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Hello Tucson,
Last week Mayor and Council adopted the tentative budget, setting the overall expenditure limit. We will be finalizing final details in June, and continue work throughout the year to prepare for a balanced FY27 budget.
Several areas of importance remain in flux as we look to the future. Transit investments and needs will have to be planned for without clarity on whether the RTA Next will be considered by voters in 2026. The RTA half-cent sales tax ends July 2026, and the current package funds elements of transit service including expanded evening and weekend hours and routes serving residents beyond the city limits. RTA Next negotiations continue amongst the regional jurisdictions, and unfortunately all progress has been delayed as concerns over RTA leadership need to be resolved (not likely to be done until July/August). I’ve heard concern over the proposed changes to Route 5 and continue to hear advocacy for and against fare-free transit. By August we will have more information on RTA Next; we’ll also need to plan for a future without RTA Next (in case no fair package can be put before voters, or in case a package does not pass). More updates to come over the next few months.
One service I will ask for Mayor and Council to consider relates to community cleanliness and our Environmental Services budget. In September we’ll be reviewing current fees that cover trash and recycling pickups, brush and bulky, and miscellaneous services (graffiti abatement, drop off sites, special pickups, etc.). I’ve mentioned that Ward 6 is piloting added cleanups with our final federal ARPA dollars, employing unhoused residents through Primavera Works to clean alleys, parks, bus stops, washes and other areas. The positive feedback has been considerable. I plan to explore potential for increasing Environmental Service fees modestly (perhaps 50 cents to a dollar per month per account) in order to ramp up ES cleanup activities. The department and City Manager would determine what work to keep inhouse as well as how Team Up to Clean Up, Primavera Works, and/or the Homeless Work Program of Old Pueblo Community Services could be engaged to enhance regular cleanup work. I’m interested in your thoughts and will keep you posted as we prepare for the September Environmental Services discussion/planning.
When we set our 2026 budget ceiling, the resulting property tax levied by the city will drop from $1.03 per $100 of assessed property value to 99 cents/$100—roughly a 4% decrease (although we think revenues will hold steady as property values rise over time). The County Board of Supervisors continues deliberations on their budget, including a proposal to include a 1.5 cent/$100 property tax adjustment to fund the creation of more affordable housing. I hope you’ll weigh in on that effort before the next Board of Supervisors meeting in June. Like the RTA Next, future state and federal funding for priorities such as housing remain unclear. Both Mayor and Council and the Board of Supervisors are trying to offer local options so we can act upon our most pressing needs—cleanups and housing being two priorities I hear about steadily from constituents.
Thanks for helping us to do our best by offering your thoughts.
In the face of serious safety incidents last week, including numerous fires and violent/gun crimes, I want to echo the community’s thanks flowing to TPD and TFD for their effective work on both fronts. Mayor and Council works with the Manager and the Chiefs/leadership to support our employees and, as importantly, to seek out best practices aimed at preventing crime and fire risks. We owe that to city personnel and to you. As we learn more about root causes and any patterns underlying recent outbreaks, we’ll share new steps we can consider/take.
Thank you.
Karin Uhlich
Water Rate Adjustments
The Mayor and Council will be considering water rate adjustments that, if approved, will become effective in August. Tucson Water regularly updates its rates to ensure our water system remains strong, equitable, and dependable for the more than 740,000 people it serves daily in the Sonoran Desert.
One key change affects customers who live outside the Tucson city limits. It costs more to deliver water to these areas, so rates are being updated to reflect those true costs. This helps ensure all customers pay their fair share based on how much it takes to serve them. This is revenue-neutral, meaning city customers may see a decrease in their water bill.
Two small fees are also increasing:
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The Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Fee supports projects like rain gardens, which reduce flooding and improve our neighborhoods.
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The Conservation Fee helps fund water-saving programs that protect our Sonoran Desert water supply.
With all three adjustments, the total change for most city customers will be about $1–$2 more per month.
A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at City Hall, Mayor and Council Chambers, 255 W. Alameda Street. Your feedback will help inform the Mayor and Council as they consider these proposals.
Feedback Wanted on Middle Housing
The City of Tucson is launching a middle housing initiative to increase housing diversity by promoting options like duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and townhomes. They're exploring where these housing types could be built and are seeking community input to help shape the regulations. Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings to learn more and share their views.
PDSD invites you to join us at one of three public meetings this month to provide feedback on the potential options presented to Mayor and Council.
