Hello Tucson,
Special Election ballots for Proposition 414 will be mailed next week. The city continues to update information regarding the measure at this link:
The city webpage regarding the proposed Community Corridors Tool also provides updates:
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the most updated proposal on February 26th. Recommendations from the Commission will then go to Mayor and Council for a public hearing and final action. Please visit the website for more details.
As local deliberations continue we’re also keeping an eye on proposals before the state legislature that could impact local control of land use decisions. Here’s the latest from the Arizona League of Cities:
Last Tuesday, the House Commerce Committee advanced HB2371 [7bli0.r.sp1-brevo.net] planning; home design; restrictions; prohibition (Biasiucci) on a vote of 8-2. The bill severely limits municipal zoning authority on home design and lot sizes. Queen Creek Mayor Julia Wheatley and Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn testified in opposition, emphasizing the need for collaboration rather than a unilateral approach. The bill is nearly identical to last year’s vetoed HB2570 [7bli0.r.sp1-brevo.net], with a minor revision to address Department of Defense concerns about high-density housing near military facilities. While supporters claim zoning regulations prevent the construction of affordable starter homes, this assertion oversimplifies the issue, as municipalities have permitted hundreds of thousands of housing units in recent years. Ultimately, lawmakers agreed that stakeholders must work together to find a compromise.
Meanwhile, the League has been developing an alternative proposal focused on affordability. Unlike HB2371, the League’s approach would require developers to provide housing for households earning up to 120% of the area median income and set a 4,000-square-foot lot size cap, allowing for denser development without the extreme reductions included in HB2371. The broader debate over housing policy continues, with negotiations on potential compromises expected in the coming weeks.
Two additional housing-related bills were also heard in the House Government Committee last week. HB2317 [7bli0.r.sp1-brevo.net]: residential building materials; requirements; prohibition (Gillette), which sought to prohibit municipalities from regulating certain building materials and prefabricated housing differently from traditional construction, failed on a 1-6 vote. The League opposed the measure, citing concerns over local authority and safety standards. HB2319 [7bli0.r.sp1-brevo.net]: private property; design; regulations; prohibition (Gillette), another bill aimed at restricting municipal authority over single-family residential design regulations, was held in committee and did not advance. The League also opposed this measure, as it would have broadly prevented cities from adopting standards to maintain community character and ensure responsible development. With multiple housing bills moving through the Legislature, local governments remain engaged in efforts to balance affordability with responsible zoning policies.
Bills can be tracked and public comment submitted through the legislature’s website:
Our partnership with Pima County continues, including evolving strategies to address fentanyl use and associated community impacts. I want to repeat my gratitude to the County Board of Supervisors and Sheriff Nanos for recently funding and implementing detox and Medication Assisted Treatments (MAT) at the jail. It’s a considerable challenge, but a path we must sustain in order to reduce use and addiction on our streets. This month I am reaching out to County Attorney Laura Conover, who has been actively consulting with TPD Chief Kasmar regarding prosecution thresholds and strategies. It’s my understanding that, because fentanyl is classified as a dangerous drug, all charges for possession, etc. are felony charges and are primarily under the County Attorney’s purview vs city court. We need to collaborate through our respective law enforcement/judicial teams to intensify consequences/enforcement and continue to develop alternatives to incarceration for those receptive to treatment. I am requesting further information and discussion at the February 19 Mayor and Council meeting focused on this critical part of the equation.
Materials for our Mayor and Council meeting tomorrow can be viewed here:
Commission on Equitable Housing and Development
The Commission on Equitable Housing and Development (CEHD) will meet virtually this Thursday, Feb 6th from 4pm – 6pm. Item 4 on their Agenda is a presentation from Rachel Milne on Sanction Encampments, followed by a commission discussion.
If you would like to listen in you will need to register before the meeting here:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_P2y7fSgZQkiIM5JyvIMVVA
TEP Midtown Reliability Project Update
The Arizona Corporation Commission approved the project’s Certificate of Environmental Compatibility in September 2024 (Decision No. 79550 [docket.images.azcc.gov]).
Since then, TEP has applied for special exemptions with The City at these three locations:
- North Oracle and West Grand Roads
- East Broadway Boulevard and Euclid Avenue
- South Kino Parkway and East 36th Street
A hearing to consider TEP’s special exceptions will be held virtually before the Zoning Examiner on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. The public can access a link to participate on the Zoning Examiner’s webpage.
Written comments can be submitted to City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department Entitlements Section Manager John Beall at tucsonrezoning@tucsonaz.gov or by mail to:
Planning and Development Services
Attn: John Beall, Entitlements Section
PO Box 27210
Tucson, AZ 85726-7210
Learn How to Report Issues in Your Neighborhood with 311
Have you or your neighbors ever wondered how to report potholes, graffiti, buffelgrass, damaged bus shelters, or other non-emergency issues? The City of Tucson’s 311 system provides multiple ways to submit concerns -- by phone, mobile app, or online portal.
Don’t miss the upcoming Neighborhood Resources Virtual Information Session:
WHO: City of Tucson 311 Team
WHEN: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Virtual - Zoom
Join this session to learn how the 311 system works, what issues can be reported, tips for making the most of this valuable community resource, and ask questions.
