Tucson, AZ is located 118 miles southeast of Phoenix, AZ. Tucson is the site of the flagship school of the state university system, the University of Arizona. Tucson comes from the Spanish word Cuk Ṣon meaning "Settlement at the base of the Black Mountains" a reference to the mostly volcanic mountains on the west side of the city. The most notable of these mountains is Sentinel Peak, better known as "A Mountain" because it sports a large letter A in honor of the University of Arizona. Tucson is sometimes referred to as "The Old Pueblo."

Downtown Tucson is undergoing a revitalization effort by city planners and the business community. The primary project is Rio Nuevo, a large retail and community center that has been in planning for more than ten years.

Much of Tucson's economic development has been centered around the development of the University of Arizona, which is currently the second largest employer in the city.