks and Recreation, Tucson Medical Center, and TMC Health Foundation are offering 2,000 reduced-cost swim lessons to families across Pima County. Spaces are limited and registration is first-come, first-served. Register soon!
📅 June lessons: Register starting May 13, 6 a.m.
📅 July lessons: Register starting June 17, 6 a.m.
To register, visit www.pima.gov/swimlessons. For more information, call 520-724-5171.
- Through the Arizona Department of Health Services, the Power Me A2Z program provides free multivitamins with folic acid to women who could get pregnant to help prevent birth defects.
Meet Taylor!
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Like the song by her namesake, this one-year-old girl is Gorgeous. Taylor’s former family said she’s friendly and playful. She enjoys exploring during walks, responds well to commands and is social and playful with other dogs during playgroup. |
Taylor is free to adopt. She is spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, and microchipped. Her ID number is: A847905. Contact: Pima Animal Care Center: 520-724-5900
We Want to Hear From You!
Here are some opportunities to provide your input on County projects:
- Participate in a travel study! PAG is also conducting a microtransit and dial-a-ride study to identify transit service preferences within the greater Tucson region.
- Pima County and its coalition partners are seeking input as they work to strengthen a comprehensive plan for dealing with climate change. Find here the full schedule of sessions, and share your thoughts!
- Help shape the future of Pima County Parks and Recreation. If you've visited a Community Center, reserved a Sports Field, or used an Aquatics Facility, please take a survey!
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Around District 3
Here’s a quick overview of what we've been up to across District 3.
Cheers to YOTO!
On Friday, March 7th, Jen attended Youth on Their Own's annual Spring Lunch to honor YOTO youth, alumni, volunteers, and supporters. Youth on Their Own has been providing financial assistance, food, transportation, guidance, and more to unhoused students for almost 40 years. Thanks for supporting youth in our community!
¡Sí se puede!
 On Saturday, March 24th, we raised our voices during the 25th Annual Arizona César E. Chávez + Dolores Huerta Holiday Coalition March and Rally. It was very special to join so many organizations working together to fight for better working conditions, inclusion, and justice. ¡Sí se puede!
Sahuarita Food Bank
On March 17th, we visited the Sahuarita Food Bank. It was amazing to learn that they are not just delivering much needed food resources but also addressing the root causes of hunger by helping people gain job, computer, and financial management skills. Thank you to Executive Director Carlos Valles and Board Member Penny Pestle for having us, and for all the hard work you do!
Nice Day at Cyclovia
 We had an amazing time at Cyclovia on Sunday, April 6th! We spent the day chatting with constituents at our booth at La Madera Park, and Jen brought her bike and even got to try out a skateboard! Big thanks to all the organizers and everyone who stopped by to say hi!
At Del Webb/Dove Mountain Civic Responsibility Alliance
On Tuesday, April 8th, Jen attended the monthly meeting of the Del Webb/Dove Mountain Civic Responsibility Alliance. She provided an update on her transition into this new role, discussed key decisions and debates happening at the Board of Supervisors meetings, and explained the budget process. A big thank you to Lloyd Kirsch for organizing this event.
At the Green Valley Justice Court
On April 17th, our office traveled to Green Valley to spend an afternoon with Judge Ray Carroll of the Green Valley Justice Court (Precinct 7). We had the opportunity to sit in for a session of their DUI Treatment Court where first time DUI offenders can work to reduce their charges and break the cycle of substance abuse.
Our Recent Visit to Ajo
On April 17th, D3 Senior Aides Joshua Laughlin and Bonnie Bazata attended the monthly Western Pima County Community Council (WPCCC) meeting. Aaron Cooper of the International Sonoran Desert Alliance (ISDA) presented and shared the history of the organization from its founding in the early nineties to the work they’re doing for the community today. They also spent some time exploring the Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge and the historic plaza where we met this delightful desert tortoise named Petunia on her afternoon walk!
An Evening in Picture Rocks
Last month, Jen joined the Citizens for Picture Rocks for their monthly meeting at the Picture Rocks Community Center. She shared updates on the county budgeting process and what we’ve been up to since taking office. PAG also presented some early plans for micro transit in the area and conducted a survey with attendees. Thanks to Pam Moseley and rest of the C4PR board for having us!
Serve on a Pima County Board, Commission, or Committee!
Use this QR code and fill out a brief questionnaire, and someone from our office will contact you with next steps!
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 Reach Out!
We can connect you with Pima County Departments and Services, such as home repair/weatherization, rent and utility assistance, eviction prevention, transportation, land use issues, animal rescue, employment assistance, and much more.
Email: district3@pima.gov
Call us: 520-724-8051 or 520-724-8251
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