Ward 5 Monthly Update: March 2026

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Letter From Council Member Selina Barajas

Dear Ward 5 Community,

March, recognized as Women's History Month, was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from women, teamwork, and showing up for one another. As the first woman to represent our Ward 5 community, I am taking both the small, everyday moments and the historic ones in stride. Leaders like Dolores Huerta have shown us that change is rooted in persistence, compassion, and collective action, standing alongside communities, uplifting voices, and organizing with purpose. Her lifelong work continues to inspire how we lead today: grounded in community, guided by justice, and committed to one another. This moment also calls for reflection; this pause gives our community time to reflect, process, and respond with care and integrity.

Across Ward 5, I witnessed that spirit in so many spaces, whether connecting with the incredible young leaders of Las Vistas on the Tucson High Girls Golf Team, or hosting a community Iftar dinner through our office, hosting a round table with Sunnyside High School Seniors. We also rolled up our sleeves to clean up South 12th Avenue alongside our Mayor and Vice Mayor. These moments reflect what’s possible when we move together with purpose and pride in our community.

I was also honored to attend the Youth On Their Own (YOTO) lunch, where we were reminded of the importance of investing in our youth and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed. In addition, celebrating City employees for their 30 years of service was a meaningful opportunity to recognize the dedication and care that keeps Tucson moving forward every day. Receiving a special recognition from United Hearts of Arizona/Corazones Unidos de Arizona was truly humbling, and a reflection of the shared commitment we all hold to serve and uplift our community.

Together, these experiences reinforce that progress doesn’t happen alone, it’s built through relationships, trust, and the willingness to support one another through every step of the journey. I remain committed to continuing this work alongside you, creating opportunities, strengthening connections, and ensuring Ward 5 continues to thrive.

Sincerely,

Your Ward 5 Council Member

Voters Approved Propositions 418 and 419

Thank you to everyone who participated and made their voices heard in the Propositions 418 and 419 election. The RTA Next Plan and corresponding sales tax have been approved and will take effect on July 1, 2026.

The approval of RTA Next means that transit services will not be disrupted, and long-awaited investments will improve mobility in Ward 5 and across Pima County.

These measures create important opportunities to improve mobility across Tucson, and we will continue advocating for Complete Streets, expanded public transit, multimodal corridors, and stronger traffic safety improvements so that residents can travel safely whether they are walking, biking, driving, or taking transit.

The RTA Next Plan includes several multimodal roadway projects, including an unprecedented level of investment south of 22^nd Street. The projects along our Ward 5 corridors include:

• 22^nd Street (I-10 to Kino Parkway): Reconstruction to a 4-lane divided roadway with bicycle, pedestrian, associated drainage improvements and grade separation at the railroad tracks.

• Drexel Road Bridge (Midvale Park Road to Calle Santa Cruz): Construct a new bridge over the Santa Cruz River including bicycle, pedestrian, intersection and associated drainage improvements.

• Drexel Road/I-19 (Calle Santa Cruz to South 12^th Avenue): New bicycle and pedestrian connections across I-19.

• Drexel Road (South 12^th Avenue to Country Club Road): Modernize existing corridor including bicycle, pedestrian, and associated intersection and drainage improvements.

• Irvington Road (15^th Avenue to Tucson Boulevard): Modernize existing roadway to include pavement reconstruction and safety, associated drainage and intersection improvements.

• Campbell Avenue (Benson Highway to Valencia Road): Modernize existing roadway including bicycle, pedestrian, and associated intersection and drainage improvements.

With respect to transit, the RTA Next Plan includes funding to:

• Continue expanded evening and weekend bus service

• Maintain more than $30 million per year in transit funding

• Support higher frequency routes and neighborhood circulators

• Transit safety and security

If the plan had not passed, some existing transit services would have been disrupted, and additional services could not be supported.

Additionally, passage of RTA Next keeps us at the negotiating table for major new transit investments, such as bus rapid transit that would expand service along some of our highest-demand transit corridors.

In addition to bicycle, pedestrian, intersection, and drainage improvements along the major multimodal roadway corridor projects, and the significant transit investments included in RTA Next, the plan also includes:

• Funding for additional safety, ADA accessibility, and active transportation projections including Safe Routes to School projects, improvements for at least 100 miles of bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and over 30 signalized intersection improvements in Tucson.

• Funding for approximately 200 lane miles of improved pavement on our existing major roadways.

• Funding for critical wildlife linkages, which help wildlife cross major transportation corridors safely.

RTA Next builds on years of advocacy and planning for transportation improvements in Tucson and across Pima County, including the City of South Tucson, Tohono O’odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe.

RTA Next was informed by and will build on Move Tucson, our comprehensive transportation master plan. Area and corridor-specific plans are also reflected in the projects included in RTA Next, including the Drexel Road Bridge and Tucson Rapid Transit projects and Complete Streets advocacy for our Ward 5 corridors.

