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.

In this episode of Inside Pima County, Supervisor Rex Scott focuses on how Pima County government is organized and why connecting with the right county office matters when addressing community concerns.

His conversation with Jen Darland, Director of Office of Housing Opportunities and Homeless Solutions highlights how Pima County approaches complex issues through clearly defined roles and coordinated leadership. When the focus is homelessness and housing-related initiatives, her office serves as the central hub, coordinating county departments, nonprofit partners, and regional strategies. When a request involves public safety, the Sheriff’s Department is the appropriate point of contact, as it oversees countywide law enforcement services and operational response.

Rather than concentrating decision-making in one place, Pima County relies on subject-matter experts to manage and implement programs. This episode explains how that structure allows the County to respond more effectively, use taxpayer resources responsibly, and ensure that discussions are informed by the people closest to the work.

Listeners will gain insight into how Pima County functions behind the scenes, how meetings are routed to achieve the most productive outcomes, and how residents can engage county government in a way that leads to clearer information and better results.

This episode reinforces Pima County’s commitment to transparency, coordination, and accessible government by helping residents better understand not just what the County does, but how it works for them.

Welcome to the first episode of Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott. Supervisor Rex Scott is joined by Nicole Scott (no relation!), Director of the Pima Early Education Program Scholarships, better known as PEEPs, for a conversation about why early childhood education matters, how this scholarship program began, and what it’s doing for families across Pima County.

Nicole shares the origins of PEEPS, tracing it back to the failed Strong Start Tucson ballot initiative and the community coalition that formed afterward, Preschool Promise, made up of early childhood advocates and business leaders committed to reducing barriers to high-quality preschool access.

Pima County committed to $10 million to fund scholarships for low-income children, noting the average preschool cost was about $800/month per child (and higher today). The program launched with federal pandemic relief funding and transitioned to a sustainable local funding approach enabled by state legislative action.

The episode also highlights how PEEPS expands both access and capacity—getting children into quality preschool “seats,” while also creating more high-quality seats countywide. Nicole describes the partnership with United Way and its Accelerate Quality program, which helps providers increase quality and grow capacity. PEEPS serves about 1,500 children per year and has supported roughly 5,000 children since launch, while Accelerate Quality has worked with 70+ providers, impacting 2,000+ children.

Listeners will also learn how K–12 school districts play a key role by hosting preschool classrooms on campuses—growing from 9 classes to 30+—and how Pima County works with First Things First to reach nearly 200 providers across private, nonprofit, and home-based settings through Arizona’s mixed-delivery system.

The conversation closes with a look ahead: PEEPS currently meets about 41% of the region’s need, and Pima County is working with community partners and employers to grow support, space, and awareness. Supervisor Scott connects PEEPS to the broader Prosperity Initiative, a regional policy framework focused on reducing intergenerational poverty by recognizing that families thrive when childcare and early learning are accessible, stable, and high-quality.

Guest: Nicole Scott, Director, Pima Early Education Program Scholarships (PEEPS)

Host: Rex Scott, Pima County Supervisor, District 1

Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott is an informational podcast produced by the Pima County District 1 Office to help residents better understand county programs, services, and initiatives.

Inside Pima County with Supervisor Rex Scott is a new podcast created to bring our community closer to the people, programs, and services that keep Pima County running. Hosted by District 1 Supervisor and Chair of the Board, Rex Scott, this series opens the doors to county government in a way that’s accessible, transparent, and genuinely human.

Every episode features candid conversations with the dedicated department and program directors who lead Pima County’s essential work—from public health and public safety, to parks, transportation, economic development, environmental stewardship, community resources, and beyond. These are the people who help make our neighborhoods safer, our region more resilient, and our quality of life stronger.

Whether you’re curious about how county decisions are made, want to understand the services available to your family, or simply enjoy learning more about the community you call home, this podcast offers a front-row seat to the work happening every day on your behalf.