Kylie and I kicked off Sunday by dropping into Catalina Vista’s annual picnic, which offered a valuable chance to connect with neighborhood leaders about the needs of the park. I always appreciate the opportunity to get out on field trips to see things with my own eyes.  

The first half of Tuesday was devoted to our quarterly team check-in. We calendared out our priorities for the second quarter of 2026 in addition to reflecting upon things we’re doing well and areas for improvement.  

After a day of meetings, I attended a lovely Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) gathering at a home just a short bike ride from the Ward 6 office. As someone who firmly believes that aging with dignity is a human right, I love PCOA’s guiding principles:  

• Aging is a community responsibility.
• Older adults deserve choice, independence, and respect.
• Services must be rooted in equity, access, and advocacy.  

I left the event a bit early to hustle over to the Town Hall on Extreme Heat and Climate Accountability at the Donna Liggins Center led by Public Citizen along with Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva, Mayor Romero, Vice Mayor Santa Cruz, and community leader and small business owner Vanessa Gallego. This important listening session featured many important community voices including the UA Climate Action Campaign, Lee Ziesche from Tucson DSA, and Fabiola Bedoya from Moms Clean Air Force.  

In community,

The next Mayor & Council Study Session and Regular Meeting is set for Tuesday, April 7th and it’s a BIG one. A reminder that Study Sessions happen first and are longer meetings intended for Mayor and Council to hear reports, dig into details, and request more information. Regular Meetings include call the audience, proclamations, consent agenda items, and public hearings. You can watch both meetings online via the livestream link or attend in-person at City Hall.    

Keep in mind that you can always find the full agendas (with addendum materials) for upcoming meetings and summary reports from past meetings (which include details such as final votes and who made motions) on the Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas & Legal Action Reports page. And if you have thoughts or expertise on  items, we encourage you to connect with us!    

In addition to a number of action plan and initiative updates (Safe City, 29th Street Thrive Zone, Prosperity Initiative) and an item related to renaming Cesar Chavez Holiday to Dolores Huerta Holiday on April 7th, read on for more details about a few notable items on the upcoming agendas...

Update on Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance 

Building on the work Tucson’s Mayor and Council have done over the last few years, this update is a chance to strengthen our Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance by adopting a set of specific, measurable, and achievable outcomes while simultaneously cleaning up some overlooked items from the nearly 20-year-old ordinance. Ward 6 was happy to co-sign this item for the agenda along with Ward 3.  

These recommendations include:

• Requiring all non-paved areas of new commercial development be “depressed” in order to capture additional storm run-off;
• Ensuring all right-of-way for projects may be utilized for rainwater capture;
• Working towards the adoption of a native planting list;
• Increasing tree to understory ratio which will encourage more planting closer to the ground;
• Remove golf course, church and cemetery parking lots from exemption of the ordinance;
• Equalize Tucson Water reimbursements for rooftop harvesting and passive street runoff harvesting (because, to quote Brad Lancaster, “water is water is water”); and
• Apply the commercial ordinance to all new residential construction. 

At this stage in the FY27 budget development process, there is both encouraging and concerning news. On the positive side, our forecast for state-shared revenue—particularly from state income tax—has improved slightly. This has helped narrow the cash funding gap to less than $10 million between the services and the revenues we expect to generate in the coming year. 

However, there are also reasons for caution. As we closely monitor unfolding events in the Middle East and the broader global economic ripple effects, it is prudent to prepare for what may be a turbulent and challenging economic period ahead. Sales tax revenue has already been coming lower than projected, and we don’t know how high gas prices will climb.  

Given these conditions, CM Schubert will continue to hold the line and strongly advocate against cuts to essential programs, including fare-free transit, cooling and neighborhood centers, parks and pools, housing stabilization efforts, and emergency response services. 

All budget materials have been uploaded and are now accessible to the public - go and check them out: click on item 2. 

Additionally, the multi-year Compensation Plan the City has been thoughtfully advancing will come forward for approval on Tuesday. Investing in our employees is essential to building and sustaining a high-performing workforce dedicated to serving the city we all love. The recommended FY27 plan includes targeted adjustments to better align job classifications with current market conditions, recognizes employee education and experience within established pay ranges, and continues base pay progression for eligible staff. Together, these steps help ensure Tucson remains competitive in attracting and retaining the talented workforce our community depends on every day. 

