Tucson’s New Climate Plan

This week, the Mayor and Council adopted Tucson Resilient Together, the City’s climate action and adaptation plan. It took hard work from staff, a knowledgeable contractor, and over a year of community outreach, stakeholder and public input, to craft the steps we will take to fight climate change and to better prepare for the impacts (extreme weather events with diminishing water supplies, deadly heat, fires and flooding) here in Tucson and the Southwest.

At the same time, we haven’t been sitting on our hands. Over the past year, Mayor and Council acted to create a Solar Empowerment Program, which will bring roof-top solar to low-income homeowners who otherwise couldn’t afford them. We also hired staff to bolster our commercial rainwater harvesting ordinance. We passed Electric Vehicle (EV) charger requirements for new multi-family and commercial buildings. With leadership from my colleague Steve Kozachik, the City is piloting programs for local reuse of glass and non-recyclable plastic and we are also moving forward with banning non-functional turf and a host of other water conservation measures. 

Additionally, the City is about to adopt a Zero Waste Roadmap that will lead to a detailed Plan, with a goal of zero waste by 2050. During the next year the City will finish its One Water 2100 Plan.

Tucson Resilient Together (TRT) has an ambitious list of action items, all of which will require resolution, staff capacity, funding, and the political will to implement. We will be hearing soon on the City Manager’s recommendations for moving forward for the first year as we develop and adopt the City’s fiscal budget (July – June). Federal funding, including money from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, will provide multiple opportunities. If voters approve the Tucson Electric Power Franchise Agreement in May’s special election, a portion of the fee will be another funding source.

To achieve the promise of Tucson Resilient Together, I will continue to push for doing all that we can, and I hope you do, too. As global climate activist Greta Thurnberg has said, “It is not too late to act.” So we must.

-Kevin

Kevin Woodard Receives Community Advocate Award

At a dinner award ceremony Friday, March 3, longtime Sugarhill Neighborhood leader Kevin Woodard was recognized for his commitment to facilitate conversation and connection between community members and the police department. Willie Blake of the Western Hills Neighborhood was similarly honored

The department noted that their investment in educating police department members in the historical composition of neighborhoods broadened the understanding of these unique communities, and that their dedication in developing trust and providing education to residents further fostered the relationship between law enforcement and our community. They are key contributors to the success of Tucson Police’s community engagement. Congratulations on this well-deserved award!

-Kevin

Arizona Housing Coalition Annual Conference by CJ Boyd

I recently had the privilege of attending the Arizona Housing Coalition’s annual conference February 28 - March 1 at the Mesa Convention Center. This year’s theme was “Reframe and Refocus.” About 600 housing professionals attended from across the state, from developers and real estate brokers to those working in supportive services for the unhoused, along with governmental staff at city, county, and state levels. 

Governor Hobbs’ opening remarks were particularly inspiring. She spoke of her history as a social worker, and how that perspective shapes her approach to governance. She pledged to set policy that not only facilitates the building of much-needed affordable housing, but also helps those with less access to resources secure housing as a basic right. She emphasized, “We will not build our way out of this with market rate housing alone.”

Tuesday’s keynote speaker, Annise Parker, served as mayor of Houston, the fourth largest city in the US, between 2010 and 2016. With her lead, the city placed more than 25,000 people into housing, an impressive feat. She shared insights from her efforts on how other cities might try to duplicate this work, but she was also quick to point out that some of the circumstances in Houston would be hard to replicate elsewhere. Houston is unusual among major cities in that it has no zoning. The basic tools that Tucson and most American cities use to keep certain kinds of residential buildings separate from commercial, industrial, etc. simply don’t exist in Houston, which has both good and bad consequences.

Wednesday’s keynote speaker, M. Nolan Grey, focused on ways zoning tools can have detrimental effects for both affordable housing and the environment. For instance, when commercial zoning and residential zoning are exclusive, this increases the need for residents to have cars, rather than more environmentally favorable modes of transportation. Much like the practice of red-lining, in which racist policy around home ownership was intentionally used to keep cities segregated and keep communities of color poor, Nolan discussed how some of our common zoning policies are also rooted in racism, preserve the status quo, and are an obstacle to building cities where racial and economic equity are policy priorities. This is the focus of his recent book, Arbitrary Lines: How Zoning Broke the American City and How to Fix It.

One session featured Director of Housing Keith Gregory and Deputy Director of Housing Rolando Jimenez from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe here in Pima County. Their department has been doing for 13 years something that Tucson’s own Housing and Community Development Department is starting this year. Namely, they serve as a developer for their own projects rather than solely outsourcing that role to private development. As they explained, this allows them to keep more of the money from each housing project to put back into more affordable housing. 

