Pima County contracted with Arizona Game and Fish Department to conduct telemetry analysis and gather information that would lead to effective conservation and recovery initiatives for the cactus ferruginous pygmy-owl. During 1997, banded birds were monitored. Beginning in 1998 and during 1999, pygmy-owls were radio-marked with backpack transmitters and followed on foot or by vehicle.

Updates and enhances the July 1998 study which found upon review of 35 county government programs in high growth regions that Pima County generally had lower expenditures per capita and limited impact fee and affordable housing measures, compared to jurisdictions with similar pressures. This study provides a summary of the recent data and an analysis of how Pima County compares in the areas of expenditues, impact fees, and affordable housing programs in counties in Florida, California, and other Western States.