November 2025 - Lee en español

Hello District 3!

After a long and intense summer, our fall has been just as eventful. As you’ll see below, our office has been busy—traveling to Ajo, Arivaca, Sells, Three Points, Flowing Wells, the U.S.–Mexico border, and even Yuma! As we wrap up the month and head into the holiday season, we want to wish you all Happy Holidays. Thank you for reading and for staying connected with us.

Update: ICE Facility in Marana

On October 23, our office worked with several organizations to hold a forum at Coyote Trails Elementary School. We wanted to discuss the likelihood that the shuttered prison in Marana would become an ICE detention facility. Thank you to the more than 350 people who attended. The room was filled with energy as attendees engaged in discussion and posed questions to our expert panelists: Noah Schram with the ACLU, Caroline Isaacs with Just Communities, Liz Casey with the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, and local immigration lawyer Mo Goldman.

Since the forum, a local group has formed called Pima Resists ICE (PRICE). PRICE is creating working groups, attending Marana Town Council meetings, and planning another forum in Marana in December or January. They will be in touch with those who attended the first forum and shared their contact information. To stay in the loop or reach out directly, you can email priceaz2025@gmail.com. Let’s make our voices heard and say no to unlawful ICE kidnappings, the brutal detention of immigrants, violations of basic civil rights, and the increasing militarization of our communities.

Supervisor Allen on the County Response to Federal Cuts

While the federal government shutdown is over, the last few months serve have shown how close so many of us are to losing the basic needs, like food, home, and health. When the Trump administration halted SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits in November, more than 130,000 Pima County residents were thrust into uncertainty, many forced to choose between paying for one basic necessity over another. Even with the federal government open again, and SNAP benefits secure for some, the passage of H.R. 1 earlier this year means major changes to SNAP eligibility and looming cuts to Medicaid, both of which will have generational impacts our community.  SNAP, one of the country’s most important safety net programs to ensure families won’t go hungry, is being gutted.  The impact is far-reaching and will put thousands in Pima County at a greater risk for food insecurity. Prior to H.R.1, groups like refugees, Veterans, parents with children, and young adults coming out of foster care were exempted from work requirements to receive SNAP benefits, but no longer. Refugees have been completely cut off, affecting over 3000 people in the county including many children. Other changes will make it more difficult to maintain SNAP eligibility, especially for working families and older adults.   Today we are facing a food crisis, which could lead to an eviction crisis tomorrow; and we have a healthcare crisis on the horizon with cuts to Medicaid that will roll out in 2026. People shouldn’t have to choose between rent and feeding their kids, but H.R. 1 makes them. People shouldn’t have to avoid going to the doctor only to end up in the emergency room with a life-threatening condition, but H.R. 1 makes them. Many of the elected leaders who are forcing people to make these choices have never faced such decisions themselves. If they had, perhaps we wouldn’t find ourselves in the position we currently do. As such, local governments like Pima County have little choice but to step up to support our constituents however we can with the limited resources at our disposal.  The Pima County Board of Supervisors has now passed two measures in response to rising food insecurity and federal funding cuts to critical service providers across the county.  Pima County is identifying ways that county programs can support SNAP recipients with volunteer time, employment, and/or workforce training. Details of those opportunities will be made available soon. Pima County launched emergency grants for non-profit organizations that provide food assistance, housing and utility support, transportation, and legal services. Grants of up to $75,000 are available and applications will be accepted until December 3, 2025.  As these crises unfold, I will do everything in my power to support District 3. The needs in our community are only growing, and there are ways for all of us to pitch in and do our part. While this is the time of year when we turn our attention to friends, family, and food, please consider making a cash donation to an area food bank. Here are the largest food banks in District 3 that could use your help.   Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona Sahuarita / Marana Food Bank and Community Resource Center Interfaith Community Services

Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center

Community Spotlight

Three Points Community Festival

Once a year, residents of Three Points and the greater Altar Valley gather for the much-anticipated Three Points Community Festival. This year’s theme was “Power of Community,” honoring the togetherness and resilience of Three Points/Robles Junction residents. Rita Taylor, the lead organizer for the last several years, describes the festival as, “our area’s largest pro-social event, bringing together families, neighbors, and organizations to celebrate the strength and unity of our diverse rural community.” Behind the scenes of all of this is a multi-sector partnership that includes Friends of Robles Ranch, the Altar Valley School District, Three Points Fire Department, United Community Health Centers, VFW Post 10254, Pima County, and more – all working together for the community.

