Concern has been expressed that mesquite bosques are disappearing or diminishing in quality, and that the survival of the mesquite mouse is consequently threatened. This study, funded by a grant from the Arizona Heritage Fund to the Pima County Regional Flood Control District, investigated the current distribution of the mesquite mouse by reviewing historical records from museum specimens, examining existing potential habitat at historic locations of the species and elsewhere in the county, and conducting a live-trapping study at 19 sites representing a range of ecological communities with mesquite as a major component.

The budget process is a collaborative effort between all County offices and departments. The Office of Management and Budget, Human Resources, and the Maricopa County Elected Officials, the Judicial Branch, and Appointed County departments all participated fully. Negotiation sessions were held with all parties to discuss their base budget and budget issues. Detailed reviews of the budgets occurred prior to the negotiation sessions, and allowed a fruitful discussion to transpire. Many departments were able to fund their compensation or other budget concerns within their base budget, thereby offsetting the need for new funding.

The Countywide Strategic plan is a comprehensive planning document that organizes County government’s long-term vision into 10 strategic priority areas and 29 strategic goals. The Strategic Priorities outlined in this document were established to help maintain a focus on the most critical issues facing us as a local government over the next five years. They provide focus for policy and funding decisions and, where appropriate, provide guidance in the reallocation of existing resources. The accomplishments listed in the annual reports are reflective of the actions departments are taking to contribute to the overall success of achieving the goals in the plan.