|
|
I’m excited to announce the formation of a new non-profit to support charitable and neighborhood projects in Ward 3. While we don’t need donations yet, what we do need are people interested in serving on the initial Board of Directors or one of the group’s committees.
Friends of Ward 3 will raise money and organize volunteers to assist and further grow the many helpful programs for vulnerable populations, tree plantings, sustainability projects, neighborhood associations, and events in the Ward.
Why this and why now? The federal ARPA recovery funds that have been allocated to seed new projects and assist existing non-profits runs out this year, even though the need continues to grow. Friends of Ward 3 will continue this good work. It will also help neighborhood associations raise tax-deductible donations for projects they hope to accomplish.
Are you interested? Do you have experience or skills appropriate to charitable fundraising and oversight? Are you involved in neighborhood projects? Do you have some flexibility in your schedule and want to help with something great? Please send us (ward3@tucsonaz.gov) an email expressing your interest and telling us a little about yourself.
 Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl (right) with Climate Fellow Chris Allen (left).
We said a sad goodbye this week to Climate Fellow Chris Allen, who has helped us out since September. An undergraduate student at Lafayette College in Pennsylvania, Chris spent part of his semester taken off for personal reasons here at Ward 3 working on climate change projects.
Chris worked in my office every week except during the December holidays. His mission was to help our office with the many climate and water resource issues we are following and acting on. Chris attended meetings – both in person and virtually – where he took notes, participated in discussions, and prepared summaries. He attended City and public events and helped prepare materials for some events. Chris organized and maintained our office climate change and water resource files. He did excellent research to prepare for meetings, and to add to our files of important issues.
We wish Chris all the best as he continues his university studies.
|
|
 Clockwise: Ward3 Community Liaison Mike Edmonds, Executive Director of South West Fair Housing Council Jay Young, Ward 3 Council Aide Marlene Avelino, Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl, and Ward 3 Council Aide C.J. Boyd.
One of our first meetings of 2024 was with Jay Young, Executive Director of the SouthWest Fair Housing Council (SWFHC) - a member of the National Fair Housing Alliance. Established in 1986, the SWFHC's intention is to ‘stop housing discrimination and to help those who have experienced it stand up for their rights.’ They advocate for and facilitate the enforcement of the Federal and State Fair Housing Act in addition to the Non-discriminatory Ordinances of different Arizona municipalities.
The federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) was passed in 1968 makes it illegal to discriminate in any aspect of housing because of an individual’s race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (applicant has children), or disability. In addition to these seven protected classes, the City of Tucson added four more protected classes in 1988: age, ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, and marital status. At the end of 2022, Mayor and Council amended the 1988 code to include ‘Source of Income’ protections - meaning landlords can’t discriminate against those receiving housing assistance.
 Rental property opportunity in Ward 3.
SWFHC is a non-profit organization funded in part by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), state funding, city funding, CDBG grants and personal donations. They have two main areas of focus, enforcement and education / outreach.
Enforcement includes testing landlords or using mystery shoppers. A ‘control’ applicant goes through the initial process of renting an apartment. Then they send another applicant with kids or refugee status, or holding a voucher. The differences in treatment are recorded and if there is a violation, SWFHC pursues legal action. ‘Control’ testers are sent out when a complaint is submitted. If you are interested in being a tester, click here. Jay shared that roughly 50-60% of complaints submitted to SWFHC are disabilities related, from not being rented to due to a disability to not being accommodated when a renter develops a disability during their lease - like needing grab bars in the shower or a ramp for entrance/exit accessibility.
SWFHC serves residents statewide and conducts at least four training sessions throughout the 13 rural counties and at least one session in Maricopa and Pima counties yearly. Half of these workshops are geared toward housing professionals such as site managers, property owners, leasing agents, lenders, and housing authority staff. The other half are geared toward housing consumers. Please check out their event calendar to see upcoming training sessions.
|
|
 First Avenue just north of Grant Road.
The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is gearing up for some safety improvements on First Ave between Grant Road and River Road. To that end, they are in the process of forming a First Avenue Citizens' Corridor Planning Task Force. This is a group of residents who will be helping make sure the changes center the needs of those who use First Avenue. You can apply to be on the Task Force by clicking here.
