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Karin's Note
Friday, September 17, 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 Tucsonans,
Before I get into City news and our weekly announcements, I would like to start off with a big grito. It’s the Spanish word for a joyous yell of appreciation. This past week we celebrated Mexican Independence Day. Because of Tucson’s history and ties to Mexico, we recognize the importance and significance of that day in 1810 when Mexico began its bloody struggle to free itself from Spain. This week also kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month across the country in recognition of the countless contributions and sacrifices that Latinos and Latinas have made to this country.
Earlier this week, my colleagues and I discussed plans for how the city will invest the ARPA funds made available by Congress and the Biden/Harris administration. These funds will drive community reinvestment efforts, small business support, affordable housing, violence interruption and efforts such as workforce development to ensure a strong recovery, among others. This work is ongoing as we aim to balance the many needs and aspirations of Tucsonans while meeting the ARPA requirements and capacity limitations for both the City of Tucson and our nonprofit partners.
I have advocated that we ensure that funds are available to promising programs offered by community partners and, along with Council Member Santa Cruz, I am seeking ways to ensure that grassroots organizations are able to participate. This item will come before Mayor and Council again soon for further development and I invite you to reach out with your questions and suggestions to ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
Also, this week we discussed important developments regarding the City of Tucson’s COVID Vaccine Policy and our participation in the future RTA Next voter proposition. Both are covered in greater detail in this issue.
And make sure to read the announcements in the Ward 3 section of the newsletter.
Have a lovely weekend.
Karin
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City Council Vaccination Policy Update
The Mayor and Council on Tuesday stood firm on its earlier decision to require COVID vaccines for City employees who are not exempt but will hold off from full enforcement pending some on-going litigation.
I told my colleagues that it is prudent to pause so that the City will not waste valuable resources and time in any additional litigation. Our position is right and we will hold on to it, I said during our virtual study session.
Last month the Mayor and Council adopted a policy that would require our nearly 4,000-person work force to get vaccinated to protect the health of City employees and the public. The policy included legally-required exemptions and accommodations for qualifying employees. On Tuesday, City Manager Ortega said that about 83 percent of our employees have been vaccinated, a number we are proud of and demonstrates a commitment by the vast majority of the City’s employees.
But the spread of the Delta strain has placed a huge burden on our health-care system. The number of new cases and hospitalizations is approaching the high-water mark from last summer, leaving fewer valuable intensive care hospital beds available for others.
However, our aggressive and rational measures to stem COVID since the pandemic began last year has shown to be effective. Our measures are based on sound science and medicine, not on political positions and ideologies.
Tuesday the Mayor and Council directed the City Manager and Attorney to outline additional measures we can implement. Some of those measures include providing incentives to employees who have been vaccinated. Those employees could be eligible for raises and promotions and new job assignments, and to take work-related travel. They will have an additional floating day off and will be eligible for educational reimbursements.
For the current 163 employees who have not been vaccinated and have not pursued an available exemption, the five-day suspension will be put on hold for now. But for these employees, and for all of the 684 employees who have not been vaccinated, the City will explore mandatory COVID testing and masks at work.
We’re threading a needle to protect City employees and the public.
I believe these measures will help us move forward.
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PAG/RTA
At this week’s meeting the Mayor and Council unanimously passed the motion below offered by Council Member Uhlich:
“I move to direct the City Attorney to report to the Mayor and Council within 60 days with information on the legal applicability of pursuing the MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) model of governance, including proportional voting and veto power, for PAG, RTA and RTA Next.
“And I direct staff to report back within 60 days with an update on funding for the remaining City of Tucson RTA projects and governance concerns raised today.
“Finally, I move that, unless otherwise directed by subsequent Mayor and Council action, that the City of Tucson withdraw its participation in RTA Next on February 1, 2022.”
In recent years the City has expressed concerns regarding the lack of fairness in the governance model followed by PAG/RTA. Specifically, that city residents have a diminished voice in decision making. Also, the city is concerned with the potential budget shortfalls for the remaining projects in the City of Tucson.
The bottom-line is that the city and the region deserve transparency and fairness in how decisions are made and tax dollars are spent, and we deserve to know that the programs funded will actually be delivered.