One of my favorite panels on Wednesday spoke on the relationship of NIMBYism and zoning, drawing some talking points from the earlier Nolan session. In the context of housing, NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) refers to people who may agree on the need for affordable housing and services but then insist that these units and services be located somewhere away from their neighborhood. This panel included Vice Mayor of Glendale Jamie Aldama, Real Estate Broker Larry Kush, property attorney Ashley Marsh, and developer Owen Metz. Mr. Metz pointed out that in nearly every municipality in Arizona, more than 90% of the available undeveloped land is zoned for single family homes. 

This means that other, more affordable housing options (duplexes, townhouses, multiplexes, apartments) are all forbidden from being built on the vast majority of the land under current zoning. Rezoning is necessary for almost every new housing development that isn't a single family home, which is why every Arizona city is missing what city planners call "middle housing" (housing that falls somewhere between single family and large apartment complexes). 

In many cases, those wanting to build more affordable housing are blocked by NIMBYs who show up to public rezoning hearings and influence elected officials. In some cases, even if they agree affordable housing is needed in general, they usually insist that the preservation of their neighborhood be prioritized and that much needed housing be built somewhere else. 

Interestingly, housing advocates who see this as a major problem include folks from all across the political spectrum. Things got spicy when discussing State Senate Bill 1117, which would take away all powers of cities to regulate zoning within their jurisdictions. Most cities vehemently oppose the bill, while many developers praise the bill because of how much it deregulates their industry. 

30+ Years of Service Luncheon by Marlene Avelino 

Last week the City of Tucson celebrated 18 employees who have been with the City for over 30 years! The event was hosted in the Turquoise Room at the Tucson Convention Center, and a lovely lunch was served. Remarks of gratitude for their dedication and service to our community were made by Mayor Regina Romero and City Manager Mike Ortega.

City Attorney Mike Rankin and Chief Public Defender Mary Trejo were among those being honored, but the fancy celebration wasn’t just for those who keep their hands clean: two other employees recognized were Frank Coronado, a Street Maintenance Crew Leader with the Department of Transportation and Mobility, and James Carroll, a plumber with Environmental Services. The Water Department had five members celebrating 30 years with the City of Tucson, leading us all to ask ourselves: what's in the water?!

I met James Carroll, pictured above, last summer when he came to fix a couple of leaky faucets at the ward office. I asked him in passing about the feasibility of a splash pad at La Madera Park and he was able to tell me where every pipe in that park is laid; I was so impressed. Institutional knowledge is a valuable asset and James is proud of his time at the city and isn't planning on leaving anytime too soon. "I love coming to work! I love what I do and who I get to work with and talk to every day." 

Next Mayor and Council Meeting 

The next Mayor and Council Meeting is on Tuesday, March 21st.
Once available, the agenda will be posted here: Mayor and Council Meeting Agendas

Ward 3 Neighborhood Association and Coalition Meetings

Mountain First Neighborhood Association 
Saturday, March 11th, 10:00- 11:00 am
Habitat for Humanity, 3501 N. Mountain Ave. 

Alvernon Grant Initiative  
Tuesday, March 14th, 6:00- 7:00 pm 
Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1825 N. Alvernon Way 

Miracle Manor Neighborhood Association 
Wednesday, March 15th, 6:00- 7:00 pm 
Good News Community Church, 701 W. Glenn St. 

Mountain View Neighborhood Association 
Thursday, March 15th, 5:30- 6:00 pm 
Habitat for Humanity, 3501 N. Mountain Ave. 

Flowing Wells Neighborhood Association 
Thursday, March 15th, 5:30- 6:00 pm 
Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd.

Amphi Neighborhood Association 
Thursday, March 15th, 5:30- 6:00 pm 
Woods Memorial Library, 3455 N. 1st Ave.

The Ward 3 office is open open at 1510 E. Grant Rd. from 9 am - 1 pm, 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 or email [email protected].

Tucson Food Share Seeking Community Support by Jaqueline Woolcott

In the past two years, Tucson Food Share was grateful to receive a grant that covered well over half of our operating expenses. This week, we learned that we did not receive this key grant for 2023. We are working hard to locate other funds in order to continue purchasing wholesale food and supplies which we provide our communities, in addition to the food grown by, found by, and donated to the Tucson Food Share.

We are humbly requesting to continue to serve the Keeling, Amphitheater, and surrounding communities of Ward 3 through our services which include distribution of food through “distro” events, home delivery services (up to six-mile radius of our physical location of 2500 N. Stone Ave), and a community fridge. 

Please reach out to us at  [email protected] if you have information, contacts, or resources that might help prevent food waste and provide nourishing food to our communities. 

Additionally consider making a donation to Tucson Food Share today or contacting us to get involved.

From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the UA Cooperative Extension: 4210 N. Campbell Ave.
Entrance is off east Roger Road.  Follow the signs!

