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Hello Tucson,
On April 17 the Finance Advisory Committee of the Arizona Joint Legislative Budget Committee met to discuss economic projections for our state and cities. Data focuses on the first quarter of this year. I found the meeting informative and of course extremely relevant as we plan for Tucson’s future. You can find the summary, presentation book and video by clicking on the meeting materials at this link:
https://www.azjlbc.gov/jlbc-meetings/
A key takeaway, which mirrors our leadership team’s financial projections, is that budgets will be challenged over the coming 15-24 months as consumers and businesses may pause/reduce spending and investments during times of profound uncertainty. The outlook beyond two years seems to indicate recovery and a return to more stable and healthy economic activity:
Under these 3 forecasts, the amount of available resources for allocation in the [state] budget would be:
- $612 million under the January 4-Sector forecast
- $615 million under the April 4-Sector forecast
- $277 million under the April 2-Sector forecast
While the state budget outlook normally uses the 4-sector forecast, JLBC Staff suggested using the 2- Sector forecast in the April budget planning for 2 reasons: 1) With its lower growth rates, the 2-Sector projection reflects the greater economic uncertainty since the release of the January Baseline; and 2) the UA models are based on quarterly economic data that does not fully capture the recent changes in federal trade policy.
During the meeting, George Hammond of UA was asked how his forecast would change if the models were able to reflect the most recent events. Mr. Hammond responded that he thinks both UA model growth rates would be comparable to the 2-Sector forecast The JLBC Staff also presented the result of a "stress test" which is a technique states use to evaluate recession scenarios. Since the 2-Sector projection is not a recession forecast, the stress test allows for evaluating the adequacy of the state's budget reserves under a potential recession. In this particular stress test, JLBC Staff assumed 0% revenue growth in FY 2026, followed by a (2)% decline in FY 2027 as part of a mild recession scenario. AHCCCS spending was also assumed to increase above the Baseline due to higher caseloads. Under this stress test, the ending cash balance would be negative in both FY 2026 and FY 2027 in the amount of $(37) million and $(1.8) billion, respectively. In comparison, the Budget Stabilization Fund ("Rainy Day Fund") balance is currently $1.6 billion.
Projections for state sales and income tax revenues as well as overall economic activity offer cities critical insights. Mayor and Council will be keeping this in mind as we finalize our budget for the coming year with an eye on FYs 2027 and 2028. An element of our challenge will be to strategically invest—even as we make cuts and consider new revenue options—in order to bolster, or at least buffer, our economy locally during the coming two years so that we’re well-positioned for a strong recovery after tough times. As all of us are also emphasizing, partnerships with Pima County and regional jurisdictions, as well as the private sector, will be essential to help us preserve a solid economic foundation. We will be discussing the budget during our afternoon Study Session and in the evening we will hold the public hearing on the Manager’s budget recommendations.
We will also be selecting a new Council Member to complete the term of retiring Council Member Richard Fimbres for Ward 5. We have 5 impressive applicants, none of whom are running for the office this November. You can see their information and all meeting materials at this link:
https://tucsonaz.hylandcloud.com/221agendaonline
Thank you.
Karin Uhlich
Neighborhood Clean Up in Partnership with Primavera Works
The Ward 6 Council Office is partnering with Primavera Works to clean up several hotspot areas throughout our community. Primavera Works hires individuals who face significant barriers to employment, such as homelessness, incarceration, or other life challenges. They began the clean up at end of April, and pictures below show some of their recent work. We are proud of this partnership and grateful to Primavera Works for their help in making our neighborhood cleaner!
Midway Wash (North of Speedway Area)
The Easement Next to the Midway Wash
The Alley Between Rosemont and Beverly (North of Speedway)
Sun Tran Seeks Public Input on Proposed Service Changes to Routes 5 and 22
Sun Tran invites the community to attend a series of public input meetings to learn about and provide comments on the proposed changes to Route 5 (Pima St/W. Speedway Blvd) and Route 22 (El Rio Dr/W. Speedway Blvd).
The Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) and Sun Tran have worked to determine the five (5) lowest-performing routes in the transit system and identifying operational and budget efficiencies. Sun Tran identified Route 5 (Pima St / W. Speedway Blvd), Route 15 (Campbell Rd), Route 21 (W. Congress St / Silverbell Rd), Route 22 (El Rio Dr/ W. Speedway Blvd), and Route 61 (La Cholla Blvd) as the lowest performing routes. The city will net a cost savings of $1 million annually by extending Route 22 to Pima Community College West Campus and eliminating Route 5.
