Ballots for the Special Election on Tucson’s Proposition 414 will be sent to registered voters this week. You can find details on the Proposition at this website:
The official voter guide also offers full details. Individual and organizational statements filed per city election rules in favor of and opposed to the proposition are included toward the end of the publication:
The results of the election will significantly impact the levels of local investment that can be made over the coming ten years to address critical priorities. Please take the time to learn more and vote!
Environmental Services Updates
Presidents Day-
City offices will be closed on Presidents Day, Monday, February 17, 2025, but trash and recycling collection will remain on schedule in the city limits. 🌟 The Los Reales Sustainability Campus (LRSC) and landfill services will remain open on Monday.
Environmental Services Holidays-
Our dedicated Environmental Services equipment operators have chosen to work through most of the city holidays instead of their weekend time. As a result, trash and recycling collection will be delayed on only three holidays in 2025. Please note, city offices will be closed on these holidays and equipment operators will continue working their regular schedule. No changes to trash and recycling collection! Please leave your bins out as usual. Thank you for your support!
Commission on Equitable Housing and Development
On February 6, we attended a online presentation by a representative from the City of Phoenix's Commission on Equitable Housing and Development Sub-Committee, who outlined the Safe Outdoor Space initiative designed to address homelessness in the area. Below is a summary of the presentation:
- The Safe Outdoor Space model offers a voluntary and structured alternative to traditional shelters, providing a 10x10 tent space, meals, medical care, case management, and behavioral health support. It prioritizes key barriers such as pets, partners, and property, while fostering community collaboration with nonprofit organizations.
- The Safe Outdoor Space was established as part of City of Phoenix's efforts to address homelessness, particularly following the court-mandated decommissioning of a large encampment. Since opening, it has served over 1,300 individuals, offering shelter alternatives for those who may not engage with traditional congregate or non-congregate shelters.
- The program was primarily funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, along with housing and city funds. It operates with a three-year approval for evaluation. The Safe Outdoor Space is a low-barrier shelter with a referral-based entry system and a Good Neighbor Agreement with local businesses. The initiative is part of a broader city strategy to address homelessness, including outreach, prevention, emergency shelters, and permanent housing solutions like hotel conversions.
- The model has been recommended for Tucson as a unique approach not yet implemented in the city. It represents an innovative alternative to traditional shelters by combining safety, dignity, and essential services for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The meeting recording will be available here and click link below to see the PowerPoint presentation: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/hcd/cehd/2025/phoenix-office-of-homeless-solutions-cehd-presentation-2.6.2025.pdf
NEW! BIKE PARK coming to the 100-Acre Wood
The City of Tucson's Park and Recreation Department held a virtual public meeting on Thursday, January 30, to discuss the 100-Acre Wood Bike Park. Located at 2801 S Alvernon Way, the park is in Ward 4, with the neighboring area to the north falling within Ward 6. This project is a partnership between the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB), the City of Tucson, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The park will feature walking trails and mountain biking paths designed to accommodate residents of all ages and abilities. The project has secured approximately $340,000 in funding from the Arizona State Parks Heritage Grant, the Trek Foundation, Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists, Athletic Brewing, and several generous community donors. Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025, and the project is currently in the community engagement phase. In addition to community outreach, the Homeless Outreach team will continue assisting individuals currently residing in the area.
The Park and Recreation Department is conducting a community survey for the project, with a deadline of February 20. To participate, please click the button below.
 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
Safe & Vibrant City - Proposition 414
On Tuesday, March 11, voters in the City of Tucson will decide whether to approve a new, temporary half-cent sales tax for the next 10 years to help create a safer and more vibrant Tucson. If Proposition 414 is approved, the City's sales tax rate would increase to 3.1%, generating an estimated $800 million over the next decade. The funds from this tax would be allocated into five categories, with 65.75% earmarked for public safety and 34.25% for community resiliency initiatives. Three town halls will be held to provide more information about Proposition 414. These are scheduled the following dates with one in Ward 6.
- Tuesday, February 11, at the Morris K. Udall Center (7200 E. Tanque Verde Road) 5:30-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, February 12, at the Donna R. Liggins Center (2160 N. 6th Ave.) 5:30-7 p.m.
In addition to the two Town Halls below. Chief Kasmar will be presenting the information next week on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. The presentation will start at 6pm at the Patrick K. Hardesty Midtown Multi-Service Center located at 1100 S. Alvernon Way. You and others will have opportunity for questions. No registration is required.
