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March 2026 - Lee en español
Hello District 3!
This week, the U.S. National Weather Service issued an extreme heat warning for the Tucson metropolitan area and Western Pima County lasting through 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 22. Most all of Arizona is experiencing triple-digit temperatures much earlier than usual, turning what would typically be a lovely spring weekend into something that more resembles a scorching hot June day. Thursday’s 100°+ temperatures broke the previous record, which was only just set on April 11th, 2025.
We’ve all been enjoying the beautiful weather these past few months, but these temperatures are dangerous! Please limit outdoor activities and avoid hiking through the weekend.
If you need a place to cool off, you’re always welcome at your nearest Pima County Public Library or Cooling Center*. Safe, air-conditioned spaces are available for everyone. For more resources, visit:
*Ajo residents, please note that your local community health worker will be on standby should anyone need to make use of the cooltainer near the Ajo Community Center at Bud Walker Park.
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Relationships matter
How I lead and what I advocate for is guided by the priorities and needs of District 3. And building relationships is the best way to get the guidance, feedback, and ideas for addressing local and county-wide issues. One of the challenges is establishing the ways to connect with, listen to, and dialogue with constituents when District 3 covers almost 80% of Pima County.
And it’s not just distance and long travel times. It is also representing a very diverse district with rural and urban areas, cultural and linguistic diversity, and wide-ranging service and resource needs. The remaining 20% of Pima County is split between four other districts, much of which is in Tucson’s city limits where more services can be accessed, and Ward offices are the go-to for problem solving. Similarly, residents in Oro Valley or Sahuarita have access to services that their town provides.
We love this challenge and our diverse district. We are always looking for effective and innovative ways to connect with our community, which is why we set up D3 Office Hours in seven locations (Ajo, Arivaca, Flowing Wells, Marana, Picture Rocks, Three Points, and Sahuarita). We coordinate with County departments to have staff there to connect people to resources and services. And we are looking at how we can share resources from community organizations like the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension service, which has programs from 4-H (District 3 has 14 clubs) to gardening to how to create a defensible space from fires around your home. We are also scheduling with the 30 Tucson neighborhood associations within District 3.
Another unique D3 feature is that nearly all of the Tohono O’odham Nation is in District 3. The Nation is a sovereign entity with its own elected Chair and Vice chair, an elected legislative council, and 11 elected District councils. My goal is to meet regularly with Chair Jose as well as to meet annually with each district. We are building relationships with various departments, school districts, and the Tohono O’odham Community College. And we attend events, like the annual Tohono O’odham Rodeo. Through this outreach, we want Tohono O’odham members to know they can connect with our office, whether living on and off the Nation.
We are also building relationships with the Pasqua Yaqui tribe and their elected leaders. While their tribal land is not in our district, many tribal members live in D3. We want to ensure that Pima County resources are reaching and serving everyone in our district.
When you call or email our office for assistance, Claudia Bungard, our Office Manager and Communications Coordinator, will be there to help. Depending on the issue, she may direct you to one of District 3’s staff members who each focus on different geographic areas. CJ Boyd supports the southern area from Sahuarita to Arivaca; Josh Laughlin supports the western area from Three Points to Ajo, and Bonnie Bazata supports Tucson as well as the northern area (Marana and Picture Rocks) and the Tohono O’odham Nation.
We know that there are a lot of different opinions and experiences across our district. We do not expect you to agree with everything we do or all the positions I take. We will however be present and we will listen. We will work to resolve your issues and listen to your ideas to see how we can craft effective solutions that make sense for our district and County. So please don’t hesitate to reach out or attend one of our events or office hours.
To learn more about your priorities and needs, please take our survey. Your feedback helps us to understand the best ways to support and strengthen our community.
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Community Spotlight
Saguaro Skills Center
Besides providing nutritious food to people in need, the Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center (SFB-CRC) also provides workforce development for residents. Job training is an equally important priority because it helps participants acquire skills that qualify them for high-demand and well-paying jobs. This allows households to be more economically secure.
