Education · Pima County
Tucson Electric Power donated $100,000 to the Pima Early Education Programs Scholarships (PEEPs), announced Thursday morning at the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. PEEPs, established by Pima County in 2021 with American Rescue Plan Act funds, provided free preschool and childcare last year to roughly 1,500 students from families earning at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level ($99,000 for a family of four). More than 600 children are currently on the PEEPs waitlist, while statewide more than 15,000 kids await childcare assistance from the Department of Economic Security. County Supervisor Rex Scott said Pima County has allocated $40 million to the program over six years, and United Way officials aim to raise $1 million in private-sector support this year.
Local Politics · Pima County
Pima County Chief Deputy Treasurer Jake Martin, 23, resigned on Wednesday after being asked to step down by new Treasurer Jorge Soto. Martin had served as acting treasurer for several weeks following the June resignation of former Treasurer Brian Johnson amid sexual misconduct allegations from employees. Martin said the investigation into Johnson was exhausting and that Soto's transition coincided with his readiness to leave. He applied for the permanent treasurer position but is now seeking his next role.
Community News · Pima County
At its Oct. 13 meeting, the Pima County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the week of Oct. 17-25, 2026, as Children and Nature Week in Pima County, sponsored by Supervisor Jen Allen. The proclamation affirms children's rights to connect with nature, observe wildlife, and experience the Sonoran Desert, supported by multiple county departments including Conservation Lands & Resources, Parks and Recreation, and the Public Library. The initiative aligns with the Prosperity Initiative and marks the 25th anniversary of the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. The Pima Connecting Children to Nature Coalition is promoting activities throughout the week to help families access outdoor spaces.
Local Business · Tucson, AZ
Rio Nuevo has partnered with Groundswell Capital to offer grants of $5,000 to $25,000 for small and micro-businesses in Tucson's Rio Nuevo District. Eligible applicants must operate within the district (or generate at least 75% of revenue there if mobile) and have annual gross revenue under $300,000. The application window runs Oct. 5–30, 2026, with virtual information sessions available in English and Spanish to assist applicants.
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Local Business · Tucson, AZ
Tech Parks Arizona, which operates UA Tech Park and UA Tech Park at The Bridges in the Tucson metro area, was recognized as one of only six innovation districts nationwide for strong performance in housing and neighborhood stability. The recognition comes from a report by the George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative that examined 42 innovation districts across the United States. Tech Parks Arizona hosts approximately 100 companies and 9,205 knowledge workers with an average annual wage of $75,600, exceeding the Tucson metro area average, and generates an estimated $2.6 billion in annual economic impact. The report found that neighborhoods surrounding innovation districts outperform broader regions in population growth, educational attainment, income growth, and housing development.
Local Business · Pima County
Pima County Economic Development is encouraging Southern Arizona small business owners and entrepreneurs to submit nominations for the 2027 National Small Business Week Awards, including the Small Business Person of the Year honor. Nominations must be submitted electronically by Dec. 7, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET. Winners will be recognized during National Small Business Week, May 2-8, 2027, at a national ceremony in Washington, D.C. The article highlights recent Arizona honorees from Tucson, Yuma, Goodyear, Scottsdale, and Prescott to illustrate the region's track record.
Social Events · Tucson, AZ
Filmmaker Jessica Oreck's traveling pop-up museum, the Office of Collecting and Design, is parked behind the Tucson Museum of Art downtown from October 14 through October 18, 2026. The 42-foot trailer houses hundreds of drawers filled with nostalgic everyday objects—dice, tiny plastic food, rubber erasers—that visitors explore in one-hour self-guided tours limited to six people at a time. The Tucson stop sold out, the first city to do so in the fall 2026 tour season. Additional off-site events include the Tiny Things Market on October 13 and a show-and-tell essay club on October 15. The Tucson Museum of Art partnered with combined ticket sales to drive foot traffic during an exhibition transition.
Social Events · Tucson, AZ
The fifth annual Chinese Chorizo Fest, created by chef and artist Feng-Feng Yeh, is in its second week of partnering with local Tucson restaurants to blend Chinese and Mexican culinary traditions. The festival's current weekend features live demonstrations under the tent at Tucson Meet Yourself's first-ever "Culture Kitchen" on the southwest corner of Stone Avenue and Pennington Street. Partner vendors through Sunday include Los Poblanitos ($5 vegan chorizo quesadillas), Rosebud Bakery, Patricia's Cuban Kitchen, Muna Food, and Planet of the Crepes. Yeh says she also plans to expand the project into a permanent art installation pending funding.
Social Events · Tucson, AZ
The University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film and Television will stage "The Rocky Horror Show" from Friday, Oct. 16 through Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Marroney venue in Tucson. The production features a student cast led by Harrison Dodge as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, directed and choreographed by TFTV artistic director Christie Kerr. A postshow discussion is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, and an ASL-interpreted performance will be offered Saturday, Oct. 24. Audience members are encouraged to participate in the "Time Warp" dance and attend in costume, though outside props are not permitted.
Local Business · Tucson, AZ
Local First Arizona is hosting "Rooted in Local: Connect. Grow. Thrive," a business resource showcase and networking mixer, on Oct. 28, 2026, at the MSA Annex in Tucson. The event connects local business owners with organizations offering help on funding, hiring, marketing, regulations, and other operational needs. Vendor participation is limited to active members of the Local First Arizona Business Coalition, and space is described as limited. The event is sponsored by Pima County Economic Development.