The task force will consist of 15 members representing areas of the community that will be most directly affected by the First Avenue project. Those who apply should fall into one or more of these categories:
- Reside near First Avenue
- Own a business or property along First Avenue;
- Use the corridor for daily trips
- Can represent the interests of pedestrians, transit users, and/or bicyclists on First Avenue
As many of our readers may know, there has been some hubbub around improvements on First Avenue over the years because back in 2006 voters approved a street widening. But more recent polling showed that people overwhelmingly prefer to make First Avenue safer, rather than wider. Street widenings (like the one on Grant Road) mean tearing down homes and businesses in order to make room for more cars.
 First Avenue looking north just south of Fort Lowell Road.
The majority of those polled in recent years felt that while First Avenue did not have enough traffic to warrant this destruction of existing businesses, there are an alarming number of pedestrian and bike deaths and injuries on First Avenue that should be addressed by safer infrastructure for those walking and biking.
This Task Force has the opportunity to be a part of that process by overseeing the RTA’s plans to address these safety concerns. Residents have until January 31st to apply. The Ward 3 office will be part of the selection process, along with the Department of Transportation and Mobility. In keeping with our commitments to safety and addressing climate change, we will be selecting neighbors who will prioritize safety for bus riders, walkers, and cyclists.
Because this is an RTA project, and not a City of Tucson project, it is worth noting that people can be selected even if they already serve on two city boards or commissions.
RTA anticipates the preliminary project design to begin in early 2024 and last around 18 months. The Task Force will meeting every one to two months, or as needed, at key project milestones throughout design. For more information about the project, click here.
|
|
|
In an effort to be transparent about our unhoused residents in Tucson, once a month, we will publish the most up to date statistics regarding the number of encampments reported in each ward in the City.
  Total reports submitted: 11,429
Not an encampment reports: 35% Duplicate reports: 49%
Total cases created 1,433
Percent breakdown by Tiers:
Tier 1: 40%
Tier 2: 13%
Tier 3: 43%
For more information regarding the definitions of the different tiers or to report an encampment please refer to the Homeless Encampment Protocol and reporting Tool using the button below.
|
|
|
GOOSE /ID# A821280
Age: 2 years
Qualities:
If you're looking for an adventure partner, Goose is your guy! This young, playful, happy boy is always up for fun, whether it's a walk, playtime, or even an agility training session! Goose also enjoys wrestling with other dogs and may enjoy being a companion for another playful pup! This guy is all fun!
Fee:
Goose has a $0 adoption fee. A $20 license fee applies to adult dogs. Adoption includes spay or neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip, and a free vet visit.
Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12 - 7 p.m.
Wednesday 1:30-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m - 5 p.m.
|
|
|
Keeling Neighborhood Association
Monday 1/22, 7 - 8:30 am
Cornerstone Fellowship Church - Social Hall
2902 N Geronimo Ave
Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association
Wednesday 1/24, 6 - 7 pm
1510 E. Grant Rd
The Ward 3 office is open open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from
9 am -1 pm, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at 520-791-4711 or email ward3@tucsonaz.gov.
|
|
The Mountain Ave wash clean-up will take place on Saturday, January 20th, from 9am to 11am
Location: North Mountain Ave Wash
Meeting Point: 1351 E. Limberlost Drive Tucson, AZ 85719
Parking Areas: Rio Vista Elementary School Parking lot, 1351 E. Limberlost Drive
Date: January 20, 2024
Time: 9:00am to 11:00am
What to bring:
- Water bottle and extra water!
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Closed-toe, sturdy shoes
- Long pants; long sleeves
- Sturdy gloves, if you have them
Provided for you:
- Sunscreen
- Park patrols
- Gloves
- Safety vests
Free Food Distribution January 20th at 8 am
 
Tucson Water is testing their new Home Water Works Calculator
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Water/Conservation/DIY-Water-Audits to sign up for this test program. This opportunity is open to the first 2,000 customers who opt-in.
St. Francis Soup Patrol Monday- Friday at 5pm
 St. Francis Shelter Community has partnered with Caridad Kitchens to provide Ward 3 unhoused with hot soup and Hot Cocoa. We serve Monday thru Friday starting at 5 pm until soup is gone. Caridad Kitchen has done a fantastic job with providing delicious, hearty and nutritious soup. We are pleased serve from Salvation Army at 218 E Prince Rd. This is their first go with soup patrol and so far things are going well. They also have blankets, cold weather items to hand out based on various donations St. Francis Shelter Community receives.
