A to Z with Nikki Lee - March 2025

A Message from Councilwoman Nikki McMillen Lee

I have always been an optimist, believing in solutions, progress, and the power of people working together. I try to avoid being "political" and focusing too much on state, federal, or international issues, instead prioritizing what we can control. However, I cannot ignore the uncertainty and fear so many Tucsonans, including my own family, are feeling right now. What is happening at the federal level is impacting our families, businesses, and future. We need awareness at every level of government and more voices speaking out if we hope to change course. This year has already tested my optimism, and we are only at the start of March. The instability and dysfunction at the federal level are not just headlines. They are having real and direct consequences for our community. 

Veterans are worried about their healthcare, disability compensation, and other critical benefits they have earned and rely on. Over 2 million Arizonans, including many Tucsonans, rely on AHCCCS, the state's Medicaid program, and now face uncertainty about their coverage. Some fear that Medicare and Social Security could be next. Federal contractors, including many in Tucson, have seen contracts abruptly canceled under "convenience" clauses, leaving workers and businesses scrambling to adapt with little warning.  

Many local families and businesses are living in fear of increased immigration enforcement. Tucson is a welcoming community, and the Tucson Police Department (TPD) does not enforce federal immigration laws. Despite these local policies, some parents are afraid to send their children to school, worried about ICE raids. Others fear going to work, uncertain if they will return home at the end of the day. A friend of mine who leads a school district in Virginia has seen a growing number of Spanish-speaking students leave in-person classrooms for online school because their families fear being targeted.  

It is not just Spanish-speaking families who are feeling this uncertainty. A Ward 4 family who moved here from Canada for work 2 years ago is now questioning their future, unsure of their immigration status in the U.S. Meanwhile, we are seeing the economic impact of Canadian winter visitors choosing to boycott the United States due to its current political climate. These visitors have historically brought significant tourism dollars to Tucson, supporting local businesses, restaurants, and events. Their absence is yet another example of how national instability has direct consequences for our local economy. 

Coming from the private sector with a background in technology and cybersecurity, I understand the need for efficiency, agility, and fiscal responsibility. Addressing the nation’s deficit is critical, but reckless mass firings and haphazard cuts are not the way. Government is not a business, and the consequences are harming millions, including Tucsonans. Elon Musk and "DOGE" have compromised national security, dismantled essential programs, and exposed sensitive Treasury data. Taxpayers, veterans, retirees, low-income families, and small business owners are now at risk. This failure of leadership and security has left millions vulnerable. Smart and informed decisions, not chaos, are what truly protect Americans. 

Our city is directly affected by this instability. Right now, the City of Tucson has $283.9 million in unspent federal funding promised for critical public safety, housing, infrastructure, and water projects. We have already seen federal funds frozen, and some cities have had money clawed back entirely. We cannot afford for that to happen here. 

Public servants are being targeted and fired by the thousands, including those who provide critical services like VA housing specialists working to get veterans off the streets right here in Tucson. The federal government's growing hostility toward its workforce is now spreading to the state level, with Arizona leaders pushing to eliminate remote work for state employees. These dedicated professionals keep our nation, states, and communities running, often earning less than they could in the private sector because they believe in service. They deserve support and respect, not political attacks and instability. 

I want to take a moment to express my deep appreciation for Tucson’s public servants. So far this year, I have signed hundreds of work anniversary cards, including one for a city employee celebrating 40 years of service. That kind of dedication should be valued, not undermined. 

Whether you work for the City of Tucson, Pima County, the State of Arizona, or the federal government, I want to thank you for your dedication to public service. Your work is essential to our community, and despite the challenges, know that most Americans stand with you and appreciate all that you do. 

The City of Tucson is actively fighting back through legal action and advocacy. Mayor and Council have directed the City Attorney to join as amicus, or "friend of the court," in key legal cases. This allows the city to provide legal arguments and support in cases that impact our residents, workers, and local authority, even if we are not directly involved in the lawsuit. We are also advocating at the state and federal levels, pushing back against harmful legislation and standing up for policies that protect our community.  

Despite the uncertainty around us, I remain committed to fighting for Tucson. Our residents, city employees, and future deserve stability, respect, and a government that puts people first. No matter how challenging the road ahead, your Mayor & Council will keep fighting and pushing forward. 

A Look Back at February 

 

Family Updates 

On a personal and happy note, my husband and I celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary in February and are already thinking about how we want to mark the big 20th next year. He has always had my back, supporting me in everything I have done personally and professionally, and I truly would not be where I am today without his support and dedication as a husband and father. 

Baby Nami turned six months old in February, and since so many of you ask about her, I am happy to share that she is doing wonderfully. She is sitting up like a champ and loving her new Stage 2 baby foods. So far, she is not a picky eater, and we hope that continues. She is still figuring out how to crawl but has mastered rolling over in all directions, and she now has two little teeth, which she is not afraid to use! 