For a bit of context, PAG is the Pima Association of Governments and is made of all the cities and towns in the county, the two Native American nations, an Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) representative, and Pima County. Those jurisdictions also form the Regional Council which is the decision-making body of PAG.
PAG is the Tucson region’s Metropolitan Planning Organization or MPO. MPOs are federally required entities that program state and federal transportation funds, conduct research, and gather data. Traffic counts are an example of the type of data. MPOs are required to represent local governments in all urbanized areas with populations over 50,000, as determined by the U.S. Census.
In the early 2000s, the state legislature authorized the creation of and voters approved a special county-wide taxing district, the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA). In 2006, voters approved a half-cent sales tax for 20 years, along with a four-phased (five years per phase) plan for the expenditures of the tax revenues. The sales tax is currently scheduled to expire at midnight on June 30, 2026. PAG manages the RTA.
As the motion above indicated, PAG and RTA are experiencing several alarming governance issues. Too many decisions are being made without a vote of the Regional Council and a breakdown in the rotation of leadership roles disenfranchises certain jurisdictions. The City of Tucson and Pima County have requested for months, in writing and at multiple committee meetings, to have a discussion of the remaining RTA project shortfalls at the PAG committee level. To date, there has been no public discussion. The City of Tucson and Tucson voters remain uncertain if they will see a return on investment for their tax dollars. The City and the County have requested an opportunity to discuss future agenda items as a standing item at all RTA meetings and continue to be ignored.
In light of the fundamental break-down in PAG’s existing governance approach, the City of Tucson has requested that weighted voting be considered. In the most recent census data that was released this year Tucson has a population of 542,629. The towns of Sahuarita, Oro Valley, and Marana have populations, as measured in the same census, of 34,134, 47,070, and 51,908 respectively. For voting purposes, in the PAG/RTA governance and decision making model, each jurisdiction is given one vote. Not all MPOs have the same structure. However, in the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), jurisdictions can exercise weighted voting.
Here's how MAG explains their voting and decision-making processes.
You can learn more about MAG processes here. Perhaps we have something to learn from Maricopa County as we chart a path forward.
Unfortunately, the PAG/RTA have been unwilling to adopt transparent and fair governance processes for the good of the region. The real question before us is what actions will the PAG/RTA take to keep the confidence of the City and Tucson voters in a future RTA Next.
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New Fire Station Coming -Tucson Fire Station 8 Is On The Move!
As part of the Tucson Delivers, Safer City Program, the city is preparing to build a new Fire Station 8 on Prince Road, replacing the current station at 250 W. King. The new location is on Prince west of Fairview on the south side of the street. The new location, on a major street, will afford Station 8 crews quicker access to the entire area.
The new state-of-the art facility will provide firefighters with current design and technology which will allow them to more effectively serve our Ward 3 neighborhoods in that area. The current site, tucked away on a residential side street off of North Oracle Road, is not suitable to meet the needs of the Fire Department and the community. The existing station on King Street was built in 1968 and no longer meets the health and safety needs of the department.
During Thursday evening’s Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association meeting, Assistant Fire Chief Joe Gulotta told residents that the new fire station will be built with the latest design methods to keep firefighters safe and healthy. There will be areas within the station where firefighters can decontaminate their work suits, a special air filtration system to reduce air-borne contaminants, individual sleeping quarters, and exercise room. There will be a separate room for visiting Tucson Police officers.
“We’re at the cutting edge,” he said.
Construction on the new station is scheduled to begin soon and will be completed 12-14 months later.
“When we move in you’ll be proud of the station. We’re only able to do this with the support of the community,” he added.
During construction, fire personnel will continue to occupy the station on King Street, one of the busiest in the city. Though the new location is farther west, Station 20 at 1st and River will support emergency response from the north and east.
The department will do everything in its power to minimize the impact this construction project may have on the residents and business in the area. Members of the department distributed information fliers to the neighbors adjacent to our new Prince Road site as well as neighbors adjacent to the existing fire station.
“We want to be good neighbors during the construction and after we open,” he said.
