Inside Pima County with Rex Scott

Supervisor Rex Scott

Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott is a new podcast created to bring our community closer to the people, programs, and services that keep Pima County running. Hosted by District 1 Supervisor and Chair of the Board, Rex Scott, this series opens the doors to county government in a way that’s accessible, transparent, and genuinely human. Every episode features candid conversations with the dedicated department and program directors who lead Pima County’s essential work. From public health and public safety, to parks, transportation, economic development, environmental stewardship, community resources, and beyond, these are the people who help make our neighborhoods safer, our region more resilient, and our quality of life stronger. Whether you’re curious about how county decisions are made, want to understand the services available to your family, or simply enjoy learning more about the community you call home, this podcast offers a front-row seat to the work happening every day on your behalf.

  1. Pima County Health Department - Beat the Heat

    3D AGO

    Pima County Health Department - Beat the Heat

    In southern Arizona, the shift into heat season is unmistakable. Mornings warm-up earlier, evenings cool down more slowly, and the desert sun begins its months‑long climb toward triple‑digit temperatures. For Pima County, this isn’t just a change in weather—it marks the start of one of our most challenging public‑health periods. This episode of Inside Pima County focuses on how we prepare for that challenge and how residents can protect themselves as the hottest months arrive. Supervisor Rex Scott is joined by Dr. Theresa “Terry” Cullen, Director of the Pima County Health Department and a leader whose experience spans frontline medicine, national health‑informatics work, global health consulting, and nearly six years guiding one of the county’s largest and most complex departments. Her work is shaped not only by her professional background but by her personal connection to Pima County—her children, husband, and extended family all live here, giving her a deeply rooted commitment to community well‑being. The Health Department oversees nine divisions that touch nearly every part of daily life: food safety inspections, clinical services, disease prevention, substance‑use response, and more. But one of its most important responsibilities during summer is serving as the convener of Pima County’s heat‑mitigation network. This network includes more than 80 organizations—nonprofits, local governments, universities, and community groups—working together to prevent heat‑related illness and deaths. Weekly meetings throughout the heat season allow partners to coordinate cooling centers, share data, identify gaps in service, and ensure that vulnerable residents are not left behind. Dr. Cullen explains the risk factors that make some people more susceptible to heat illness: older adults living alone, people on certain medications, individuals with limited access to cooling, outdoor workers, and the unhoused population. Yet she also emphasizes that heat can affect anyone, even lifelong desert residents who think they “know” the climate. Understanding early signs of heat exhaustion, staying hydrated, limiting outdoor activity during peak hours, and checking on neighbors are among the simplest and most effective prevention steps. Listeners will also learn where to find reliable information about heat advisories, cooling centers, and county resources, including PimaCounty.gov/heat and materials available through public libraries. The episode highlights the importance of community awareness, shared responsibility, and simple acts of care that can save lives. This introduction sets the stage for a conversation about preparation, prevention, and the power of coordinated community action as Pima County enters another desert summer.

    22 min
  2. Pima County Development Services Department

    MAY 1

    Pima County Development Services Department

    This is the 11th episode of Inside Pima County with Rex Scott, the show where we pull back the curtain on the people and decisions shaping life in our community. Today’s episode features Chris Poirier, Former Director of Development Services. If you’ve ever replaced a water heater, built a home, or watched a major project rise from the desert floor, the DSD team has been part of that story. Chris joins us to talk about what it really takes to guide development in a county as large and diverse as ours — from everyday residential permits to 600‑acre master plans, from zoning hearings to long‑range planning that will shape the next decade. We’ll explore how his department balances regulation with customer service, why public participation matters more than people think, and how state laws and voter initiatives shape what local government can and can’t do. Chris also talks about his legacy of 25 years at Pima County and reflects on what he’s learned about community, collaboration, and human nature along the way.

