Good morning, this is Tucson Local Pulse for Friday, January 17, 2025. We're starting off the day with some exciting news about the Tucson Jazz Festival, which kicks off today and runs through January 25. This 11th annual event promises nine days of incredible jazz performances across multiple stages in downtown Tucson, curated by Executive and Artistic Director Khris Dodge. If you're a jazz fan, you won't want to miss this. Plus, there are some fantastic food pairings, like Chef Janos Wilder's signature JDAWGs at the Rialto on January 18.
Moving on to the job market, Tucson's tech scene is booming. With over 9,300 tech companies employing nearly 190,000 professionals, the city ranks #13 among North America's up-and-coming tech markets. Tech wages have jumped 13%, making it a great time to break into the industry. Major companies like Phantom Space Corp and Radiance Therapeutics are driving growth, alongside startup and aerospace expansions. The University of Arizona is also playing a crucial role, developing new talent and partnerships. Key roles in demand include software developers, cloud architects, and cybersecurity experts.
In real estate news, we're seeing significant developments across the city. While there aren't any major property sales or zoning changes to report today, the city's focus on sustainable growth and community development is evident in the preliminary draft of Plan Tucson 2025. This comprehensive plan outlines 14 goals for the city's future, including fostering inclusive governance, supporting equitable communities, and promoting carbon reduction and resiliency.
From city hall, we have updates on the General Plan Update, which is expected to be on the ballot in November 2025. This plan aims to guide Tucson's growth over the next 10 years, addressing key concerns and aspirations of the community.
Weather-wise, today is looking sunny with a high of 68 degrees, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities like the Tucson Jazz Festival. However, we're expecting cooler temperatures by the weekend, so don't forget to layer up.
In new business activity, we're seeing a mix of openings and expansions. While there aren't any major announcements today, the city's vibrant tech ecosystem and growing innovation hubs are creating a lot of buzz.
Upcoming community events include the free performance by Andea and her band at Utterback on January 19, which is part of the Tucson Jazz Festival. Plus, there are numerous activities planned at local parks and community centers, so be sure to check those out.
In local school achievements, we're proud to mention that the University of Arizona is pumping out talented tech graduates, with over 1,200 annual graduates ready to innovate in the tech industry.
For a feel-good community story, we're highlighting the Arizona Innovators Hub, which is launching soon and promises to bring even more innovation and growth to the city.
In today's crime report, there have been no significant incidents or arrests in the past 24 hours. However, we always encourage our listeners to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
This has been Tucson Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI