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April 2026 - Lee en español
Hello District 3!
 Since it was approved on Feb. 1, 2022, every Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting begins with the reading of a Land Acknowledgement Statement honoring the ancestral lands of the region’s indigenous peoples:
“On behalf of Pima County residents, we honor the tribal nations who have served as caretakers of this land from time immemorial and respectfully acknowledge the ancestral homelands of the Tohono O’odham Nation and the multi-millennial presence of the Pascua Yaqui tribe within Pima County. Consistent with Pima County’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, we strive toward building equal-partner relationships with Arizona’s tribal nations.”
April 7’s land acknowledgment felt even more special as students from Baboquivari High traveled from Sells to present the statement and share traditional Tohono O’odham songs. We are so grateful to the Baboquivari Unified School District for keeping the culture, history, and traditions of the Tohono O'odham Nation alive here in Pima County. Special thank you to students Darren Nez, Draven Leonard, Ely Johnson, Jermaine Lopez, Makaini Bozo, Sean Mendoza and Uriah Lewis, and Superintendent Rubén Diaz.
To hear their presentation, go to minute 13:39 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13kmu-tQioU
District 3 Survey
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.
How do you change a pup’s life? One step at a time
In every community we serve—whether it’s rural, urban, tribal, or suburban—dogs play a bit big part of people’s lives. Dogs serve as companions and protectors; some provide services for humans. Unfortunately, we have a significant problem in Pima County of unwanted, abandoned, neglected, abused dogs, and sometimes dangerous dogs. Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) is a vital community resource to address these issues.
On April 10th, we gathered volunteers for a PACC Dog Walk. This was a lovely opportunity to bring folks together to show these dogs some love and bring more awareness to amazing work PACC is doing every day. With the community’s help, we were able to walk over 30 dogs over a 2 hour period.
Yet let’s be honest – we have a significant problem in Pima County of unwanted, abandoned, neglected, abused dogs, and sometimes dangerous dogs. And this is where PACC comes in.
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PACC Dog Walk on April 10th
Pima County is proud to have one of the most outstanding animal care programs in the country. Early in my tenure, my staff and I toured the PACC facility which opened in 2018 to help more animals and saw the tremendous work they are doing. In addition to kennels that are more humane, it is so much more than a shelter with 10 play areas, a large adoption lobby, a pet support center, a state-of-the-art veterinarian clinic, their dispatch center for Animal Protection Officers, and staff who focus on enrichment like kennel breaks, walks, and training. Here’s some highlights:
- PACC operates the nation’s largest shelter pet foster program in the country, which at any given time has roughly 900 dogs in foster care providing respite from the shelter and improving their chances for adoption.
- They vaccinate at no cost every dog that is adopted from PACC. This amounts to about 600 dogs a month. This year’s frightening increase in parvo cases illustrates how important this is.
- They spay and neuter every animal that is adopted from PACC at no cost, an essential program to address the overpopulation of unwanted dogs.
- Their volunteer program engages over 800 active volunteers who provide more than100,000 hours a year giving a variety of support, most importantly just walking dogs everyday so they can get exercise out of their kennels.
- Their mobile clinic, Karen’s Karing Van, takes veterinarians and technicians to underserved areas in Pima County to vaccinate, spay, and neuter, as well as to address minor medical issues before they become costly emergencies.
- Recently, they opened an eastside center to increase adoptions and their new Animal Restoration Kennels or ARK opened to deal with cases of cruelty, neglect, and hoarding, freeing up more than 50 kennels.
- Their Animal Protection Officers have the demanding job of responding to cases of abuse and neglect, dog attacks, and dealing with dead animals. These staff are heroes who not only deal with some of the most challenging animal situations, but also the most difficult people.
- PACC gives low income and homeless pet owners food, booties, and other critical supplies to help keep pets with loving owners.
It should be mentioned that much of this couldn’t happen without the critical support from the Friends of PACC (FOP) organization. FOP has invested $1.3 million towards the new Eastside adoptions center, $50,000 towards the new Animal Restoration Kennels, has secured significant donors funding medical community outreach events, provides over $100,000 annually to assist keeping pets in their homes, and funds over 20 full time positions at PACC, largely in the clinic and in community outreach. Their commitment and funds are a lifeline for dogs and cats in Pima County.
Despite all this hard work, creativity, and financial investment, the need is much greater than the resources. PACC, for example, receives hundreds of calls a day from someone reporting a stray dog to someone reporting a bite.
So think about how you can be a part of the solution. Can you donate food or money? Can you spare some time to volunteer, walking dogs or fostering? Can you help an animal owner understand the importance of licensing, vaccinations, and spay/neutering their pet?
Or you could do what I did and adopt a dog. Ribsy is now a beloved member of our family. I know this isn’t an easy decision, but if you can, the rewards are tremendous.
Jennifer Allen
Community Resources
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Job assistance: 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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Stay cool with Pima County Parks & Recreation: They’re offering free recreational swimming at all County aquatic facilities, swim lessons, party rentals, water aerobics, pupapoolooza and much more! Visit their website.