Other transit routes are available within a half-mile of the pedestrian network. Additionally, eliminating Route 5 allows for the restructuring of Route 22, and maintains and improves the service on W. Speedway.
Community members are encouraged to attend one of the one-hour meetings:
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Monday, May 12 | Noon | University of Arizona, Student Union Memorial Center, Picacho Room: 1303 East University Boulevard
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Monday, May 12 | 5:30 PM | Link to virtual meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84270825167
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Tuesday, May 13 | 5:30 PM | Pima Community College – Downtown Campus: 1255 North Stone Avenue
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Thursday, May 15 | Noon | Quincie Douglas Library: 1585 East 36th Street
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Friday, May 16 | Noon | Martha Cooper Library: 1377 North Catalina Avenue
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Monday, May 19 | 5:30 PM | Ward 1 Council Office: 940 West Alameda Street
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Tuesday, May 20 | 10:00 AM | Morris K. Udall Park and Recreation Center: 7200 East Tanque Verde Road
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Wednesday, May 21 | Noon | William M. Clements Center: 8155 East Poinciana Drive
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Thursday, May 22 | 5:30 PM | Link to virtual meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81139891151
Meeting accommodations are available upon request and should be made at least one week in advance. To request accommodations, including American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, please contact Customer Service at (520) 792-9222 (TDD: 520-628-1565) or email SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov.
For more information or trip planning assistance, visit Suntran.com, call Customer Service at (520) 792-9222 or TDD: 520-628-1565, or email SunTranInfo@tucsonaz.gov.
The 38th Annual Salute to Centenarians
The Ward 6 staff attended the 38th Annual Salute to Centenarians event on May 2 at the Tucson Jewish Community Center, hosted by Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) and TMC Health, celebrates individuals who are 100 years old or older.
We were honored to be there, meet over 30 centenarians, and listen to their life stories. One of the centenarians was our neighbor, Aleida Gehrels who lives in Catalina Vista neighborhood. Council Member Paul Cunningham, staff from Ward 1 Council Office, and staff of state representative offices were also in attendance. Congratulations to all the centenarians, and thank you for sharing your amazing and inspiring stories with us.
Park Tucson Extended Parking Meter Enforcement Hours
The City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM) Park Tucson Division will implement new parking meter hours beginning Monday, June 2, 2025. The new parking meter hours will extend from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Currently, parking meter hours take place Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Parking meters located in the Downtown, Mercado and Main Gate Square/University districts will begin the new hours.
The new hours will not apply to the Fourth Avenue district on June 2 due to impacts from the Downtown Links construction. Following completion of Downtown Links in fall 2025, the extended hours will be reviewed and modified if necessary to include the Fourth Avenue district.
In October 2024, Park Tucson proposed an extension of parking meter hours to business owners, residents, and visitors and received feedback from the community. Following an evaluation of comments received, the Park Tucson Commission voted and approved a recommendation by DTM to extend parking meter hours.
The new hours are expected to increase the availability of on-street parking for visitors to Downtown Tucson, University/Main Gate Square, and Mercado District, as well as to promote the opportunity to reinvest additional revenue towards an improved parking experience for customers.
At this time, there is no change to parking meter rates ($1.00/hour) or time limits, which range from ½-hour to 6-hour time limits, and free on-street parking will remain after 7 p.m. and on Sundays.
Park Tucson is responsible for the operation and maintenance of more than 1,800 metered parking spaces within the downtown area. Park Tucson is also responsible for six City-owned parking garages, five surface lots, residential parking permit programs, student and business parking permit programs and for parking enforcement city-wide. To learn more about the new parking meter hours, visit:
tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Transportation-Mobility/Park-Tucson/Extended-Parking-Meter-Hours
Plan Tucson 2025 General Update Plan
Staff is excited to announce that the third draft of Plan Tucson 2025 is now available for public review. After a thorough review process and extensive community engagement, the Planning Commission voted unanimously (8-0) to forward a favorable recommendation of the Plan Tucson 2025 General Plan Update to the Mayor and Council. This updated draft reflects meaningful input from both community members and key stakeholders.
Tucson residents now have a critical opportunity to share their perspectives on the most recent draft during the upcoming Mayor and Council Public Hearing on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to reflect on recent planning efforts, assess our community’s challenges and needs, and contribute to shaping Tucson’s long-term vision.
