Investing in Our Future
I want to begin by sincerely thanking everyone who participated in the RTA Next election last month. Both propositions, the plan and the tax extension, passed in every jurisdiction, including unincorporated Pima County, and in every ward across the City of Tucson. That kind of broad support matters. It reflects a shared understanding that investing in our infrastructure is ultimately an investment in ourselves.
If you are a nerd like me and are curious about how different jurisdictions and wards voted, you can explore the results through this interactive map: https://gis.tucsonaz.gov/rta/rta_combined_map.html. To review the full list of projects and what is planned for our area, you can visit RTANext.com.
I’ll be sure to communicate out what I’m learning as these projects, as well as the existing RTA projects, continue moving forward.
Staying Focused on Our Mission
My primary focus right now is the City of Tucson’s budget. The budget is what enables us to deliver the core services our residents depend on and ensures that the priorities of our community are reflected in how we allocate your tax dollars.
We are working through a significant structural deficit. Earlier in the budget process, the projected deficit was approximately $68.9 million. During our March 17th budget update, we saw that through early actions and adjustments, that deficit had been reduced to approximately $28.9 million as we work toward a balanced budget. However, projections in the years ahead show even greater financial pressure.
As we move through this budget, our responsibility is to stay focused on core services. That includes ensuring that when someone calls 911, help is there, that our roads are maintained, that our parks and recreation spaces are safe and accessible, and that we are creating the conditions for economic opportunity so individuals and families can thrive here in Tucson.
This month, we will have important conversations around transit funding and transit safety. Today, our transit system is heavily subsidized by the City’s general fund, at a level that is significantly out of balance with most peer jurisdictions. As we face ongoing and increasing deficits, we must take a serious look at long-term sustainability, including the reinstatement of fares, something I have been advocating for over the past several years.
Voters approved $2.15 million in transit safety funding through the RTA Next plan. A key focus moving forward will be ensuring your tax dollars are used in ways that have the greatest impact on safety both on and around the transit system.
To help residents stay informed and engaged, the City of Tucson will be hosting several budget information sessions:
April 22 – Virtual Budget Information Session, 6pm to 7pm
April 23 – Udall Recreation Center Budget Information Session, 6pm to 7pm
April 28 – El Pueblo Recreation Center Budget Information Session, 6pm to 7pm
April 30 – Donna Liggins Recreation Center Budget Information Session, 6pm to 7pm
May 1 – Virtual Budget Information Session, 9am to 10am
I will share information on how to access the virtual sessions through my email newsletter as soon as it becomes available. If you would like to receive those updates, you can sign up here: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Government/Mayor-Council-and-City-Manager/City-Council-Wards/Ward-4.
I welcome, and greatly appreciate, your input. If you have thoughts on the budget, core services, transit, or priorities you would like to see addressed, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our community is strongest when we engage in this work together.
As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at the Ward 4 Council Office at ward4@tucsonaz.gov and/or 520-791-3199.
-Nikki
City of Tucson Ward 4 Councilwoman
Nikki Lee
520-791-3199
Ward4@tucsonaz.gov
www.tucsonaz.gov/ward4
Facebook: /CouncilwomanLee
Instagram: @nikkilee_az
Twitter: @CouncilwomanLee
or: www.facebook.com/cotward4
