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The Ward 3 Weekly

October 16, 2026

In This Issue:

• Will the Election Be Safe and Fair?
• The Reopening of Jacobs Park
• Tucson House Renovation Update
• PACC Pet of the Week
• Neighborhood Association Meetings
• Events & Announcements

Will the Election Be Safe and Fair?

I’ve been asked about this, and even though this November’s election is NOT being run by the City, it is still a fair question. I’ve asked the same question to Pima County, which is in charge, and the Tucson Police. I am convinced the election in Pima County will be secure. When you vote, your voice will be counted.

My biggest fear: violence erupts or attempts are made to prevent voting at the polls or at ballot drop boxes. Fortunately, Tucson Police are ready, and so far, there have been no incidents. Should you experience or see anything amiss, please call 911.

Pima County is likewise prepared for safety and security throughout the election process. Their measures are detailed on the Recorder’s website (see button below).

Pima County’s Recorder’s and Elections Departments are supported both by the Sheriff’s Department and, should any crisis need swift legal action, County Attorney Laura Conover will act. She wrote, “The upcoming general election will be free, fair and safe. Full stop. In fact, I’d beg you to read that first line again to yourself. Just like the primary, we expect this election will go smoothly, and your vote will be protected. Here’s how; here’s why. Behind the scenes, local law enforcement, your Recorder, your Elections Director, your County Crisis Manager, your library (poll locations) system, and of course your attorneys (myself and the Pima County Attorney’s Office) have been in training exercises and preparing almost the entire year.”

One final question: Should you mail your ballot or drop it off? I believe both are safe, despite Trump administration attempts to deputize the US Postal Service to mess with our democratic voting system. I usually mail my ballot and because I’ve signed up with Pima County’s Voter Notification System, I receive alerts when my ballot has been received, verified, and counted (see button below to sign up). This year I am going to drop my ballot downtown – there are several locations, including one drive-up, where you can do this (I’m going to do this when I visit Tucson Meet Yourself).

So many people are working to make sure voting this year is safe and secure. Please do your part: be sure to vote!

The Reopening of Jacobs Park 

Jacobs Park has officially reopened with new amenities and improvements throughout the park. Located in the Flowing Wells neighborhood at 3300 N. Fairview Ave., the 48-acre park has undergone a major transformation and is already being well loved by the community. 

Kids playing on the playground and a dog owner walking 2 dogs in the grass.

This project began in 2021 with the development of the park’s master plan, followed by the start of construction in May 2025. Funding for the improvements included voter-approved Proposition 407: Parks + Connections Bond funds, along with additional investments from the National Park Service, City Framework and Storm to Shade funds, and Impact Fees. 

The official ribbon cutting!

At this week’s ribbon cutting celebration, neighbors wasted no time enjoying the new skate park, futsal court, expanded dog park, and playground. One of the highlights was watching our youngest neighbors confidently take to the skate park and land new tricks.

The refurbished basketball court alongside the new skate park, where families are enjoying skating and practicing their tricks.

Beyond these additions, other improvements include a new softball complex with four fields perfect for tournament play, volleyball and pickleball courts, and new ramadas and restrooms. Additionally, enhancements were made to the splash pad (open until Oct. 31st) and pool and the horseshoe and cornhole designated areas. To continue to increase shade, over 300 new trees were planted in the park along with the implementation of Green Stormwater Infrastructure basins to create cooler temperatures and reduce flooding throughout the park.  

One of the new futsal courts already seeing plenty of use.

Opening day was just a glimpse of the impact this inclusive investment will have on the area. These improvements ensure the park will continue to be a place for families and neighbors to make lasting memories for years to come.

Tucson House Renovation Update 

Tucson House with the 15th floor balconies freshly repainted.

In 2023, the City of Tucson received a $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) Grant to advance the Thrive in the ‘05 Transformation Plan, bringing new investment to a historically underserved area. The grant leverages additional public, private, and nonprofit funding to rehabilitate and develop affordable housing. 

A renovated bedroom

Tucson House, the City’s largest public housing complex, is the first property to undergo rehabilitation through the grant. Construction began earlier this year, requiring some residents to temporarily relocate to other floors or housing complexes. This week, Council Member Dahl joined the celebration of the completion of the 15th floor.

Another ribbon cutting!

Originally home to 408 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, once completed, Tucson House will offer 358 one- and two-bedroom units, many with ADA accessibility features. Each of the floor’s 24 renovated apartments features updated heating and cooling systems, allowing for residents to control their apartment’s temperature, increased storage and counter space, and improved security measures. Residents are scheduled to begin moving into the renovated units on October 16. 

