Local Politics · Pima County
All 126 Pima County Vote Centers will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3, for the 2026 General Election, and voters may cast ballots at any center regardless of residence. Sixteen locations offer emergency voting on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2. Voters must return early ballots by 7 p.m. on Election Day via designated drop boxes or Vote Centers; mailing is no longer accepted. The first batch of unofficial results is expected shortly after 8 p.m., with counting continuing into the early morning hours of Nov. 4, and final canvass approval by the Pima County Board of Supervisors scheduled for Nov. 19.
Community News · Pima County
Pima County officials are determining the future of Old Tucson Studios after operator American Heritage Railways notified the county on Sept. 14 that it will not renew its lease, which expires April 4, 2027. The Colorado-based company declined a proposed 10-year extension in June, citing insufficient profits at the Gates Pass attraction. County Attractions and Tourism Director Diane Frisch plans to present options to the Pima County Board of Supervisors at their Nov. 10 meeting. Several potential operators have pitched ideas including a jalopy racing track, a movie studio soundstage, and an immersive art experience.
Local Politics · Pima County
The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved the 2026–2029 Economic Development Strategic Plan at its Oct. 27, 2026 meeting. The plan includes 31 recommendations with 15 new initiatives focused on business retention and expansion, business attraction, infrastructure development, and workforce development. Pima County Economic Development Director Heath Vescovi-Chiordi said the strategy prioritizes small business support while addressing infrastructure and new industry attraction. The county will track progress through performance indicators, quarterly updates, and annual reporting to the Board.
Local Business · Pima County
Pima County Economic Development, in partnership with the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has opened applications for its Business Safety & Beautification Grant Program. Eligible small businesses throughout Pima County may receive up to $10,000 for property improvements including lighting, security cameras, landscaping, murals, signage, graffiti removal, and storefront enhancements. The program is part of the One Pima Initiative and Prosperity Initiative. Interested businesses are directed to the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce website for eligibility requirements and application details.
