Arizona is one of the most highly urbanized states in the nation with 87.5% of the population as of 1990 lives in an urban area. Corporate American views Tucson for tourism and mining. It is also known for aviation, missiles and aerospace; and for its astronomy and optics like Kitt Peak and Mt. Graham observatories. "Economic success will increasingly be determined by how effectively an area can spur technological innovation, entrepreneurship, education, specialized skills, and the transition of all organization -- public and private -- from bureaucratic hierarchies to learning networks."

Four adjacent ranges define the western edge of the Avra and Altar valleys. Even though desert ironwood has dark green, lush foliage much of the year, this tree is almost exclusively a Sonoran Desert species. The same is true of the distribution of saguaros, foothill palo verdes, fishhook barrel cacti, and most of the hundreds of other plants growing here. These rugged ranges also provide natural refuges for a variety of wildlife, including desert bighorn and migratory pollinators. In addition to the biological resources, the area has abundant rock art sites and other archaeological sites.