Over two years ago, SFB-CRC launched the Saguaro Skills Center as a vocational school licensed by the State of Arizona Board of Private Postsecondary Education. Current programs include a 400 clock hour Fundamentals of Welding program with an NC3 national certification, an online 300 clock hour Google IT Support program with a Coursera national certificate, and a Forklift licensing class coming soon. The County’s Community and Workforce Development Department has assisted several qualifying welding students in obtaining federal Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act vouchers to cover tuition.
These training programs are deeply aligned with the Prosperity Initiative, a collection of thirteen evidence-based policy solutions to break the cycle of generational poverty, championed by Pima County and the City of Tucson. We couldn’t be happier about the work the Community Resource Center is doing in District 3 and across Pima County. Stay tuned, as the Saguaro Skills Center has more vocational programs in the planning stage for those seeking great jobs and opportunities for professional development.
Community Resources
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Convenience of online tax prep. Pima County residents in households earning up to $89,000 have access to free, trusted help to navigate the filing process. Learn more.
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Free and low-cost home efficiency programs: Making your household more energy efficient may be easier than you think. Here are some free and low-cost home efficiency programs that are available to Pima County residents, from funding for rainwater harvesting to assistance with heating and cooling expenses.
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Local resources for shade tree and water harvesting: Find here a list of resources to learn about community tree programs and low-cost purchasing.
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Appeals Deadline - Pima County Assesor: An assessment appeal is not a complaint about higher taxes. An appeal is an attempt to prove that your property has been improperly valued, erroneously listed, has the incorrect property class, or that the Limited Value has been calculated incorrectly. Don’t forget to submit your appeal before the April 14th deadline. More information: https://www.asr.pima.gov/appeals
Upcoming Events
March 20-21: Arivaca Vulture Festival
If you’re visiting Arivaca this weekend, make sure to go to the 4th Turkey Vulture Festival! There will be live music, dancing, crafts and presentations. All events are on Main Street/Arivaca Highway/5th St. More information. Join Arivaca in welcoming back the Turkey Vultures!
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March 20-22: Love Works Desert Festival
Celebrate music, community, and connection in Ajo! Enjoy a potluck gathering behind the mountain, plus art, yoga, games, live entertainment, and a lively dance party. Check out the full program for this weekend and make your way out to share the love. More info: LoveWorksAjo.com
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March 22: Fiesta at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
Join the festivities and celebrate the unique history and culture of the Sonoran Desert at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument! The event is free and open to everyone. Visitors can expect to find a bit everything - ranger talks, birding, booths from community partners, and more.
When: Sunday, March 22, 12 am - 4:00 pm
Where: Twin Peaks Campground
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March 28: Palo Verde Bloom Festival
Presented by Pima County in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, the Palo Verde Bloom Festival is a vibrant, free community celebration featuring hundreds of local vendors, small businesses, and incredible food from across the region.
When: Saturday, March 28, 10 am - 5 pm
Where: Kino South Sports Complex. Details.
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April 10th: Walk a PACC dog with Supervisor Allen!
Tag along and bring some happiness to the dogs at Pima Animal Care Center who are waiting to be fostered or adopted. Registering takes just two minutes!
When: Friday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N Silverbell Rd.
Sign up! Call our office at (520) 724-8051 or fill out this form.
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April 12: Tucson Cyclovia along District 3
Save the date! On Sunday, April 12th, Tucson will activate more than three miles of car-free city streets, open to people of all ages and abilities. Walk, bike, roll, skate, and enjoy neighborhoods, participate in free activities, support local businesses, and connect with one another. During Cyclovia the streets are yours!
More information
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April 16-26: Pima County Fair
Save the date and get ready for fun! From April 16–26, the Pima County Fair returns to the Pima County Fairgrounds with rides, live entertainment, food vendors, exhibits, and family-friendly attractions. Details on admission, hours, parking, and discounts at https://pimacountyfair.com
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April 18: Santa Cruz Watershed Day of Connection
Join a celebration of connection to nature and community along the Santa Cruz River in Barrio Hollywood.
