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This week President Trumps was sworn in and a flurry of executive orders were signed. Historic changes have already been made. The United States has pulled out of the Paris Climate Accord and the World Health Organization among many other notable reversals of policy. I realize that local government is more important than ever when it comes to what Tucsonans value; affordable housing, water security, climate change mitigation, heat resiliency and compassionate policing. Historically, the Federal government has been our partner on these issues. As things continue to change, we will need to step up
The bulk of council deliberations Wednesday took place in Study Session, when we receive city project reports and have time to ask questions and express our views. The evening Regular Session ended with something to celebrate.
You can view the whole meeting here:
Or read a summary or the minutes when they are posted online.
Here are highlights from the meeting, with links to more info.
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We adopted ¡Samos Unos! – our Tucson’s cultural heritage strategy. Arts and culture are a $8.4 billion part of Tucson’s economy, this along with our abundant natural resources are why most of us love living here, and why many people return to Tucson after moving away. Learn more by clicking on the button below.
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Our first look at a proposed budget for next fiscal year helped us understand how we are doing in the first half of this fiscal year and provided preliminary information toward the work we will do in the next four or five months before adopting a final budget for FY26 (July 2025 through June 2026). Details below.
- An update on how the City is helping the unsheltered get off the street, which has been made so difficult by the opioid crisis (among other factors), included an update on the new low-barrier congregate shelter that will soon open in Ward 3 at Fire Station 8 on King Road and the new emphasis on reducing crime along Ft. Lowell, a program called Violence Interruption and Vitalization Action (VIVA). Details below.
- The City and Pima County, and others, are collaborating on a Prosperity Initiative. Learn about the how income is distributed in Tucson (see map – unfortunately Ward 3 is well-represented in low-income census tracts), and what projects are underway to help reduce generational poverty and improve community wealth.
- Tucson’s first year Climate Action report shows that across departments the city is working hard to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
- The City commissioned a study to review how different ways of sourcing electricity in different ways including creating a municipal utility, allowing energy choice aggregation, establishing solar micro grids, etc. might be more economical and/or be better to combat climate change. The consultant reported on the study’s progress, which is due in May.
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A community-initiated effort celebrated success as the major item in the Regular Session. I was pleased to move the resolution to rename Mansfield Park in Ward 3. My introduction to the resolution was as follows; “A City is a living, breathing thing that grows and changes and becomes itself over and over again in reflection of who is living in and caring for it. The people who bring this park to life have asked for the name to reflect them and their values and have chosen this remarkable individual to honor. The neighborhood association, the Sugar Hill Community Land trust, the African American Museum of Southern Arizona and many notable individuals (you heard earlier from Dr. Johnny Bowens, Jack Anderson, and Sadie Shaw) are in support of a new name for Doris J. Thompson Park. This action honors a Black woman whose hard work and dedication uplifted a whole generation that grew up, organized, and asked for this name change in her honor. I am pleased to support this.” More details below.
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Last Saturday neighbors and City staff met at La Madera Park, 2700 E La Madera Dr, to review and provide feedback on the design concepts for a new splash pad and walking path! It was a chilly morning with a good showing of neighbors - some with dogs on leashes, others pushing strollers and kids seemingly immune to the cold.
We really should have picked a sunnier spot - neighbors and city staff gather to review upcoming plans for la Madera Park.
These improvements are a part of the voter-approved Tucson Delivers Proposition 407 bond package. La Madera Park was allocated $415,139 for a shade structure over the existing playground, new walking path, new irrigation, and new splash pad. The shade structure was installed in 2021 as part of phase one. The rest of the package will be delivered as part of phase three this year or next.
Kids explore physics while playing at La Madera Park.
Recognizing that it has been a minute since 2018, Parks and Rec released a survey in February of last year to check in on the community needs and see if the desire for these specific improvements were still there. The survey results supported moving forward with both the walking path and the splash pad.
Open space adjacent to the playground and potential site of a future splash pad.
Another survey has been released triple checking the specific question, do you want a splash pad? Additional questions provide an opportunity to pick splash pad features! You can find that survey here: https://arcg.is/1jfzyf4. And since it came up in the meeting I will include it here, no trees will be removed to accommodate the splash pad.