If you are interested in learning more about budget details and weighing in, check in our “Community Input Sessions" section below for opportunities hosted by City leadership.

Rate and Fee Proposals from Parks & Rec

Parks & Rec will share their proposal for fee and rate increases. Notably, P&R hasn’t adjusted most of their rates since 2010, even as program costs (including staff wages and materials) have dramatically increased. Proposed changes include: 

• Program Cost Recovery: Fee increases to fully account for staff time and materials during leisure classes, aquatics classes, swim meets, open studios, and more. 

• KIDCO Sliding Scale Discounts: Updated rates to allow cost recovery, plus sliding discount fees for families making under 200% of the federal poverty limit. This scale aligns with discounts used by Tucson Water and other city programs. 

• Comparative Rates Alignment: Increased fees related to tournaments, field rentals, and holiday markets both to cover costs and better align with similar events across Tucson and other cities. 

• New Fees for Requested Services: Putting price structures on the books for requests that P&R previously could not meet - examples include overtime support for professional teams using fields and field lining (beyond start of season lining, which will continue to be included.) 

• Misc: Also included are a new Golf Improvement Fee of $2/round to support small scale infrastructure improvements (endorsed by Tucson Greens Committee), a small youth sports fee to reduce field no-shows and support field maintenance, and an increase to non-resident fees. 

This item also includes a request for a Notice of Intent to initiate community input – if it moves forward, P&R staff will likely join Tucson Water, DTM, PDSD, and Environmental Services at their upcoming rates and fees open houses (see those dates further down!). 

TEP Franchise Agreement and Energy Collaboration Agreement 

UDC Amendment for Large Data Centers 

During Study Session, Planning and Development Services Dept (PDSD) staff will review their proposed amendment to the Unified Development Code (UDC) regarding large data centers. The presentation will included compiled findings from four public input sessions, changes to the initial recommendations, and next steps.  

The Ward 6 office met with PDSD staff earlier this week for a preview, and we raised up one of the primary questions we’ve been hearing from constituents: rather than a new policy for data centers, would it make more sense to simply ban data centers in the City of Tucson altogether? 

We appreciated what staff shared – they let us know that the zoning policy route was chosen because banning or putting a moratorium on a particular land use can be a very challenging route, given state laws. The decision to develop an amendment gives our community more local control to address concerns and also build in public process safeguards that will give us flexibility to respond on a case-by-case basis. This flexibility could be especially important as the data center landscape continues to shift.  

Reading over the materials, our team is especially encouraged by how many of the updated recommendations from the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) incorporated community feedback – examples:  

• Eliminating I-2 zoning opportunities for large data center 

• Expanding the radius for public notice 

• Including energy consumption and water quality protections – which can be tough to include in zoning reviews.  

We look forward to the meeting conversation and ongoing community input with the Planning Commission! More to come. 

If you missed the Ward 6 Rates and Fees Public Meeting, it’s not too late! (Lisa had a great time chatting with city staff at the April 1st event at Randolph Center – see pic below.) The sessions, which offer an opportunity to chat with City of Tucson staff in-person or online, will continue over the next few weeks: 

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

• Tuesday, April 14, 5:30-7 p.m. - In-Person -  El Pueblo Center, 101 W. Irvington Road  

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

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

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

Additional info and materials related to the proposed increases, which include fee comparisons with other AZ and comparable national cities, can be found here: Notice of Intent for Proposed Rate and Fee Changes 

The city is also hosting four sessions (three in-person, one virtual) to provide information, share action items, and offer space for community questions about Mayor Romero’s Safe City Initiative.  On the  Safe City Initiative website, you can find a draft of the Action Plan and information about registration. We recommend taking a look at it before attending the sessions to help identify any questions you have or share any gaps you may see from based on your personal experiences. 

