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News

Observer Corps Report: Tucson City Council

Published on 8/7/2023

Government Body: Tucson City Council
Meeting Date: July 18, 2023

The City Council Approved:

•  Resolution 23634 to allow The Tucson Authority and The Industrial Development Authority of the County of Pima (the "Pima Authority”, with the Tucson Authority,  the “Authorities”) to enter into an agreement providing for the issuance of Joint Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds, in one or more series or subseries (the “Bonds”), in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $26,000,000. Proceeds of the Bonds will be used to finance the acquisition of single-family dwelling units by low and moderate-income persons and families in Pima County, including the City of Tucson (the “Program”), by providing low-interest mortgages and down payment assistance.

•  An Intergovernmental Agreement Between the City of Tucson and the Industrial Development Authority of Tucson, Providing for Funding of the Avanza Revolving Loan Program and Establishment of the Avanza Empowerment Center (City Wide)
The Industrial Development Authority of Tucson, Arizona (“IDA”) and its wholly controlled 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Dark Mountain Development Corporation, dba “Groundswell Capital,” have developed an innovative non-asset based revolving loan fund (the “AVANZA Fund”) to support small businesses in the Tucson Area (the “AVANZA Program”). This evidence-based program was designed with national-best practices to reduce the barriers in access to capital for underserved small businesses, with an emphasis on minority, women, and veteran owned businesses.

• A public hearing was held to discuss the annexation of 3 parcels of State land: Gabriel, Jay, and Cody. The parcels are located at the entrance of the Vail.  Many people who live in Vail spoke in opposition to the annexations because of their proximity to an Elementary school and several local historical buildings.  The parcels are zoned for Industrial use, and they were concerned with possible environmental and health issues that could arise as no one knew what kind of industry would be built.  Councilmember Lee asked the city attorney to explain the process. He said the annexation and zoning were two different issues and that zoning discussion could not take place until after the council approved annexation. Then any business, school, or other entity within 400 feet, and any Neighborhood Association within a mile would be involved in discussions as to how the parcels would be zoned. Also, the organization that is currently campaigning to have Vail incorporated was aware of the location of the parcels and had not included them in their proposed boundaries of the Vail city limits.  The resolution passed.

Other Items of Interest:

• The Mayor and Council passed a resolution designating the seven polling places that will be open for the city primary to be held on August 1,2023 and appointed Election Board workers.
Tucson Charter Ch. 16, § 10 and T.C. § 12-16 require that, for a vote by mail election, there be at least one voting location in each ward for the casting of votes or replacement of ballots, which shall be kept open on the day of the election from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. T.C. § 12-13(b) provides that the city clerk, with the approval of the mayor and council, shall designate these voting locations.


Public Comments:

 Two people continued to speak out about the growing numbers of 5g towers in Tucson.

Two people spoke about the need for more resources for PACC and the need to regulate puppy mills.

 One person spoke about removing barriers to tiny houses.

 One person spoke about the need to educate citizens about contamination in their curbside recycling. Tucson currently has a 25-30% contamination rate which costs the city $300,000 a year.


Observer: Ginny Simontacchi