Our Mission
​Tucson IDA enables strategic economic and community development by providing financing and access to capital for projects and programs that benefit a thriving Tucson.
The Tucson IDA is a mission-driven government affiliated entity dedicated to expanding economic opportunity and improving quality of life for Tucson residents.
For more than forty years, the Tucson IDA has deployed flexible, innovative capital—through tax-exempt bonds, loans, and public-private partnerships to support affordable housing, nonprofit facilities, small-business growth, and community infrastructure.
The Tucson IDA is a strategic partner for local government, in this case the City of Tucson, to help leverage private investment for public good, making Tucson a more thriving, resilient, economically competitive community.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is made up of private citizens who volunteer their time and are appointed by the Mayor and Council of Tucson. They convene monthly or as needed, with each director serving a term of six years.
Board members are chosen for their professional experience and their contributions to Tucson community.
MEREDITH ARONSON
President, 2021 - 2027
Meredith Aronson has over 30 years of experience across higher education, small business, corporate, and government focused on organizations, technology, and innovation. She has founded/led 2 small businesses (manufacturing and consulting), led regional economic development efforts at Penn State University and New Jersey Institute of Technology, and most recently, is leading IT product strategy for the digital experience at the University of Arizona. She is passionate about regional economic development and creating economic opportunity through growing talent, innovation, and quality places.
TIM KINNEY
President-Elect, 2024-2030
Mr. Kinney is experienced in a wide range of complicated legal issues. Based in Tucson and with clients throughout Arizona, Tim specializes in compliance with local and state land use regulations and has significant experience with complicated entitlement issues, real estate transactions, and negotiating public/private partnership agreements. He has represented many clients on land use, zoning, real estate, and administrative law matters throughout Arizona.
MONIQUA LANE
Vice-President, 2021 - 2027
A native Tucsonan, it is Moniqua Lane’s deep connection to and reverence for Tucson’s history, culture and unique geography that informs the operational and aesthetic style of Motown Development, with a focus on innovative, small scale hospitality and multi-family development strives to create meaning through place. Of MoTown’s two principals, Moniqua brings experience developing, branding, marketing, and operating independent, boutique properties, both existing and ground up.
MIMI NOSHAY-PETRO
Secretary, 2025 - 2031
Melissa Petro, or “Mimi” as she is commonly known, practices in the areas of business transactions, real estate, and estate planning and probate. Ms. Petro represents individuals and organizations in connection with the formation, operation, and sale of their businesses to include leasing, employment, financing, and general business matters.
CHRIS SQUIRES
Treasurer, 2024-2030
Chris Squires brings over a decade of leadership experience in operations, strategic planning, and business development. As CEO of Fire and Ice Holdings he oversees all aspects of company performance.
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Chris has extensive board experience, having served with organizations such as the Downtown Tucson Partnership, Visit Tucson, the Arizona Craft Brewer’s Guild (as Treasurer), and the Tucson Waldorf School (as Development Chair). His expertise includes financial management, contract negotiation, and fostering sustainable growth for businesses and nonprofits alike.
PATRICIA SCHWABE
2021 - 2027
Patricia Schwabe has over 20 years of experience in real estate and as a small business owner in Tucson. Her businesses include Penca Restaurant and Owls Club. She and her husband, Ron, are partners in Peach Properties, a local development, sales and leasing real estate company focusing on Tucson’s downtown and warehouse districts. She is a trustee of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and a former board member of The Loft Cinema.
HECTOR JIMENEZ
2025 - 2031
Hector Jimenez is a real estate developer and board member renowned for his passion for adaptive reuse, urban infill, and neighborhood revitalization. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in architecture and both an MBA and Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. Through Central Barrio Development, he has transformed mid-century and abandoned buildings into vibrant, mixed-use and attainable housing projects across Tucson
GENERAL COUNSEL
Christopher Ambrosio's practice is focused in the areas of Commercial Litigation, Corporate Governance Law, Corporate Law, and Real Estate Law. Christopher is admitted to practice law in Arizona.
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Complementary Agencies
In the development finance industry, it is common for Development Finance Agencies (DFAs) like the Tucson IDA to create related nonprofit entities to expand their tools and impact. DFAs and non-profits each bring different—but complementary—financial instruments to the table, working together to strengthen communities.
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Groundswell Capital, a 501(c)3 and greenbank, is the primary lending arm of the Tucson IDA. Groundswell supports small businesses, accelerates clean-energy adoption, and invests in sustainability projects that strengthen community resilience and reduce energy burden.
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Through a management agreement the Tucson IDA facilitates the day to day activities of Groundswell Capital.