The Planning Commission recommended several additions to strengthen the final draft:
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Affordable Housing: New language addresses concerns about obstacles to developing more affordable housing
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Transparency and Accountability: Direction to create an Annual Report has been added, ensuring clear and ongoing updates on the Plan’s progress over the next 10 years
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Administrative Flexibility: Language has been included to allow for administrative amendments to the Plan if necessary
At the public hearings, community members expressed strong support for the Plan and the inclusive engagement process. Public feedback led to the incorporation of additional considerations around:
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Strengthening climate resilience and development aesthetics
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Clearer guidance on Plan implementation
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Supporting efforts to prevent violence against Indigenous women and women in the broader community
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Improving bike connectivity, utilities and development integration, and streetscape safety and aesthetics
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Addressing housing affordability challenges faced by developers
Mayor & Council has scheduled a public hearing on the adoption of Plan Tucson 2025 on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. This is the final opportunity to provide feedback on Plan Tucson. Any feedback provided during the public hearing will be considered by Mayor & Council given the context of Plan Tucson’s two years of community engagement. Mayor & Council may choose to adopt the plan while providing staff with specific direction to make changes based on public feedback. If approved, Tucson residents will have the opportunity to vote on Plan Tucson in the November 2025 election.
Plan Tucson 2025 outlines the city’s strategic vision for growth, sustainability, and community development over the next decade. Plan Tucson 2025 is an update to the City of Tucson’s general plan. Public input is a crucial part of the process as the final draft plan moves through review and adoption.
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Speak at the Hearing: Attend in person to speak at the public hearing. Requests to speak can be made prior to the public hearing or at the public hearing
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Submit Written Comments: Contact Cesar Acosta at (520) 667-7479 or cesar.acosta2@tucsonaz.gov, and they will be shared with the City Clerk’s Office
Still unsure how Plan Tucson can help shape Tucson’s future? Watch a short video to explore what Plan Tucson is all about.
Learn more about Plan Tucson and the process so far and find ways to join the conversation by visiting plantucson.tucsonaz.gov.
VIVA PIMA! Formerly Assistance League of Tucson
We were invited to celebrate the 65 anniversary of the Assistance League of Tucson and their new name, VIVA PIMA! last Thursday. The rebranding comes as a result of their recent transition to becoming an independent non profit organization as previously they affiliated with the national Assistance League that required them to pay membership dues. They now operate fully as a local thrift shop with help of several amazing volunteers, their shop is located at 1307 N Alvernon Way, Tucson. VIVA PIMA! has been our partner in the plastic recycling program since the early pilot phase. In addition to the thrift shop, they also have several programs that support low-income families by providing uniforms, books, and other school supplies. For more information, visit their website: https://altucson.org/what-we-do/
Free Compost
Tomorrow, we will be getting a load of compost at the neighborhood recycling center next to our office building at 3202 E. 1st St. This is a great opportunity to enrich your garden or landscaping with nutrient-rich compost at no cost. Stop by while supplies last and help support a more sustainable community.
Donations
Thank you for your continued support with the donations. Kaleidoscope Humanitarian Aid has shared the updated list of items they currently need:
- Men’s jeans and athletic pants sizes 26-36
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Men’s and boys baseball hats
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Men’s tennis shoes all sizes
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Girl’s and boy’s shoes all sizes
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Boy’s and girl’s pants sizes 2-6
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New women’s S and M underpants (new only please)
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Women’s large pants and jeans sizes 16 and up
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Sunglasses - all sizes
They have been distributing the collected donations to several agencies in Southern Arizona that serve unhoused people, veterans, and immigrants. Come and drop off your donations at the Ward 6 Council Office, located at 3202 E. 1st Street, Monday through Friday, from 9am to 1pm. More information about Kaleidoscope Humanitarian Aid, please visit their website at https://www.khaid.org/
Community Events and Resources
El Corazon – Business Improvement District (BID)
This Thursday, May 8th from 10am – noon, the Ward 6 Council Office will be hosting an In-Person Focus Group. Together with our Economics Initiatives Office, we will share feedback and additional details on creating a BID for the El Corazon planning area. Please join us; here is more information:
https://www.connecttucson.com/pages/elcorazon
El Pueblo Business EXPO – Connecting the Tucson Business Community
Please join our Tucson Small Business Center as they host a Small Business EXPO on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025.
Horse Rescue and Sanctuary
Jewels of the Desert Horse Rescue and Sanctuary is a local nonprofit which rescues and rehabilitates abused, neglected, and abandoned horses. In a little over a year since their founding, they have rescued dozens of horses, restored their physical and emotional health, and found them forever homes.
Here is a picture of their latest rescue who was brought in by a man who found him abandoned in the desert. He has infected wounds across his body and was so hungry and malnourished that upon arrival he spent several hours eating nonstop. But he is now safe and cared for by these good people at the rescue who are nursing him back to health.
But they need our community’s support to continue on their mission. Please consider joining them by becoming a donor or volunteer. And please . . . help spread the word!
