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Karin’s Ward 3 News and Updates
Friday, June 25, 2021
News and Updates
Pet of the Week
Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings
Ward 3 Events
City Wide Events
Did You Know?
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Dear fellow Ward 3 residents,
At Tuesday’s Mayor and Council meeting we moved forward on a number of critical fronts, all in an effort to strengthen our community, enhance our resiliency and prepare ourselves for coming changes.
We adopted a new budget of $1.9 billion for the fiscal year 21-22 which allows the City more flexibility to adapt to the continuing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and enhancing core civic services. The budget provides $14 million for road repaving, $33 million for employee raises which brings them to market-rate levels, $5 million for a robust Community Safety Program and incorporates $67 million from the President Biden’s American Rescue Plan which is distributed through various departments, including housing and transportation. Mayor and Council will consider at a later date where to distribute other Rescue Plan dollars.
The Mayor and Council adopted new regulations to our residential building code to make way for the coming of electric vehicles, a move championed by my predecessor, Paul Durham. We expanded the Central Business District to incorporate existing industrial and commercial zones to allow for future economic growth while ensuring protections to neighboring residential areas and lastly we adopted a new water rate for Tucson Water customers who live outside the City.
While the differential water rates drew opposition from some County residents who will be affected, Tucson’s action is no different than many other Arizona municipalities. The increased revenues will be put back into the water infrastructure system and help low-income families sustain their water service.
Speaking of water, we are grateful for the brief much-needed rain that fell on Wednesday, a day before Día de San Juan, Tucson’s traditional start of our monsoon season. Whether we observe June 24 through a religious or a secular lens, we can all agree that we love our desert summer rains which serve as a reminder that we live in a fragile ecosystem which we must protect and preserve.
Have a wonderful safe and, hopefully, wet weekend.
Karin
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EV Future Is Here
I cast a vote at Tuesday’s City Council meeting of which I am particularly proud of. The Mayor and Council unanimously approved changes to our City building code that will require new residential construction to have a charging unit for electric vehicles. I am particularly proud of my vote and my colleagues’ consensus because we followed the groundwork that my predecessor, Paul Durham, had established.
The new policy is also the work of my Ward 3 Chief of Staff Sarah Launius and other city staff, with a big lift from Scott Clark and his staff at Planning and Development Services Department.
The new code calls for the installation of a 40 amp circuit and a receptacle near a parking space in new one and two-family residential construction. Moreover, Mayor and Council directed city staff to develop similar code amendments for EV charging outlets in new multi-family residential and commercial construction.
I believe that the new EV-Readiness policy is a sensible approach and reasonable investment. This sets the foundation for the inevitable future of electric vehicles and the reduction of the use of fossil fuels. This will enhance our climate resiliency and adaption.
This step is a key component of the City’s Electric Vehicle Roadmap which was adopted in April. It is a guide to move the City toward adoption of electric vehicles within city operations and community-wide. This effort will help achieve goals in the Climate Emergency Declaration that the Mayor and Council approved last year.
The City’s Commission on Climate, Energy and Sustainability previously recommended that we adopt an EV-ready requirement for new residential construction given that:
- Supporting the electrification of transportation helps to improve air quality and community health
- Supporting the electrification of transportation is important for addressing climate change
- Electric vehicles are rapidly increasing in popularity and providing the necessary infrastructure for them is essential to their success
- Installation of charging outlets during new construction is significantly less expensive versus retrofitting existing homes
Our analysis reveals that it typically costs around $200 to include an EV outlet in the construction of a new residential home. Along with a $100 incentive from Tucson Electric Power, the total cost per home is approximately $100.
This is just of many steps that Mayor and Council have taken and plan to take to create a more sustainable environment.
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Differential Water Rates
This week the Mayor and Council approved differential water rates for customers in unincorporated Pima County. Below is the motion that was offered by Council Member Paul Cunningham. The motion outlines the rates and what the funds can be used for. The motion was approved 7-0. At this link you may watch the recorded Mayor and Council meeting where the ordinance was adopted.
“I move that the Mayor and Council adopt Ordinance No. 11846, adopting a differential water rate for customers in unincorporated Pima County, but with the following conditions:
- The rates in the Ordinance shall be adjusted to incorporate Option 7, as set out in the Mayor and Council Communication and agenda materials.
