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.

In this episode of Inside Pima County with Rex Scott, Supervisor Rex Scott sits down with Kris Gade, Director of Pima County’s newest department: Conservation and Land Resources (CLR). The conversation explores how the department was formed, what it manages, and why Pima County’s long-standing commitment to conservation continues to shape responsible growth across the region.

Listeners gain insight into how science, land management, historic preservation, and public access come together to protect over 260,000 acres of county land, while still supporting development, recreation, education, and community involvement.

Conservation Lands & Resources | Pima County, AZ

In this conversation, Supervisor Rex Scott interviews Heath Vescovi-Chiordi, the director of the Economic Development Department in Pima County. They discuss the structure and responsibilities of the department, the strategic planning process for economic development, collaboration with regional partners, key factors for attracting businesses, and the integration of the Prosperity Initiative. The conversation highlights the importance of workforce development, partnerships with the Chamber of Southern Arizona, and the focus on specific industries for economic growth.