This free, family-friendly event will include over 40 exhibits to increase knowledge on efficient water usage and sustainable landscaping in the Southern Arizona desert.  Event attendance registration requested (this will also enable quick/easy raffle entry at the Expo)!  For more information, click here

The City of Tucson is updating Plan Tucson, the General Plan adopted by Tucson voters in 2013. This update will result in a growth plan that reflects our community's shared goals and diverse aspirations for the next 20 years. The Plan, required by Arizona State Law to be updated every 10 years, will guide various areas such as land use, housing, transportation, economic development, parks and recreation, the natural environment, and more. 

Please join us for a Plan Tucson Community Workshop 
on March 14th, 2023 from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Donna Liggins Center.
Please RSVP here.

For a list of all Community Workshops, click here.

If you are unable to attend a Community Workshop, you can still Plan With Us by taking the Phase 1 Online Survey: https://bit.ly/PlanTucsonPhase1Survey

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

Groceries are shared Mondays and Thursdays from 6pm-8pm and Saturdays from 8am-10am. https://tucsonfoodshare.org/ has more information about volunteering, donating, or requesting delivery. 

Serve Tucson Clean Ups in Ward 3 in March and April! 

To view all upcoming Serve Tucson events, click here: http://servetucson.com/events/

Scholarship Opportunity: Master Gardening Training for Spanish Speakers

Once again, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) will be available at Ward 3 on Saturdays beginning this Saturday, January 28th, from 9am to 1pm. Appointments are required and can be made online here: unitedwaytucson.org/vita. If you have questions about the program at Ward 3, please call 520-837-4231 and leave a message so one of the Ward 3 VITA volunteers can return your call. 

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s VITA program trains hundreds of volunteers each year to provide FREE tax preparation to thousands of households throughout Arizona. Taxpayers who use our service have the opportunity to work with IRS-certified VITA volunteer tax preparers, and every return is quality reviewed for accuracy and to ensure you receive the largest refund possible! Let us ease the financial and mental burden of tax season. Visit us at a VITA tax site this tax season – we can’t wait to see you! Tax sites and online preparation begin the week of January 23rd - visit unitedwaytucson.org/vita to learn more about our program and the variety of ways you can access our services! VITA tax preparation services are available to households earning less than $73,000. AARP Foundation is a sponsor of The United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s 2023 VITA Program. 

From metal work to graphic design, pottery, and everything in between, BICAS is hosting an artisan market! It's a great opportunity to show your support for local artists and the BICAS non-profit organization. This event is becoming a new BICAS tradition, and BICAS is excited to host local talent and emerging artists once more in the socially diverse and inclusive artistic space that is BICAS! Free upcycled bike art activities for kids and families will be available. Artists' applications are open until March 5th (https://bicas.org/art/artmart/). For more information about the BICAS Art Mart, please contact BICAS Art: [email protected] 

As part of the Tucson Alliance for Housing Justice's (TAHJ) multi-pronged approach to addressing evictions and homelessness, Justice Movement is offering another four-week Housing Justice course online.

Join Justice Movement founders Nat and Danya as they guide you through a deep dive into allyship and accountability: Register Here

Watershed Management Group’s River Run Network is excited to announce our Tanque Verde Flow & Feast on Saturday, March 25th from 1-6pm, a family friendly event featuring creek walks, creekside picnic, nature activities, and group work party tackling the invasive species Arundo donax.

Arundo donax is an invasive giant reed along many of our creeks and rivers in Tucson. Our removal efforts are focused in the Tanque Verde Creek in east Tucson, where Arundo is heavily present. Arundo is harmful because it drinks up to 3-4 times as much water as native desert plants, crowds out native species and habitat, and increases the risk of flooding and wildfire. 

Since this effort began in 2021, over 230 volunteers led by Jim Washburne, WMG’s Senior Project Specialist have removed over 80,000 pounds – 40 tons – of Arundo from Tanque Verde Creek.

To learn more information and register for the Tanque Verde Flow & Feast visit:
watershedmg.org/tvflowandfeast

Hop-in Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8th at the Quincie Douglas Center 

Are you or someone you know looking for a part-time job? Tucson Parks and Recreation is hiring lifeguards to operate and maintain the safety at City pools year-round. The minimum age to be a lifeguard is 15 years old. Pay starts at $16.75/hour.

The City will pay applicants to get their Lifeguard Certification through the City’s certification path. The lifeguard class is an intense, fast-paced course, and strong swim skills are required. All applicants must pass a swim test to qualify. For more information on becoming a lifeguard or to register for the swim test, visit the website. 

Sign Up for Tucson's Climate Action Report!   

You can use this link to subscribe to the Climate Action Report through the City Manager's Office:https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZTUCSON/subscriber/new

Tucson Water Discounts

Call 520-791-5443 to make an appointment or visit this site for more information: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/water/low-income-assistance-program