Thank you, Ward 5 Neighbors, for your continued engagement in our transportation future. Check out this interactive map to learn more about the results. In Ward 5, 60% were in favor of RTA Next. I’m excited to continue this work alongside all of you.

Honoring Ward 5’s Boards, Committees & Commissions

Thank you to the Ward 5 Boards, Committees and Commissions (BCC) who joined me at the March 3 Mayor & Council meeting! One of the reasons I ran for office is because I wanted to increase the representation and visibility of Ward 5 residents in our local governance and during our Mayor & Council meeting, I wanted to take time to publicly acknowledge our BC members. These roles are appointed and are voluntary. Serving in our BCCs is an important way community members help shape city policy and bring neighborhood perspectives to the table. Expanding access to City Hall and increasing the representation and visibility of Ward 5 in local governance are priorities for me, and I was proud to recognize our BCC representatives for their service. In the coming months, our Ward 5 office will also be profiling our BCC members and highlighting their important contributions to our community. Stay tuned!

2026 Women of Worth Awards at El Pueblo Senior Center

On March 7, I had the opportunity to serve as a keynote speaker for United Hearts of Arizona’s 2026 Women of Worth Awards/ Mujeres de Valor. As United Hearts of Arizona said: 

 "A woman’s worth is innate to her existence. Defines her own value, rejecting societal limitations of her age, beauty. She has inner qualities like kindness, resilience, and wisdom. A woman’s value is also reflected in her contributions to her family, community and work, showcasing her ability to nurture and lead. A woman of worth recognizes her own power, grace and unique perspective, which are beyond measure."

I want to congratulate this year's awardees and all the entertainers who performed throughout the ceremony. Thank you to the United Hearts of Arizona/Corazones Unidos de Arizona Board of Directors and Maria Vianey Valdez-Cardenas, CEO and Founder. I am very grateful to have been able to spend time with such strong women. 

South 12^th Avenue: A Complete Streets Approach

On Thursday, March 12, our office, along with the Mayor and Vice Mayor, celebrated the $1.2 million green stormwater infrastructure installation on South 12^th Avenue with a community cleanup and a Safe City deployment connecting unhoused residents with resources.

This holistic investment in our community is crucial to long-term sustainability. Thanks to Storm to Shade, more trees are being planted in the Southside – cooling down the area and providing safe amenities to residents. Huge thanks to Storm to Shade, the Office of Economic Initiatives, Small Business Center, Housing First, Team Up to Clean Up, Sunnyside Neighborhood Association, and everyone who helped make this holistic investment a reality for long-term community benefit.

Celebrating 15 Years of the Pima County Community Land Trust (PCCLT)

The Pima County Community Land Trust (PCCLT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to creating permanently affordable housing, supporting strong neighborhoods, and offering programs that help families sustain homeownership. Congratulations to Liz Morales, Assistant City Manager, City of Tucson, Betty Villegas, Arizona State Representative, and WaFd Bank’s Kim Dees and Deanna Quijada for their outstanding leadership! A special thank you to The Planning Center for inviting us to the table at El Casino Ballroom - what a fun and inspiring night filled with connection and celebration.

Thank You to the Rodeo Parade Committee

On Saturday, March 14 I attended the Rodeo Parade Committee Appreciation Dinner & Dance. I want to thank Stan Martin, the Tucson Rodeo Parade Committee Chairman, Herb Wagner, Secretary of the committee, and all the volunteers for all their hard work and dedication. We can’t wait for next year’s parade! If you would like to learn more about the history of the parade, please reach out to the Tucson Wagon & History Museum at 4823 S. 6^th Avenue.

Ward 5 Hosts Community Iftar Dinner

On Sunday, March 15, our community gathered at the Ward 5 Council Office for a special Community Iftar Dinner, celebrating connection, reflection, and the spirit of togetherness. It was truly meaningful to share this evening with neighbors from across our community, each bringing their own stories and traditions to the table.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Iftar is the evening meal that marks the breaking of the daily fast at sunset. Hosting a Community Iftar creates space for people of all backgrounds to come together, learn from one another, and share in a tradition rooted in generosity and unity.

SAFR Center Now Open: A New 24/7 Resource for Recovery

Our team had the opportunity to visit the Sobering Alternative for Recovery (SAFR) Center. Located at 250 S. Toole Ave. in downtown Tucson, the center provides a medically supported, low-barrier space for adults experiencing substance use disorder, offering trauma-informed care, peer support, and a "no wrong door" approach to services across Pima County. Operated by Community Bridges, Inc. in partnership with CODAC Health, Recovery in Wellness, and the University of Arizona School of Nutritional Services and Wellness, and the City of Tucson, SAFR will provide 24/7 support, serve as a first-responder drop-off point, and help build more effective, person-centered care in our community. 

Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair: Moving Forward Together

On Saturday March 21, I had the honor of attending the Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair and speaking at the rally. Less than a week after sexual abuse allegations involving Cesar Chavez surfaced, the Tucson community held this annual event, originally named after Chavez under a new title: Comunidad y Labor Unity Fair. It was important to stand alongside community members, labor organizers, and activists in recognizing the ongoing contributions of countless individuals who have built and strengthened the labor movement. The decision to move forward under a new name reflects the community's commitment to accountability, respect, and honoring the collective efforts that have shaped labor rights in Tucson.   

Roundtable with Sunnyside High School Seniors

This month, I had the pleasure of welcoming students and staff from Sunnyside High School to our Ward 5 office. As part of their college-level writing course, students have been researching topics they feel are not discussed enough and developing analytical papers, with one group focusing on current event issues. During their visit, I was able to sit down with them for a roundtable discussion, hear about their research, and answer their thoughtful questions. I truly appreciated their engagement, curiosity, and willingness to dive into important conversations. Thank you to Dr. Shannon Fojtik and her students for the opportunity. I am grateful to have been part of such a meaningful learning experience.

Tucson Wrestlers Shine on the National Stage

I’m proud to share more exciting news about Tucson’s continued excellence in wrestling. From our youth programs to the collegiate level, local athletes are making a powerful impact on the national stage.

Former Sunnyside High School standout Sergio Vega recently won the NCAA national championship at 141 pounds as a freshman at Oklahoma State, finishing an incredible undefeated season. His achievement is a testament to the strength of our local programs and the dedication of student athletes in our community.

At the same time, 14-yeard old Tucson native Patrick Pina III captured a national title at the USA Wrestling 16U Championships—an impressive accomplishment that highlights the bright future of wrestling in our city.

Last but certainly not least, Sunnyside alum Audrey Jimenez is making history of her own. Now competing for Lehigh University, she entered the inaugural NCAA Women's Wrestling Championships as the No. 1 seed at 110 pounds with an undefeated record, and went on to capture the national title in dominant fashion.

These achievements reflect the dedication, discipline, and talent growing right here in Tucson. Congratulations to these outstanding athletes for representing our community with pride and inspiring the next generation.

Upcoming Ward 5 Neighborhood Association Meetings

Neighborhood: South Park
Date: Monday, April 6
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Quincie Douglas Recreation Center

Neighborhood: Sunnyside
Date: Tuesday, April 20
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Location: El Pueblo Activity Center – Multipurpose Room

Neighborhood: Pueblo Gardens
Date: Tuesday, April 21
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Quincie Douglas Recreation Center

Neighborhood: Las Vistas
Date: Tuesday, April 28
Time: 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
Location: Quincie Douglas Library

Neighborhood: Western Hills II
Date: Thursday, April 30
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Quincie Douglas Recreation Center

Upcoming Mayor & Council Meeting

Date: Tuesday, April 7

Study Session: 10:00 AM

Regular Agenda: 5:30 PM

Location: Tucson City Hall, Mayor & Council Chambers. 255 W. Alameda St.

Training To Help Tucsonans Navigate Middle Housing

The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department is hosting two free training sessions to help residents better understand Tucson’s new middle housing opportunities. These sessions will walk participants through recent zoning and building code updates that make it easier to develop duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, while also explaining how these changes support more housing options across our community.

In-Person Workshop

Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Time: 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Public Works Building, 201 N Stone Ave, City of Tucson 4^th Floor Conference Room
Register: https://tucsonpdsd.info/MiddleHousingTrainingSession1

Virtual Workshop

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Virtual via Zoom
Register: https://tucsonpdsd.info/MiddleHousingTrainingSession2

Proposed Rate & Fee Changes, Upcoming Feedback Opportunities

The Mayor and Council have issued a notice of intent to consider proposed rate and fee updates across several City departments, including Environmental Services, Planning and Development Services, Transportation and Mobility, and Tucson Water. These proposals are designed to better align fees with the actual cost of providing services, support infrastructure improvements, and ensure the continued delivery of essential services like waste collection, water systems, and development review.

To ensure community voices are part of the process, the City is hosting multiple in-person and virtual public meetings throughout late March and April, giving residents the opportunity to learn more and provide feedback before any decisions are made. A final public hearing is scheduled for May 19, where Mayor and Council will consider the proposed changes.

Upcoming Public Meetings

Wednesday, April 1, 5:30-7 p.m.
Randolph Center, 200 S. Alvernon Way

Thursday, April 9, 5:30-7 p.m.
Donna R. Liggins Center, 2160 N. 6th Ave.

Saturday, April 11, 10-11:30 a.m.
Fred Archer Center, 1665 S. La Cholla Blvd.