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Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
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Location: Virtual Zoom Meeting
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Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
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Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Location: Virtual Zoom Meeting
SAVE THE DATE: Safe Streets Mini-Grant Program Virtual Info Session
Join us for a one-hour virtual info session on the Safe Streets Mini-Grant Program on Wednesday, June 11, at 5:30 p.m.
Andrea Altamirano, Transportation Program Coordinator, will provide an overview of this grant opportunity that can help bring traffic calming improvements—like speed humps, traffic circles, and chicanes—to neighborhoods that need them most.
Funded by the voter-approved Proposition 411 (Tucson Delivers: Safe Streets under the Systemwide Safety Improvements project category), this program establishes an inclusive, community-led process to deliver traffic calming improvements in residential neighborhoods, prioritizing under-resourced areas that lack access to funding their own traffic calming improvements via the existing Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
Want to learn more about opportunities to improve street safety? Put this Information Session on your calendar.
Click HERE to join the Zoom meeting.
Ward 6 Recycling Center to be Relocated
The Ward 6 Recycling Center is scheduled to close by the end of summer due to a new development. The Environmental Services Department has found a new site, and we would like to invite community members to attend a public meeting to learn more about the new site and share feedback. Meeting details are provided below:
Ward 3, 5 and 6 CANDIDATE FORUMS
The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson is sponsoring a candidate forum in which you’ll have opportunity to engage with those running for the open seats on Tucson’s City Council. Join them at any or all the event dates below.
June 21st - Ward 3 - Flowing Wells Library - 10:30am-11:30am
June 26th - Ward 5 - Valencia Public Library - 5:00pm-6:00pm
July 1st - Ward 6 - Martha Cooper Public Library - 5:00pm-6:00pm
Check the calendar for update to date information and details HERE.
New Artist at Ward 6 – Randy Hotchkiss
Randy Hotchkiss decided in 2009, along with his wife Kathy, that tile art would liven up the walls of their courtyard gardens. Not finding anything that appealed to them, they decided to make their own. One project led to another and now their backyard looks like an art gallery. When Kathy retired, the couple realized that what had begun as a hobby could become a business, and later, Garden Art Tucson was born. They started selling and installing their tile murals. Recently, they expanded their offerings to include tile backsplashes for indoor or outdoor kitchens, and iron tables from Mexico, which they embellish with their art. We have the privilege to showcase their art featured in our main conference room until the end of June. All are welcome to come by and view them.
Tucson Parks & Recreation to Host Road Races and Track & Field Events
Tucson Parks and Recreation will be hosting the annual Summer Track and Field and Road Races every Tuesday and Thursday in June and July. More information can be found on the City of Tucson Parks and Recreation Sports Unit webpage or call 520-791-4870.
Events will include long jump, high jump, turbo javelin, 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes, 800-, 1600-, 4 x 100 relay, and 4 x 400 relay. Ribbons will be given to the top three finishers at each meet (ages 14 and under).
Cost: $3/youth (17 years and younger); $4/adults (18 years and older)
Time: Registration begins at 6:30 p.m.; field events begin at 6:30 p.m. and races begin at 7 p.m.
Dates: Every Tuesday, June 3-July 22
Location: Drachman Stadium, 501 S. Plumer Ave.
Events will include: 1-mile predict, 2K, and 5K. Ribbons will be given to the top three finishers at each road race.
Cost: $3/youth (17 years and younger); $4/adults (18 years and older)
Time: Registration begins at 5:30 p.m.; races start at 6 p.m.
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June 5 - Gene C. Reid Park (SW corner of Country Club Road and 22nd Street)
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June 12 - John F. Kennedy Park (3700 S. La Cholla Bl. - Fiesta Area)
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June 26 - Lincoln Park (8155 E. Poinciana Drive - Clements Center Gym)
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July 10 - Silverlake Park (2420 S. Kino Parkway)
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July 17 - Freedom Park (5000 E. 29th St.-Ramada 2)
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July 24 - John F. Kennedy Park (3700 S. La Cholla Bl. - Fiesta Area)
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July 31 - Gene C. Reid Park (SW corner of Country Club Road and 22nd Street)
Events could be canceled due to extreme weather. To receive Track & Field or Road Race event information and cancelation updates subscribe to the email list here.
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
Summer Safari Nights 2025
Beat the heat and explore the outdoors with Reid Park Zoo’s Summer Safari Nights on Friday and Saturday evenings!
