100 Years of Service: The Future of Tucson’s Military Affairs Committee

100 Years of Service: The Future of Tucson’s Military Affairs Committee

As the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee approaches its 100th anniversary, Chair Fernando Flores joins us to reflect on its proud legacy and bold next chapter. From supporting airmen at Davis-Monthan to strengthening Tucson’s role as an aerospace and defense hub, the MAC continues to be a vital bridge between business, community, and military service. Learn how this century-old committee is reinventing itself for a new generation of leadership and impact, and hear an update on what's happening with Tucson's major military installation, Davis-Monthan AFB.  Aired 11/23/25

Compassion and Accountability: Tackling Homelessness in Tucson

Tucson, like many American cities, is wrestling with the realities of chronic unsheltered homelessness. What happens when mental health, substance abuse, and public disorder collide in our parks, neighborhoods, and business districts? Tucson Ward 4 Councilmember Nikki Lee and Pima County's Department of Justice Services Director Kate Vesely join Rethink to unpack how Tucson and Pima County can partner more effectively—combining compassion, accountability, and innovative policy—to help our most vulnerable residents and restore quality of life across our community. Aired 11/9/25

The Road Ahead: Renewing the Regional Transportation Authority

After years of gridlock and uncertainty, regional leaders came together under the guidance of interim PAG Director Michael Ortega to move the next 20-year Regional Transportation Authority plan forward. In this episode, we explore how "RTA Next" aims to reshape the way Southern Arizona moves—balancing roadways, transit, and growth for a stronger regional future. Hear how collaboration, trust, and tough problem-solving got this plan to the ballot for March 2026 and what’s at stake for our economy, our commuters, and our competitiveness.  Aired 10/26/25

Do We Have Enough Water?

On this episode, Zach sits down with General Ted Maxwell to talk about one of the biggest policy issues facing our desert region: do we have enough water? Besides his role as the CEO of the Southern Arizona Leadership Council (along with many other community hats he wears), Maxwell represents Pima County on the Arizona Reconsultation Committee that is working to make sure Arizona gets a fair shake in Colorado River negotiations. Maxwell talks about how he sees our water future as it stands right now, whether or not Arizona and the other Lower Basin States are going to get a fair shake as we negotiate our Colorado River allocations going into 2026, how business and civic leaders can do a better job telling the story about how our conservation ethos has prepared us for smart growth (while continuing to be responsible with our natural resources), what the State Legislature is doing on water issues, and more! Tune in to hear the whole conversation. Editorial Note: After this conversation aired, Ted Cooke's nomination to lead the Bureau of Reclamation was withdrawn.

Solving Global Challenges for Local Impact

On this episode, Zach sits down with Dr. Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, Senior Vice President for Research and Partnerships at the University of Arizona. Coming off transformational stints at Purdue University and the University of Oklahoma, he shares more about his and President Garimella's vision for effective private and public sector partnerships with the University that tackle our biggest human challenges for local and global impact. He also shares more about the University’s Key Research Areas and why AI and data tops the list, how Southern Arizona companies and businesses can partner, and more! Zach and Tomás also give a sneak peek at the talk he'll give at the Chamber's upcoming Business Summit and Expo. Listen for the full experience.