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Home Repair Assistance Programs. Programs are available to low-income homeowners to provide financial and technical assistance regarding urgent housing repair needs, such as leaking roofs and broken cooling and heating systems. Learn more.
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Free certification for women: Do you know a woman who is already showing up for her community as a case manager, promotora, domestic violence advocate, faith leader, or peer mentor, but without the formal credentials to match? Invite them to apply to the Women's Legal and Self-Empowerment Certification: a no-cost, 20-week virtual program that trains women to become Arizona Supreme Court-authorized Certified Community Legal Advocates (CCLAs). Learn more.
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The Saguaro Food Truck Academy is a program of the Sahuarita Food Bank and Community Resource Center designed to train individuals on how to run their own food business. This food truck acts as a mobile classroom where aspiring entrepreneurs learn the ropes of the food business. Apply or become a sponsor! Learn more.
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Low-cost native trees. Native and desert-adapted trees like palo verde, desert willow, velvet mesquite, and ironwood provide cooling shade, require little water once established, and support local wildlife. A single well-placed tree can reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees and lower cooling costs by up to 25% over time. Learn more at Tucson Million Trees, TEP Trees for you, and Trees for Tucson.
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Water harvesting rebates of up to $2,000 are available to Tucson Water single-family residential customers and small commercial businesses. Participants must attend a free rainwater harvesting workshop and submit a pre-approval application. Learn more.
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Are you an emerging artist interested in trying your hand at public art? Apply to the Public Artist Roster! Learn more.
- The 2026 Sahuarita Photography Competition is accepting applications for a yearlong exhibition at Sahuarita Town Hall. Deadline: May 22, 2026. Learn more.
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ICS Single Mom Scholars (SMS) Program. Applications are now being accepted through May 12th. SMS is a support program that empowers low-income single moms to become successful college graduates by providing a network of support through financial assistance, practical services, and a supportive peer community. Learn more.
Upcoming Events
April 30: International Jazz Day
On April 30, from 6 to 9 PM join an unforgettable evening of musical celebration as Tucson comes alive with Jazz, featuring dynamic performances by The Jazzmantics and the Les Paul Rogue Orchestra. Enjoy food and drinks while taking part in a festive silent auction and raffles, all in a welcoming social atmosphere. Celebrate great music, connect with the community, and help sustain the future of Jazz.
Where: Brother John's Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ, 1801 North Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705
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May 1 at Robles Ranch Elementary: Water Day
On May 1 visit the Family Resource Center at Robles Elementary and join the 4th quarter event from 2-4 pm. This will be a water style event with a play on friendship, so bring a friend! Open to families with children 0-5 and beyond! Questions? Call 520-800-2002
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May 6: Grand Opening of the Innovation Lab
Celebrate with us as we open a new space for learning, creativity, and connection for all. The Innovation Lab features computer classes, digital navigator services, technology for online meetings, 3D printing, podcast station, and more! Join the gran opening on Wednesday, May 6, at 5 PM, at the Robles Ranch Community Center.
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June 6 and 7: Elevating Voices Summit
Interested in beginning your advocacy and community leadership journey? Apply by May 4 to Elevating Voices, the Southern Arizona Power Summit. You’ll learn about the policy and advocacy landscape, Advocacy 101, power mapping, storytelling, and how to explore community-based solutions.
Registration details: https://www.communityfoodbank.org/get-involved/elevating-voices/
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*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.
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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
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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. Survey in Spanish.
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How is your Internet: Tell us. Take the Broadband Survey and help improve access to reliable high-speed internet in rural communities. You could win a laptop! Take the survey.
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Mental health support for teensis just one call away. Reach out to Teen Lifeline at 520-327-8336!
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.
Annabelle - ID #A594762
This attention-seeking sweetie needs a home full of security and companionship. Annabelle is incredibly friendly, loves being around people, and is very tolerant even when being examined and receiving her vaccinations. Annabelle is super easy to leash up, handle and walk, she loves being with people and seeks out attention every chance she gets, and she’s treat- motivated and takes treats gently.
Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Description: spayed female, white and brown American Staffordshire Terrier mix.
Weight: approximately 46.00 lbs. Age: about 9 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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Past Issues
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Here’s a quick overview of what we've been up to across District 3 and Pima County.
Community and Labor Unity Fair
Despite the painful news at the end of March regarding César Chávez past, la lucha sigue - the fight continues! On March 21, Supervisor Allen and the team set up shop at Rudy Garcia park for the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair with local unions and organizers. This event reflects what we all know to be true: movements are not one person, movements are about all of us. We stand with Dolores Huerta and all survivors.
