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Funding Threatened By Congress
Earlier this week, the House of Representatives passed a budget resolution that proposes deep cuts to programs that matter to Tucson while increasing spending on defense and border security. The resolution includes slashes to Medicaid and public assistance programs, while also targeting climate and infrastructure funding, like those included in the Inflation Reduction Act. House committees will now draft legislation to make these cuts a reality.
Tucson is already on the front lines of climate change, and this budget threatens to reverse the progress we’ve made. Programs that help cities invest in clean energy, improve air quality, and mitigate extreme heat could be gutted. At the same time, transportation funding is being reduced, making it harder for cities like ours to invest in transit and sustainable infrastructure. The federal government should be working with us to build a greener, more resilient future—not taking away resources that help us prepare for the challenges ahead. I will continue to advocate for the funding we need to protect our environment and our community.
Tucson Environmental Services first new Electric Garbage Truck.
There was a bright spot this week when the Mayor and Environmental Services unveiled our first new Electric Garbage Truck. Locally funded by user fees, the truck’s initial higher cost will be offset by long-term cost savings on fuel and maintenance. The USA-made truck is quieter and cleaner than diesel and compressed natural gas trucks, produces zero emissions, and has features that increase operators’ safety and comfort.
Electric Garbage!
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Rodeo Break is always an exciting time for Tucson’s youth. This year, Ward 3 teamed up with Living Streets Alliance (LSA) , BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Art & Salvage) and Tucson’s Housing First to bring a pedal powered version of the rodeo to the Wildcat Inn, the City’s largest transitional housing facility. The event provided Wildcat families a fun, free way to learn about bike safety while the kids had time off of school.
The day kicked off with a helmet decorating workshop, led by BICAS, where everyone was properly fitted for a helmet and given the chance to make it their own with paint, glitter, and stickers. While some took their time with their design, others decided to forgo the decorating and begin riding right away. The helmet decorating option was a great way to include everyone (all with varying levels of interest in bikes ) allowing all to become comfortable riding at their own pace.
Council Member Kevin Dahl with Bicas’ Development Director Kristen Lindgren.
Living Streets Alliance set up a “traffic garden” bike rodeo with two riding zones—one for beginners and one for more experienced riders—and bike repair stations. Impressively, the kids quickly became comfortable riding in the parking lot and LSA staff was able to teach each one about bike safety, like braking, handling intersections, and sharing space with others. Other residents had their bikes repaired all while sharing stories and learning more about BICAS ’ and LSA’s programs.
LSA's Safe Routes Manager Benji Rouse riding with the kids through the traffic garden.
The bikes used for the event will stay at Wildcat Inn for residents to check out (now has a proper helmet and is well-versed in bike safety)! As LSA’s Benji Rouse shared, “We saw huge improvements from these participating kids! [And] it was so cool seeing them proudly wearing their custom helmets around the space.”
Wildcat Inn resident, Taygan, pictured with her bike just after her breaks were fixed.
Ward 3 is extremely grateful to Bicas, Living Streets Alliance, Housing First, Friends of Ward 3, and a generous anonymous donor for making this event a success and leaving a lasting impact on the community!
In addition to Mayor and Council meetings and our regularly scheduled briefings and updates (with the City Manager, Parks and Rec, Tucson Water and Environmental Services), the Ward 3 Office held a town hall on the proposed Community Corridors Tool.
A Packed House at Ward 3 Town Hall on the Community Corridors Tool.
We also attended the ground breaking for new affordable Housing at Amazon Flats, helped coordinate a “Bike Rodeo” at the Wildcat Inn, took a tour of the Pima County Transition Center, got a peek at the new Summer Pool Schedule, met with SERI (Sonoran Environmental Research Institute) regarding solar installation for low income residents, held a meet and greet with Teri Traaen the new HR Director (she’s awesome!)
Ward 3 staff with Teri Traaen, the new director of Human Resources
Lastly, we were able to take part in the unveiling of a new electric garbage truck (it saves the City money) and got to spend time with Officer Preston Hould who works in Ward 3 and has great relationships on the west side including with many members of Old Pascua Yaqui, where he has worked the religious ceremonies every year for decades.
Chief of Staff Katie Bolger, Constable Bennet Bernal, Officer Preston Hould, and Ward 3 Councilmember Kevin Dahl.
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ALI /ID# A861902
Age: 8 years
Qualities:
If you're looking for a frosty-faced, kind-hearted gal, meet Ali! This sweet senior Malinois found herself at the shelter when her family's housing situation changed. Her family had had her since she was a puppy and said she was housebroken, crate-trained, well-behaved when left alone, good with other big dogs, and affectionate. She'd love to get back to sleeping in a bed ASAP!
Fee:
Ali 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.
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Barrio Neighborhood Association
Sunday 3/9, 1-2 pm
Francisco Elias Esquer Park
1415 N 14th Ave.
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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International Day Saturday March 1 From 10 AM-2 PM At The International School
Rillito Bend Arts & Music Festival March 8 from 11 AM-2 PM
United Way VITA Tax Preparation in Our Ward 3 Community Room on Saturdays 9 AM-1 PM, February 8 - April 12
Questions? Contact Us!
Email: vita@unitedwaytucson.org
Phone: 520-333-5810
Website: https://unitedwaytucson.org/vita/
Tucson Parks & Rec To Host a Community Dialogue On Food Distribution At City Parks
The City of Tucson Parks and Recreation department invites the public to participate in a community conversation conducted by the Center for Community Mediation and Facilitation exploring ways the City can support local food distribution efforts at City parks to improve food access for community members experiencing food insecurity, while also addressing neighborhood and food safety concerns. The dialogue is part of an ongoing effort to engage the community in an authentic and inclusive conversation about food distribution challenges and opportunities.
There are two opportunities to join the dialogue:
- Date: Wednesday, March 5, 5:30-8 p.m.
- Date: Saturday, March 8, Time 9-11.30 a.m.
- Location: Donna Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705
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.
Robo Rumble Family Edition
Tucson Japanese Festival Saturday March 15 From 10 AM - 4 PM At The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center
Pima County Food Alliance Spring Meeting March 22 From 3-6 PM
Tucson Clean & Beautiful Tree Planting March 29 In Flowing Wells Neighborhood
Tucson Clean & Beautiful Job Opportunity
Free Hot Soup From November 12- March 14
Need a break and a boost? You might find it just outside your door. Research shows that exposure to natural environments:
Want to learn about local nature areas? Check out this web page: https://sustainabletucson.org/nature/ [sustainabletucson.org]
Team Up To Clean Up Your Neighborhood
Last Friday's neighborhood clean up was a success, 55 bags of trash and a abandoned queen mattress was picked up thanks to 33 volunteers who showed up. This event is that it brought residents, businesses, and community partners together.
Photo provided by Community Safety Health and Wellness
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
More Than a Bed Needs Donations
More Than a Bed provides essentials to children in foster, adoptive and kinship care to alleviate the financial burden on the families caring for them because every child deserves to feel valued.
More Than a Bed collects anything a child needs; clothing, toys, bedding, beds (not mattresses), housewares, bikes, new or used for redistribution at no cost to the families.
Our drop off hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:30-1:30 and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month from 8:30-1:30.
Our website is www.morethanabed.org [morethanabed.org]
Ready, Set, REC! in March
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.
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We welcome your feedback!
Please feel free to email us at Ward3@tucsonaz.gov
Subscribe to our newsletter at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/ward-3
Did You Know? The City of Tucson offers up to a $2000 rebate for the installation of a rainwater harvesting system. Store and save free, high-quality rainwater for plants.
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