The U.S. Department of Transportation announced yesterday, Feb. 28, that the City of Tucson was awarded a $900,000 planning grant as part of the first-ever Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. The Atravesando Comunidades grant is part of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero's vision to bring federal dollars and infrastructure projects to address historic disinvestment. The funds will allow the City of Tucson to begin designing a 500-foot pedestrian bridge over Interstate 19 to West Nebraska Street. Currently, access to educational and economic opportunities is severely affected due to the distance that Tucsonans on the east side of the interstate must travel to access needed services on the other side of the freeway. This leaves seniors and vulnerable populations exposed to Tucson's high temperatures during the summer. The new bridge will cut down walking time by nearly half. Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program aims to reconnect communities separated by transportation infrastructure.

Read Mayor Romero's news release (PDF)

UPCOMING PLAN TUCSON COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS - 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. Plan Tucson contains goals and policies that cover a wide range of topics, including housing, water, transportation, parks, community safety, and much more. Help plan Tucson's future by registering to attend a Community Workshop. Virtual and in-person options are available in March and April. If you are unable to attend a Community Workshop, you can still take the Phase 1 Online Survey. More information is available by following the links below.
Plan Tucson
Community Workshop schedule
Plan with Us online survey
Read the news release

CITIZENS’ COMMISSION SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENTS ABOUT MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMPENSATION - The 2023 City of Tucson's Citizens' Commission on Public Service and Compensation (CCPSC) is seeking public input on its recommendation to increase the salaries of the Mayor and Council. The CCPSC's final recommendation is due by March 15 to be placed on the Nov. 7 general election ballot. Public involvement with the commission is encouraged and welcome by either taking a brief survey and/or attending commission meetings this month. The next meeting is tomorrow, March 2, at 5:30 p.m., in Mayor and Council Chambers at City Hall, 255 W. Alameda St. Follow the links below for more meeting dates and to complete the survey.
Read the announcement
Complete the survey
CCPSC information

TUCSON PARKS AND RECREATION PAYS APPLICANTS TO GET LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION - 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, and pay starts at $16.75 per 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, follow the links below.
Lifeguard information
Swim test registration

NEW “SWITCH CITY” PROGRAM FOR TEENS - Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting a new teen program, "Switch City." This program features monthly Nintendo Switch tournaments for teens (12-17) hosted at different recreation centers. A different game is played each month, and winners from each center tournament will play in a Tournament of Champions. Tournament registration opened today, March 1. Learn more by following the link below.
"Switch City"