    29 min
  3. Pima County Attractions and Tourism

    APR 17

    Pima County Attractions and Tourism

    In this episode of Inside Pima County with Rex Scott, Supervisor Rex Scott sits down with Diane Frisch, Director of Pima County’s Attractions and Tourism Department, to explore how tourism plays a vital role in our local economy and quality of life. Diane shares her unique path from managing radio and TV stations to leading the County’s efforts in promoting attractions, events, and tourism assets. With a small but dedicated team, her department manages the Visitor Center, supports County-owned properties, oversees film permitting, and coordinates events and partnerships across the region—all while working closely with organizations like Visit Tucson. The conversation highlights just how significant tourism is to Pima County. The industry supports approximately 24,000 local jobs, brings in over 6 million visitors annually, and generates nearly $3 billion in economic impact. Diane emphasizes that tourism is far more than leisure—it’s a key economic driver that supports hotels, restaurants, cultural institutions, and small businesses throughout the community. Listeners will also hear how the department helps distribute funding to local attractions and events, ensuring taxpayer dollars are invested in organizations that are sustainable, impactful, and aligned with the region’s character. Looking ahead, Diane discusses efforts to attract new events—especially in growing areas like cycling and indoor summer activities—while staying true to Pima County’s culture and heritage. The episode also touches on Tucson’s designation as the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in the United States, a recognition rooted in the region’s deep agricultural history, food traditions, and community pride. From signature events like the Gem and Mineral Show, Rodeo, and Tucson Festival of Books to emerging opportunities at venues like the Mosaic Quarter and the County’s new velodrome, Pima County continues to expand its role as a destination for visitors and a source of pride for residents. As Diane notes, whether it’s outdoor recreation, festivals, arts, or food, Pima County offers something for everyone—and her team is working every day to make sure people know it.

    24 min
  4. Pima County Regional County Flood Control District

    APR 3

    Pima County Regional County Flood Control District

    In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott sits down with Eric Schepp, Director of the Pima County Regional Flood Control District, to explore how the County manages flood risk, protects communities, and is rethinking water as a long-term resource. Schepp shares his path from civil engineering studies at Johns Hopkins University to a 30-year career with Pima County, highlighting his early work as a hydrologist and eventual rise to district leadership. His passion for the region—and its unique desert environment—shapes his approach to flood control and water management. The conversation explains the Flood Control District’s core mission: protecting people and property through both structural solutions—like levees, detention basins, and bank protection—and non-structural approaches, including regulations, floodplain management, and land acquisition. These strategies are especially critical in older parts of Tucson, where development predated modern floodplain regulations and solutions are more complex. Schepp outlines how the District operates as a special taxing district and works across a vast 9,200-square-mile region, partnering with jurisdictions like Marana and Oro Valley to guide smarter development and reduce flood risk. He also discusses federal and state frameworks like the National Flood Insurance Program, noting that Pima County’s high rating earns residents significant flood insurance discounts—up to 40%. Beyond flood protection, the episode highlights a growing shift: treating stormwater as a valuable resource rather than a nuisance. Innovative projects like the Kino Environmental Restoration Project demonstrate how stormwater and reclaimed water can irrigate public spaces, while pilot efforts such as the Rillito Creek recharge project explore ways to capture and store water underground for long-term use. Schepp also discusses the County’s Water Working Group, which brings together departments and regional partners to address water sustainability, conservation, and future supply challenges—particularly in areas reliant on private wells. The episode concludes with a look at newer, community-focused solutions like stormwater parks. These smaller-scale projects reduce localized flooding while providing green space, improving water quality, supporting urban tree growth, and even creating educational and workforce development opportunities for local students. Overall, the discussion underscores how flood control in Pima County is evolving—balancing public safety, environmental stewardship, and innovative water management to build a more resilient future.

