A Note from Karin
Hello Tucson,
Mayor and Council directed staff last week to proceed with preparing a March 2025 ballot proposition which would fund critical investments through a half cent sales tax. The agenda materials (included in online materials for the September 11 meeting) offer key details on the package, and voters rightly will want more information on the plan and oversight structure leading up to the Special Election. We also had an Executive Session regarding continuing litigation in pursuit of Air Force/Air National Guard reimbursement for the substantial costs Tucson Water has incurred to keep our water clean specifically in response to PFAS contamination. We will continue to take all actions needed to safeguard our water; and we will continue to seek full cost recoupment through the legal process.
This week our team is reaching out to the managers/owners of area Hookah Lounges to alert them to the Mayor and Council Study Session item I requested for September 25th Mayor and Council meeting. In addition to input from Tucson residents and businesses, we would welcome any solutions Hookah Lounges would suggest to keep our community, including their patrons and employees, safe from what TPD data demonstrates is an alarming pattern of calls for service and violence in proximity to these establishments. TPD Chief Kasmar and City Attorney Mike Rankin will offer the Mayor and Council recommendations for action.
Randolph Park & Randolph Golf Complex Opportunity Study
The Tucson Parks and Recreation Department, along with a design consultant team, is hosting a kickoff meeting and Q&A session to discuss the future of Randolph Park and the Randolph Golf Complex. The meeting will focus on enhancing green spaces, improving the walking experience along 22nd Street, and making changes to the Del Urich Golf Course as part of the "Randolph Reimagined" initiative. Attendees can share feedback, ask questions about the feasibility study, and contribute ideas for future development. Community input is crucial, and further opportunities for engagement will follow with concept plans.
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. (presentation begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.)
Location: Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1000 S. Randolph Way
Renaming Sixth Avenue Underpass to honor Donovan Durband
The City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM), along with the City Council Ward 6 Office, the Rio Nuevo District, the Donovan Durband Supports Tucson Foundation, and artist Stephen Farley are proposing to honor and recognize the late Donovan Durband by naming the Historic Sixth Avenue Underpass the “Donovan Durband Historic Sixth Avenue Underpass”. As part of the process to rename city-owned assets, DTM is seeking public input and feedback on the commemorative naming of the Sixth Avenue Underpass. Mr. Durband's participation in the revitalization of Downtown Tucson was widespread and deeply valued by all those who love Tucson. His contributions as Tucson Downtown Alliance Director, Ward 6 Council Aide, and Park Tucson Administrator were combined with the tireless work he did on his own time to help return Downtown Tucson to its rightful place as the vital heart of the Tucson community. As part of the commemorative renaming of the Sixth Avenue Underpass, the underpass will be refurbished with murals and two-feet by three-feet photographed historic Tucson postcards made of baked porcelain enamel full color panels.
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Please email michael.graham@tucsonaz.gov and provide comment and feedback on this project. The deadline to comment is 5 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024.
Prop 411- Street Safety Improvements
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The Complete Streets Coordinating Council (CSCC) has approved an extension of the Street Safety Improvement Plan (SSIP), which will be funded through 2029. The SSIP focuses on enhancing pedestrian and bicycle safety as well as systemwide improvements across Tucson. Key components include:
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Sidewalk and Pedestrian Accessibility Improvements
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Bicycle Network Enhancements
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Systemwide Safety Improvements
This initiative covers 44 safety projects totaling over $82 million in investments, which will grow to over $100 million once Traffic Signal Technology Upgrades are approved. The funding is drawn from voter-approved Proposition 411 revenue collections. You can view the full list of projects on the City of Tucson's official site: Project List.
What is the Complete Streets Coordinating Council?
In May 2022, Tucson voters approved Proposition 411, known as Better Streets | Safe Streets, which extended the city's ½-cent sales tax to fund transportation improvements across the city. The Mayor and City Council appointed the Complete Streets Coordinating Council (CSCC) as the public oversight body for the use of safety funds. The CSCC, consisting of 20 Tucson residents, is responsible for reviewing transportation projects, prioritizing investments, and overseeing the implementation of "Complete Streets," which aims to enhance street safety and accessibility for all users.
New Signage – Hefty ReNew
As of September 9th, you may have noticed that our plastic recycling containers now have new signage. Since the June-Orange Bag launch date, we continue to see other colored bags to be used for plastic recycling. What you may not know is that those bags are being separated and will not be used as part of the program. All recycling MUST be put into ORANGE Hefty Renew bags to be used in the program. If you know others who may not be aware, please help us by providing the information to the public.
