Hello Friends,
Summer is officially here, and I hope this season brings you some fun and special moments with family and friends. Whether you’re cooling off at one of our free splash pads, swimming at a city pool, or just enjoying a slower pace, I hope you take time to make great memories and stay safe out there. As always, I’m grateful to serve you and keep you updated on what’s happening in our community.
June is a critical month for the City of Tucson as we move toward adopting our next city budget. While we are facing significant structural deficits in the years ahead, we will approve a balanced budget this month as required by law. I have always been laser focused on our core services and the responsibilities we are required to fulfill under our city charter. Now more than ever, we need to be honest about what is essential and what is simply nice to have. We face tough decisions and many cuts in the future, but I am committed to doing the hard work over the next year to find efficiencies, protect high-quality core services, and keep pushing forward on the big challenges Tucsonans care about most.
This month, we are also revisiting transit funding. Right now, the system is subsidized by approximately $60 million a year, or 9% of the city’s general fund, above what we receive from the federal government to operate the system. This level of support is far above what peer cities contribute. For example, cities like Mesa (2.7 percent), Albuquerque (3.5 percent), and Nashville (2.2 percent) all contribute significantly less from their general funds. Tucson’s general fund subsidy is the highest among these cities, and we have no dedicated transit tax to offset the cost. That means these are dollars we cannot invest in other priorities like public safety, parks, and road maintenance.
Offering fare-free service at this level is no longer sustainable, especially as we experience reductions in state-shared revenue, the sunset of federal relief dollars, and declining sales tax revenues tied to economic uncertainty. I have been advocating for a return to fare collection for some time, and we have finally begun those conversations. If the majority of Mayor and Council agree, we can begin taking steps to bring transit funding to a more sustainable level by reinstating fares and making other changes needed to make overall funding of the system more sustainable.
We also need to address safety across our transit system. From bus stops to transit centers, recent incidents have made it clear that additional investments are needed to improve safety for riders, drivers, and neighborhoods and businesses near bus stops and transit centers. Restoring fare collection would provide a key revenue stream to help fund those critical improvements.
Now is the time to make thoughtful, strategic decisions to protect the services Tucsonans rely on and avoid more painful cuts in the future. Now, let’s cover some updates on all the projects happening in our area!
Ward 4 and Southeast Tucson Updates
Houghton Road – Irvington to 22nd Street
Utility work is ongoing through 2026. Please consider alternate routes to support worker safety and ease travel for local residents. RTA road widening is expected to begin in late 2026 after utility work is complete.
Valencia Road – Kolb to Houghton
Road widening continues and is expected to finish in summer 2026. This is an active construction zone. Do not move barricades or enter the multi-use path under construction. TPD will cite trespassing. Vandalism has also caused delays and increased taxpayer costs—please report criminal activity to 911.
Southeast Police Annex
Construction is underway at Kolb and Camino Boleadoras. The annex is expected to be operational by spring 2026 and will support our public safety infrastructure.
City Splash Pads
Now open and free through October 31. Daily use from 8 a.m. to sunset.
City Pools
Free and open for the summer season starting June 1. Visit the Parks and Recreation website for pool schedules and locations: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Pools-and-Splash-Pads
Senior Programs at the Clements Center – 8155 E Poinciana Dr.
• Senior Lunch
Monday to Friday, noon to 12:30 p.m.
For individuals 60 and over (or spouses of any age). A $2 to $3 donation is suggested. Reservations required by the Tuesday before. Call (520) 791-5787.
• Senior Fitness Classes
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.
• Senior Club Activities
o Fitness Building: Tuesday and Thursday, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
o Recreation Building: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
o Chair Fitness: Tuesday and Thursday, 8 to 8:55 a.m. and 9:05 to 10 a.m.
o Chair Volleyball: Wednesday, 9 to 10 a.m.
o Other activities: card games, crafts, billiards, exercise equipment, swimming, and monthly day trips.
As always, if you have any questions, 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