Flight over Santa Cruz and Ironwood Forest National Monument
On Friday, March 27, Supervisor Allen took to the air to better understand the importance of protecting our national parks and scarce desert resources. Mike Quigley, the Arizona State Director of The Wilderness Society, organized the EcoFlight tour, that flew over the Santa Cruz River and Ironwood Forest National Monument. The views were breathtaking. From 5,000 feet, it’s easy to see how water in the Santa Cruz River turns the riverbanks a brilliant green. The stark, ragged mountaintops—where bighorn sheep give birth to the next generation—stand in sharp contrast to the encroachment of the Silverbell Mine, which creates moon-like, lifeless craters of their open pit. Many thanks to Mike and to our pilot, Gary Kraft, who has been with EcoFlight for over a decade.
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On Wednesday, April 15th, we drove out to Three Points to take part in Altar Valley School District's Family Fun Night. The district hosts this event every quarter to feed several hundred families and gather together a host of community partners for a night of games, goodies, and resources. Thanks to Julie Waters for the invite, and we look forward to participating regularly in the next school year!
Supervisor Allen and D3 staff had a blast at the Pima County Fair on Saturday, April 18. It was a fun, sunny day to enjoy rides, concerts, delicious food, and even a pig race! Thank you to the Pima County Fairgrounds team for such a wonderful and unforgettable event.
PALF Meet and Greet
The Pima Area Labor Federation (PALF) is one of nearly 500 state and local labor councils that represents the interests of working people in Arizona and in Pima County. Supervisor Allen attended a PALF meet and greet on March 27th to show her support for the member unions and community partners that advocate for social and economic justice. Thank you to Chair Cecelia Valdez, Vice Chair Javier Soto and all the PALF members for your leadership!
On April 10, District 3 staff traveled to Nogales to meet with the Consulate of Mexico, Santa Cruz County Staff, and the mayor of Nogales, AZ to discuss ways our counties can collaborate.
On March 31, Supervisor Allen and staff toured the Sobering Alternative for Recovery (SAFR) Center, a medically supported, low-barrier treatment facility open 24/7, located at 250 South Toole Avenue in downtown Tucson. SAFR is funded through opioid settlement dollars and serves individuals experiencing substance use disorders. Learn more:
https://communitybridgesinc.org/safrcenter/ Tel: (623) 866-3921
Tom Murphy, Sahuarita Mayor; John Post, Marana Mayor; Regina Romero, Tucson Mayor, and Supervisor Allen
On April 2, Supervisor Allen attended the 2026 Marana State of the Town. Organized by the Marana Chamber of Commerce, this event brings together community leaders, business owners, and local residents and provides an opportunity to learn about updates and opportunities for the Town of Marana.
On April 9, District 3 staff visited the North campus of Interfaith Community Services to learn more about the resources they provide for vulnerable families across Pima County, including a food bank, workforce development, and rides for folks with mobility challenges. https://icstucson.org/
On Sunday, April 12, Supervisor Allen joined the 1st Annual Living Desert Alliance (LDA), a relaxed, family‑friendly afternoon celebrating community, connection, and the desert we’re all working to protect. As she mentioned during the event, local engagement strengthens both our democracy and our environment. Learn more about LDA and get involved!
On Thursday, April 16th, Supervisor Allen toured Ryan Airfield with Tucson Airport Authority (TAA) officials. We learned all about some recent technological investments in their Air Traffic Control Tower and an upcoming project aimed at improving safety on runways. We also had an opportunity to meet with the team that runs their onsite flight school and got up close with a few Cessnas. Staff shared stories of wildlife encounters at the airport, including a recent sighting of a Crested Caracara! Many thanks to Danette Bewley and everyone else on the TAA team.
District 5 Supervisor Andrés Cano leads Love of Lectura, a cultural initiative celebrating literacy, storytelling, and local voices. On April 2, Supervisor Allen enjoyed a conversation with Lydia Otero about her latest book Storied Property: María Cordova's Casa. We invite you to keep an eye on upcoming events to learn more about regional authors and cultural leaders.
Students from the Lead Tucson Class of 2026 touring the Tres Rios Wastewater Reclamation Facility
On April 9, Supervisor Allen welcomed the Greater Tucson Leadership Class of 2026 during their Environmental Issue Day, a touring experience focused on water reclamation, regional sustainability, and energy. It was inspiring to meet local leaders from a variety of fields who were eager to learn about sustainability efforts in Southern Arizona. If you’re interested in applying for the 2027 cohort, visit: https://greatertucsonleadership.org
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In mid-April, Supervisor Allen and D3 staff visited the African American Museum of Southern Arizona with founding Executive Director Beverely Elliott. Now entering its third year at the University of Arizona's Student Union, it is one of only two museums in the state dedicated to African American history and culture. You can tell from the moment you step inside that this is a passion project for Beverely and her staff, and she took great care to show us all the exhibits the museum had on offer – from Buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee Airmen to local legends like Quincie Douglas and Coach Fred Snowden! https://www.aamsaz.org/
On April 19, Supervisor Allen and team joined a rally in support of the True Concord Voices and Orchestra musicians at Catalina Foothills High School. The musicians recently voted to unionize and join Tucson Federation of Musicians, AFM Local 33.
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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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