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Welcome, neighbors!
Thank you for the trust you’ve placed in me. It is an honor to serve as your City of Tucson Council Member for Ward 5.
I step into this role as a lifelong Tucsonan who believes deeply in the power of neighborhoods. Ward 5 is rich in history, culture, and leadership, and it plays a vital role in shaping Tucson’s future. My commitment is to serve with integrity, listen with intention, and work alongside you to strengthen our communities and our city.
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A Little About Me
I am a fourth-generation Tucsonan with deep roots in the community I now serve. I attended Sunnyside and Tucson Unified School District schools before earning my undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). My professional background is grounded in community and economic development, with experience working in both Los Angeles and Tucson.
My commitment to public service is shaped by my family’s longstanding dedication to education and public institutions. Both of my parents, along with many members of my extended family, are retirees or current employees of Sunnyside Unified School District. As the first woman elected to represent Ward 5 on the Tucson City Council, I am focused on advancing policies that support safe and complete streets, accessible public spaces, and a healthier, more sustainable Tucson for families.
Outside of my Council responsibilities, I value time with my husband and daughters and enjoy connecting with neighbors over a cup of coffee.
Our Work So Far
This office is guided by a simple principle: when our Ward 5 community is supported, Tucson is stronger. That means showing up in our neighborhoods, centering community voices in City decisions, and focusing on the everyday issues that affect quality of life: public safety, housing, infrastructure and public spaces, economic opportunity, and environmental health.
Since officially taking office on December 1, our team has been busy:
- Attended 5 Neighborhood Association meetings (South Park, Pueblo Gardens, Sunnyside, Santa Rita/West Ochoa, and Las Vistas), with more coming!
- Participated in several community events, including the 12th Annual United Hearts of Arizona Shoe & Jacket Distribution Day, Wreaths Across America commemoration ceremony, the TCE Mural Unveiling and Healing Commemoration at Mission Manor Park, the People’s Swearing In Ceremony for Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, the UCAB 30th Anniversary Celebration, the 36th Annual Martin Luther King Breakfast organized by the Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Association and Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee, a National Day of Racial Healing Event, the MLK Day March and Celebration at Reid Park, Governor Hobbs’ State of the State Report, the Tucson Pima Collaboration to End Homelessness’ Annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, and the YWCA Women’s Leadership Conference.
- We’ve met with small business owners, union leaders, and representatives from local advocacy organizations, service providers, and nonprofits.
- We met with stakeholders that represent or work with some of Ward 5’s large facilities and developments to listen and build partnerships while also making sure the voices of Ward 5 and Tucson residents are heard. These include Tucson Electric Power (TEP), Arizona Tech Parks at The Bridges, Tucson Rodeo and Parade, and Visit Tucson.
- Attended community meetings about the 22nd Street Bridge project and about RTA Next, learning about major transportation investments planned for our region including in Ward 5. Pima County residents will have the opportunity to vote on RTA Next with Propositions 418 and 419 – early voting begins February 11 and election day is March 10. The groundbreaking for the long-awaited 22nd Street Bridge project will be next week on February 4 – see below for details.
- Met with more than a dozen City Departments and teams to build strong working relationships and learn about ongoing city initiatives, with remaining departments scheduled for February.
- Fully staffed the Ward 5 office and welcomed interns to support our work. Stay tuned for team introductions, coming soon!
- Appointed several community members to represent Ward 5 on our City Boards, Committees, and Commissions.
- Prepared for Mayor and Council meetings in December and January, where I had the opportunity to advocate for Ward 5, vote on topics including Middle Housing, and welcome student artists that were selected for our 2026 Safety Calendar!
Staying Connected
You can expect clear communication, accessible leadership, and meaningful opportunities to engage. This newsletter is one way we’ll stay connected - sharing updates, resources, and ways to participate in shaping the future of Ward 5. Please also follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Upcoming February neighborhood meetings:
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South Park: Monday, February 2 at the Quincie Douglas Recreation Center (1575 E. 36th St)
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Julia Keen: Thursday, February 12 at TPD Midtown (1100 S. Alvernon Way)
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Pueblo Gardens: Tuesday, February 15 at the Quincie Douglas Recreation Center (1575 E. 36th St.)
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Sunnyside: Monday, February 23 at El Pueblo Activity Center: Multi-Purpose Room (101 W. Irvington Rd. Bldg. 9)
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Las Vistas: Tuesday, February 24 at the Quincie Douglas Library (1585 E. 36th St.)
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Western Hills II: Thursday, February 26 at the Quincie Douglas Recreation Center (1575 E. 36th St.)
I invite you to stay involved, reach out, and join us as we begin this next chapter together.
I also want neighbors to better understand what a Ward office is and how local government impacts daily life. That’s why our first major community gathering will be a Ward 5 Fiesta! Join us on Thursday, February 19 from 4 – 8pm at 4300 South Park Avenue for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. I’ll be sharing a few remarks at 6 p.m., and I hope to see you there. Come meet the team, enjoy the atmosphere, and celebrate with us – rodeo attire encouraged. This fiesta is for everyone!
Registration for this event is highly encouraged. To RSVP, click here.
 I look forward to seeing you in the neighborhood and working together for Ward 5.
