An update for Tucson Delivers, two initiatives approved by voters: The Safer City/Better Streets and Great Parks + Strong Connections initiatives. Three citizen commissions provide oversight and accountability for these Tucson Delivers programs, one funded through a ½ cent sales tax and the other through bonds.

11.30.22 Financial Reports

Safer City/Better Streets Actual Activity

Tucson Delivers Safer City/Better Streets revenue, funded via a dedicated half-cent sales tax approved by voters, continues to exceed targets. While this 2017 initiative closed on June 30, 2022, the City’s accountability and delivery of projects continues. Newsletter readers will note the substantial number of Safer City/Better Streets capital-intensive projects under way: improving streets, rebuilding and remodeling facilities, and adding technology and equipment.

Great Parks + Strong Connections 2019-2022 Phase 1

The Great Parks + Strong Connections is a voter-approved initiative funded by bonds, with Improvements over three phases, 2019-2028. The program is in Phase 1 of implementation. The following financials show that program expenses/encumbrances are on track to be at 80% by fiscal yearend June 30, 2023, a voter-approved requirement. The City continues to leverage program dollars with supplemental funding that includes Impact Fees, AZ State Parks & Trails Grants, Storm to Shade, the America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), and Member-Directed Federal Funds to deliver on commitments. 

Grand Opening Fire Station 8

Thanks to nearly $9 million in Prop 101/Tucson Delivers funds, the Fire Station 8 crew has a modern 14,000-square-foot work-live space plus thermal imaging cameras, extrication equipment, turnout gear, and cardiac monitors. The FS 8 team is ready to continue its legacy as one of the busiest stations serving Tucson. This is the second of five fire stations scheduled for rebuild, backed by voter-approved Tucson Delivers funds.

Fire Station 15 & 18 Remodels

The remodel of Fire Stations 15 and 18 is on track to be complete in the first quarter of 2023. The goal is to expand station capacity plus live-work space including turnout gear storage, EMS and utility space, and workout areas. Packaging the remodel of these two Ward 1 stations helps to save time and money.

TPD Evidentiary Vehicle Storage Facility

This project involves relocating the current storage area to make room for the upcoming Southside Public Safety Complex to be built on that site. TPD’s new Evidentiary Vehicle Storage Facility will be at the Public Safety Training Academy on Wilmot Rd. and is expected to be completed the second quarter of 2023.

Southside Public Safety Complex

The complex is currently in the design phase and will house the new Fire Station 10 and Santa Cruz Police Substation. The completed design package is scheduled to go into permitting during the first quarter of 2023.

Complete: Reconstruction of Cushing Street - Stone Ave to Granada Ave

Reconstruction is the most expensive of three road treatments in Prop 101 and is focused on the roads that need it most – like the 1.78 miles of Cushing Street-Stone Ave to Granada Ave.

Dec Bid Openings for Arterial Package 8 Segments

Reconstruction Bids: 12 segments

- Camino Seco
- Broadway
- 22nd Street
- Melpomene Way
- Golf Links Road
- Houghton Road
- Irvington Road
- Tanque Verde Loop
- Calle Catalina

Mill and Pave Bids: 9 segments 

- Bear Canyon Road
- Sabino Canyon Road
- Pantano Road
- Bear Paw Place
- Acoma Place
- Broadway
- Tanque Verde
- 22nd Street

The Benefits of Packaging Projects

Bundling together road projects saves money and time. It allows construction companies to work more efficiently, buying materials in bulk, and concentrating work crews and equipment within one work zone. 

Construction Starts in Jan 2023

Part of Arterial Package 4, Sixth Avenue from Valencia Road to Los Reales Road

Local Streets: Bid Openings in Early 2023

- Package 7: Cottonwood Lane, Keeling, Coronado Heights
- Package 8: Houghton East, Centennial Park/Estes Park, Rancho del Este/Camino Real Estates

Harriet Johnson Park Playground

A $240,750 investment to renovate the existing playground and add shade.

Anza Park Restrooms

Anza Park now has new gender neutral/ADA-accessible restrooms, welcome relief to dog parents and sand volleyball participants and fans! 

Western Hills II/Las Vistas Neighborhood Outreach

Attendees at the Sat. Dec. 10th neighborhood party offered feedback on three Prop 407 Connections projects: 36th Street Pedestrian Safety & Walkability (30% concept), the El Paso & Southwestern Greenway extension (60% design), and the S Campbell/Pinal Bicycle Boulevard (30% design).  There was also free bike repair, refreshments, and lawn games from Ready, Set, Rec! Thanks to the event co-sponsors: the Mayor's Office, Ward 5, Storm to Shade, and Tucson Water.

7 Bike Boulevards Complete

With construction complete for 7 bike boulevards, we’re gaining on the vision of a citywide multi-modal, low-stress network. Bicycle Boulevards use improvements like BikeHAWK pushbutton crossings, speed humps, and traffic circles to create safe and comfortable walking and biking routes on neighborhood streets that connect people to destinations all across the city.

Michigan/Fair Bike Blvd – 2.6 miles connecting 10 parks & 3 schools

Cherry Bike Blvd – 1 mile connecting 3 parks & 3 schools

Greenway Bike Blvd – 1.7 miles connecting 3 parks & 2 schools

Bantam Bike Blvd – 2.1 miles connecting 1 park & 2 schools

Calle Alvord Bike Blvd – 0.6 mile connecting 2 parks & 2 schools

3rd St-University Bike Blvd – 6.5 miles connecting 9 parks and 10 schools, including UA

Treat Bike Blvd – 6 miles connecting 5 parks, 3 greenways, & 6 schools

Bike Boulevard Happy Users!

In Design: 4 Pedestrian Safety & Walkability Projects

- Roger Rd Pedestrian Safety & Walkability
- 5th St/6th St Pedestrian Safety & Walkability
- 36th St Pedestrian Safety & Walkability
- 12th Ave Pedestrian Safety & Walkability

In Design: 2 Greenway/Shared-Use Path Projects

- Mary Ann Cleveland Way Shared-use Path
- El Paso & Southwestern Greenway

In Design: 5 Bicycle Boulevards

- Andrew St Bicycle Boulevard
- 18th St Bicycle Boulevard
- 8th Ave Bicycle Boulevard
- S Campbell/Pinal Bicycle Boulevard
- Blacklidge Bicycle Boulevard

Pedestrian safety and walkability projects are sidewalk improvements on major streets to create safer and more comfortable routes for people walking or in a wheelchair. Typical improvements include: 

- Sidewalks and curb ramps
- Pedestrian lighting
- Enhanced major street crossings
- Landscaping, shade trees, and water harvesting