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Good morning,
Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks that forever changed our nation. For those of us who remember that day, it can be difficult to believe a quarter-century has passed. For an entire generation of Americans, however, September 11, 2001, is history rather than a lived memory. That makes our commitment to Never Forget even more important.
This year, I will join first responders, members of the military and community members at the Tucson Convention Center for the annual 9/11 Tower Challenge. Participants climb 2,071 steps, the equivalent of the 110 floors of the World Trade Center towers, in remembrance of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.
Along the way, photographs of fallen heroes line the stairs, reminding participants that this is much more than a physical challenge. It is an opportunity to pause, remember and honor the extraordinary courage and sacrifice demonstrated by first responders and ordinary citizens on one of our nation's darkest days.
September 11th also fundamentally changed the way communities across the country think about emergency preparedness. Here in Pima County, much of that work is coordinated through our Office of Emergency Management (OEM).
OEM works to prevent loss of life and reduce property damage from natural disasters, technological emergencies and human-caused events. Its work encompasses the full cycle of emergency management: prevention, protection, mitigation, response and recovery. Just as importantly, OEM coordinates with municipalities, local governments and other regional partners so that when an emergency occurs, agencies aren't meeting one another for the first time.
That coordination matters in a region like ours. An emergency could be a wildfire, flash flood, severe storm, prolonged power outage or another event we can't necessarily predict. OEM maintains a countywide, all-hazards Emergency Operations Plan designed to coordinate Pima County's response when an emergency affects, or overwhelms, the resources of individual jurisdictions.
But emergency preparedness isn't only government's responsibility. Residents have an important role, too.
One of the easiest things you can do today is sign up for Pima County MyAlerts, our mass-notification system. MyAlerts can quickly send emergency information and instructions to your electronic devices. Because alerts can be tied to geographic locations, you can register locations important to you, such as your home, workplace or child's school.
Residents can also use Pima County's Emergency Alerts website as a central source for developing emergency information, preparedness resources and links to regional partners.
Twenty-five years after September 11th, remembering those we lost also means remembering what that day taught us about service, courage, preparation and community.
LINKS:
Rex
 At Tuesday's Board meeting, I had the privilege of presenting a proclamation recognizing the importance of emergency preparedness in Pima County. Preparing for disasters and emergencies is truly a community effort, bringing together our Office of Emergency Management, Southern Arizona Community Organizations Active in Disasters (SOAZ COAD), faith-based organizations, public safety partners, and local, tribal, private and volunteer agencies.
Their work helps ensure our community is informed, prepared and ready to respond when the unexpected happens. I’m pleased to share the full proclamation below.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, September has been designated as National Preparedness Month to encourage all Americans to be prepared for emergencies in their communities; and
WHEREAS, National Preparedness Month incorporates a nationwide coordinated effort sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to inspire and remind citizens to plan and prepare for natural disasters or other emergencies in their homes, schools, businesses, and communities; and
WHEREAS, emergency preparedness is the responsibility of every resident of Pima County, and everyone should make it a priority to learn about risk factors and protect themselves against possible injuries, property damage, and economic loss that often result from disasters; and
WHEREAS, during the month of September, the Pima County Office of Emergency
Management along with Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD), the faith-based community, our public safety partners and other local, tribal, private, and volunteer agencies will engage in activities to educate the public about the importance of being prepared.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Pima County Board of Supervisors hereby proclaims the month of September 2026 to be:
“PREPAREDNESS MONTH”
and encourages all County residents to take proactive steps to plan for any situation, including signing up for MyAlerts.pima.gov and confirming insurance policies cover hazards such as intense storms, flooding, and wildfires. This year’s theme for National Preparedness Month 2026 is “Americans Stand Ready,” and it is recommended that people learn CPR, first aid, and other life-saving skills, and take useful safety steps like shutting off utilities. Promote family and community disaster planning now and throughout the year. It is crucial to prepare in advance to ensure Pima County is resilient and disaster ready.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 8th day of September 2026.
 The 2026 General Election is November 3, and as Election Day gets closer, more and more information will start flowing. It’s important that voters know where to find accurate, up-to-date information.
The best place to start is Pima Votes, Pima County’s one-stop election information hub, bringing together resources from the Pima County Recorder’s Office and Elections Department. There, voters can find registration and voting information, Vote Center locations, important dates, live ballot processing information, election results and more.
Bookmark it now and check back often as we get closer to Election Day.
Inside Pima County with Rex Scott
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