    41 min
  5. PIma County Public Library

    MAR 20

    PIma County Public Library

    In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott sits down with Pima County Public Library Director Tess Mayer to discuss her background, the role of libraries in the community, and the future of the library system. Mayer shares her journey from teaching English as a second language to a career in librarianship, shaped by her belief that access to information can transform lives. Her experience working in major library systems in Seattle and Berkeley helped shape her focus on equity, outreach, and breaking down barriers to access—values that drew her to Pima County. Mayer highlights the scope and impact of the Pima County Public Library system, which includes 27 locations, approximately 500 employees, and around three million in-person visits annually, in addition to robust online usage. She emphasizes that modern libraries go far beyond books, offering a wide range of services including e-books, streaming content, online classes, workforce development programs, and community programming. Many of these digital resources remain underutilized, making outreach and awareness a key priority. The conversation underscores the library’s role as a community hub that supports lifelong learning, literacy, and connection. Traditional offerings like storytimes and book groups remain central, but Mayer also points to innovative programming—from live performances to unique learning experiences—that reflect the evolving needs and interests of the community. She also highlights nontraditional items available for checkout, such as health equipment and Culture Passes that provide free access to local museums, expanding access to education and enrichment opportunities. Looking ahead, Mayer identifies several priorities, including modernizing outdated materials-handling technology to improve efficiency, safety, and user experience. She also discusses ongoing and future capital projects, such as the new Mission Library and the long-term planning for a new main library, both of which will be shaped by community input. Expanding library hours and improving equitable access across the county are also key goals, particularly for working families and underserved areas. The discussion also touches on the connection between libraries and broader County initiatives, including early childhood education scholarships funded through the library district. Mayer emphasizes that supporting literacy and early education are complementary—not competing—priorities, both essential to community well-being. Finally, Mayer highlights the critical role of community partners like the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation, which provide funding and volunteer support for programs and services. She closes by reinforcing the idea that libraries are foundational to democracy—providing free and open access to information, supporting civic engagement, and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to learn, grow, and participate fully in their community. Overall, the episode presents the Pima County Public Library system as a dynamic, evolving resource—one that continues to adapt to meet the needs of a diverse and growing community while staying grounded in its core mission of access, literacy, and lifelong learning.

    30 min
  6. Pima County Department of Transportation

    MAR 13

    Pima County Department of Transportation

    In this episode of Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott, Supervisor Scott speaks with Kathryn Skinner, Director of the Pima County Department of Transportation, about the work that goes into planning, maintaining, and improving the county’s transportation network. Skinner shares her professional journey from the University of Arizona, where she studied civil engineering, to nearly two decades of service with Pima County. After beginning her career designing bridges and transportation structures, she joined the county through the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and eventually worked her way through several leadership roles before becoming director three and a half years ago. The conversation provides an overview of the Transportation Department and the scale of its responsibilities. With roughly 190 authorized positions, the department maintains more than 2,200 miles of roadway throughout unincorporated Pima County—often described as the “donut around Tucson.” Crews work across a wide geographic area, from maintaining rural roads in Ajo to clearing snow on Mount Lemmon. Skinner explains the department’s five primary divisions: planning and engineering, maintenance operations, construction monitoring, mobility innovation and technology, and administrative services. Together, these teams manage traffic signals, roadway striping, grading of unpaved roads, storm response, and capital improvement projects. A major focus of the discussion is the county’s Road Repair and Maintenance Program. After assessments found that roughly 70 percent of county-maintained roads were in poor or failed condition several years ago, the county implemented a long-term program to address repairs. Since then, more than 500 miles of neighborhood streets have been resurfaced, improving the overall condition of the county’s road network to a “very good” rating. The episode also explains how transportation funding works in Arizona. The department relies heavily on state-shared transportation revenues such as the gas tax and vehicle license taxes. Because Arizona’s gas tax has not increased since 1991 and vehicles are becoming more fuel efficient, maintaining a growing road network presents ongoing financial challenges. Skinner also discusses new technology and partnerships that are helping the department work more efficiently, including drone mapping, advanced data analysis, and research collaborations with the University of Arizona’s Center for Advanced Transportation Sciences. The conversation highlights ways residents can participate as well, including the SeeClickFix mobile app, which allows the public to report issues such as potholes, damaged signs, or other roadway concerns. In addition, the Transportation Advisory Committee—made up of citizen representatives from each supervisor district—provides public input on transportation priorities. Finally, Skinner discusses the department’s upcoming Transportation Master Plan, which will gather community feedback to help guide long-term transportation planning and investments across Pima County. This episode offers listeners a closer look at the people, planning, and resources that keep Pima County’s transportation system operating every day.