If you'd like to volunteer please reach out to Shawn Milligan, Director of Operations at 520-461-4943.
Christopher Columbus Park Phase 2 Public Engagement Meeting and Survey
Tucson Parks and Recreation is in the planning and design for phase 2 of park improvements and would like your input on the proposed concept plan. We are hosting a meeting at the park on Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Christopher Columbus Park at the extra-large ramada #5 under the solar panels. The community will be able to talk with staff about the future projects planned for this park. Take the survey to give us your feedback. The survey will be open online through Sunday, Feb. 11.
Key features in the concept plan:
- 12 pickleball courts
- Four tennis courts
- Expanded dog park facilities
- Two covered basketball courts
- Two new restrooms
- New Playgrounds (2-5 years and 5-12 years)
- New Splash Pad
- Expanded parking
- Walking paths and landscape nodes
- Flexible lawn areas
Tucson Parks and Recreation is getting ready to design Phase 2 projects at La Madera Park, 2700 E La Madera Dr. Saturday, Feb. 10, 10-11:30 am
Below are the projects outlined in the bond. Give us your feedback on the proposed projects.
Phase 2
- New walking path
- New splash pad
- Renovate irrigation system
Join us at the park to talk with staff about the future improvements at this park including a new splash pad, walking path, and irrigation.
Take the survey to provide your feedback on the planned improvements. The survey will close on Sunday, Feb. 18.
Prince Food Pantry 7-8:30 am the First Friday of Every Month
Yoga in the Garden Every Wednesday at 2 pm
Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave
 Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30- 6:00 pm,
Thursdays 6:00 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8 am-9:30 am.
https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
Ready, Set, REC! in January
|
|
Turbeville Talk Upcoming Event on January 26 from 1-2:15 pm
The Frances McClelland Institute is excited to invite you to our next engaging Turbeville Talk scheduled for Friday, January 26, 2024, from 1-2:15 p.m. The upcoming talk is titled "Development and Effectiveness of the Parent Support Program, an Online Intervention for Parents and Caregivers of Trans and Gender Expansive Youth." Presented by Dr. Em Matsuno from Arizona State University.
ChangeMakers Grant Program For Small Businesses
Launch, Grow, or Invest With Up to $10,000 in Grant Funding
Even though it may seem like business-as-usual, we know our small business community continues to struggle post-pandemic. Groundswell Capital* a nonprofit financial institution dedicated to equity, sustainability, and innovation has partnered with the City of Tucson to invest one million dollars in our entrepreneurs and small businesses.
These funds can be used to start or grow a company in Tucson. We are investing in upskilling our workforce and greening our communities. We are celebrating and telling the stories of the small businesses that are the heart of our city.
Applications accepted until February 11, 2024.
*Groundswell Capital is a new support organization for the Tucson IDA who has been investing in small business and affordable housing Tucson since 1979.
|
Join an Info Session or Office Hours
We are hosting bilingual events throughout the month of January to spread the word and assist small businesses with their applications. Review our calendar of events for more details and links for virtual sessions. Kickoff Info Session Jan 9th.
Paul Cunningham's Afterschool Wednesday Hoops for Kids Starting January 24 from 3-5 pm at Jesse Owens Park
Almost 4 million middle schoolers in the US are left unsupervised between 3 pm and 6 pm.
TUSD kids have an extra hour of unsupervised time because Wednesday is early out day. Every Wednesday during the school year, Ward 2 hosts Wednesday afternoon hoops at the covered court at Jesse Owens park. Each week, members of the Tucson Buckets (Tucson's semi-pro ABA team) join TUSD middle schoolers for a mini clinic that focuses on technical basketball and having fun. Ward 2 provides drinks and snacks and we just bought a portable electronic scoreboard!
Prevent Lead Exposure in Your Home
Programa de Control de Peligros de Pintura a Base de Plomo
What are your opinions about tourism in Tucson and Pima County? Visit Tucson has created a resident sentiment survey for you to share your thoughts about tourism in the region. Your opinion matters and we want to hear from you.
To thank you for participating, we're giving away $100 restaurant gift cards to four (4) lucky people who complete the survey by January 21.
The survey will take 10-15 minutes and gives residents the opportunity to provide critical feedback about quality of life and placemaking priorities that will improve resident pride and satisfaction, and in turn benefit the visitor experience.
We value and appreciate your input.