This year’s festival brought together live local entertainment and creative talent, local crafts and vendors, games, activities and delicious food, and the fourth annual car show. Supervisor Allen was honored to select one of the winners of the car show: a 1970’s String ray in Ontario Orange (pictured above). Some of the other highlights for District 3 were the fruit smoothies, blended with love by volunteers pedaling away on a bicycle-powered blender, and the petting zoo that featured a few exceptionally friendly goats from a local ranch.

Supervisor Allen and Senior Aide Joshua Laughlin proudly continued District 3’s longstanding tradition of managing the raffle table and welcoming folks to the festival. With enthusiasm and a bit of friendly competition, we sold around 300 raffle tickets, gave away goodies to everyone who stopped by the table, and handed out a wide range of raffle prizes generously donated by local businesses. Kids beamed as they rolled away with new bicycles, families scooped up gift cards and county attraction passes, and one lucky winner went home with the coveted grand prize—a giant flatscreen TV. Thanks to everyone who participated in and helped to organize this year’s Three Points Community Festival. We’re already looking forward to the next one!

Community Resources

• Summer 2026-Pima County Lifeguard Training & Hiring. This upcoming December and February, Pima County will be offering multiple Lifeguard training opportunities. Anyone who completes this training, and is hirable, will be hire by Pima County for summer 2026. Register now! More info: www.pima.gov/pools
• Opportunities for Non-Profits: Pima County’s Community & Workforce Development Department is accepting applications for funding to support nonprofit community agencies that collaborate with the County to provide public assistance in social services, health, safety, and workforce development. More information.
• Annual Grease Collection Event: Pouring grease, oil or fats down the drain can cause clogged pipes, attract hungry pests, and lead to avoidable plumbing problems. Don't let that happen! Instead, store your used grease in an airtight container and drop it off at annual grease collection event. Learn more. 
• Speeders in your Neighborhood? Apply for traffic calming devices like traffic circles, speed humps, chicanes, and much more. This is a City of Tucson program. Learn more.
• Children’s Action Alliance is launching a new leadership development program to empower parents with the tools and information they need to confidently engage in advocacy efforts to influence lawmakers’ decisions that affect the safety and wellbeing of Arizona families. Participants will be financially compensated. Learn more.

Upcoming Events

Photos with Santa Paws

Kick off the holiday season and celebrate Small Business while supporting Dogs-n-Donuts and Rescue Me Marana. No appointment is needed. Photos are first come, first served, and the cost is $15 per photo with Santa Paws. When: Saturday, November 29 from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. Where: 7743 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson

Cookies with Santa in Picture Rocks

Save the dates for upcoming event at the Pima County Picture Rocks Community Center (5615 N Sanders Rd).
Cookies with Santa: Saturday, December 13th 5-7 PM.
More information: (520) 682-7166

Indigenous Marketplace ready for holiday shoppers

Check out the Indigenous Marketplace happening every Saturday starting Nov. 29. The San Xavier District of the Tohono O’odham Nation is hosting the Indigenous Marketplace from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Episcopal Church of St. Matthew at 9071 E. Old Spanish Trail. The event is open to all vendors and charges no fees for indigenous vendors.

*Let us know about upcoming community events! Please e-mail us at district3@pima.gov.

Get Involved!

Here are some opportunities to provide your input on County projects or support our community.