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Ward 3 Resource Fairs
Two community resource fairs are being planned for early next month in Ward 3. The first will be held at the Donna Liggins Recreation Center at Mansfield Park on Saturday, Oct. 2, and the second will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Wings of Freedom House near Grant and Alvernon. Both events will offer information on health and housing, an opportunity to expunge marijuana related criminal convictions, and are open to the public.
The Mansfield Park event will be held from 10 am-2 pm at the basketball court on the south side of the recreation center. Some of the resources and information that will be available include free COVID vaccinations, rental and utility assistance, food stamps and help for women and infants, employment opportunities, food boxes, children’s books and more. This fair is being co-sponsored by Ward 3, the Pima County Attorney’s Office, the City’s Park and Recreation Department, Ward 5, the County Attorney's office and the District 5 County Supervisor’s office.
The resource fair at Wings of Freedom will be from 4-6 pm at a City-owned public housing complex at 2425 N Haskell Dr. This fair will offer similar resources and information as the one at the Donna Liggins Center. Along with Ward 3, Ward 6 are cosponsoring the event.
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Just look at that grin and try to say no! Ruby is a 3-year-old pitty and is looking for a home this weekend. At just 35 pounds she can practically fit in your pocket! We don’t know a lot about her past, but if you have any questions or would like to come down the the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, you can contact their adoption counselors who will be happy to answer all your questions and give you background information on her. All members of the household (including other current household dogs, if possible) are welcome to come down to ensure the chosen Ruby is compatible with everyone during you appointment. Please call 520.327.6088 x173 or go to www.hssaz.org to find out more.
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Ward 3 Neighborhood Association/Coalition Meetings
Samos Tuesday September 21 6:30 pm Contact Ward 3 for details
JPNA Neighborhood Meeting Wednesday September 22 6:00 pm
zoom
Safety Coalition Meeting Tuesday September 28 6:00 pm
zoom
Alvernon Grant Initiative Tuesday October 12 6:00 pm zoom
If you would like to attend the Monthly Zoom AGI meeting, send an email to paloverdena@gmail.com with your request by Tuesday, October 12 at noon.
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Ward 3 Events
Resource Café
Check out Next week’s Thrive in 05 Resource Café. The Café streams live on Wednesdays at 12 noon or watch previous conversations on the Thrive’s Face page.
THRIVE IN THE 05 BUSINESS FORUM (IN PERSON)
Monday September 20 5:30-7:30 pm Brother Johns Beer, Bourbon & BBQ 1801 N Stone Ave
Hosted by City of Tucson Economic Initiatives and Pima Community College Workforce Development
Reconnect in-person with local Thrive in the 05 business owners as we discuss and continue to develop strategies together to work towards solving the local challenges that you experience as business owners within the Thrive in the 05 corridor.
Pre-Registration Required Participation Limited to Local Thrive in the 05 Business Owners/Business Representatives.
During this meeting we will also be engaging your feedback on ideas about the possibility of creating a Thrive in the 05 Business Coalition.
REGISTER TO ATTEND HERE
For More Information: https://www.thriveinthe05.com/business
Contact: Teresa Noon at 520-206-7031 | Email: tmnoon@pima.edu
Special thank you to John Aldecoa and Brother Johns Beer, Bourbon & BBQ for co-sponsoring this meeting.
Light appetizers will be served. (Food/Drinks available for purchase.)
Thrive in the 05 Co-Developer
The City’s Housing and Community Development Department has announced its new partner in taking the Thrive in the 05’s Transformation plan and Choice Neighborhoods grant application to the next level.
Gorman & Company will be a strategic partner and bring a wealth of experience and know-how to the Thrive in the 05 project. Gorman & Company is a national non-profit affordable housing developer that has had a strong presence in Arizona since 2008.
It will:
- Assist with finalizing the Choice Neighborhoods Transformation Plan and help to ensure the plan sets up the City to be competitive for a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.
- Develop a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant application (if Tucson’s project is eligible and competitive) and serve as the Housing Implementation Entity.
- Develop and implement a rehabilitation plan for the Tucson House whether or not Tucson is successful in securing a Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.