When: Saturday, April 18, 8-11 am
Where: Bonita Park and Santa Cruz River. More information:
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*Let us know about upcoming community events! Please e-mail us at district3@pima.gov.
Here are some opportunities to provide your input on County projects or support our community.
- Supervisor Allen wants to hear from you! We’d like to know how we can better serve our District 3 constituents. Please take a few moments to complete our survey.
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Moving Pima: Do you travel through Avra Valley, Picture Rocks, or Three Points? Do you use Ina, Kinney, Sandario, Picture Rocks, or Silverbell roads? What would make your travel experience better, safer, healthier, or more efficient? Tell us your needs as we develop our first long-range transportation plan. Take a short survey.
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Do you use the Chuck Huckelberry Loop? Pima County wants to hear from you! By taking a short survey, your answers will help make the County’s favorite trail even better to walk, run, bike, or even ride your horse
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Data centers regulation: The City of Tucson invites community members to provide input on proposed new regulations for large-scale data centers. Four public meetings were held recently, and a survey is open through the end of the month. Take the survey!
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Job assistance: Whether you are looking for work, changing careers, or exploring new career options, the Pima County One-Stop connects workers and job seekers - youth, adults, veterans, and dislocated workers to ARIZONA@WORK, a statewide network of employment, training, and educational programs. Learn more.
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April is sexual assault awareness month. The Tucson Indian Center Domestic Violence Prevention Program is teaming up with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department to offer Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.) courses designed to teach and empower women and girls ages 12+ against sexual assaults and attacks. Saturday April 18th & 25th 2026 8 am - 2pm. Must attend both days to complete course. Spots are limited. More information: tucson.indian.center
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Mental health support for teens is just one call away. Reach out to Teen Lifeline at 520-327-8336!
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Valencia Road Improvement Project: Learn about the finalized project design for this 1.30-mile segment on Valencia Road as well as the funding status, art selection efforts, intersection and road layouts, along with the construction contractor schedule. Open House: Wednesday, April 15, 6-7 pm. GracePointe Church. 2555 W Valencia Road. More information.
Get Involved!
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.
Mingo - ID #A831574
Mingo is a sensitive little fella who would love to find a quiet, loving home where he can build confidence. He first came to the shelter in early 2024 and has been in long term foster care since then. Now, he’s back in the shelter and in search of a forever home!
Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Description: neutered male, white Australian Cattle Dog mix.
Weight: approximately 41.20 lbs.
Age: about 3 years old.
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Read our 2025 Annual Report
Learn more about our office’s work, priorities, and the goals we’re pursuing. The 2025 Annual Report is available in both English and Spanish. Reach out to our office if you need a printed copy, and help us spread the word by sharing our report with family and friends in District 3.
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Here’s a quick overview of what we've been up to across District 3 and Pima County.
VoteMobile in the Tohono O'odham Nation
On March 2nd, Pima County’s new mobile voting unit went to Sells, where voters could cast their ballots for the Regional Transportation Authority Special Election. Supervisor Allen attended the ribbon-cutting event organized by the Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly. This project was made possible through a grant from the Tohono O’odham Nation in partnership with the Pima County Board of Supervisors, continuing their commitment to expand voting access for communities across Pima County. https://www.recorder.pima.gov/Votemobile
Marana Press Conference
On March 10th, Supervisor Allen participated in a press conference organized by the local group Pima Resist ICE (PRICE) to once again express her unwavering opposition to this ICE detention center. Thank you to PRICE and all the community members for their efforts to stop Management Training Corporation (MTC) from opening an ICE detention facility at the old Marana Prison.
Chilli Cook-Off in Amado
On Saturday, March 7th, we were honored to speak at the 15th Annual Amado Chili Cook-Off at The Amado Territory. This event featured 10 local chili cooks sharing their dishes, with all of the proceeds going to the Amado Youth Center, as well as the Randy & Rose Estes Classic Car & Motorcycle Show.
Potluck in Sasabe
March 14th, our team joined neighbors for a potluck at the Hilltop Bar in Sasabe, Arizona, a community of just 3 people living less than half a mile north of the Sasabe Port of Entry to Sonora, Mexico. Pictured here is Chief of Staff CJ Boyd with the entire population of Sasabe (Cheryl, Deb, and Jay).