• Project Blue—Submit Public Comment. This Friday, November 28th, is the last day to submit your comments to the Arizona Corporation Commission on TEP’s proposed Energy Supply Agreement with Humphrey’s Peak, one of the developers behind the now infamous Project Blue data center. This is one of the last opportunities for meaningful public input on this data center project, so we encourage everyone to take a few minutes to submit comments online at http://efiling.azcc.gov. Be sure to reference docket number E-01933A-25-0187

• The Pima County Toy Drive is underway! We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys to bring smiles and joy to children in our community this holiday season. Your generosity helps make the holidays brighter for families in need across Pima County. More information: https://www.pima.gov/3682/Pima-County-Toy-Drive 

• The Regional Transportation Authority, a state-established taxing district within Pima County, finalized a new 20-year regional transportation plan (RTA Next) to improve the transportation network in the greater Tucson region and enhance our quality of life. Attend a Q&A session to learn more about $2.67 billion transportation plan. Learn more: https://rtanext.com/events/

• Serve on a Pima County Board, Commission, or Committee. Fill out a brief questionnaire, and someone from our office will contact you with next steps!

Subscribe to our Channel

Be up to date with the Board of Supervisors meeting recap. Every two weeks, Supervisor Allen summarizes in English and Spanish the most important discussions and decisions of each agenda. Follow us and subscribe: Youtube.com/@SupervisorJenniferAllen

Upcoming Office Hours

Meet and Adopt a Pet!

If you're interested in fostering or adopting a pet, contact Pima Animal Care Center at PACC.AdoptAFoster@pima.gov or call to 520-724-5900.

Fancy

Currently in foster. This female, brindle and white is approximately 46.20 lbs, and 10 months old. Her foster says she is a “super chill medium size dog with the prettiest brindle coat. Eager to please and smart. Rarely barks. Potty trained.” ID #: A885434.

Cerise

Spayed female, brown brindle and white, approx. 44.40 lbs, about 1 year old. She’s friendly, plays well with our dog, loves to cuddle, goes right into her crate, has never tried to jump or dig out of our 5’ walled yard, is house broken, sleeps through the night, and walked right into the shower for a bath. ID #: A881749.

Ampersand

Female, tortie Domestic Shorthair. Located at PACC - Tucson. Approximately 9.02 lbs, about 2 years old. Shelter staff says she is easily held and handled and has a relaxed body and good eye contact. ID #: A886499

Around District 3

Here’s a quick overview of what we've been up to across District 3 and Pima County.

"A Plate Full of Care" is Back in Flowing Wells

The senior meals program restarted on November 3rd at the Ellie Towne Community Resource Center. Thanks to the leadership of Ms. Towne, and with support from the Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association and Community Coalition, more than 90 seniors are receiving nutritious meals three times a week. Our office secured $10,000 in funding to keep the program running. Additional donations are still welcome. For details, contact Ms. Towne at (520) 603-9697.

Tucson Indian Center Proclamation

District 3 was proud to present a proclamation to the Tucson Indian Center declaring November 8th as Tucson Indian Center Day. The Tucson Indian Center has provided culturally competent, sensitive, and effective services to strengthen the Native American Indian community for more than sixty years. TIC offers many services from education and leadership development to healthcare and employment particularly for the urban Native American community. Jacob Bernal, the Executive Director with a 35-year history at TIC, and Alexander Lewis, Board Chair, received the proclamation. https://www.ticenter.org/

Baboquivari and Gu Achi District Meetings

We continue to meet with the Tohono O’odham Nation’s 11 District Councils. Recently, we met with Baboquivari, Gu Achi and Schuk Toak. These meetings are held in the evenings or early Saturday mornings, with strong participation from Council members along with residents of that district. The presentations are on a broad range of topics with lively discussions mixing both English and O’odham. We are honored to be given the time to share updates on the work of District 3 and learn more about the concerns and priorities of the Districts. It is such a unique opportunity to work together between governments.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Supervisor Allen and staff joined the Director of the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, Hollie Colahan, on October 22 for an introductory meeting and tour of the museum. We got an opportunity to preview some upcoming exhibits and attractions, including a new fun-for-all-ages water feature, and we learned about the history and contributions of the museum since its founding more than 70 years ago. We encourage everyone to visit! www.desertmuseum.org/

Lukeville and Sasabe Ports of Entry

Two of the three major ports of entry in Southern Arizona—Lukeville and Sasabe—are located in District 3. Supervisor Allen and staff toured the Lukeville port to gain a better understanding of the U.S.–Mexico border crossings from Sonora, Mexico into the United States. We will be touring the Sasabe port in early December. Thank you to the Office of Field Operations at U.S. Customs and Border Protection for guiding us on these tours.

