A Community in Hope and Change

Black History Month is an opportunity for local governments to recognize the importance of the African American experience, celebrate its achievements, and take actionable steps to create change. This year, many local governments are taking a closer look at how their communities can honor this special month authentically, through initiatives that will promote growth and help create a better future for everyone.

It is important for any initiative taken during Black History Month—or any month—to be more than just symbolic gestures; rather, it should strive towards creating lasting change. Local governments should consider how they can use this month as an opportunity for meaningful growth in both tangible ways (like education or infrastructure projects) and intangible ways (like greater understanding). It is only through meaningful action that we can bring about real transformation in our communities; true hope begins when we act together.

Black History Month serves as an important reminder that there is still much work to be done towards a more equitable future for all members of our society—as individuals but also as members of a larger community. By supporting meaningful initiatives run by local governments during Black History Month, we can ensure that these efforts continue beyond this month so that each day brings us closer to establishing progress and creating lasting change. We must come together now more than ever before not only during Black History Month but throughout the year if we are going to honor its purpose authentically and help move our communities forward together. Let us lift each other up so we can continue working towards a brighter tomorrow!

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. We are happy to help you in any way we can. Previous newsletters can be found here.

With Gratitude,

January 24^th 2023 Mayor and Council Highlights

Transform Tucson Fund:  A presentation was provided by Dre Thompson, CEO, Tucson Industrial Development Authority (IDA), and Francisca Villegas, Small Business Program Manager describing their work with Mayor Regina Romero to co-locate the City’s Small Business Program with the IDA. I moved to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to work with the Industrial Development Authority to prepare the agreements necessary to carry out the proposal for the co-location and establishment of the Avanza Empowerment Center and to schedule the agreements for Mayor and Council approval as soon as they are ready. Click here to find out more about the collaboration Mayor Romero has spearheaded with the Industrial Development Authority. 

City Regulation of Smoke Shops: With Councilmember Fimbres' leadership, information and presentation were provided by Jamal Givens, LPKNC (Liberty Partnership Kino Neighborhoods Council) President and CEO, and members of the Youth Empowered Success (YES) Club: students Angela Moreno and Angelica Martinez, Desert View High School, Parth Verma, Sunnyside High School, and Captain Mickey Petersen, Tucson Police Department, pertaining to the need for increased regulation on smoke shops by working with the Pima County Health Department, and through education and policy.  Ordinance 11703 that was adopted in 2019 and specifically included smoke shops and “vape” products, and enhanced penalties for violations. Mayor and Council directed staff to review Ordinance 11703, including the enforcement component, and return within 90 days with provisions similar to the liquor license process.

Expungement of Convictions for Marijuana Offenses; and Sealing of Other Conviction Records: With Councilmember Dahl and City Attorney Rankin's leadership, Mayor and Council endorsed an approach for the City of Tucson to work with the University of Arizona (UA) Law School to assist with a program to initiate marijuana conviction expungements. The program is anticipated to start in the fall of 2023, using existing protocols for establishing internships and externships. It is estimated approximately 10,000 cases would be eligible for expungement. 

Discussion and Direction on RTA Next Plan Development: Michael J. Ortega, City Manager, explained the evolution of the ongoing conversation towards a holistic approach to investments in the entire community on a macro scale, similar to Move Tucson. Staff will work with the Mayor and Council to create a draft plan at the February 22 and March 7, 2023 Mayor and Council meetings and any final adjustments could be made at the meeting on March 21, 2023. I reiterated the importance of the following road projects in Ward 4: 

- Widen Mary Ann Cleveland Way to a 4-lane divided roadway

- Widen Colossal Cave Road to a 4-lane divided roadway

- Widen Harrison Road to a 4-lane roadway from Irvington to Golf Links

- Widen Irvington to a 4-lane divided roadway from Houghton to Kolb

Pantano Vistas Final Plat: I moved to approve the Pantano Vistas final plat located in Ward 4, north of E. Golf Links Road and east of E. Lakeside Parkway.  It is a 32-lot subdivision on 6.36 acres.

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