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I hope you're enjoying the summer and making great memories with your loved ones. It’s hard to believe the new school year is just around the corner. Many students in the Vail School District live right here in Ward 4, and we're already getting ready for the start of the school year in our corner of the city. Our family has had a nice summer, spent some amazing time together, and we’re also looking forward to the structure and rhythm that the school year brings. I imagine many of you can relate. 😉
To all City of Tucson employees, I was proud to vote for the updated health benefits that went into effect on July 1. I'm especially excited that benefits-eligible employees and their dependents now have free access to City of Tucson gyms. Focusing on prevention and wellness is so important, and I encourage you to sign up and take full advantage of this resource.
Although we don't have any Mayor and Council meetings in July, we're still hard at work in the Ward 4 office, taking care of constituent issues and making progress on the top priorities for our community. Let’s jump into the updates now.
Project Blue
I’m truly grateful for everyone who is following this project closely, asking important questions, and making sure your Mayor & Council know where you stand. That is exactly how democracy should work. As public servants, it is our responsibility to listen to the community and make the best decisions possible in these roles of public trust.
If you didn’t catch my last newsletter, I shared an in-depth update on Project Blue, including a full list of open questions I’ve submitted. I invite you to check it out here: June 26 Newsletter – Read Now.
In addition to my newsletter, I’m continuing to share regular updates on:
At my request, an informational public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 5 to 7 PM at Mica Mountain High School. I hope you will attend, ask questions, and continue being part of this important community conversation. This meeting will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person.
Key Dates for Project Blue (subject to change, but this is what I’m tracking as of July 10):
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July 14: The draft Development Agreement is expected to be released. This document should include responses to many of the questions that have been raised.
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July 23: A public neighborhood meeting will be held at Mica Mountain High School from 5 to 7 PM.
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August 6: Mayor and Council will hold a Study Session on Project Blue. This will be the first time the full body discusses the proposal. You can attend the meeting in person or watch live on the City’s YouTube page.
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August 19: This is the date currently planned to decide whether or not to begin the annexation process. If a vote is taken, and if it passes, it would trigger a series of next steps. This would not be a vote to annex the property. A final vote on whether to annex would take place at a future date, after additional public engagement and review.
This process is still unfolding. I’m listening, I’m showing up, and I will continue sharing what I know as we move forward together.
Thank you again for taking time out of your busy life to engage. Our democracy depends on an informed and active public, and your voice truly matters in shaping the future of our community. Please keep sharing your thoughts with us at ward4@tucsonaz.gov.
Ward 4 Department of Transportation and Mobility Updates
RTA Houghton Road – Irvington to 22nd Street Utility work is ongoing through 2026. Please consider alternative routes to support worker safety and ease travel for local residents. RTA road widening is expected to begin in late 2026 after utility work is complete.
RTA Valencia Road – Kolb to Houghton Road widening continues and is expected to finish in summer 2026. This is an active construction zone. Do not move barricades or enter the multi-use path under construction. TPD will cite trespassing. Vandalism has also caused delays and increased taxpayer costs—please report criminal activity to 911.
On Monday, July 21, traffic is scheduled to shift onto the north side of Valencia Road between Kolb Road and Houghton Road as part of the Valencia Road Improvement Project currently taking place. One lane of travel will be maintained in each direction. This shift will allow crews to begin work on the south side of the roadway.
The following streets will close on the south side of Valencia Road through the duration of this work:
* Giachery Avenue
* Laurie Ann Drive
* Eastern entrance of Encantada Rita Ranch Apartments
* Two entrances into the Safeway shopping complex
Prop 411 Residential Road Projects Thanks to the City of Tucson voters who passed Prop 411, the funds collected through the half-cent sales tax over the 10-year period will be used solely for neighborhood street improvements and systemwide street safety projects. The interactive map on the Tucson Delivers Website will show you the status of your neighborhood improvements.
Pothole and Road Maintenance Requests As the monsoon rains pick up you will notice additional potholes and fallen trees. We appreciate your help actively alerting the city of maintenance requests by reporting them to the Department of Transportation and Mobility by calling 311, using the 311 app, or using the 311 online service request portal. Additional information and links may be found at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Residents/311-Service-Request-Portal
Ward 4 Southeast Police Annex Update
As part of the Tucson Delivers, Safer City Program, the Police Department will construct an additional facility to support eastside operations based on expansion in the southeast area of Tucson. The TPD Eastside Annex is a 3,300 s.f. office building designed to provide TPD with a small base of operations strategically located between major Police Substations. The new building will have a conference room with lobby access designed for multiple uses, an open concept workspace where duty officers can stop in and write reports or conduct other operational duties with the benefits of a fully-functioning office, two private offices for management staff, public and staff only restrooms, soft interview room for intake operations. Construction is actively underway at 7655 S Kolb Rd. The annex is expected to be operational by spring 2026 and will support our public safety infrastructure.
Ward 4 Parks and Recreation Updates
City Splash Pads Now open and free through October 31. Daily use from 8 a.m. to sunset.
City Pools Free and open for the summer season. Visit the Parks and Recreation website for pool schedules and locations:https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Pools-and-Splash-Pads
Seeking Input on Pools and Splash Pads Tucson Parks and Recreation seeks pool and splash pad user input to improve its public service. The department is committed to providing high-quality amenities that meet the needs of the Tucson community. Take the survey linked below to help the department understand better how residents use the City's pools and splash pads and what is value most about having access to those facilities. Feedback received will help improve services and ensure that City pools remain a valuable resource for everyone. The survey will close Thursday, July 31.
Senior Programs at the Clements Center – 8155 E Poinciana Dr.
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Senior Lunch Monday to Friday, noon to 12:30 p.m. For individuals 60 and over (or spouses of any age). A $2 to $3 donation is suggested. Reservations required by the Tuesday before. Call (520) 791-5787.
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Senior Fitness Classes Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
- Fitness Building: Tuesday and Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Recreation Building: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Chair Fitness: Tuesday and Thursday, 8 to 8:55 a.m. and 9:05 to 10 a.m.
- Chair Volleyball: Wednesday, 9 to 10 a.m.
- Other activities: card games, crafts, billiards, exercise equipment, swimming, and monthly day trips.
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