Office of Digital Inclusion

Office of Digital Inclusion

Pima County’s commitment to digital equity has accelerated dramatically in recent years, and at the center of that effort is Michelle Simon, Director of the Office of Digital Inclusion. With 15 years of service to the county and a professional background spanning workforce development, nonprofit administration, public administration, and even network and database administration, Simon brings both technical expertise and deep community experience to the role. As she explains, her journey began in the public library system, where she taught residents how to use computers—“It’s funny how life comes full circle”. That early work eventually helped lay the foundation for the county’s digital inclusion strategy and the creation of the office in 2023. The Office of Digital Inclusion was formed to ensure that every resident has access to high‑speed, affordable internet, the devices needed to get online, and the skills to use technology safely. Simon describes the mission succinctly: the office “is the driver of the strategic efforts behind making sure that all of the county residents have access to high speed affordable internet, devices… and that they understand how to use it safely”. This work is tightly connected to Pima County’s broader economic development and prosperity initiatives, recognizing that digital access is now essential infrastructure. A major component of this effort is the Middle Mile project, funded through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Pima County secured a $30.3 million grant to build a 134‑mile fiber‑optic ring that will serve as the backbone for future broadband expansion. The route spans every municipality in the county and reaches into rural and remote areas where private providers have historically been unwilling to build. Simon emphasizes that the Middle Mile “is the backbone… that connects the Internet to an Internet service provider so they can reach people’s homes”. The county’s digital inclusion strategy also includes Connect Pima, a comprehensive plan developed with community input, and a network of more than 120 public Wi‑Fi hotspots installed after residents were forced to access library parking lots during COVID‑19 closures—“people were attempting to use the internet in our parking lot”. Digital navigators further support residents through one‑on‑one assistance, warm handoffs to other county services, and personalized help with devices and digital literacy. These efforts have earned national recognition. The National Digital Inclusion Alliance named Pima County a Visionary Digital Inclusion Trailblazer in both 2024 and 2025. As Simon notes, Pima County is the first county in Arizona with a dedicated digital inclusion office and among the first with its own digital equity plan.

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 [http://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.

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.

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.

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.