- The Option 7 rates will take effect on December 1st, 2021.
- All additional revenues that will be generated by the adopted differential rates will be retained entirely within the utility and will be used for the following three purposes:
- Infrastructure maintenance and upgrades to enhance water delivery from the City Limits to outside the City Limits.
- Climate Resiliency and Water Sustainability for recharge, retention and reclamation projects, (primarily outside the city limits) and enhancing the tree canopy throughout the entire Tucson Water system.
- Financial resiliency in the form of expansion of the low-income program and a one-time pay down of eligible delinquent accounts that have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
By this Motion, the Mayor and Council find that implementing this rate structure under Option 7 results in reasonable differential rates and advances critical policy considerations including:
- The rate structure supports and rewards annexation and incorporation, providing economic benefit and increase state shared revenues for the City and the region;
- The rate structure recognized that the City, as owner of Tucson Water, bears financial risks and liabilities that are not shared by the unincorporated county residents, including the City’s financial backstopping of the utility;
- The rate structure promotes environmental sustainability and water conservation, particularly in areas outside the city limits where the City has limited powers to promote those interests;
- The rate structure is common among other Arizona municipal water providers for similar policy reasons.
I further direct staff to complete a broad cost of service analysis that is based upon the rates in Option 7 and further considers the economic and environmental benefit to the region; considers annexation and incorporation, and recognizes that as the owner of the utility the City bears risks and liabilities that the County does not.”
Here is the table that outlines Option 7:
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CBD Expansion
The Mayor and Council gave its final and unanimous approval to expansion of the Central Business District, after a process of public meetings and presentations.
“The goal of this program is to attract development and redevelopment projects that will help the City achieve its vision of an equitable, vibrant, sustainable, inclusive, diverse, thriving, and affordable community,” said Barbra Coffee, director of the City’s Office of Economic Initiatives.
The Council first adopted the CBD in 2012 and renewed it in September 2020. The latest action expands the special taxing area as allowed by state law. The City will have at its disposal an economic tool known as the Government Property Lease Excise Tax, an eight-year property tax abatement for eligible projects within the Central Business District.
Much of the expanded area is in Ward 3. One portion is largely north of West Grant Road, west of the freeway and along the river. An adjoining portion is east of the freeway, between Miracle Mile and Prince Road. Another portion lies east of Oracle Road between Blacklidge and Prince Roads.
If you have any questions related to eligibility for development incentives in the Central Business District, please contact the Office of Economic Initiatives at 520-837-4079.
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First Avenue Town Hall
The City’s Transportation and Mobility Department would like to hear from Ward 3 residents who live and work along or near North First Avenue on what you would like to see for the corridor’s future. The Department has started early planning on a makeover for First Avenue from Grant Rd to River Rd. As part of this process a “Needs Assessment” will be conducted. The assessment will examine existing conditions and compare 4- and 6-lane project alternatives.
A virtual town hall will be held Tuesday, June 29th in English at 6 pm and in Spanish at 7 pm. Here is the meeting link. Also, you can complete the survey at this link.
Whether First Avenue remains four lanes or expanded to six, a new bridge will be constructed over the Rillito. The new corridor will have a raised median, enhanced bike lanes, continuous and accessible sidewalks, upgraded traffic signals, landscaping, new pavement, and other features.
The 1st Avenue improvement project is part of the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) plan approved by voters in 2006 and funded through a ½-cent regional sales tax. The Needs Assessment was conducted by the City of Tucson before starting the RTA project design process to update project cost estimates, identify corridor needs in context of the City of Tucson’s Complete Streets policy, and to re-visit the project description from the RTA plan.
Community input will be collected until mid-August 2021 and then the city will make a final alternative selection based on resident preferences and corridor needs. After the alternative is selected, the City will begin project design in late 2021 or early 2022. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2024 or 2025.