Council Member Dahl on a 15th floor balcony with Ward 3 in the background.

The views from the north side of the 15th floor allow you to see other affordable housing projects like Sugar Hill on Stone, Amazon Flats, and Milagro on Oracle. As renovations continue, neighbors can watch the transformation take shape by looking for freshly painted balconies throughout the building.

PACC Pet of the Week

Alan, PACC Pet of the Week

Alan, ID# A897580

Meet Alan, a 2-year-old neutered male, tricolor Carolina dog mix weighing about 59 lbs. Shelter staff say: "Alan is so sweet even though he’s a bit shy. He’s easy to leash and doesn’t pull. He likes to play and enjoys his outside time."

Contact:
Pima Animal Care Center, 4000 N. Silverbell Rd.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12pm - 7pm.
Wednesday 1:30-7pm. Saturday and Sunday 10am - 5pm. 

Ward 3 Office Hours and Staff

The Ward 3 office is open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from 9 am - 1 pm for walk-ins or later by appointment, Monday through Friday. Staff will answer phone messages, emails, and requests for meetings by the next business day. Leave your message at 520-791-4711. 

We welcome your feedback!

Next Mayor & Council Meeting

The next Mayor and Council Meeting will be on October 20.
Once available, the agenda will be posted here:

Ward 3 Neighborhood Meetings

La Madera Neighborhood Association Meeting
Saturday, 10/17, 9:00 am - 11:00 am
La Madera Park, 2700 E. La Madera Dr.

Richland Heights East Neighborhood Association Meeting
Monday, 10/19, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Peniel Church, 1990 E. Prince Rd.

Samos Neighborhood Association Meeting
Wednesday, 10/21, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Ward 3 Community Room, 1510 E. Grant Rd. 

Country Glenn Neighborhood Association Meeting
Sunday, 10/25, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
The Drawing Studio, 2760 N. Tucson Blvd.

Events &

Announcements

The Homing Project Fall Cactus Sale

Voluntary Safe Surrender of Guns on 10/17 

Free Food this Saturday 10/17 at New Life Community Church

Opening Night for Pieces of Us on Saturday 10/17

Pieces of Us, the Art of Recovery and Resilience, a Southern Arizona Community Mental Health Art Show!

Coyote Task Force is proud to announce Pieces of Us: The Art of Recovery and Resilience, a Southern Arizona Community Mental Health Art Show!

Join us for a celebratory opening night gala at Catalyst Creative Collective, located inside the Tucson Mall, on October 17, from 5–8 pm. Reserve your tickets today on Eventbrite, and check out our special workshops scheduled throughout the exhibition period and our free closing night reception with awards on Friday, November 6!

Pieces of Us is generously sponsored by Arizona Complete Health, Banner-University Family Care, and U. A. Local 469.

Call for Panelists for a Public Art Project at Jacobs Park

The Gatsby Gala on 10/17 Benefiting Stand Up for Kids 

Your invited to an evening of gratitude, giving, and glamour in support of ending youth homelessness in our community.

Trellis Building Event at Doolen Garden on Sunday 10/18

Wetland Explorers Event at Danny Lopez Park on 10/23

Marty Birdman Center Open House on 10/24

This free, family-friendly event is the perfect opportunity to explore the center and meet your neighbors!

TEP Home Energizer Workshops on 10/24

• 11 am at the Flowing Wells Library, 1730 W. Wetmore Rd.
• 1 pm at the Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N. 1st Ave. 

You have the power to save energy and reduce your electric bills if you learn how. TEP’s Home Energizer Workshop is designed to give customers the information they need to start saving immediately. This 50–60-minute workshop introduces low and no-cost measures and simple lifestyle modifications to help customers and their families reduce energy usage and costs, information on navigating TEP’s website and/or mobile app, TEP’s marketplace, ongoing rebates and other information. Snacks and light refreshments will be served.

TEP customers receive a free DIY weatherization kit with items to get started on saving money in the home; see below for weatherization kit details.

Ward 3 Residents are Invited to the Garden District's 11th Annual Porch Fest on Sunday 10/25

Tucson's Midtown Garden District Neighborhood Association would like to invite Ward 3 residents to join us for the 11th Annual Porch Fest October 25, 2026 2:30pm-5:30pm. Stroll the neighborhood to 8 different porch stages at this family friendly event with local food trucks and a kid's porch!

Solar 101 with Solar United Neighbors on 10/29

Walk a PACC Dog with Council Member Dahl and District Supervisor Jennifer Allen

The Ward 3 office is teaming up with the District 3 Supervisor Jennifer Allen's office to spread some love to the dogs at the Pima County Animal Center. Join us for a morning outing as we take more than 30 dogs on a pleasant walk around Danny Lopez Park.

