UNINCORPORATED PIMA COUNTY – I’ve written volumes about how metro Tucson lags in prosperity, upkeep, aesthetics and services due to the fact that a whopping 36% of the metropolis is unincorporated. My musings have been met with corresponding volumes of silence.
Here in the unincorporated Foothills, the only time I hear from my local government of Pima County is when my wife and I get a property tax bill. Some residents with an anarchist bent or a court warrant might consider that a blessing.
At 9,000 square miles, the county is an amorphous blob without a soul, center, or distinguishing characteristic. It is the antithesis of a community. In other words, it is the opposite of a place of shared values, interests, issues, expectations, civic pride, and a responsive, close-by government.
No wonder county supervisors don’t see the need to communicate with residents and don’t seem to have have the interest or wingspan to do so.
In their defense, it’s difficult to write a meaningful and helpful communication across the 9,000 sq. miles when the issues and lifestyles are quite different between a suburb like the Foothills and such remote places as Gu Oidak, Wahak Hotrontk, Comobabi, Elephant Head, J-Six Ranchettes, and my favorite, Why.
I’ve wondered what residents of the unincorporated county say when they travel and are asked where they’re from. It’s doubtful that they puff up with pride and respond, “I’m from unincorporated Pima County.”
On the other hand, when one of the 122 residents of Why are asked where they’re from, they probably respond, “Why.” To which the questioner says, “Well, because I’m interested in knowing.”
In contrast with Pima County, I still hear from the City of Scottsdale, where Kim and I used to live before moving to the Foothills eight years ago for family reasons. By choice, I’ve remained on some of Scottsdale’s mailing lists.
One newsletter is of particular interest. It announces lectures and classes sponsored by the city for the general public and for HOA boards. They’re typically held at a library auditorium or other city facility.
I was a guest presenter at one session, and I would often ride my bike or walk along the pretty Green Belt to attend lectures at an attractive library in our neighborhood. It was a good way of meeting people and staying in touch with issues, especially in my role as an unpaid community columnist for the Arizona Republic, covering Scottsdale and the rest of the Northeast Valley.
Ironically, the latest newsletter announced a presentation on how Scottsdale came to be incorporated 75 years ago. To wit:
Paving the Way Toward Incorporation: Scottsdale’s Origin Story
1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Join Scottsdale community historian Joan Fudala for a photo-rich presentation on Scottsdale’s road to incorporation as a town in 1951. Discover the issues, personalities and challenges that led to incorporation and celebrate the milestones the city of Scottsdale and its residents have achieved together in the past 75 years. Although creating and running a world-renowned city is serious business, there have also been some lighter moments that give us reason to smile. Happy 75th anniversary, Scottsdale! Presenter: Joan Fudala. Register.
I’ll be sure to watch a video of the presentation in the hope of learning why and how Scottsdale (and other Phoenix suburbs) incorporated. The latest to incorporate is San Tan Valley, which is in Pinal County.
Maybe the presentation will give me some insights as to why so much of suburban Tucson has never incorporated. After all, it’s understandable why Why is unincorporated but not why 36% of metro Tucson is unincorporated.
For a list of other classes and lectures offered by Scottsdale this fall, see the appendix to this essay below.
Mr. Cantoni is an author, activist and retired executive. Contact: [email protected].
Appendix
City of Scottsdale Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026
Please register for all the free classes you want to attend this fall! You can always find more information, including a link to the Neighborhood College YouTube channel with past presentations.
The Good Neighbor Series
Home Sweet Scottsdale: Your guide to first-time homeownership
7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Ready to make Scottsdale feel like home? Join us for a first-time home buying workshop designed to guide you through the exciting journey of becoming a homeowner. Participants will learn practical skills and access valuable resources, including first-time home buying assistance, budgeting, understanding credit, exploring financing options, and navigating the home buying process. Presenter: City Staff. Register.
The Stories of Scottsdale History Series
Scoundrels, Rascals and Cutthroats Part II
1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Holland Center, 34250 N. 60th St. Our historical storyteller is back with two Scottsdale cases from the 1970s and 1990s that remain relevant today. There is a story of a teenager who was believed to have run away from home but was found dead more than 10 years later, and a shocking story of two men who were murdered after a road rage incident. Presenter: Bruce Wall, city of Scottsdale. Register.
Scottsdale Stories: Behind the Business
6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Some businesses stay around for more than one generation. But do you know the story behind the business? We will look at an auto parts store that has become one of the longest-lasting restaurants in Old Town and an insurance agent whose office has become part of the community! Presenter: Bruce Wall, city of Scottsdale. Register.
The Grand Ladies and Gentlemen of Scottsdale: Big personalities. Bigger stories.
1 to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Join us for an afternoon that’s guaranteed to put some pep into your historical step! For the very first time, acclaimed community historian Joan Fudala teams up with storyteller Bruce Wall to dish out the tales of unforgettable characters who helped shape Scottsdale into the vibrant community it is today. Expect surprising stories, lively twists, and a whole lot of Scottsdale personalities. Presenters: Joan Fudala and Bruce Wall. Register.
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The Community Association Board Series
Legislative Update and Community Nuisances
1 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. A community association attorney will break down recent case laws affecting HOAs and condos and provide an overview of bills signed by the governor in the most recent legislative session. Then we’ll cover real-world issues such as short-term rentals operating like “mini hotels,” late-night party houses, constant guest turnover, barking dogs, e-bikes speeding through common areas and parking problems in HOAs and condos. Presenter: Mulcahy Law Firm. Register.
Understanding Financial Obligations: Budgeting and Fraud Prevention
1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. As an HOA board member, understanding your financial, statutory, and budgeting obligations are crucial for your association’s financial health and ensuring you comply with state requirements. This class will also cover HOA/Condominium fraud prevention, including industry fraud trends/statistics, tips for avoiding fraud, and various indicators of fraud. Presenter: Associated Asset Management (AAM). Register.
Let’s Get Together: The Proper Way to Conduct HOA/Condo Board Meetings
6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. This seminar will discuss the proper way to conduct association meetings. It will include detailed information on board meetings, member meetings, unanimous written consent, and email communication. Presenter: Shaw & Lines Law Firm, LLC. Register.
Board Member Burnout
1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Mustang Library Auditorium, 10101 N. 90th St. This class will discuss common warning signs of board burnout and provide practical strategies boards can implement to reduce workload, improve communication and create a more sustainable leadership structure. Topics will include setting expectations for board service, establishing communication protocols, utilizing committees and management companies effectively, handling difficult owners, improving meeting efficiency and developing succession planning within the board. Presenter: Mulcahy Law Firm. Register.
Enforcing Your HOA/Condominium’s CC&Rs
6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. One of the primary duties of an HOA/Condominium board is to enforce the rules, regulations, and restrictions. This seminar will discuss how to legally and effectively enforce your CC&Rs and other rules and restrictions. Presenter: Shaw & Lines Law Firm, LLC. Register.
HOA/Condominium Board Roundtable
This is for board members of HOA and condominium associations only. This one-hour session will have a special guest in the first 30 minutes and for the second, we’ll talk about what you want, and we’ll brainstorm solutions together! The roundtable will be held in the Book Discussion Room of the Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St.
- 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Register.
- 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13 – Register.
- 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 – Register.
You can find out more information, register for new classes, or watch videos of previous classes. If you have any questions or need assistance registering for classes, please email [email protected] or call 480-312-7898.
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