Pima County Development Services Department

This is the 11th episode of Inside Pima County with Rex Scott, the show where we pull back the curtain on the people and decisions shaping life in our community. Today’s episode features Chris Poirier, Former Director of Development Services.

If you’ve ever replaced a water heater, built a home, or watched a major project rise from the desert floor, the DSD team has been part of that story. Chris joins us to talk about what it really takes to guide development in a county as large and diverse as ours — from everyday residential permits to 600‑acre master plans, from zoning hearings to long‑range planning that will shape the next decade.

We’ll explore how his department balances regulation with customer service, why public participation matters more than people think, and how state laws and voter initiatives shape what local government can and can’t do. Chris also talks about his legacy of 25 years at Pima County and reflects on what he’s learned about community, collaboration, and human nature along the way.