    44 min
  7. Pima Animal Care Center-PACC

    FEB 27

    Pima Animal Care Center-PACC

    In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott visits the Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) to speak with Director Steve Kozachik about the center’s operations, challenges, and future plans. Kozachik shares his background in public service and animal welfare, and explains that PACC is much more than an adoption center — it is the county’s only open-admission shelter, providing intake services, veterinary care, animal protection enforcement, dispatch support, and community resources across 9,200 square miles. The conversation highlights current overcrowding challenges, staffing and retention issues, and the emotional demands placed on employees and volunteers. Kozachik discusses new solutions, including the upcoming Eastside Adoption Center (EPAC) and the newly opened Animal Restoration Kennnel (ARK), which will address hoarding, cruelty, and neglect cases using privately donated funds. The episode also emphasizes the critical role of approximately 1,300 volunteers and nonprofit partner Friends of PACC, while encouraging the community to support PACC through adoption, fostering, volunteering, and reporting animal welfare concerns.

    33 min
  8. RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega

    FEB 13

    RTA Executive Director Michael Ortega

    In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott is joined by Mike Ortega, Executive Director of the Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). The conversation focuses on how regional transportation planning is structured in Pima County and Southern Arizona, and the respective roles of PAG, the RTA, and their governing boards. Ortega begins by outlining his professional background in engineering and public service, including prior roles with Pima County, the Arizona Department of Transportation, Cochise County, and the City of Tucson. He discusses how his engineering training informs his approach to managing complex public-sector projects and explains how technical analysis is applied to long-term transportation planning. The episode provides an overview of PAG’s function as the region’s metropolitan planning organization, including its responsibilities related to transportation funding coordination, air quality planning, and regional policy discussions. Ortega also explains how PAG provides administrative support to the RTA, which was established to fund and implement voter-approved regional transportation projects. Scott and Ortega review the structure and membership of the PAG Regional Council and the RTA Board, and describe the boards’ responsibilities for overseeing project delivery and financial accountability. The discussion includes background on the original RTA plan approved by voters in 2006, the scope of projects completed under that plan, and the financial challenges that affected project completion over time. The conversation also covers how the RTA evaluates remaining projects, project re-scoping, and long-term funding considerations. Ortega explains how accountability, reporting, and oversight processes are designed to track progress and address changing conditions over the life of a transportation program. Topics discussed include roadway improvements, pavement rehabilitation, transit and paratransit services, safety and active transportation investments, and environmental considerations such as wildlife crossings. The episode concludes with general information on where residents can find publicly available information about regional transportation planning and the structure of future transportation plans.

    45 min
See All (13)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott is a new podcast created to bring our community closer to the people, programs, and services that keep Pima County running. Hosted by District 1 Supervisor and Chair of the Board, Rex Scott, this series opens the doors to county government in a way that’s accessible, transparent, and genuinely human. Every episode features candid conversations with the dedicated department and program directors who lead Pima County’s essential work. From public health and public safety, to parks, transportation, economic development, environmental stewardship, community resources, and beyond, these are the people who help make our neighborhoods safer, our region more resilient, and our quality of life stronger. Whether you’re curious about how county decisions are made, want to understand the services available to your family, or simply enjoy learning more about the community you call home, this podcast offers a front-row seat to the work happening every day on your behalf.

Information

You Might Also Like