• Wards 1 & 5: Monday, April 6th, 5-8pm – El Pueblo Activity Center (101 W Irvington Rd, Building 9) 

• Wards 3 & 6: Wednesday, April 8th, 5-8pm – Donna Liggins Center (2160 N 6th Ave) 

• Wards 2 & 4: Friday, April 10th, 9am-12pm – Udall Center (7200 E Tanque Verde Rd) 

• Virtual: Monday, April 13th, 9am-12pm (link provided upon registration) 

TEP Rate Case listening sessions have begun! Dozens of TEP ratepayers have already shared testimony about their experiences with electricity costs, like Dana Orozco, a lifelong Tucson resident who is currently four months pregnant:  

When I think about this rate increase, I am thinking about expecting mothers like myself who have higher risks of pregnancy complications due to extreme heat. I am thinking about my 90 year old grandparents who live on a fixed income and are vulnerable to extreme temperatures. I am thinking about my neighbors working multiple jobs to afford their bills right now. I am thinking about families who are needing to consider which essential expenses they will need to cut this year to keep their AC on during the summer...We cannot afford a rate increase, and we ask that you reject this proposal. 

Testimony will be collected until April 22 when the TEP rate case begins. Written testimony can be made online or at two remaining listening sessions: 

• Tuesday, April 7, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (telephonic only) 

• Wednesday, April 22, at 10 a.m., prior to the beginning of the first day of the hearing. Comments can be made in person at the State of Arizona Building at 400 W Congress St. in downtown Tucson, or telephonically.  

Note: For telephonic comments during the meetings, call 1-877-309-3457 and use the passcode 246011833204##. 

Don't forget - the City of Tucson will be holding five Budget Information Sessions to present the City Manager’s Recommended Budget to the community – save the dates if interested:

• Wed, April 22 - Virtual Budget Information Session, 6pm – 7pm  

• Thurs, April 23 - Udahl Recreation Center Budget Information Session, 6pm – 7pm  

• Tues, April 28 - El Pueblo Recreation Center Budget Information Session, 6pm – 7pm  

• Thurs, April 30 - Donna Liggins Recreation Center Budget Information Session, 6pm – 7pm  

• Fri, May 1 - Virtual Budget Information Session, 9am – 10am    

The info sessions will occur after the City Manager presents the Recommended Budget to the Mayor & Council on April 21, and before the May 5 Public Hearing on the FY27 Recommended Budget.  

Residents encouraged to apply to serve on RTA Citizens Accountability for Regional Transportation (CART) Committee 

Pima County residents who are interested in serving the region are encouraged to apply for the Regional Transportation Authority's Citizens Accountability for Regional Transportation (CART) Committee.  The current CART Committee members will serve through June 2026. 

CART Committee will: 

• Provide oversight on RTA project and program delivery of the newly voter-approved $2.67 billion regional transportation plan and fiscal management of the plan’s funding source, a countywide half-cent sales tax.  

• The plan and tax went into effect on April 1.  

The committee will consist of: 

• 15 members 

• 8 will be appointed by each of the RTA member jurisdictions 

• 7 at-large members will be appointed by the RTA Board.  

• 4 of the 7 will be City of Tucson residents.  

The overall membership of the CART Committee will be geographically balanced from across Pima County and will include at least four members with professional backgrounds. Preferred professional expertise will include backgrounds in audit, finance, multi-project capital planning, project management, engineering, construction, land use planning, public outreach, public transportation (transit), archaeology, anthropology, habitat conservation/wildlife mitigation, or related project delivery experience. 

Application Process and Deadline:  

• Submit a letter of interest and why you would like to serve or why you would like to nominate an individual from your organization to serve 

• Include a brief resume 

• Identify professional background 

• No. of years you have lived in Pima County 

• Contact information 

• Name, phone, email, mailing address, home address 

• Group name if representing a specific organization 

Mail letters to:  

RTA Board 

Regional Transportation Authority 

1 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 401 

Tucson, AZ 85701 

Mail electronic submissions to: info@RTAmobility.com  

Submission deadline: Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2026  

Selected CART Committee members will serve four-year terms, and the committee will meet quarterly, or as needed. All meetings will be open to the public. 