For more information about the park visit https://tucsonparks.info/lamaderapark To check out the article CJ wrote about La Madera neighborhood visit https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Government/Mayor-Council-and-City-Manager/City-Council-Wards/Ward-3/Neighborhood-Maps/La-Madera-Neighborhood
By Shannon Jenkins
Last Saturday, about 25 folks turned out for a Planting Party along E. Halcyon Rd. in the Mountain View neighborhood of Ward 3. The neighborhood association and Tucson Clean and Beautiful (TCB) did a great job advertising the event and knocking on doors, so the turnout was excellent. We were a diverse group that included a man who'd grown up in and lived in Mountain View his whole life, a UA student who rents in the neighborhood and brought his fraternity brother from Iota Phi Theta along, a couple of young homeowners who live adjacent to the project, and one young man with no connection to the neighborhood - he showed up simply because he enjoys these community planting events. There were also a couple of renters from an apartment down the road who shared, "We were so happy when we found the flyer on our door!"
After introductions, coffee and donuts, instructions from TCB, and a few words of gratitude from Council Member Kevin Dahl, we split into groups and started planting the 6 street-side basins.
Volunteers planting native shrubs and flowers on the south side of E. Halcyon Rd.
This project came together because Lisa Polito and Maria Voris of the Mountain View neighborhood association submitted a Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) mini-grant application. This Tucson Water program is administered by TCB and approved the Mountain View application. From there, Kendall Murie of TCB designed the project in conjunction with the neighborhood. Trees couldn't be included because all the basins are located directly under power lines, but the smaller shrubs and flowers we installed will still meet the neighborhood's goals to slow traffic, infiltrate storm water, prevent erosion, and beautify the neighborhood.
As we dug holes and spread mulch in our conspicuous neon yellow vests, dog walkers and other passersby stopped to say hello and learn about the project. Many hands make light work, so everything had been planted within about an hour. Though some folks left, others stayed to chat for a while and admire their work.
A newly installed basin as the planting wraps up.
It was a lovely morning of connection and community. To learn more about the GSI mini-grants, go here: https://tucsoncleanandbeautiful.org/programs/rainworks/
A freshly installed basin after adjacent residents watered the new plants.
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AIDEN #A825784
Age: 1 year 5 months
Qualities:
Aiden is the BEST BOY! This handsome, smiley dude lived most of his life in one home before finding himself at PACC. He was said to be housebroken, crate-trained, friendly with kids, and a huge fan of car rides! Here at the shelter, he's been laid-back and friendly with people and dogs alike. If you're ready to give this wonderful pup a chance, we guarantee you'll fall for his sweet personality - and he'll even give a very demure "shake" to seal the deal!
Fee:
Aiden is free to adopt. He is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, and microchipped.
Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12pm - 7pm.
Wednesday 1:30-7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Free tag offer here at PACC. Anyone can come to get a tag for their pet any time we're open, for free! ID tags are actually the #1 most effective way of getting lost pets home.
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Keeling Neighborhood Association Meeting
Monday 1/27, 7-8:30pm
Cornerstone Fellowship
2909 N. Geronimo Ave.
La Madera Neighborhood Association Meeting
Saturday 2/1, 10-11:30 am
La Madera Park
2700 E La Madera Dr.
Balboa Heights Neighborhood Association Meeting
Tuesday 2/11, 5:30 pm
Marty Birdman Center
2536 N Castro Ave.
Alvernon/Grant Initiative
Meeting with Tucson Police, Neighborhoods, and Businesses surrounding Grant and Alvernon
2nd TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 6:00PM
Emmanuel Church
1825 N Alvernon
The Ward 3 office is 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.
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The 2025 Holiday Environmental Services Pick up Schedule
This handy, dandy graphic can also be downloaded and printed to keep as a reminder in the real world.
Restoration Celebration Of Rio Vista Natural Resource Park Saturday, January 25 At 11 AM
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Dahl, Tucson Parks and Recreation, RillitoBend Neighborhood Association, and the Friends of Rio Vista invite the community to celebrate recent improvements at Rio Vista Natural Resource Park, 3974 N. Tucson Blvd., on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m.
Tucson Parks And Rec Will Host Rec Center Open Houses Throughout The City
Tucson Parks and Recreation invites the community to explore its recreation centers during a series of open houses throughout the year. These events offer an opportunity for residents to tour the facilities and learn about programs and events.
Attendees can enjoy special perks, including free limited-edition water bottles and stickers (collect them all by visiting multiple open houses). Additionally, those who attend can take advantage of a 50% discount on universal memberships, which must be purchased during the event to qualify for the promotion.