Gorman & Company has been developing and redeveloping affordable, workforce and mixed-income housing across the United States since 1984 and is consistently listed in the top 20 of the nation’s ‘Top 50 Affordable Housing Developers’ by Affordable Housing Finance Magazine. It has over 37 years’ experience in developing some of the nation’s highest quality affordable/workforce housing and neighborhood revitalization projects.
PimaFastTrack
PimaFastTrack is a new way to go to college and gain new, valuable skills. It’s built for adult learners who want to quickly get industry-recognized skills. Through PimaFastTrack you can work full-time and learn today's in-demand skills for a new career. Classes are hybrid and include virtual and in-person components. Go to this site for more information and registration. Classes begin Sept. 27: Automotive Technology Building Construction Technology Automated Industrial Technology Classes begin Oct. 4: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Classes begin Oct: 11 Cybersecurity/IT
Food Pantry
Food4Life is this Saturday, September 18th, at New Life Community Church of the Nazarene, 3367 N. Geronimo. Sign-up begins at 8 am. There will be vegetables, fruit, packaged food, desserts, dairy, and some meat. Select your own food. There are no income, residency, or other requirements
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City Wide Events
Mobile Vaccination Clinics
Get answers to your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Check our FAQ's to find up-to-date information on distribution, safety and much more.
Upcoming open mobile vaccination clinics -- no appointment needed
The variety of locations to get a COVID-19 vaccine makes it easier than ever to get a shot, but we know there are a lot of people still making up their minds.
To register someone who qualifies as an In-Home Long-Term Care Recipient, use this link.
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Did You Know?
PIMA COUNTY/CITY OF TUCSON PARTNERSHIP LEADING THE NATION IN DISTRIBUTION OF FEDERAL EVICTION PREVENTION FUNDS
The City of Tucson and Pima County’s Eviction Prevention Program, administered by the Community Investment Corporation, is currently leading the nation in distributing funds to renters in need during the pandemic, according to a report from Arizona Public Media. The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that Pima County has approved or paid nearly 80% of its share of the funds, compared to 30% nationally. Jennie Grabel, the director of marketing and communications for the Community Investment Corporation, said the program distributes about $1 million dollars in assistance every week. Grabel said her highest concern at the moment is that landlords are aware the funds are available and are willing to work with her team to keep as many Pima County residents in their homes as possible. The assistance includes up to 12 months of back rent and three months of future rent for qualifying tenants. 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 (520) 447-4423 to apply, and bilingual case managers are available. Arizona Public Media story Tucson and Pima County Eviction Prevention Program
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CITY OF TUCSON AND THRIVE IN THE 05 RECOGNIZED AS 2021 'GO GREEN AWARD' RECIPIENTS
Tucson Electric Power’s (TEP) Go Green Awards are presented annually to highlight the meaningful work of local businesses and organizations that protect our environment, preserve natural resources, and promote sustainability in some way in our community. The City of Tucson was awarded the Conservation Partner Award for its ongoing commitment to decarbonization in response to climate change. Examples of this commitment are Tucson Mayor Regina Romero’s goal of planting 1 million trees, the City’s efforts toward making Tucson’s only active landfill a “zero waste” sustainability campus, transit electrification, and Green Stormwater Infrastructure. Thrive in the 05, a City of Tucson collaborative in partnership with ASU’s Office of Community Health, Engagement, and Resiliency (OCHER) and Pima Community College, received the Community Partner Award for their efforts to make neighborhoods in the Oracle Road/Miracle Mile area a safe and flourishing community while highlighting the area’s unique treasures and supporting revitalization. Watch video of Conservation Partner Award for the City of Tucson Watch Video of Community Partner Award for Thrive in the 05 TEP Go Green Award Recipients Thrive in the 05
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VITA
Each year, VITA volunteers assist constituents of your Ward with tax preparation if their households earn up to $66,000. As you know, the most beneficial safety net benefits for many households are the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit and these can only be accessed by filing tax returns. We want to serve more people and to do that we need more volunteers. At this time, volunteers may offer in-person assistance (depending on pandemic status during the tax season) at physical locations or virtually—their work is done at home.
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