ORANGE BAGS ONLY
Casa Alitas Donation Site
We continue to collect donations for Casa Alitas. They are still recieving 100-150 people per day and are in need supplies. We are open Monday - Friday from 9-1pm. Our Ward 6 Office address is 3202 E. 1st Street. Thank you!
Please continue to bring in donations to our office. We are open 9-1pm, M-F and after 1pm with appointment. All clothing sizes: small, medium and large. Nothing bigger please.
Women: Underwear and Bras all sizes (sport bras will work), Shoes all sizes and any style, Jackets/sweatshirts, Sweatpants
Men: Shoes all sizes, Jackets/sweatshirts, Sweatpants, Socks for men, women and children. Toiletries and female hygiene products.
Tucson Children’s Museum Groundbreaking
Renovations of the new Angel Charity for Children Education Center at Children's Museum Tucson have begun. Its partners are Angel Charity for Children, Sundt Construction, and Swaim Associates Architects. They will serve even more children in their three new program rooms. Thanks to everyone who came out for the groundbreaking!
Community Events and Resources
The Rogue Theatre
What is this you say? Let us walk you through it. As you step into The Rogue Theatre, you're welcomed by an array of giant puppets and beautifully painted Renaissance tapestries. The historic lobby is adorned with colorful Mexican tile, sculptures, artwork, and captivating photographs from past productions, creating a rich visual experience. Located in the heart of Tucson within The Historic Y, this intimate 160-seat Small Professional Theatre offers a dynamic "black box" design, allowing for flexible staging and seating arrangements. Whether it's seating in-the-round, thrust, or proscenium stage setups, every seat offers a great view, ensuring an immersive theatre experience tailored to the artistic vision of each production. This theatre is located at 300 E University Blvd. Click link below for more information.
https://www.theroguetheatre.org/
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually in the U.S. from September 15th to October 15th to honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans. This group, which includes individuals with ancestors from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America, is the fastest-growing racial or ethnic minority in the U.S.
The celebration began as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, established through legislation sponsored by Mexican American Representative Edward R. Roybal and signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was expanded to a month-long event in 1988 under President Ronald Reagan. The starting date of September 15th coincides with the "Grito de Dolores" in 1810, marking Mexico's independence from Spain, as well as the independence anniversaries of several Central American countries. See what is going on in Tucson though the VisitTucson link here. https://www.visittucson.org/viva/
Free Computer Use
Our Ward 6 office now offers free public computer access, providing a vital resource for those without a reliable computer or internet access at home. These computers can be reserved by emailing ward6@tucsonaz.gov or call us at (520) 791-4601. Let us know when you would like to use it and we will have it ready for you. Our regular business hours are from 9 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday. If you need to use it after 1pm, we can accommodate. Let us know if you have additional questions.
Martha Cooper Library
Exciting news! Martha Cooper Library will reopen on Tuesday, September 17 at 10 am. The hours at this location will be:
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Friday and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm
The library will be closed on Sunday and Monday.
Just a quick refresh on all that's happened, and all that customers can look forward to:
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Expanded children's space with enclosed outdoor area
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Dedicated Storytime space in children's room
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Programming area connected to outdoor, shaded meeting area
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Additional space for studying
Tucson Meet Yourself
Tucson Meet Yourself, founded in 1974 by folklorists Jim and Loma Griffith, is an annual event celebrating the living traditional arts of the region's folk and ethnic communities. Drawing over 150,000 attendees, the festival encourages learning, sharing, and celebrating the diverse cultural identities that shape everyday life. The event is scheduled October 4-6, 2024. They are looking for volunteers to work 4.5-hour shifts. In return, volunteers will receive fun, make new friends, and get a $10 food voucher for each shift worked. Apply for positions here. https://tucsonmeetyourself.org/volunteer/
Tucson Homeless Connects
Tucson Homeless Connects is seeking volunteers or donations to help with their HOPE IN THE PARK Resource Fair scheduled October 11. If you’d like to help, please see their flyer below and click on the QR code or go to their website. http://www.tucsonhomelessconnect.org/
Housing and Community Development
Housing and Community Development is updating P-CHIP, People, Communities, and Homes Investment Plan. DRAFT Plan is ready, and they are seeking public input and would like your participation. Please read the draft plan and take the feedback survey to make sure they didn’t miss something. All questions or other comments appreciated as well. You can provide comments for as few or as many sections of the plan as you would like. If you have specific edits or comments, please remember to put the page number(s).
You can also join the virtual public meeting. Registration required.
Tuesday, September 17th, 5:30-6:30pm
Ready, Set, Rec Ward 6 Van
Neighborhood Crime Coalition Meeting
Alvernon-Grant Initiative
Emmanuel Church, 1825 N Alvernon Way
5th/Alvernon Crime Coalition
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
City of Tucson Resources
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