Survey responses are confidential and are being collected by travel industry research partner Longwoods International, who will share the aggregate responses with Visit Tucson. Data provided in this resident survey will guide Visit Tucson’s ongoing implementation of our 10-year tourism master plan and annual strategic plans.
Come Help Clean Up The Santa Cruz River January 20 From 9am-noon at 902 S. Verdugo Ave
This is a helpful event for survivors of domestic or intimate partner violence on January 25, 2024 between 1-4 pm
 Este es un evento para los sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica o de pareja el 25 de enero de 2024 entre la 1 y las 4 pm
Resources for Your Pet Through the Community Foundation of Southern Arizona Pima Alliance for Animal Welfare (PAAW)
 Pima Alliance for Animal Welfare (PAAW), an initiative of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, is working to ensure all Pima County companion animals have a loving home and humane care. Through its Human Animal Bond subcommittee, PAAW helps identify, establish, and share services that will help community members better care for their pets.
One of the ways the Human Animal Bond Subcommittee supports this goal is by sharing a monthly list of free and reduced-cost resources compiled by No Kill Pima County.
TNR Services
Free Community Cat Trap Neuter Return | Monday – Friday Throughout January
- Santa Cruz Veterinary Clinic | 5408 S. 12th Ave
- Check-in is from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Blackout dates apply. There are no drop-offs on 1/26.
- Check the Santa Cruz Vet Facebook page or call 520-889-9644 for any additional updates/questions.
Vaccines, Microchips, & Other
January 31st | Drive-thru 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Pathways For Paws | Parvo/Distemper vaccines and $15 microchips | 2035 E. 17th St. | Microchip includes free registration; rabies not available (required for licensing). First come, first served. Questions: text 520-444-7803
Pet Food Assistance
- Cody’s Friends offers free food year-round for pets and community cats. Visit their website to learn more here.
- To see the full list of pet food resources and programs available in your area, click here.
Additional information on other sources of support for free or low-cost resources may be found at pets.findhelp.com
Always check the No Kill Pima County website for the most up-to-date information and a full directory of everyday low-cost options as well as free and reduced-cost pet resources. Click the links below to learn more about each category: Spay & Neuter | Clinics, Vaccines & Dental | Financial Assistance | Emergency Housing | Re-Homing Assistance | Pet Training | Lost Pet | Pet-Friendly Housing
Tucson Comprehensive Operational Analysis Upcoming Meetings
 Following nearly 11 months of public outreach to gather input on proposed changes to improve transit efficiency, equity and effectiveness, Sun Tran staff will host six (6) public meetings to discuss the Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) proposed transit changes. The meetings will begin Monday, January 22 through Monday, January 29.
The City of Tucson and Sun Tran, in partnership with the Pima Association of Governments (PAG), evaluated all aspects of Sun Tran, Sun Link, Sun Express, and Sun Shuttle services throughout Tucson, and the greater Tucson area to determine potential improvements through the COA.
The following January meetings are in person:
- Monday, January 22, 5 p.m. | Fred Archer Center | 1665 South La Cholla Boulevard
- Tuesday, January 23, 12 p.m. | Tucson City Council Ward 2 Office | 7820 East Broadway Boulevard
- Wednesday, January 24, 12 p.m. | Woods Memorial Library | 3455 North 1st Avenue
- Thursday, January 25, 4:30 p.m. | Miller-Golf Links Library | 9640 East Golf Links Road
- Friday, January 26, 12 p.m. | Quincie Douglas Recreation Center | 1575 East 36th Street
- Monday, January 29, 5 p.m. | Tucson City Council Ward 6 Office | 3202 East 1st Street
For those unavailable to attend in person, a YouTube video will be available on January 2 detailing the proposed changes. Click HERE to view.
Visit TucsonCOA.com for complete COA project information or by calling Sun Tran Customer Service at (520) 792-9222, TDD (529) 628-1565.
Merchant and Mission Focused Market Place at the Dunbar Pavilion February 7 at 5 pm
Lead Hazard Reduction Program From Older Homes
Home Repair Program for Low income Homeowners
Tucson Water Discounts
Call 520-791-5443 to make an appointment or visit this site for more information: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/low-income-assistance-program
We welcome your feedback !
Please feel free to email us at Ward3@tucsonaz.gov
To subscribe to this newsletter go to https://www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-3
|
|
|
|
|