Primavera Works is a workforce development program under the Primavera Foundation umbrella that provides temporary labor services for neighborhoods and businesses here in Tucson. Primavera Works interviews, hires, and trains individuals who face significant barriers to employment, such as former convictions and homelessness. Unlike traditional temp work agencies, Primavera Works is a non-profit social enterprise and provides quality services along with case management and mentorship to aid in participants moving into permanent, full-time positions. 

Our office is continuing our predecessor’s partnership with Primavera Works to bring clean up and landscaping services to Ward 6 areas and constituents. Currently, we have a limited amount of funding available to support local projects. Do you have a park, alley, or street in your neighborhood that could use some TLC? Do you know of a neighbor who could benefit from assistance with yard or landscaping work? If yes, please fill out the form below to submit a request for a Primavera Works clean-up crew – requests encouraged ASAP but will be considered through 4/10/26: Ward 6 – Primavera Works Request Form 

The Ward 6 office plans to review requests and prioritize projects according to factors such as need, geography, community impact, and funding availability. Thank you in advance for your patience as we try out this system and get assistance to as many corners of Ward 6 as we can!  

Ward 6 is happy to share information about upcoming Neighborhood Association and community coalition meetings in our newsletter. If we are missing a meeting that you are used to seeing here, please reach out ward6@tucsonaz.gov to help us keep our list updated!   

The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) is hosting two public training sessions to help those interested in building middle housing understand the recent code amendments. These recent updates to zoning and building codes expand housing options and support infill development across the City of Tucson. 

These sessions will walk participants through zoning and building code updates that make it easier to build duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, and explain how these changes affect property owners, builders, designers, and the City overall. 

Virtual Session 

Date: Thursday, April 9, 2026 
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. 
Location: Virtual via Zoom 
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84408129021 

Celebrate the vibrant ecology, cultures and creatures of the Sonoran Desert at Desert Discovery Day from 9 am-1 pm Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Children’s Museum Tucson, 200 S. 6th Ave. in downtown Tucson. 

Sun Tran is proposing route and service enhancements to Routes 4, 8, 9, 102X, 104X, 108X, Sun On Demand, along with a new Route 124X, and new Sun Tran bus stop sign design. These recommendations are part of the 2024 Comprehensive Operational Analysis (COA) study. The recommendations will need to be approved by Mayor and Council in order to take effect in August of 2026. 

We encourage riders and community members to attend a one-hour session and provide feedback on the future of Sun Tran’s transit system. Here’s how you can participate:

The Homing Project, a local nonprofit that is creating a village of transitional micro-shelters for unhoused people, welcomes visitors for a village tour before the village becomes home to residents (planned for June 2026).

Our next village open house is Tuesday April 14th, 10 am - noon. No need to RSVP, just show up. Please come with your hats and water - it's Tucson! We look forward to showing you our project. 2934 N Estrella Ave, Tucson, AZ. For more info: fatherq@comcast.net and www.thehomingproject.org

State Engagement: Request to Speak 

Did you know you can submit your comments on AZ State Policies with a simple online platform? The Request to Speak (RTS) system allows people to make comments on bills as they pass through the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives. The one catch is that the first time you register for the system, you have to do so in person. Luckily, there are groups that will go and register for you – for example, if you complete this RTS registration form, staff from the nonprofit Civic Engagement Beyond Voting will activate your account within the next few days. Don’t delay, register today! 

If you are familiar with the Transit App, you may notice that the Pro features that are typically an extra cost are now included for FREE in the City of Tucson and surrounding Sun Tran service areas. 

If you are not familiar with the Transit App, you can watch Sun Tran’s explainer videos: 

Download Transit 

How to Use the NEW Sun Tran App 

Note: if you press *GO* for your route, at the end of your trip, you will be asked to complete a user survey, where you can give valuable feedback directly to Sun Tran about your ride.  

• Website: Allows you to see all your options for Request Category in one easy-to-navigate place. You can also choose the location of your request on an interactive map: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Residents/311-Service-Request-Portal 
• App: Gives you the ability to input your request category, intersection, and email address to receive an immediate email confirmation that your request was submitted. Under the "Requests" tab at the bottom of the app, you can also see a map of all existing map of all the existing 311 contacts your neighbors and fellow Tucsonans have submitted across the city, request status, and submission date.
  
• Call: And of course, as always - you can dial 311!