We were recently made aware that a concern that previously had been specific to the Mt. Lemmon area, has now spread throughout the rural communities in District 4, and that is the lack of available and affordable home insurance in wildfire prone areas.
A recent Wall Street Journal story stated inflation seems to be the prime culprit in causing rising insurance coverage costs, and it make sense. Construction materials, fuel and shipping costs, labor shortages and wages, et al, figure dramatically in the increases we are experiencing. The WSJ story further states that “insurers for houses…also have to consider what is broadly referred to exposure”.
Exposure also seems to be a driving force behind the escalating home insurance costs in our region. The exposure particular to our area is wildfire. We have seen our share of recent wildfires (Sawmill, Mulberry, Burro, and Bighorn come to mind) and the horrendous damage they can inflict.
Actual wildfires and wildfire exposure coupled with catastrophic hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and other horrific natural disasters around the country, all add to the insurance companies risk and responsibility to pay claims.
Earlier this year, we collaborated with our colleagues to bring the State of Arizona Insurance Director before the Board of Supervisors for a presentation of her department’s role and ability to assist. Several District 4 residents attended and had a robust discussion with the director in our building lobby.
We also prevailed in adding the issue of fire insurance affordability in wildfire prone areas to the Pima County 2025 Legislative Agenda.
Last month, our office attended the County Supervisors Association’s Policy Summit. The Supervisors considered a resolution submitted by Pima County, which read,
“Pima County proposes that the Association adopt a resolution encouraging the Governor, the State Legislature, and DIFI to research and implement reforms, as well as support programs that ensure the availability of affordable homeowners’ insurance coverage in fire affected areas. Further, Pima County proposes supporting legislative action that accomplishes these goals.”
I am pleased to report that this resolution was passed unanimously by all fifteen counties.
We hope State government can address insurance availability and premiums positively. Accordingly, this office will continue to amplify our full-throated support of the National Fire Prevention Association’s community-based Firewise USA program. We have seen phenomenal response to Firewise in District 4 neighborhoods, with four forming recently in Greater Green Valley and the gold standard, Mt. Lemmon Firewise.
These efforts to mitigate wildfire risk prove to insurance companies that our region is serious about preventing wildfires from ever happening. We have spoken your Rincon Valley Fire District leadership about growing Firewise chapters in the Greater Vail region, and encourage you to contact our office for more Firewise information.
Shifting gears, I had the distinct honor during the October 15th Board of Supervisors meeting of presenting “the best of the best of District 4” Mark Tate and Colin Jovanovich with Certificates of Recognition for their outstanding efforts supporting the Vail School District’s annual diaper drive, during which some 200,000 diapers were collected.
It is remarkable what a viscous cycle the lack of diapers presents to families going through tough times. From securing employment to finding daycare to the stresses experienced with child-rearing, diapers play an essential role in many a family’s survival.
Mark, Colin (who collected 7,000 diapers!), and the Vail School District have played a major role in securing futures for the most vulnerable among us. We are proud of Mark and Colin for their time, hard work, and caring for our community. Neighbors helping neighbors, another reason why I love being your Supervisor!
Pima County Supervisor Steve Christy, District 4
33 N. Stone Avenue, Floor 11
Tucson, AZ 85701
520-724-8094
district4@pima.gov
