Hello Friends,
November holds special meaning for my family. It’s a time to honor our Veterans and reflect on what we’re thankful for as we gather for Thanksgiving.
As an Air Force veteran, continuing to serve the community has always been a priority for me. Since being elected in 2019, I’ve worked to create the City of Tucson’s first Employee Resource Group for veterans, City Vets, and helped establish the Military Veteran Coordinator position to support our city employees and programs. I also championed programs like SkillBridge, which allows Service Members to work at the City of Tucson during their final months of military service. This initiative not only helps service members as they transition back into the civilian world, but it helps us address recruitment and retention goals and bring in the incredible experience and leadership that veterans offer. On November 7th, I’ll be presenting an update on these initiatives at the Mayor and Council meeting. Tune in to learn more!
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining the celebration for the new storage facility at the ReSources Vail Food Bank. The need for emergency food assistance has risen by 26% this year, and with a significant portion of the Vail School District within Ward 4, it was clear that we wanted to support this effort. When Callie Tippit reached out to discuss additional temperature-controlled storage, I knew we had to find a way to help. Thanks to $55,000 in Ward 4 American Rescue Plan funds, ReSources was able to expand their square footage by 30%, increasing their capacity to store food for families in need, including weekend meal backpacks. Helping feed children and families in need is one of the most meaningful uses of these funds.
A huge thank you to Callie, the ReSources team, and all the volunteers who make sure our community is fed.
This Thanksgiving, I’m also partnering with the Tucson Firefighters Association to provide 1,200 holiday meals to families in need. We’ve allocated $30,000 from Ward 4’s American Rescue Plan funds to cover this year’s and next year’s meals. For the second year, we’re teaming up with Callie and the ReSources Vail Food Bank to distribute meals to local families in the southeast community, ensuring that all our neighbors can enjoy a fresh and healthy Thanksgiving dinner.
There’s so much to be grateful for, and I’m especially thankful for the opportunity to serve as your Ward 4 Council Member. Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy November.
-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