Plant Sale Benefitting Lend A Hand Senior Assistance on 10/30, 10/31, and 11/01

Halloween Event at Navajo Hills Apartments on 10/31

The good folks at the Pima County Regional Flood Control District are hosting a Halloween event on Saturday 10/31 in the Amphi neighborhood. Residents and neighbors are invited to this free event where they'll have opportunities to provide input on community assets, park features, and preliminary design ideas. 

Changes to the City's Hard-to-Recycle Plastics Program

City of Tucson ByFusion is preparing to open a processing facility at the City of Tucson’s Los Reales Sustainability Campus (LRSC). 

Once operational, the facility will process materials collected through the City’s Hard-to-Recycle Plastics Program and transform them into durable ByBlocks, recycled-plastic building blocks that can be used for construction and other projects.

The Latest on the Byfusion Project at LRSC

The Byfusion facility received its Certificate of Occupancy by early August, marking the completion of the building's construction phase.

Byfusion is now working through tenant improvements and  installing the equipment needed to make ByBlocks using a steam compression process. Byfusion projects moving into the facility by the end of 2026.

Road Improvements are Coming to Amphi Acres in Ward 3

Tucson's Department of Transportation and Mobility will be in the  Amphi and Campus Farm neighborhoods (Amphi Acres and Pueblo de las Catalinas) starting in early October to begin prep work for a mill and pave project. This work includes improvements to Limberlost Drive from 1^st Ave to Campbell. If changes are made to the project schedule, we will immediately update the project website. 

Stay informed about Special Event Liquor Licenses

 The Tucson City Clerk’s Office is moving to a new digital mailing list to make it easier for the public to receive information about Special Event Liquor License applications coming before Mayor and Council. Physical postcards will no longer be sent to individual addresses. Before each Mayor and Council meeting, subscribers will receive a digital mailing that includes Special Event Liquor License applications scheduled for upcoming meetings. This mailing list is specifically for special events requesting to serve liquor. It does not include notifications for all City special events. 

Practical Conservation with Reid Park Zoo

Learn Different Skills with Reid Park's Practical Conservation events.

Join the Interest List for Sugar Hill on Stone 

Join the interest list for Sugar Hill on Stone, a project by the City of Tucson's non-profit development arm, El Pueblo Housing Development. T66 units of affordable housing will soon be available at 1910 N. Stone Ave. 

The Streets Equation,  Budget Engagement Forums in November 2026

Join The Streets Equation — a series of in-person and virtual forums where residents can share feedback on street maintenance and construction, transportation, and road safety as the City plans its Fiscal Year 2028 budget.

Forums will include budget education, informational presentations, small-group discussions, and opportunities for resident feedback. Each event is free, in person, and open to all Tucson residents.

Preparedness Resources For Immigrant Families

Community Rapid Response Team https://rapidresponsetucson.com, 520-221-4077

A  bilingual Know Your Rights card for your wallet (pictured below) is available free, in quantities, from Ward 3 or at the Gloo Factory.

Family Preparedness Plan for Immigrant Families, in English and Spanish. Click the buttons below to download a PDF file of the plans.

Other resources:

• City of Tucson Know Your Rights website- City website designed to inform users about resources available in the community
• https://www.keeptucsontogether.org/ - provides legal services and Know Your Rights trainings.
• https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory/ -a full directory of all regional legal service providers, website in many languages.
• https://juntosfund.funraise.org/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery - emergency assistance for separated families through Sunnyside Foundation.
• https://www.clinicaamistad.org/ - free healthcare for folks without insurance or funds to afford care.

City of Tucson Lead Hazard Reduction Program!

Find Food Resources In Tucson

Tucson food assistance providers are seeing a sharp rise in demand from families affected by delayed federal benefits, such as SNAP and WIC. At the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, there is an increase in first-time visitors, many of whom had never sought food assistance before. Volunteers are working overtime to assemble emergency food boxes for those suddenly without access to those benefits. The Community Food Bank offers help multiple times a week during varying hours and continues to distribute food at its main location, 3003 S. Country Club Road, and through partner agencies across Southern Arizona. Officials urge residents in need to reach out early, as local inventories may fluctuate if the shutdown continues. You can also find a list of food resources by following the This is Tucson link below.

Help Support Friends of Ward 3

Grocery Sharing at Tucson Food Share - 2500 N. Stone Ave.

Groceries are shared Mondays 4:30 - 6 pm, Thursdays 6 - 7:30 pm, and Saturdays from 8 - 9:30 am.

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