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Board of Supervisors Advocates for Santa Cruz County Priorities at NACo Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) Legislative Conference. The annual conference brings together nearly 2,000 county leaders from across the country to focus on federal policy issues that directly impact local communities. Supervisors participated in high-level policy sessions and met with members of Congress, federal agencies, and executive branch officials to advocate for Santa Cruz County priorities.

During their meetings, the Board highlighted several key projects, including improvements to the I-19 Rio Rico frontage roads and interchanges between Ruby Road and Rio Rico Drive; the Santa Cruz County Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project, including the Nogales Wash Lined Channel Reconstruction; West Frontage Road and Peck Canyon roundabout enhancements; Customs and Border Protection operations at the I-19 checkpoint in Tubac; modernization of the DeConcini Port of Entry in Nogales; maintenance support for roads within the Coronado National Forest; and continued progress toward establishing a Santa Cruz County Urban National Wildlife Refuge.

The visit ensured that Santa Cruz County’s infrastructure, economic development, environmental, and public safety priorities remain front and center in federal conversations.

I-19 Bridge Work

The Arizona Department of Transportation began the Interstate 19: Western Avenue/Target Range Road Bridges rehabilitation project in February 2026. The purpose of the project is to maintain the structural integrity of the two existing bridges.

More than 3 Tons of Trash Removed at the Annual River Clean Up

The 2026 Annual River Clean-Up, held on February 7, drew an incredible 196 volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to care for the Santa Cruz River. Together, they removed 3.19 tons of trash from the riverbed and surrounding areas in just one day.

Comprehensive Plan Update

Santa Cruz County has launched an update to its Comprehensive Plan — the long-range guide that shapes how our community grows, invests in infrastructure, protects natural resources, and supports economic opportunity. This effort is an opportunity to thoughtfully plan for the next decade by aligning land use, water sustainability, housing, transportation, economic vitality, conservation, and quality of life. Public engagement will be central to the process, with residents, businesses, and community partners helping identify priorities and shape a resilient future. This spring, the County will host four in-person Public Kickoff Meetings across the county, along with two virtual meetings to encourage broad participation. Next Steps: • Facilitator proposals due 2/27 • TAC applications due 3/13 • Community Development Department assignments by 3/27 • Public Kickoff Meetings (tentative): April • TAC Meetings (tentative): May–June We encourage residents to stay engaged and help shape the future of Santa Cruz County.  Learn More

Walking Paths

Explore Santa Cruz County on Foot Santa Cruz County’s mountain views, open skies, and scenic landscapes make it the perfect place to get outside and get moving. County-maintained walking trails in the Nogales and Rio Rico areas provide safe, accessible routes for exercise, fresh air, and connection to local businesses and neighborhoods. This StoryMap collection features walking path locations, maps, and photos to help you plan your next walk.  View the collection.

Rabies Advisory

Santa Cruz County has seen an increase in rabies during the month of February in our County, 1 skunk in Tubac and 2 skunks in the Elgin area, including a Coatimundi that bit a man in Elgin. If you see wildlife behaving oddly, stay away from it and report it to Santa Cruz County Animal Care & Control at 520-375-7860. If you plan to camp or hike, please stay alert to your surroundings for any wildlife exhibiting odd behavior.

Nogales–Santa Cruz County Public Library Announcements Join the fun at your local libraries! Trivia Days are happening at the Tubac and Sonoita libraries — stop by and test your knowledge with friends and neighbors. Don’t forget to pick up your Read 250 materials at any library branch and be part of the reading celebration. Rio Rico Library will be open Saturday, March 21, for: Book Club Arts & Crafts America 250 Bingo / Lotería There’s something for everyone — reading, learning, and community connection all in one place!

Cover Your Load - Keep Santa Cruz Beautiful. Unsecured loads are one of the leading causes of roadside litter in Santa Cruz County. When trash, construction debris, or yard waste falls from a vehicle, it creates safety hazards, harms wildlife, and increases cleanup costs for taxpayers. Before transporting any materials, please remember to: Secure and tarp your load Tie down loose items Check your tailgate before driving Taking a few extra minutes to cover your load helps prevent litter, protects other drivers, and keeps our community clean and beautiful.  Let’s all do our part to Keep Santa Cruz Beautiful.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sonoita Community Check-In with Supervisor John Fanning

8:00 am - 10:30 am, Monday, March 2, 2026, Sonoita Community Space, 3147 State Rte 83, Sonoita
Join Supervisor John Fanning, District 3, every other month at the County meeting room to share your thoughts, ask questions, and discuss the issues that matter most to you. 

Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors (Evening Mtg)

5:30 pm, Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 2150 N Congress Drive, Ste 120, Nogales
The meeting can also be viewed on the Santa Cruz County YouTube Channel.  The latest agenda is available in the Agenda Center. 

Road to 250 - Arizona Traveling Museum Exhibition

10:00 am- 6:00 pm, Friday, March 6, 2026, Teyechea Park, Nogales
Experience a statewide tour of a Replica Liberty Bell, along with engaging Arizona and American history exhibits that highlight our shared heritage and the road to the nation’s 250th birthday.

Tubac HawkWatch Festival

9:00 am - 12:00 pm, March 13-17, Ron Morriss Park, 31 Calle Iglesia, Tubac
Each spring, thousands of hawks migrate through Santa Cruz County on the way to their breeding grounds to the north.  The hawks follow the Santa Cruz River, where the river and its forest provide food, water, and a place to rest for many of them.  To watch hawks and enjoy the festival, it’s best to come in the morning.  Bring a chair, water, sunscreen, a hat, and binoculars.  For more information on the hawks, the hawk watch, and a schedule of activities for the festival, visit tubacnaturecenter.org/hawkwatch 

Absolutely Free Market

March 14, 2026, Abe's Old Tumacacori Bar, 1900 E Frontage Rd, Tumacacori
A community sharing event where everything is completely FREE!
* 8–10 AM - Drop off clean, USABLE items (no old TVs, etc)
* 11 AM–1 PM - Shopping begins - Take what you need
* 1–3 PM - Community clean-up

Regular Meeting of the Board of Supervisors

9:30 am, Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 2150 N Congress Drive, Ste 120, Nogales
The meeting can also be viewed on the Santa Cruz County YouTube Channel.  The latest agenda is available in the Agenda Center. 

Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting

1:00 pm, March 26, 2026, 2150 N. Congress Drive, Ste 120, Nogales
The Planning and Zoning Commissioners review and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors regarding the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan and Comprehensive Plan amendments, review and make recommendations regarding zoning changes, subdivision plats, Planned Area Developments, and other land development changes, and review and approve Conditional Use Permits.

Meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month, except in November and December, when they are held on the 3rd Thursday.