“Tucson Parks and Recreation is committed to providing spaces where everyone feels welcome,” said Director Lara Hamwey. “These open houses are a great way for the community to see all the opportunities we have to offer for connection, fitness, and fun.”
Explore the facilities, meet staff, and discover all the ways Tucson Parks and Recreation supports a healthy and active lifestyle. For more information, visit Tucsonaz.gov/parks.
Palo Verde Bicycle Boulevard Updates And Upcoming Meetings January 23 And January 25
Family Bingo Night Friday, January 31 From 6-8 PM At The Donna Liggins Rec Center At 2160 N. 6th Ave.
Save Our Saguaros On February 1 At Sentinel Peak From 9 AM To Noon
February 1st marks the beginning of a month-long series of volunteer events to combat invasive plants such as buffelgrass, stinknet and arundo. Buffelgrass outcompetes saguaros for space, nutrients and water. It also poses a serious fire risk both in the desert and in our city. Join others Saturday morning on A Mountain for the big kickoff event: Sign Up to Volunteer Feb 1st. There will be live Desert Museum animals, tasty pastries and more… If you can’t make it to our kickoff, then join us on another day. View Other Invasive Plant Removal Events throughout the Tucson Basin and sign up for a different date. You will find a location close to home and can spend a great morning out in the desert Saving our Saguaros!
Neighborhood Clean-up Friday February 14 From 8-10 AM
Regional Transportation Authority Survey
The Regional Transportation Authority needs your input on its draft, $2.46 billion regional transportation plan via a public survey. The 20-year RTA Next draft plan includes roadway, transit, safety, ADA, bicycle, pedestrian and environmental improvements for the greater Tucson region. The regional investment will generate thousands of transportation industry jobs and permanent jobs over the life of the plan and enhance the safety, reliability and connectivity of the transportation network for you, your family and the local business community.
The RTA Board will consider your feedback before it prepares a final draft plan for voter consideration as early as November 2025.
The RTA invites you to take a brief survey at RTAnext.com/survey [rtanext.com]. Invite family and friends to participate as well. Thanks for your time.
FAFSA Workshop
Point In Time Count Volunteer Opportunity For 2025
Team Up To Clean Up Your Neighborhood
What is Team Up To Clean Up?
The City of Tucson, along with community partners, is organizing a citywide clean-up effort. Residents, families, students, community groups, and businesses are invited to join forces to clean and enhance our neighborhood.
For more details on events dates and times, visit: Team Up To Clean Up.
No Tools Needed!
The city provides all necessary materials and will handle trash disposal.
Want to Clean at Your Own Pace?
You can get recycled 55-gallon bags from your local ward office, courtesy of our local breweries.
For questions, email Steven at steven.laturco@tucsonaz.gov
Schedule for Tucson Home Sharing Events
Tucson Home Sharing will be concluding its activities and programs after Feb. 20th
YOUTH: Art of Spring - Immersion Camp at the Drawing Studio March 10-14
For ages 8 - 12.
This day camp is designed to develop the technical skill and technique of young artists in drawing and painting, with the instruction by 2 distinct master teaching artists. There will also be opportunity to explore art practice in non traditional crafts, providing a safe studio space of play and discovery.
Free lunch and snacks are provided.
TEEN: Art of Spring - Immersion Camp at the Drawing Studio March 10-14
For ages 13 - 17.
This day camp is designed to develop the technical skill and technique of young artists in drawing and painting, with the instruction by 2 distinct master teaching artists. There will also be opportunity to explore art practice in non traditional crafts, providing a safe studio space of play and discovery.
Free lunch and snacks are provided.
More Than a Bed Needs Donations
More Than a Bed is a 501(c)(3) Qualified Foster Care Organization located in Ward 3 (1st Ave just north of Prince) in the Amphi neighborhood. MTaB provides essential items to foster, kinship and adoptive families at no cost to them for the children in their care. We are always collecting clothing, shoes, toys, housewares, strollers, playpens and more for the children we serve (2,902 children in 2024!).
Donate new and used items here between 8:30-1:30 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month? 3637 N. 1st Avenue.
Our website is www.morethanabed.org [morethanabed.org]
Free Hot Soup From November 12- March 14
Free Citizenship Class Prep Classes!
Ready, Set, REC! in January
Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave.
Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30 - 6 pm, Thursdays 6 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8 - 9:30am. https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery.
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
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