At the Pets of Pima Parade
On March 8th, we had a purrfect and amazing time at the Pets of Pima Parade and Friends of PACC Festival. We loved seeing over 1,000 adorable pets, in many excellent costumes. Dogs, cats, donkeys and even chickens brought so much joy. Congrats to Friends of Pima Animal Care Center and the Fourth Avenue Merchants Foundation for organizing this event. We hope to see you next year!
On March 10, Supervisor Allen attended the 9th Annual Tri-National Symposium, an inspiring event highlighting the Sonoran Desert’s natural and cultural richness. Attendees explored regional environmental challenges and the deep connections among communities who call the desert home. Scientists, artists, historians, and residents all shared their voices. Thank you to organizers from the Tohono O’odham Nation, Mexico, the United States, and the International Sonoran Desert Alliance for this meaningful gathering.
Supervisor Allen joined local, state, and federal environmental partners to commemorate the naming of a wildlife corridor near the Tucson Mountains after Dr. William Shaw. Dr. Shaw played a pivotal role in the identification of several nearby corridors and the development of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. Thanks to Dr. Shaw, Christina McVie, Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, National Parks Service, and many more for making this possible.
On March 5th, Supervisor Allen phoned in to a telephonic town hall to discuss Pima County's decades-long opposition to Hudbay's Copperworld project (formerly Rosemont Mine) and the ecological and social impact of mining activity in the Santa Rita Mountains. Many thanks to everyone who tuned in and to John Dougherty of Save the Scenic Ritas for hosting an informative and productive session!
On March 10th, we joined the City of Tucson in celebrating the groundbreaking of Tucson House, the 17 story City-owned apartment building that has been providing public housing since 1979. We're excited to see the renovations underway so that this building can serve as a home for vulnerable residents for decades to come.
On March 11th, Senior Aide Bonnie Bazata joined a tour of the Amphi stormwater Park being developed by Pima County Regional Flood Control District between Mojave and Navajo Roads. This new community space will improve drainage and reduce floods in the neighborhood. Led by project manager Nichole Casebeer, the effort emphasizes resident and youth engagement, with opportunities to get involved ahead of its planned Spring 2028 completion. To learn more about the plans: https://www.pima.gov/3450/Stormwater-Parks
Ribbon-cutting at Pima Community College’s Flexible Industry Training (FIT) Lab
On March 19, Supervisor Allen joined Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Mayor Regina Romero, and community leaders to celebrate the opening of Pima Community College’s Flexible Industry Training (FIT) Lab. This advanced manufacturing facility provides hands-on training, modern equipment, and industry-aligned curriculum, creating strong pathways to high-demand, well-paying jobs for Tucson’s workforce.
Five remarkable Pima County women leaders came together on March 9th to celebrate International Women’s Day and share their wisdom and stories about overcoming barriers and lessons learned as leaders. Supervisor Allen moderated this event, leading a conversation with Gabriella Cázares-Kelly Pima County Recorder, Sandra Espinoza Director, Office of Emergency Management, Constance Hargrove Director, Elections Department, Sarah Horvath Director, Kino Sports Complex, and Kathryn Skinner Director, Transportation Department. Thank you to the Human Resources team for organizing this special gathering.
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On February 26th, the County to kick off a yearlong celebration of the landmark Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. This plan was approved by the Pima County Board of Supervisors in 2001 to guide the County’s land-use policies, balancing responsible development with the protection of vital natural and cultural resources. To see a full list of upcoming community events and public programs, visit www.pima.gov/SDCP25
Subscribe to our Channel
Be up to date with the Board of Supervisors meeting recap. Every two weeks, Supervisor Allen summarizes the most important discussions and decisions of each agenda. Follow us and subscribe: Youtube.com/@SupervisorJenniferAllen
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Past issues
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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.
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Click the link below to sign up!
Email: district3@pima.gov
Call us: 520-724-8051 or 520-724-8251
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Thanks for reading!
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