You may have also noticed a change in my name. I added my maiden name back into my full legal name last year, so you will now see Nikki McMillen Lee moving forward. While I followed tradition and took my husband's last name when we got married 19 years ago, in recent years, I felt a strong desire to add my family name back in and carry it forward with me. When I became pregnant with Nami, I knew it was the right time so that she and I could carry both my family's and my husband's family's names forward in our lives. I thought this was a good opportunity to share that update.   

Mary Ann Cleveland Way Shared-Use Path 

We officially opened the Mary Ann Cleveland Way Shared Use Path in Ward 4, a 1.3-mile paved path that connects residents to schools, parks, libraries, and shopping. This project enhances safety and accessibility for people walking, biking, and using mobility devices, making it easier for everyone to get where they need to go. This is also a great example of how federal funding directly benefits our community. Supported by former Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick and funded by the Federal Highway Administration along with Proposition 407, a voter approved bond, this project brings our taxpayer dollars back into Tucson to improve infrastructure and quality of life. Projects like this are why it is so important to advocate for federal funding to ensure we get our fair share for much needed improvements. 

A big thank you to Mayor Romero for joining us to cut the ribbon and celebrate, and to John Carruth, Superintendent of the Vail School District, for showing his support. John planned to be a quiet observer, but I quickly spotted him and pulled him up to join the celebration because this path directly benefits the schools and students he serves. 

Safe, connected neighborhoods do not happen by accident. They happen when we choose to invest in them. I am proud to see this project come to life and excited for more improvements ahead.  

Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Shows 

As the Tucson Gem, Mineral and Fossil Shows came to a close, we celebrated another incredible year of bringing together gem lovers, collectors, and experts from all over the world. 

A huge thank you to the vendors, exhibitors, and organizers who made this event a success. I hope it was a fantastic and prosperous show for everyone involved. 

Tucson welcomed visitors from across the globe, including my peer, Councilor Math Campbell-Sturgess from Scotland. When he is not leading in Argyll and Bute, Math is also a talented jewelry creator, making his visit to the world's premier gem and mineral showcase even more special. It is always valuable to connect with colleagues from across the country and the world. We may feel a world apart, but the challenges we work to solve are largely the same—fixing roads, ensuring trash is picked up on time, keeping communities safe, and delivering the basic services people rely on every day. 

We look forward to seeing everyone next year. 

Vail Pride Day Celebration  

We had a fantastic time at the Vail School District’s Vail Pride Day, celebrating the incredible achievements, strong community, and great culture that make this district so special. A huge thank you to the organizers for welcoming the City of Tucson into the festivities!   Much of the Vail School District falls within Tucson, and it's always a joy to see the amazing student art, enjoy the music, and celebrate everything that makes this district shine.

TPD Southeast Annex Groundbreaking 

We broke ground on the new Southeast Police Annex at 7655 S. Kolb Road. This facility was made possible thanks to Tucson voters via Proposition 101 and is a much-needed addition to support police operations in Southeast Tucson, the fastest-growing area of our city. The annex will serve as a key base for officers in Operations Division East, helping to reduce response times and improve service to our residents.  

Designed with flexibility in mind, this facility will not only provide workspace for officers but also a conference room for community use, a soft interview room for intake operations, and dedicated spaces to support officer wellness. This project reflects a strategic investment in public safety and ensures that as our city grows, we have the infrastructure in place to meet the needs of our residents. A special thank you to the Rita Ranch Neighborhood Association for their input and advocacy in shaping this project, as well as to the many partners who helped bring this vision to life.  

Budget Season is Underway  

The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget process began in January, and discussions will continue until we adopt the final budget in June, with the new fiscal year starting on July 1. This is truly one of my favorite processes and one of the most important responsibilities of Mayor and Council. It is our opportunity to prioritize investments in our city, ensure essential services are funded, and balance rising costs with community needs. The budget is more than just numbers. It reflects our values and our commitment to keeping Tucson running efficiently for everyone. 

One of the key decisions this month is finalizing details on health insurance plans for city employees in preparation for open enrollment. Healthcare costs continue to rise, particularly the cost of prescription drugs, leading to a double-digit increase in the city's network plan. I know these decisions impact many of you, and I want to highlight that the HSA plan remains a strong option. My family is enrolled in the HSA plan, and even through childbirth, we were able to use our HSA funds to cover costs. Once we hit our out-of-pocket max, everything was covered at 100%. I am hopeful that we will continue to see more employees transition from the most expensive network plan over to the HSA plan—jump in, the water is fine! 

We will continue discussing budget priorities in the coming months, and as in previous years, we will likely hold budget town halls to gather public input. I will share those dates once they are available. 

Key Dates for the FY26 Budget Development 

• April 22 – Submission of the City Manager’s Recommended Budget 

• May 6 – Public Hearing on the Recommended Budget 

• May 20 – Tentative Budget Adoption 

• June 3 – Public Hearing on the Tentative Budget, Property Tax Levy, and Final Budget Adoption 

• July 22 – Fixing, Levying, and Assessing Primary and Secondary Property Taxes 

I appreciate everyone who stays engaged in this process, and I will continue to share updates as we move forward.