We have fact sheet flyers and pocket guides at the Ward Office if you would like one. Please contact us via email at ward6@tucsonaz.gov or call at 520-791-4601, if you would like us to arrange City staff to give a brief presentation or simply provide answers at your next Neighborhood Association meeting.
TEP Midtown Reliability Project Update
The Arizona Corporation Commission granted the project’s Certificate of Environmental Compatibility in September 2024 (Decision No. 79550). Since then, TEP has requested special exemptions for the following locations within the City:
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North Oracle and West Grand Roads
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East Broadway Boulevard and Euclid Avenue
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South Kino Parkway and East 36th Street
A virtual hearing to review TEP’s special exemptions will take place before the Zoning Examiner on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. A participation link will be available on the Zoning Examiner’s webpage.
Written comments can be sent to John Beall, Entitlements Section Manager, at the City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department via email at tucsonrezoning@tucsonaz.gov or by mail to:
Planning and Development Services Attn: John Beall, Entitlements Section PO Box 27210 Tucson, AZ 85726-7210
Tucson Cyclovia Event Debuting Treat Avenue Bicycle Boulevard Route this April
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Living Streets Alliance is excited to announce the Spring 2025 Cyclovia Tucson event on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM along Treat Avenue. This family-friendly event transforms 3 miles of local streets into a car-free public space, attracting around 50,000 people. Participants can walk, bike, skate, or play in a vibrant setting filled with local businesses, food trucks, activities, and community organizations. This is the first Cyclovia Tucson event on Treat Avenue Bicycle Boulevard, which features traffic calming and safe pathways for walking and biking. The event will connect various Tucson neighborhoods and parks, offering fun for all ages and abilities. Sponsors include Visit Tucson, Banner University Medicine, Pima County, and more. Cyclovia Tucson is part of a global "open streets" movement to promote safer, sustainable mobility options. Learn more and sign up at www.cycloviatucson.org [cycloviatucson.org].
3 New Bicycle Boulevards
Come out to the park, share some free tacos from Romeros, and help us design three new bicycle boulevards. In 2018, Tucson voters approved Proposition 407 which funds Parks and Connections including greenways, shared-use paths, pedestrian safety improvements, and bicycle boulevards. Since you are an expert in your neighborhood, we need your help to make sure the routes are the best they can be. Whether you are an avid cyclist or bike-curious, whether you get around by rolling or waking, if you want more transportation choices, we need your input. And, if you happen to have a bicycle you haven’t ridden in a while that could use a little maintenance, bring that too. We will have free bike repair, a playground for kids to play on, free tacos and maps showing the proposed routes. It’s an easy way to connect with your neighbors and enjoy some of this beautiful spring weather. Click here for more information.
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Saturday, February 22, 2025 | 11 AM - 1 PM
Toumey Park | 4500 E Easland St
FREE Tacos and Bike Repair
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 | 5 - 7 PM
Claire Weeks Terra del Sol Park | 2001 S Avenida Del Sol
FREE Tacos and Bike Repair
Join us for a special nighttime Family Saturday (with bats!) at Watershed Management Group
The whole family can enjoy a night out, with activities for all ages! Bring your flashlight to explore the Living Lab after hours and explore the night sky. Our bat expert Karen K. will share her live bats, and Tucson Audubon will teach us all about birds in the desert. We’ll also have many of our favorite Family Saturday activities, including coding with CoderDojo using data from the Living Lab and bilingual song and story time. Don't forget your flashlight! T
2025 Start Grant Application Period for Artists is Now Open
The Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona announces a grant opportunity available to artists, artist groups, collectives, co-ops, community groups, fiscally sponsored organizations, and 501(c)3 organizations in the City of Tucson, City of South Tucson, Pima County, Tohono O’odham Nation, and Pascua Yaqui Tribe. With support from the City of Tucson and Pima County, these grants provide award funds through two alternate tracks of support. The Community Impact track provides financial support to individuals and groups for projects that would positively affect a community through an artistic endeavor. The Artist Development track provides financial support to creatives for whom a specific, practice-related capital resource or professional development experience would affect their artistic practice. The funding range of the "stART Grant" program is up to $3,000. The deadline to apply (link below) is Thursday, March 6, at 11:59 p.m.
stART Grant information and application link
Donations
Our Ward 6 Council Office is 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
Assistance 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/
Learn How to Report Issues in your Neighborhood using 311
Have you or your neighbors ever wondered how to report a pothole, graffiti, buffelgrass, damaged bus shelter, or other non-emergency issue? 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.