Neighborhoods Are Seeing the Impacts
Neighborhood Resources has received positive feedback from Neighborhood Associations that have used 311. We encourage community leaders to attend this forum and bring valuable insights back to their communities.
Do You Have Ideas for Future Informational Opportunities?
More virtual sessions are coming in 2025. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover, let us know at neighborhood@tucsonaz.gov. We look forward to hearing from you.
The 100-Acre Wood Bike Park
 Photo Credit: City of Tucson's Park and Recreation Department
The City of Tucson's Park and Recreation Department hosted a virtual public meeting for the 100-Acre Wood Bike Park on Thursday, January 30. The 100-Acre Wood is located at 2801 S Alvernon Way, which fall within Ward 4. However, the adjacent neighborhood to the north of the site is in Ward 6. This project is a collaboration between the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB), the City of Tucson, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. It will feature walking trails and mountain biking paths that will be designed to meet the needs and interests of residents all ages and abilities. The project has secured approximately $340,000 in funding, supported by the Arizona State Parks Heritage Grant, the Trek Foundation, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists, Athletic Brewing and several generous community donors. The construction is planned to begin in the fall of 2025 and the project is currently in the community engagement phase. In addition to the community engagement, the Homeless outreach team will also continue to provide outreach and services to the individuals who are currently living in the area.
The Park and Recreation Department is conducting a community survey for this project, with a deadline of February 20. Please click the button below to participate in the survey:
To watch the recording of the public meeting:
https://youtu.be/ibbOPiCyymk
More info on the 100 Acre Wood Bike Park project:
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks/100-Acre-Wood-Bike-Park
Prop 414
The City of Tucson will be hosting town hall meetings at several locations, this is a great opportunity for the public to ask questions and learn more about the proposed half-cent sales tax for a Safe and Vibrant City under Proposition 414, here is the detail information on the upcoming town hall meetings:
We have some fact sheet flyer and pocket guide at the Ward Office, please contact us via email at ward6@tucsonaz.gov or call at 520-791-4601, if you would like us to arrange staff to give a brief presentation or simply provide answers at your next Neighborhood Association meeting.
Donations
Just a reminder, we are not accepting donations at this time until further notice. In the meantime, please consider donating items to the agencies listed below. Thank you again for your incredible support, and stay tuned for updates!
Sister Jose
Please drop off donations at the front desk at 1050 S Park Avenue
Donation hours: Wed, Thu, Sat, 12pm – 3:30pm
https://sisterjose.org/gift/
Salvation Army
5757 N. Oracle Rd., Tucson, AZ, 85704
Store & Donation Hours: Monday -Saturday, 9am-8pm, Sunday 10am-6pm
https://www.salvationarmytucson.org/family-thrift-stores
Assisted League of Tucson
1307 N Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
Donation Hours: Mon – Fri: 10 am – 2 pm, Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
https://altucson.org/shop/
Habitat for Humanity
935 W Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
https://habitattucson.org/habistore/donations/
Community Events and Resources
Palo Verde Art in the Garden Kick Off
Art in the Gardens, now in its third year, is a fundraising event that benefits PVNA, where Palo Verde residents can showcase their unique, beautiful, and creative gardens and artwork. This event is a walking tour of participating gardens, with artists displaying and selling their work at each location. Along the way, enjoy surprises like live music performances. Show Off Your Unique Garden! Each garden host will welcome multiple artists to display their works, opening their spaces for attendees to enjoy. Want to help bring this event to life? Volunteer by reaching out to us at the email below. If you have any questions or would like to sign up, send a message to info@paloverdeneighborhood.org.
Iskashitaa Reduces Food Waste In Tucson While Integrating Refugees Into The Community
 Iskashitaa Refugee Network creates opportunities to integrate UN refugees into the Southern Arizona community while educating the public, strengthening the local food system, reducing local food waste, and increasing food security.
- Together, we reduce local food waste & preserve water
- Together, we feed families, not landfills.
- Together, we harvest & glean over 100,000 pounds annually.
Iskashitaa redistributes excess produce to families through our food-based partners such as church pantries, soup kitchens, GAP Ministries, Market on the Move. They will send a crew of volunteers & UN Refugees to harvest your trees. OR call 520-440-0100 to arrange a drop off your fruit at our office:
3736 E 2nd Street, southeast corner of the St Mark's Presbyterian Church north parking lot on 2nd Street, 1 block south of Speedway off of Alvernon. 10-4pm
Click HERE for more information about Iskashitaa.
Ready, Set, Rec Ward 6 Van
Upcoming Meetings
Mayor and Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
Alvernon Grant Initiative Meeting (AGI)
Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 6-7pm (every 2nd Tuesday of the month)
Emmanuel Church, 1825 N Alvernon Way
Division Advisory Committee (DAC)
Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 6pm
Erik D. Hite Substation (adjacent meeting room) - 9670 E Golf Links Rd
5th/Alvernon Crime Coalition
Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6-7pm (every 4th Wednesday of the month)
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
Palo Verde Neighborhood Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 2025, 6:30-8:00pm (every third Thursday of the month)
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
29th Street Coalition Meeting
Thursday, February 27, 6-8pm (every 4th Thursday of the month)
Midtown Police Station Public Meeting Room, 1100 S. Alvernon
City of Tucson Resources
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