Tuesday, April 14, 5:30-7 p.m. (WARD 5)
El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road

Thursday, April 16, 5:30-7 p.m.
Morris K. Udall Recreation Center, 7200 E. Tanque Verde Road

Saturday, April 18, 10-11:30 a.m.
Clements Center, 8155 E. Poinciana Dr.

Monday, April 20, 5:30-7 p.m.
Virtual Meeting
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89925574155

I encourage residents to stay informed, attend a meeting, and share their input—your feedback is critical as we work to make thoughtful, transparent decisions that impact our community.

Community Cleanup with Sunnyside Foundation + Las Vistas Neighborhood!

Join us for a Community Cleanup and Celebration as we wrap up the final neighborhood cleanup of the season! Volunteers will come together to help beautify the Las Vistas Neighborhood before enjoying a well-deserved appreciation carne asada.

The event will take place on Sunday, April 12, at 3200 S. Forgeus Ave. Cleanup activities run from 9:00–11:00 a.m., followed by the carne asada from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to give back, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the impact of our community’s hard work.

Join Us for Día de la Niñez at Mission Manor Park

I’m excited to invite you and your family to join us for our upcoming Día de la Niñez celebration on Saturday, April 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Mission Manor Park (6100 S. 12^th Ave.). This special event, hosted in partnership with Vice Mayor Santa Cruz, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy, creativity, and future of the children in our community.

We’re also accepting toy donations to help make this day even more meaningful for local families—donations can be dropped off at the Ward 5 office (4300 S. Park Ave.). I hope you’ll join us as we come together to uplift and celebrate our youth.

For toy donations, contact Elma at elma.alvarez@tucsonaz.gov

To get involved, contact Giselle at giselle.taylor@tucsonaz.gov

ANITA by Borderlands Theater

I would like to invite our Tucson community to support the world premiere of ANITA by Borderlands Theater, a powerful musical of hope, playing at the Leo Rich Theater from April 2–19.

Story Time at the Children's Peace Garden

I would also like to invite our Tucson community to attend Story Time at the Children's Peace Garden

Date: Saturday, April 11

Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 PM

Location: Manuel Herrera Jr. Park. (5901 S. Fiesta Ave.)

Roadway Improvements Are Coming Your Way: Surface Treatments Phase I & II Begin in Tucson

The City of Tucson is rolling out the next step in its commitment to safer, smoother streets with the launch of Surface Treatments Phase I & II—part of the broader Tucson Delivers: Better Streets initiative, funded by the Proposition 411 sales tax. Residents can expect noticeable improvements across local roadways as crews begin work this spring.

What’s Happening?

This project focuses on applying surface treatments to extend the life of existing roads, improve driving conditions, and prevent costly repairs down the line. These treatments help seal and protect pavement, reducing wear from traffic and weather.

Project Timeline

• Project Start: Mid-March
• Prep Work: Mid-March through Mid-April
• Surface Treatments: Mid-April through Mid-May

During this period, crews will be working in the areas of:

• Swan Road/Littletown Road
• Tucson International Business Center
• Park Ave./S. Valencia
• Mission Heights (Sunnyside).

While the work is designed to be efficient, residents may experience brief delays, lane restrictions, or temporary access changes.

What Residents Should Expect

• Short-term traffic impacts in active work zones
• Clearly marked signage and safety cones
• Improved road quality once work is completed

The city encourages drivers to slow down in construction areas and follow posted signs to ensure the safety of both workers and the community.

Stay Informed

For the latest updates, project maps, and schedules, residents can scan the QR code on the official notice or click here.

Need More Information?

• Public Information Specialist: Rachel Hutchinson – (520) 801-8469
• DTM Engineering Project Manager: Gabe Rascon – (520) 400-7656

These improvements are part of Tucson’s ongoing investment in infrastructure—helping create safer, more reliable streets for everyone. Schedules may shift slightly due to weather or unforeseen conditions, but the end result will be a smoother ride for all.

Stay tuned—and get ready for better streets ahead.

Park Avenue Construction to Begin March 25

On March 25, 2026, crews with Borderlands Construction, working with the City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility (DTM), will begin pavement removal and waterline installation in the northbound lane of Park Avenue from 22^nd Street to 36^th Street, followed by paving. Northbound travel will not be permitted within the project limits starting at 12:00 a.m. on March 25. This phase is expected to last around two months, with work on the southbound lane to follow, allowing only northbound travel during that time.

Drivers are urged to exercise caution in work zones, reduce speed, watch for signage and crews, and avoid distractions.

This project is funded through Proposition 101 – Tucson Delivers: Better Streets, which has invested approximately $100 million in arterial roadway improvements, including 638 arterial lane miles and 225 local lane miles since voter approval.

For more information on Prop 101, 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.

Our office is open Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Fridays: Community Engagement, Off-site meetings (Office is closed to the public).

Until next time,