Community Events and Resources
Applications Open for High School Battle of the Bands
Tucson Parks and Recreation is seeking talented bands with members aged 13-18 to participate in the High School Battle of the Bands this spring. The grand prize winners will earn a performance promoted by Best Life Presents, a feature on KXCI's "Locals Only" radio show, and a complete home recording package, including Ableton Suite and a Cloud Microphone. Bands interested in competing can apply online by visiting the link below, now through Friday, March 14. The event will take place on Sunday, April 6, at noon, at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Gene C. Reid Park. High School Battle of the Bands Read the news release
Community cats can be fixed for free at PACC’s upcoming Snip ‘n’ Tip, Feb. 21-23
Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) will host its semi-annual Snip ‘n’ Tip event for community cats from Feb. 21-23 at the shelter, located at 4000 N. Silverbell Road. This free spay/neuter event is for outdoor cats and kittens in Pima County. Public participation is encouraged by bringing in cats in secure carriers or humane traps. Cats with "tipped" ears—where a small portion of one ear is missing—indicate they have already been spayed/neutered.
Snip 'n' Tip is part of PACC's Community Cats program, aimed at spaying and neutering unowned outdoor cats to improve their health and reduce future litters. The program spayed and neutered 596 cats during the last event in October 2024.
Appointments are required and can be booked at waitwhile.com/book/snipntip. Participants will be notified when their cats are ready for pickup. People must return the cats to their neighborhood after surgery, and kittens must weigh at least 1.5 pounds and have a caretaker to monitor them post-surgery.
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Pima County on Aging
Join us for Nosh & Know: Making Informed Choices - Understanding In-Home Care & Services on March 6th! This essential event is designed to equip your family with the knowledge they need to make well-informed decisions about in-home care and services. We'll explore various options for aging in place, helping attendees select the best support tailored to their needs.
At the event, attendees will:
- Gain valuable insights from a specialist on the different in-home care options available and how to choose the right services for themselves or their loved ones.
- Participate in a Q&A session to address any specific questions and concerns about in-home care.
- Enjoy a light snack and socialize with others interested in in-home care solutions.
Don’t miss out—click here to register! www.pcoa.org/NoshandKnow [pcoa.org]
Esperanza Dance Project and One Billion Rising
Esperanza Dance Project, founded 2011 in Tucson by Beth Braun, is a community-based collaboration that uses dance performances to educate about the issue of childhood sexual trauma and deliver a message of hope, strength and empowerment. Esperanza Dance Project welcomes community advocates and allies to come together and join One Billion Rising, happening 2/14/25 on the UA Mall at 4:30pm, a global day of action to end gender-based violence. To learn more about Esperanza Dance Project visit their website at: https://www.esperanzadanceproject.org/
One Billion Rising is the biggest mass action to end violence against women (along with marginalized identities that are subject to gender-based violence) in human history. The campaign, which launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will experience gender-based violence during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. You can learn more about One Billion Rising at onebillionrising.org
41st Annual Peace Fair at Armory Park
Everyone is invited to attend the 41st annual Peace Fair & Music Festival happening in Armory Park on Saturday, 2/22/25, 11 am-4 pm. This community-centered event features many local groups who can tell who they are, what they do, & how you can get involved. There will be live music, kids' activities, artwork, food trucks, and lots of fun. The event is free and open to all. Armory Park is situated near multiple public transit stations & is bicycle-friendly if you want to leave your vehicle behind.
Local artist Melo Dominguez will be leading an interactive art station where doors are painted. We've got the music lined-up. The Ready, Set, Rec! STEM van will be there too!
Ward 6 Pet of the Week
Qualities: This handsome boy truly is “all that and a bag of chips!” He’s friendly, well-behaved and thrives on cuddles and pets. Chips has been at the shelter since September, and though he’s a little shy, he gets on well with his kennelmates and other dogs. Chips is hoping to find a new home where he can love on his humans and build his confidence. Another doggy friend in the house would be a plus!
Fee: Chips is free to adopt. He is neutered, up-to-date on vaccines, and microchipped.
Contact: Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd., 520-724-5900. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 12pm - 7pm. Wednesday 1:30pm - 7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm.
Ready, Set, Rec Ward 6 Van
Upcoming Meetings
Mayor and Council Meeting
Wednesday, February 19, 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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