PIMA COUNTY (Oct. 16, 2026) -- Pima County is investing more than $1 million in a new See YOU Downtown initiative to improve the Downtown Tucson experience by supporting small businesses, strengthening public spaces and making it easier and more affordable for people to park and get around.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors Oct. 13 approved the funding to build on the County’s One Pima Initiative and bring together new 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.
- Add more programming and activity 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 move more easily around 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.”
Pima County’s investment in its downtown parking facilities will provide the equipment and additional security needed to expand public access during evenings and weekends, when many spaces are not being used for regular County operations. Those improvements will work alongside the new shuttle and connector carts to make it easier for visitors to 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 new resources to strengthen Clean & Safe services, support merchants with critical facade improvement and storefront activation grants, and improve how visitors move through 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.”
The investment represents the latest chapter of the One Pima Initiative, Pima County’s broader effort to improve public spaces, support local businesses, strengthen neighborhoods and make strategic investments in the places people use every day.
The SeeYOU Downtown initiative received support from a broad cross-section of downtown businesses, cultural institutions, educators, property owners and community organizations, including 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.
Together, these supporters reflect the range of people and institutions invested in downtown’s continued success — from small businesses and restaurants to arts, education, family destinations and economic development partners.
“The goal is simple: More reasons to come downtown. More confidence to stay. More reasons to return,” Cano said.