TUCSON, AZ (Nove. 4, 2026) -- Pima County is investing more than $1 million in its new See YOU Downtown initiative to support small businesses, enhance public spaces and make visiting downtown Tucson easier and more affordable.
Approved by the Pima County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 13, the funding builds on the County’s One Pima Initiative, pairing additional resources for the Downtown Tucson Partnership with improvements to County-owned downtown parking facilities.
The investment will:
- Provide grants to help downtown small businesses improve storefronts, host events and attract customers.
- Strengthen the Downtown Tucson Partnership’s Purple Ambassador program and other Clean & Safe services.
- Expand programming in downtown parks and public spaces.
- Launch a Downtown Connector Shuttle linking parking facilities with restaurants, theaters, events and other destinations.
- Add connector carts to help people travel throughout downtown.
- Improve parking, wayfinding and visitor information.
- Support Safe Ride Home during peak late-night hours.
- Promote downtown restaurants, shops, entertainment and events.
- Expand public access to County-owned downtown parking garages during evenings and weekends.
“Downtown is the economic and cultural heart of our region, and Pima County is making clear that we believe in its future,” said District 5 Supervisor Andrés Cano. “We are investing in the small businesses that give downtown its character, supporting the Purple Ambassadors who help create a safe and secure experience, and making it easier and more affordable for people to visit, park and stay. This is about strengthening the heart of Tucson and making sure it continues to thrive for years to come.”
Improvements to County parking facilities will provide the equipment and additional security needed to open more spaces to the public during evenings and weekends, when demand from regular County operations is lower. Together with the shuttle and connector carts, these improvements will help visitors park once and reach destinations throughout downtown.
“Pima County already has a major presence downtown through our offices, courts, employees, parking facilities and public infrastructure,” said County Administrator Jan Lesher. “This investment allows us to put those assets to greater public use while also supporting businesses, improving public spaces and making downtown easier to access. It is a practical investment in the long-term vitality of downtown.”
The Downtown Tucson Partnership will use the funding to expand Clean & Safe services, provide facade improvement and storefront activation grants, and help visitors navigate downtown.
“A thriving downtown benefits our entire region,” said Crystal Moore, President and CEO of the Downtown Tucson Partnership. “Pima County’s investment allows us to diversify our efforts by activating public spaces, addressing parking challenges, and supporting local businesses through initiatives that attract visitors and encourage repeat customers.”
“We are grateful to Supervisor Cano, the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrator for recognizing downtown Tucson’s importance as an economic and cultural destination,” Moore said.
See YOU Downtown is the latest effort under the One Pima Initiative, the County’s broader approach to improving public spaces, supporting local businesses, strengthening neighborhoods and investing in places people use every day.
The initiative received support from a broad range of downtown businesses, cultural institutions, educators, property owners and community organizations. Supporters include the Downtown Tucson Partnership, Fox Tucson Theatre, Children’s Museum Tucson, CITY Center for Collaborative Learning, Peach Properties, Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Si Charro! Restaurants and Flores Concepts, Union Hospitality Group, HighWire, The Grand, Gibson’s Market, Tucson Gallery and Trolley Tours, and Tucson Urban.
Their support reflects downtown’s role as a center for commerce, dining, arts, education and family activities, with benefits extending throughout the region.
“The goal is simple: More reasons to come downtown. More confidence to stay. More reasons to return,” Cano said.