Around Ajo

On November 20th, Supervisor Allen and staff traveled to Ajo to attend the monthly Western Pima County Community Council (WPCCC) meeting. While there, we also toured the local landfill to investigate some constituent concerns and visited with park leadership at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. In the photo: Superintendent Dr. Roman Soltero, Ajo Unified School District.

Day of Connection Clean-up Event

On October 25th, Supervisor Allen and staff partnered with the Sonoran Institute and other community organizations for a Day of Connection clean-up event at Juhan Park. More than 130 volunteers participated and collectively removed at least 3000 pounds of trash from the Santa Cruz River near Grant Road. Thanks to the organizers and everyone who spent their Saturday morning helping to care for our environment and giving back to community.

Arivaca Water Summit

District 3 Chief of Staff CJ Boyd attended the Arivaca Water Summit and made the acquaintance of local donkey Baby Bell. 

A Tour of Old Pueblo Community Services Properties

In mid-November, we had the pleasure of touring four of the ten shelter and transitional housing facilities managed by Old Pueblo Community Services (OPCS). Guided by CEO Tom Litwicki, we gained a broader understanding of the work OPCS does to help end homelessness in our community. From shelter beds to stable housing for veterans, OPCS has served 2,741 clients so far in 2025 and provides safe, affordable housing to approximately 400 people each day.

Their services include site-based communities with on-site case management and behavioral-health support, as well as individual permanent housing units located throughout Pima County. You can learn more about and support the OPCS mission at: https://helptucson.org

Community Court Observation

This month, our office visited the Tucson Community Court, a program launched in May 2023 to improve public safety through collaboration between the criminal justice system and community partners. Each Friday, individuals cited for offenses such as drinking in public, second or third-degree criminal trespass, parks violations, shoplifting, and similar charges are invited to participate voluntarily. They complete a risk assessment to determine the appropriate level of supervision, support, and behavioral-health services needed for their success. During their time in the Court, they are connected with organizations such as OPCS, Goodwill, HOPE, the Homeless ID Project, and the City of Tucson's Housing and Community Development. This innovative approach to justice services is already showing positive outcomes for the community. Thank you to Kate Vesely and Mayra Ramos from the Transition Center for joining us during the visit.

Halloween in Flowing Wells

Ellie Towne Community Center had a wonderful Halloween event for area families. More than 300 people came and joined safe trick or treating, crafts, and games. District 3 was there handing out candy to kids and talking with parents. A shoutout to Parks and Rec staff, especially Cerina Quiroz, seen here with her colleagues, dressed as a rodeo clown.

PPEP 58th Anniversary

At the end of October, Supervisor Allen attended the celebration for the 58th Anniversary of Portable Practical Education Preparation, also known as PPEP Inc. This program was founded in 1967 by Dr. John David Arnold to improve the quality of rural life at home and abroad. During the anniversary, PPEP recognized nine strategic partners, including Pima County.

The Safford

In mid-November, District 3 Chief of staff CJ Boyd attended the grand opening of The Safford, Marana's new and only affordable housing development that serves residents making 60% or less of area median income. 

County Supervisors Association Policy Summit

On October 28, Supervisor Allen attended the County Supervisors Association Policy Summit in Yuma, Arizona. She participated in a panel where state legislators provided a recap of the last legislative session and a preview of what’s ahead. The summit was an opportunity to connect with other elected officials and explore ongoing partnerships.

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.

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Email: district3@pima.gov

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Thanks for reading!