Pima County hosts German delegation focused on waste management innovation
Pima County Economic Development hosted a distinguished delegation of German companies specializing in cutting-edge recycling and waste management technologies on June 4.
The visit, part of a broader market entry initiative led by the German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC West), offered a unique opportunity to exchange ideas, build connections, and explore potential partnerships between Pima County and innovative leaders in the German sustainability sector.
Representatives from the City of Tucson’s Office of Economic Initiatives and Environmental Services, the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality, and the Chamber of Southern Arizona also joined the meeting, reinforcing the region’s strong collaborative approach to economic and environmental stewardship.
Vescovi-Chiordi serving as president-elect of statewide economic development organization
Pima County Economic Development Director Heath Vescovi-Chiordi was recently elected to serve as the president-elect for the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) starting June 1.
Founded in 1974, AAED has represented diverse rural, suburban, and urban interests in key sector development across the state. As the leading statewide advocate for economic development, AAED’s foundation is rooted in three fundamental pillars—educate, advocate, and collaborate—all of which consistently drive positive change and enhance Arizona’s competitive edge by supporting industry professionals.
“I am so excited about assuming the role of President-Elect for AAED,” Vescovi-Chiordi said.
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Pascua Yaqui celebrates "Topping Out"
Several hundred people, including many elders of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, gathered on June 9 to celebrate the “topping out,” or adding the final beam, at the top of the new Casino Del Sol that is being built on Grant Road.
The crowd watched as the beam was lifted to the top of the structure after the beam was signed by many of the dignitaries who attended.
Members of the Pascua Yaqui Council spoke about how important this day is for the Tribe and what a big accomplishment it was after years of work by the Tribal Elders.
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SoAZ Hispanic Chamber
seeks ambassadors
If you are passionate about championing the community, driving economic growth, and celebrating Pima County’s rich cultural heritage, the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SoAZHCC) wants you as an ambassador!
The Ambassador Program inspires leadership and celebrates Hispanic and Indigenous heritage by fostering community connections that drive southern Arizona’s economic growth and vibrancy.
Being an Ambassador of SoAZHCC is more than just a role; it's also a calling to lead, inspire, and make a meaningful difference.
If you would like to continue the legacy of leadership and contribution that has defined this community for generations, apply to be an Ambassador and help the SoAZHCC write the next chapter of southern Arizona's story — a story of innovation, unity, and lasting impact. Learn more here.
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Pima County approves significant funding for affordable housing over next decade
The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved $8.5 million toward affordable housing in next year’s fiscal year budget and adopted a 10-year policy that allocates at least $200 million in additional funding for a 10-year period that begins in Fiscal Year 2026-27.
The Board has dedicated a base of $5 million in annual gap funding for the development of affordable housing since July 1, 2022.
The additional $3.5 million for affordable housing in Fiscal Year 2025-26 mostly, approved in a 4-1 vote, will come from interest on funding from the COVID-era federal American Rescue Plan Act, while a small portion could come from Pima County’s contingency fund, according to County Administrator Jan Lesher at the Board of Supervisors’ meeting. The approval does not increase primary property tax rates.
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Circular Arizona prepares for annual Symposium
Circular Arizona, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was created to drive progress for Arizona’s green, circular economy. The nonprofit focuses on important areas such as water reuse, food waste, e-waste; traditional recycling streams such as paper, metals, and plastics; and non-traditional streams such as hazardous waste and pharmaceuticals.
Circular Arizona recently opened their annual grant, scholarship, and award program leading up to the annual Symposium in September. They will be hosting a webinar with more information about all of the opportunities on June 25. Learn more here.
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Keep up on the latest economic development news in the region by following the Pima County Economic Development Department on LinkedIn.
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