Tucson NewsNet Daily Digest - A Service of the City of Tucson

ARIZONA ATTORNEY GENERAL UPHOLDS TUCSON’S SOURCE OF INCOME PROTECTION ORDINANCE - New Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes yesterday, March 8, rejected former Attorney General Mark Brnovich’s December 2022 report which briefly put on hold the City of Tucson’s ordinance to protect renters from discriminatory housing practices. Mayes’ report stated that the ordinance does not violate state law or the Arizona Constitution. “The Source of Income Protection is one of the solutions for the housing crisis in Arizona,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. “I applaud Arizona Attorney General Mayes for reversing the opinion of the previous AG and recognizing that the City of Tucson has the authority as a chartered city to make the decisions that protect our most vulnerable residents.” Tucson's Mayor and Council adopted the ordinance on Sept. 27, 2022, adding a protected class to stem housing discrimination based on a person’s source of income, which is defined as “any lawful source of income or support” for a renter or buyer. Various sources of income include child support, spousal support, rental assistance, social security or disability insurance, veterans’ benefits, or any other form of governmental assistance.
Read the news release

EPA REQUESTING INPUT ON GRANTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AND CLIMATE JUSTICE - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input on its Environmental and Climate Justice (ECJ) program. These funds come from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Nationwide, the ECJ program will have approximately $3 billion for ECJ program grants and technical assistance for environmental and climate justice efforts that benefit overburdened communities. This RFI seeks public input on new and innovative strategies and approaches for competition design, community engagement, equitable distribution of financial resources, grantee eligibility for funding, capacity-building and outreach, and technical assistance. The deadline to provide input is Friday, March 17. The EPA also has a new YouTube video (link below) on the ECJ program and its resources.
Read the EPA news release
Watch the video

TUCSON PARKS AND RECREATION VIRTUAL EGG HUNT STARTS TOMORROW - Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting a virtual egg hunt leading up to the EGGstravaganza at Mansfield Park on Saturday, March 25. To participate, visit one of 41 parks throughout Tucson, from March 10-20, and hunt for 500 egg-shaped signs, scan the QR code on the sign, and submit your information and a picture (optional). Each egg you find is an entry into the prize Easter basket drawing. Winners will be contacted via phone or email provided on the entry form. There is no limit on the number of eggs you find. The public is asked to leave the eggs in the park for others to discover. Visit the website linked below to learn more about these events and to find out which parks the eggs are hidden at for the virtual egg hunt.
Read the announcement

REGISTER YOUR YOUNG KIDS FOR POWER WHEELS FUN RACE - Tucson Parks and Recreation is hosting a Power Wheels Fun Race on Saturday, April 15, beginning at 10 a.m., at 900 S. Randolph Way. Kids 3-8 years old will compete in age groups and race their power wheels. The cost is $5 per racer. Only stock Power Wheels with four wheels are allowed. No modifications are permitted. Other rules apply. Visit the website linked below for more details.
Power Wheels Fun Race information
Register

2ND SATURDAYS DOWNTOWN THIS WEEKEND - 2nd Saturdays Downtown Tucson returns Saturday, March 11, from 5-10 p.m. Enjoy live music, street performers, restaurants, street vendors, and more. You can use the free Sun Link streetcar to move easily through the downtown area. Brought to you by Rio Nuevo, the party happens every second Saturday of the month. The Scott Avenue outdoor stage showcases Tucson's best live music. Street food and food truck options are available, and there are plenty of shopping opportunities for all-local, handmade, and uniquely Tucson food and products.
2nd Saturdays Facebook page
Park Tucson
Sun Tran/Sun Link