Tucson NewsNet Daily Digest - A Service of the City of Tucson
CITY OF TUCSON CELEBRATES USDA GRANT TO GROW TUCSON'S TREE CANOPY AND INVEST IN WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT - The City of Tucson recently won a competitive, $5 million urban forestry grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to invest in Tucson neighborhoods on the frontlines of climate change. "This grant is another great example of how we are aggressively going after federal dollars to implement our Climate Action Plan," said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. "It will ensure that the benefits of trees are reaching our most vulnerable residents: our seniors, children, and low-income communities." The grant will help create more green spaces, invest in workforce development, and support community engagement to ensure the benefits of trees are equitably distributed. The grant relies on the City's Tree Equity Mapping tool and the work of the City's first Urban Forestry manager to support the Tucson Million Trees initiative, part of the City's Climate Action Plan (Tucson Resilient Together). The grant also includes a youth workforce development component to help Tucson create the green jobs of the future and develop the next generation of tree leaders to advocate and care for our urban forests. USDA's Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants Read the news release
TUCSON CRIME SCENE UNIT EARNS INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION - The Tucson Police Department's (TPD) Crime Scene Unit recently earned an international accreditation in Forensic Inspection (ISO/IEC 17020:2012). This prestigious accreditation, granted by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, signifies compliance with more than 150 rigorous requirements. The accreditation process involved a comprehensive evaluation of the unit's management practices, personnel qualifications, technical procedures, and quality assurance program. This recognition underscores the critical role of forensic work in law enforcement investigations and its importance in upholding the integrity of the criminal justice system. Achieving this accreditation positions TPD's Crime Scene Unit as an internationally recognized entity known for its integrity, reliability, and technical competence. It is the only accredited crime scene unit in Southern Arizona and the only accredited forensic inspection body in Arizona. Read the news release
WORKING GROUPS SCHEDULED AS PLAN TUCSON MOVES INTO PHASE 2 - Plan Tucson, the City's general plan, sets a vision for our City and its goals and policies to support reaching that vision. Working groups will convene this month and are expected to continue into next spring. During these sessions, participants will contribute their expertise and help the City of Tucson update its goals and policies to reflect community needs. If you are not able to join a working group, there are other ways to participate in this next phase of Plan Tucson outreach. Community forums will be held virtually on weekday evenings, approximately every two-to-three months, and provide an opportunity for community dialogue and feedback. Participate in a community forum over the next several months Plan Tucson
'BOO AT THE ZOO' TICKETS ON SALE NOW - Dig up your zombies, grab your ghouls, and show off your boo-tiful costumes at Reid Park Zoo, Oct. 20-22 and 27-29, for "Boo at the Zoo." Enjoy a not-too-frightful, family-friendly evening and annual Halloween tradition, presented by Lloyd Construction. Proceeds benefit Zoo animal care, operations, and education programs. Tickets are on sale now, but you must buy a particular entry time to make sure there's plenty of space for everyone. "Boo at the Zoo" information and tickets
ICYMI: NEW SLOTH HABITAT OPENS AT REID PARK ZOO (VIDEO) - Meet Gwen, Reid Park Zoo's new Linné's two-toed sloth, known as one of the slowest animals on Earth, with a speed of about one foot per second. Its habitat has a mural by local artist Alejandra Trujillo, featuring a South American dreamscape from a sloth's point of view. The sloth habitat was built as part of the Zoo's Master Plan. Guests can catch Gwen hanging out in his indoor/outdoor habitat in the South America Loop. Watch the video
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