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Blanche
Have you ever seen a prettier coat than Blanche’s blue and cream shorthair? She is just as pretty as a picture. Her coloring comes from the common most common color of the British shorthair and her temperament draws from the breed as well. British shorthair cats are one of the oldest recognized cat breeds. When it comes to temperament, British shorthairs are hard to beat: They're active without being boisterous, they're affectionate without being cloying, and they're smart but don't feel the need to show off by figuring out how to open your refrigerator. Blanche is sweet, laid back, and will make a loyal companion.
It’s coming up on Blanche’s second birthday and she would loooove to spend it in her forever home. If you are interested in adopting her, please submit an adoption survey and visit Pima Animal Care Center during regular business hours. Please email pacc.adopt@pima.gov with additional questions.
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Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings |
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Jefferson Park Safety Meeting
Tuesday
June 29
6 – 7 pm
Join
Next Safety meeting, September 28
JPNA June Neighborhood Meeting
Wednesday
June 30
6 – 7 pm
Join
Cabrini
Thursday
July 1
6-7 pm
zoom
El Cortez
Thursday
July 1
6:15-7:45
zoom
Alvernon/Grant Initiative
Tuesday
July 13
6 pm
Zoom
If you would like to attend the Monthly Zoom AGI meeting, send an email to paloverdena@gmail.com with your request by Tues. July 13, at 12 pm.
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Planned Area Development Virtual Informational Meeting
Wednesday
June 30
5:45 pm
Zoom
The City of Tucson has a plan for a Planned Area Development west of I-10 between Prince and Miracle Mile along the Freeway. Join this informational meeting to find out more.
City Council Meeting
Tuesday
July 7
Click here and go to "Mayor & Council Meeting Live" to watch! (To watch past meetings, visit the City of Tucson YouTube page. This is also where future meetings will be live streamed.
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24th Annual Fireworks Celebration
Sunday
July 4
9:15 pm
TCC Parking Lot B opens at 7
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Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Funds Still Available
The federal eviction moratorium is set to expire on June 30. Applications are still being accepted for the Eviction Prevention Program in Tucson. The Mayor and Tucson City Council approved spending $27.1 million ($19.1 million from the City of Tucson and $8 million from Pima County) for the Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention/Emergency Rent and Utility Relief Program. Through the coordinated efforts of the City, County, and the Community Investment Corporation, both tenants and landlords/property managers (acting on behalf of tenants) can now apply for funds. Dual enrollment of tenants and landlords is accepted. Funding requests for unpaid rent and utilities are available for up to 12 months in arrears and three months in advance. For information, eligibility requirements, and to apply online, visit the Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention Program website linked below. Those without internet access can call (831) 292-4308 to apply, and bilingual case managers are available.
Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention Program From the Arizona Daily Star
In addition, The Arizona Department of Economic Security is now administering utilities assistance to Arizona renters across the state.
If you are a renter and have been impacted by COVID-19, you may be eligible for past-due and future utilities assistance. To learn more about the program and how to apply, please visit here.
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2021 Summer Sun Cooling Stations
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Transit Rides Will Remain Free Through December 31
Los viajes en tránsito seguirán siendo GRATUITOS hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2021.
According to a Sun Tran press release, fares will remain free through December 31, 2021 on Sun Tran, Sun Link, Sun Van, Sun On Demand and Sun Shuttle.
The City of Tucson pulled ride fees in March of 2020, with the onset of the pandemic. The move was an effort to avoid crowding at the farebox and to provide some fiscal relief to riders during a challenging economic environment. Federal grant money was used to cover the loss in revenue up to this point. While budget planning for fiscal year 2022, the Mayor and City Council members affirmed free transit service is a priority.
Las tarifas seguirán siendo gratuitas hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2021 en Sun Tran, Sun Link, Sun Van, Sun On Demand y Sun Shuttle.
La ciudad de Tucson retiró las tarifas de transporte en marzo de 2020, con el inicio de la pandemia. La medida fue un esfuerzo para evitar la congestion en la caja de tarifas y brindar algún alivio fiscal a los pasajeros durante un entorno económico desafiante. El dinero de la subvención federal se utilizó para cubrir la pérdida de ingresos hasta este momento. Si bien la planificación presupuestaria para el año fiscal 2022, el alcalde y los miembros del Concejo Municipal afirmaron que el servicio de transporte gratuito es una prioridad.
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