Sincerely,
 Your Ward 5 Council Member
Know Your Rights
Last week, the Tucson Mayor and Council voted unanimously to direct the City Attorney to draft a local law that would prohibit ICE and other civil immigration operations from staging enforcement operations on City-owned or City-controlled property.
Our vote sends a clear message: Tucson is committed to protecting the dignity, safety, and rights of our community.
I am incredibly proud to stand alongside Mayor Regina Romero and Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz, who introduced this legislation, to take this decisive step.
By establishing clear policies for any federal requests to use City facilities, we are affirming our responsibility to govern with transparency, compassion, and accountability.
This action reflects our shared values and our belief that local government should work to build trust, not fear, within the communities we serve.
Standing together, we are doing what is right for our Tucson community and nation.
The City of Tucson recently put together a Know Your Rights Resources page on its website:
ACLU Arizona, Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero are hosting a virtual Know Your Rights Forum on February 1, 11:00-12:00pm. Please RSVP at the registration link below – the registration page also includes a listing of the key things you need to know with regards to your rights regardless of immigration status.
Inauguration Day: Honoring Service and Welcoming New Leadership
 Inauguration Day took place on December 2, at the Tucson Convention Center. This was a powerful moment of reflection, transition, and renewed commitment to the community. The ceremony opened with a poetic invocation by TC Tolbert honoring gratitude, memory, and place, followed by the posting of the colors and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Girl Scout Troop 446. Leaders from the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe gave us a powerful reminder that that we sit on ancestral lands that have been welcoming since time immemorial. Their words grounded the day in responsibility – to the land, to each other, and to future generations.
Before the swearing-in of the new leadership, Mayor Regina Romero and the City Council Members recognized and thanked outgoing Ward 5 Council Member Rocque Perez and Ward 6 Council Member Karin Uhlich for their public service. The City then officially swore in its newest leadership, including Ward 6 Council Member Miranda Schubert, reelected Ward 3 Council Member Kevin Dahl, and I, your Ward 5 Council Member.
The new Mayor & Council selected Vice Mayor Lane Santa Cruz to serve another term. The day concluded with Mayor Romero’s State of the City address, outlining priorities centered on affordability, housing, public safety, climate resilience, transit, and keeping Tucson a welcoming community.
Community in Action: Reflecting on MLK Day Weekend
 Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend reminded us of what community looks like at its best: service, reflection and coming together. The weekend began at the 36th Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Pueblo Gardens Neighborhood Association, continuing with the meaningful National Day of Racial Healing talking circles at the YWCA, and concluded with the 2026 Commemorative March and Celebration alongside neighbors and our Ward 5 team. Each moment reflected Dr. King’s legacy in action. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and community members who created spaces for connection, healing and unity.
Celebrating Our 2026 Safety Calendar Student Winners
 Congratulations to the 2026 City of Tucson and Ward 5 Council Office Safety Calendar Winners! This Year’s talented students came from Carillo K-5 Communication and Creative Arts Magnet School, Elvira Elementary School, Los Niños Elementary School, and Mission Manor Elementary School. Their creativity and hard work truly shine. I want to thank the Ward 5 team, along with the principals, teachers and families who supported and celebrated these students every step of the way. I want to especially thank Mayor Regina Romero, City Manager Tim Thomure, Fire Chief Sharon McDonough, and Police Chief Chad Kasmar for their partnership and support of this initiative. Always think safety!
2026 Safety Calendar Winners!
Front Cover: Mila Robles – Carrillo K-5 Communication & Creative Arts Magnet School
January: Jeremiah Uto – Carrillo K-5 Communication & Creative Arts Magnet School
February: Janessa Valencia – Elvira Elementary School
March: Norma Leyva – Carrillo K-5 Communication & Creative Arts Magnet School
April: Norma Ornelas Enriquez – Carrillo K-5 Communication & Creative Arts Magnet School
May: Marcell Catalano-Del Campo – Carrillo K-5 Communication & Creative Arts Magnet School
June: Sophie Rust – Los Niños Elementary School
July: Melina Flores – Elvira Elementary School
August: Roberto Rodriguez – Carrillo K-5 Communication & Creative Arts Magnet School
September: Mila Perez – Carrillo K-5 Communication & Creative Arts Magnet School
October: Michael Felix – Mission Manor Elementary School
November: Rodolfo Nuñez – Carrillo K-5 Communication & Creative Arts Magnet School
December: Tessa Rico – Los Niños Elementary School
Back Cover: Milo Valenzuela – Carrillo K-5 Communication & Creative Arts Magnet School
Breaking Ground on a Safer, Stronger 22nd Street Bridge
I’m excited to invite you to join me, Mayor Regina Romero, and our partners at RTA and Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility, for the groundbreaking of the 22nd Street Bridge Revitalization Project. This milestone event will take place on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at 1055 S. Campbell Avenue, and will include remarks, local food, and refreshments. This long-awaited project will replace the weight-restricted bridge, expand travel lanes, and add bicycle and pedestrian access – improving safety, traffic flow, and freight mobility for our community.
For more information on the 22nd Street Bridge Revitalization Project, click here.
Connect with Us!
 The Ward 5 team can be reached at ward5@tucsonaz.gov and 520-791-4231. Our office is located at 4300 S. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ 85714.
Until next time,
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