PUBLIC MEETING TONIGHT ABOUT TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER'S FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF TUCSON - The City of Tucson and Tucson Electric Power (TEP) are in the process of negotiating terms for a new franchise agreement to allow TEP to continue using public rights of way for installation of the utility's infrastructure. The existing franchise agreement expires in April 2026, and Tucson's Mayor and Council will consider asking voters to approve a new, 25-year franchise agreement to replace TEP’s current voter-approved franchise agreement with the City. The new agreement would include a 3% franchise fee on monthly electric bills of TEP customers within the city, an increase from the current 2.25% fee. City customers also pay a 2.25% percent City utility tax that would remain unchanged. The extra revenue generated by the franchise fee hike could be used to cover the cost of additional underground infrastructure and to fund efforts that support the City's Climate Action Plan. In the interest of getting public input into what issues are important to see in the new agreement, TEP and City leadership are hosting a public meeting tonight, Jan. 18, from 6-8 p.m., to share information about the status of the current negotiations and to hear input from the public. The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at TEP headquarters, 88 E. Broadway Blvd. You can join in person or via Zoom.
More information and a Zoom link for TEP
Ward 6 news release
City of Tucson's Climate Action Hub

REMINDER: PLAN TUCSON OPEN HOUSE TOMORROW - What do you want for Tucson? Your vision for the future of our community is needed as we update Plan Tucson, the City of Tucson General & Sustainability Plan (2013), and you're invited to attend the first open house about the plan. The event will take place tomorrow, Jan. 19, from 4-7 p.m., at the Tucson Convention Center (West Meeting Room), 260 S. Church Ave. During the first phase of community outreach this spring, Tucson residents will be asked to share their priorities and vision for the future of our City. This is an opportunity for the community to learn about the City’s recent efforts, assess challenges and needs, and guide Tucson’s long-term direction.
Plan Tucson
Sign up for Plan Tucson email updates

TUCSON MAKES LIST OF '52 PLACES TO GO IN 2023' - The New York Times puts Tucson at No. 15 on its list of the best "52 Places to Go in 2023." This year's global list explores the travel rebound to places with great food, culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Tucson's entry mentions "Barrio Viejo, an area of more than 150 acres in Tucson...the largest barrio in the United States (exemplifying) Tucson’s connection to Mexico, with centuries-old Sonoran adobe architecture." It also encourages readers to take the Tucson Origins Tour by Borderlandia, which specializes in tours of the U.S.-Mexico border area, for a deep dive into history. Some Tucson galleries and restaurants are also referenced in the article.
Tucson's entry (direct link)
Entire list

BEAT BACK BUFFELGRASS NEXT MONTH - February is the beginning of a month-long series of volunteer events to combat buffelgrass. The invasive plant outcompetes saguaros for space, nutrients, and water. It also poses a serious fire risk both in the desert and in our city. Join Tucson Clean & Beautiful, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima County Natural Resources Parks and Recreation, and maybe your neighbors at "A" Mountain for the kickoff event Saturday, Feb. 4. Sign up to volunteer or attend other buffelgrass removal events throughout Tucson. You can find a location close to home and can spend a great morning out in the desert during the "Save our Saguaros" events.
Register to volunteer Feb. 4
Save our Saguaros - Beat Back Buffelgrass events

NEW 'SWITCH CITY' PROGRAM FOR TEENS - Tucson Parks and Recreation is accepting registrations for its new video game teen program. "Switch City" features monthly Nintendo Switch tournaments at different recreation centers for youth ages 12-17 in distinct age groups. You can register at the centers, and walk-ins are welcome. A different game is played each month and winners from each center tournament will play in the "Tournament of Champions." Learn more by following the link below.
Switch City