A new solar initiative will help support Tucson jobs AZ.

The City of Tucson recently announced that it has received $389,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy to support phase two of the city’s solar initiative. Tuscon, which is one of 25 cities designated as a Solar America City by the DOE, currently has photovoltaic panels at 14 locations, which provide 1.1 megawatts of power.

“Solar energy is already an important growth industry for Tucson and will make significant contributions to meeting the region’s energy needs in the coming years.” Joe Snell, president and CEO of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities, Inc., said. “Already, the region employs over 2,000 people in the solar industry, contributing a total annual economic impact of $402.7 million to the greater Tucson economy.”

The funding Tucson received will be used to: research creative ways for municipalities to pay for solar installations; study how solar projects can be integrated into new city buildings from the beginning of planning; and establish a “one-stop solar shop” to provide comprehensive, unbiased information to people interested in installing solar equipment on their homes or other privately owned buildings.

In keeping with the focus on solar power, the House Committee on Science and Technology recently passed Gifford’s Solar Technology Roadmap Act. That bill would require the DOE to appoint a group of experts to create a long-term plan to guide solar energy research and its transition into commercial uses.

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords said the funds would help advance the use of solar energy in Tucson and make it easier for consumers to get comprehensive information on solar from a one-stop center.

“This award will allow the city of Tucson to continue its leadership in the use of solar energy,” she added.

If you’re looking to get into politics, you may want to consider the many Tucson government jobs available.

Tucson’s government industry employed 80,500 workers during September, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is up from 78,200 workers during August, but a 3.2 percent decrease from last year.

Tucson has what’s considered a “weak mayor” model of local government. The six-member City Council has exclusive legislative authority and shares executive authority with the mayor. The mayor is elected by voters apart from the council, while a city manager is appointed to overlook the everyday operations of the city. Bob Walkup currently serves as the mayor of Tucson.

Council members and the mayor are able to serve an unlimited number of four-year terms. Council members are nominated by their wards under a primary, with the person from each party earning the most votes competing for the final seat on the ballot.

Since 1985, mayoral and council candidates have been eligible to receive matching public funds from the city. In order to be eligible, council candidates must receive 200 donations of $10 or more, while mayoral candidates must receive 300 donations of the same amount.

Once those numbers have been met, candidates must then agree to spending limits of 33 cents per registered Tucson voter. In return, they are able to receive matching funds from the city at a 1:1 ratio of public money to private donations.

When it comes to federal politics, Tucson is divided between the 7th and 8th congressional districts of Arizona. The city center is in the 7th District, which has been represented by Democrat Raul Grijalva since 2003, while the areas to the north and east fall in the 8th District, which has been represented by Democrat Gabrielle Giffords since 2007.