Join in on Summer Safari Nights, presented by TMC Health and enjoy the Zoo in the cooler evening hours! Each week will feature keeper chats, animal encounters, artifact stations, carousel rides, crafts and games. Face painting and glitter tattoos will be available for purchase. Refresh with dinner and a cold drink at the Flamingo Grill, listen to live music by some of Tucson’s best bands. Take a ride on the Cox Jungle Carousel, and play games with Tucson Parks and Recreation’s ‘Ready, Set, Rec!’ There will be a different theme each week, so every visit brings something new and plenty of photo opportunities to remember a great evening.
World of Play is open until dusk! Check details below for upcoming bands and activities! https://reidparkzoo.org/event/summer-safari-nights-2025-2/
Dog Days of Summer at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Dog Days of Summer are finally here! June 1 - September 30 from @ 7:30 - 3:30 pm
Bring your furry canine friend (on a leash, please) to enjoy good sniffs and paw-fect summer mornings. Stop by Edna’s Eatery by Charly’s Grill for a treat from the Dog Chow menu! Dog Admission tickets go on sale June 1
Add your pup to your membership and enjoy free walks all summer long! More information on Dog Memberships.
Cooling Centers in Tucson
Free Cooling Centers in Tucson. Cooling centers are open from June 1 - August 31, including holidays: Juneteenth (June 19) and Independence Day (July 4)
Open noon - 4 p.m., daily.
Cooling centers offer temporary designated areas for the public to utilize and escape the heat during peak hours. Get a free ride to a cooling center by calling 2-1-1.
Ward 1: Fred Archer Center (replacing El Rio Center)
Ward 2: Morris K. Udall Recreation Center
Ward 3: Donna R. Liggins Center
Ward 4: Freedom Center
Ward 5: El Pueblo Activity Center
Ward 6: Randolph Recreation Center
For more information on cooling centers see website below. https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Housing-and-Community-Development/HCD-News/Cooling-Center-Locations-in-Tucson
For Pima Country Cooling Centers, click here for more information.
County to hold Truth in Taxation Public Hearings June 17 on three proposed tax increases
PIMA COUNTY, May 27, 2025 – All interested citizens are invited to attend public hearings on three proposed tax increases Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 9 a.m. or thereafter, in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 130 W. Congress St., 1st Floor. The increases concern the Flood Control District, Library District and the County’s primary property tax rate.
In compliance with section 48-254, Arizona Revised Statutes, Pima County Flood Control District is notifying its property taxpayers of its intention to raise its secondary property taxes over last year’s level. The district is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $1,479,265 or 4.41%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause Pima County Flood Control District’s secondary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $32.89 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $31.50.
In compliance with section 48-254, Arizona Revised Statutes, Pima County Free Library District is notifying its property taxpayers of its intention to raise its secondary property taxes over last year’s level. The district is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $2,304,830 or 3.70%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause Pima County Free Library District’s secondary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $55.79 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $53.80.
In compliance with section 42-17107, Arizona Revised Statutes, Pima County is notifying its property taxpayers of its intention to raise primary property taxes over last year’s level. The County is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $28,584,528 or 6.20%.
For example, the proposed tax increase will cause Pima County’s primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to be $422.99 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase). Without the proposed tax increase, the total taxes that would be owed on a $100,000 home would have been $398.31.
Questions may be directed to the County Administrator’s Office, 520-724-8661.
Notice: Truth in Taxation Public Hearing notices will be published in the Daily Territorial on June 2 and June 9 and in the Ajo Copper News on May 28 and June 4.
Help Reduce Waste & Support Refugees! Donate Mason Jars Here At the Ward 6 Office
Pet of the Week
PAWL
ID# A865674
Age: 2 years
Qualities: Meet Pawl! This smiley boy is the resident PACC greeter pup and can often be found in the "Dog of the Day" yard as you first walk into the kennel area! Pawl came into PACC as a stray, but it's clear this guy has been a loved member of a family before; Pawl is housebroken, knows commands, and walks nicely on a leash. He's also a total lovebug with kids, older folks, and everyone in between.
Fee: Pawl 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
Alvernon Grant Initiative Meeting (AGI)
Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 6-7pm (every 2nd Tuesday of the month)
Emmanuel Church, 1825 N Alvernon Way
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, June 26, 6-8pm (every 4th Thursday of the month)
Midtown Police Station Public Meeting Room, 1100 S. Alvernon
Palo Verde Neighborhood Meeting
Thursday, June 19, 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, June 11, 6:00-7:30pm (every second 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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