A Note from Ward 6 Council Office...

As the holidays approach and I’m six months into my eighteen months of service I thought it’d be a good time to review work-to-date and priorities ahead.  

When seeking the Ward 6 appointment I promised to focus on following through on the initiatives underway as established by former Council Member Kozachik:  

Hard–to-Recycle Plastics 

The program piloted in Ward 6 and adopted for citywide implementation faced some critical challenges as I took office: 

• Incoming plastics far outpaced processing capacity of our partner ByFusion 

• Quality and volume control was further complicated by high rates of contaminated or unacceptable materials and the (admirable) huge rate of participation not only by city residents but people across our valley of 1 million+ residents 

We needed to take swift action so plastics intended for recycling did not in fact end up in our landfill. ByFusion helped us connect with the Hefty Renews recycling program, which requires that the plastics be placed in Hefty Orange Bags (purchased by residents). It has created the much larger-volume capacity for transport and processing needed until the recycling facility is completed at Los Reales. Key partners, including Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs and countless Tucsonans, have helped us with community outreach and education. Our team at Environmental Services has offered exceptional leadership as well. Moving forward we continue to plan for the future, including potentials for curbside pickup for city residents and the exciting capacity/program adjustments that will be possible once the Los Reales facility is operational (toward the end of 2025).  

Mini/Micro Housing 

The Ward 6 team commissioned a study from the UA Drachman center to identify actions Tucson can take to leverage the affordability of and demand for Mini/Micro Housing in Tucson. That report has been completed: 

240530_MiniHomes_v5.pdf   

The recommendations couldn’t be better-timed given the city’s current work (in part directed by state legislation) on corridor development tools/guidelines as well as accessory dwelling unit regulations. The city is also developing a project in the Amphi area (with potentials for replication) to provide an added pathway for houseless people to access services/support and transitional shelter in a cluster of on-site micro homes.  

City Budget 

Mayor and Council adopted a balanced budget for the current year and continue to monitor projections for 2026 and beyond. Trends for our core services/budget have been improving, and external bond-rating agencies have upgraded our outlook from stable to positive (the ratings achieved offer savings as well on our capital/financing needs). 

A key question will be put before Tucson voters in March 2025: will Tucson approve a half-cent sales tax in order to fund strategic investments in community health and safety beyond our core budget: 

Proposition 414 – Safe & Vibrant City City of Tucson  

The Safe and Vibrant City Initiative was put together by former City Manager Mike Ortega and current City Manager Tim Thormure, along with our city departments, community input, and Mayor/Council. It aims to invest in critical prevention work, capital/technology investments, and other strategies that will accelerate our progress on vital quality of life priorities. Much more to come on this over the coming weeks/months.  

Gun Violence and Crime Prevention 

Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar and his team continue to do exceptional work to address crime, including gun violence. The proactive strategies--involving county, state and federal law enforcement partners and community-based prevention programs—will be further highlighted during the dialogue on Proposition 414 and beyond. TPD’s data-driven approach has helped Mayor and Council to zero in on policy/regulatory action that reinforces their work. After several horrific incidences of gun violence in Ward 6, we together took action to address one disturbing nexus identified: the proximity of Hookah Lounges open until 4am. With critical guidance from our City Attorney Mike Rankin and compelling TPD data, Mayor and Council adopted an ordinance (taking effect in early December) that limits the hours of operation for Hookah Lounges. Those with liquor licenses (which involve added screening and state safeguards) must close by 2am; those without liquor licenses must close by midnight. The City Attorney will further develop special city licensing rules that will enable Tucson to suspend/revoke operating permits for establishments with patterns of unreasonably high TPD call loads and/or crime. 

Much work lies ahead, of course: We continue to safeguard our groundwater from PFAS and other contaminants; coordinate and escalate our responses to fentanyl/opioid dealing and use with the county (health department, Opioid Settlement Oversight Committee, Sheriff and County Attorney); ramp up additional projects addressing homelessness. On the latter, it’s clear that there’s a growing call for us to consider our uses of public lands for services/camping if that can reduce pressures and impacts on neighborhoods and businesses.  

I want to thank the Ward 6 team—Diana, Dora, Nadia, Stacy and Mark. Kudos to them and all of our city employees for working tirelessly, with you, to solve our most pressing and immediate concerns while keeping an eye on the future.  

Thank you,

Karin Uhlich

• Kids- Long sleeves for 4-7 year old's

• Kids - Warm sweatshirts, jackets, hats, mittens, and scarfs

• Kids - Long pants in all sizes

• Women - small size new underwear

• Warm small travel blankets

A Tucson Holiday tradition at Tucson Botanical Gardens. Starting November 29 though January 12 thousands of LED lights bring the trees to life, while custom-designed, oversized structures captivate your senses. Stroll through a mesmerizing light tunnel, marvel at the dancing cypress trees, wander through a shimmering silver forest of tin trees, and admire a brand-new crescent moon and a breathtaking array of luminaries. Join us for a one-of-a-kind holiday experience you won't forget, right here in Southern Arizona! Don’t forget to grab a snack and some Hot Cocoa! 

November 29 - January 12 / 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm / 6 nights a week / Purchase Tickets HERE