More information:
Website:
https://www.jewelsofthedeserthorses.org/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/people/Jewels-Of-The-Desert-Horse-Rescue-And-Sanctuary/61554696287093/#
Aging with Confidence - Pima Council On Aging
This event, Nosh & Know – Aging with Confidence: Exploring Care Options and Resources on May 8th & 9th will provide resources available for your friends and family to age in proactive, informed, and protected ways. They identify some of the typical challenges of aging, introduce strategies for coping, and explore resources to preserve your voice and rights from independent aging to long-term residential and memory care.
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Understanding typical aging challenges and available services and options Identifying strategies for proactive decision making
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Accessing needed resources across different levels of care including independent aging, in-home care, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care
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Understanding your rights in long-term care facilities and how the Ombudsman Program can help you.
This is the link to register if you want to make the flyer clickable.
Step Forward for Senior Wellness
Help Reduce Waste & Support Refugees! Donate Mason Jars At The Ward 3 Office
West University Porchfest 2025
West University Neighborhood Association (WUNA) invites you to their Porchfest on Saturday, May 10 from 6 to 9 pm, go to their website to check the updated lined up and porches:
https://westuniversityneighborhood.org/west-university-porchfest-2025/
Tucson Music Camp Presents Summer Music Camp
2nd Chance Prom at Armory Park Center
Join Parks and Recreation for the 2nd Chance Prom at Armory Park on May 17 from 5–8 PM! This free event will feature live music, dancing, prom-themed activities, and local vendors. Formal attire is encouraged—and those who arrive in prom-themed outfits will receive a free raffle entry!
JobPath
JobPath will be hosting the initial workshop for Career Compass program. The program will help connect under and unemployed community members with in-demand jobs that need very little or on-the-job training. Below is the link to sign up:
Step Up To Justice
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Step Up to Justice is a free civil legal center for low-income individuals and families in Pima County, powered by the talents of volunteer attorneys. They are working to expand their community education projects – initiatives to bring “Know-Your-Rights” presentations to members of the community. |
Their presentations are free of charge and are available statewide. The following community education workshop is available virtually:
The RENT Project (Renter Education for Neighborhoods and Tenants) provides tenants with a general understanding of their rights and obligations under Arizona landlord and tenant law. The presentation covers topics including landlords’ obligations regarding making repairs, what tenants can do to minimize the possibility of eviction, and what a tenant should do if an eviction is filed against them. The written materials and videos already available on the website in both English [stepuptojustice.org] and Spanish [stepuptojustice.org].
The MAPP Project (Mobile Home Asset and Property Protection) is similar to RENT. The curriculum explains mobile home owners’ legal rights and responsibilities when they own their mobile home, but rent the land beneath the home. The intent of the project is to help mobile home owners avoid disputes with their landlords and preserve their primary asset. Additionally, written materials and videos are also available on the website (English [stepuptojustice.org] and Spanish [stepuptojustice.org]).
Community Solutions on Housing and Homelessness by Primavera
From our Friends at Blenman Elm Neighborhood
Pima Animal Care Center
Pet of the Week
ID# A862408
Age: 3 years
Qualities: The family that scoops up this handsome boy is in for a lifelong treat. Scoop is a happy, playful boy who loves treats almost as much as he loves hanging out with people. According to PACC volunteers, Scoop is an expert at chasing the ball, but they’re still working to teach him how to bring it back. Scoop has shared his kennel with other pups while at PACC and would love to meet any potential doggy roommates before heading home to make sure it's a good fit for everyone.
Fee: Scoop is free to adopt. He is up-to-date on vaccines and microchipped and will be neutered upon adoption.
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
Alvernon Grant Initiative Meeting (AGI)
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 6-7pm (every 2nd Tuesday of the month)
Fuente De Vida Church, 2200 N Dodge Blvd.
5th/Alvernon Crime Coalition
Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 6-7pm (every 4th Wednesday of the month)
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
29th Street Coalition Meeting
Thursday, May 29, 6-8pm (every 4th Thursday of the month)
Midtown Police Station Public Meeting Room, 1100 S. Alvernon
Palo Verde Neighborhood Meeting
Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:30-8:00pm (every third Thursday of the month)
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
More information found at https://www.paloverdeneighborhood.org/
Miramonte Neighborhood Meeting
Wednesday, May 14, 6:00-7:30pm (every third Wednesday of the month)
Ward 6 Council Office, 3202 E 1st Street
Division Advisory Committee (DAC) Meeting
Thursday, June 26, 6-8pm
Erik D. Hite Eastside Substation, 9670 E Golf Links Rd
City of Tucson Resources
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