For decades, the city of Tucson and Pima County have partnered with each other in providing water and sewer services to our region, with the city taking the lead with water and the county with sewer. Both entities have charged their customers rates that are based solely on the “cost of service” model and that recognized no distinctions based on where customers lived. This fair partnership has served our region well, but it will become inequitable if the city government decides in April to impose differential water rates on Tucson Water customers who live in certain parts of Pima County. [...]

Democrat Selim Franklin supported womens' right to vote, and helped found the UofA and the Corporation Commission. This article is the first in a continuing series about Democratic Heroes of Tucson. While people are focused on public servants who strive to move communities forward, it is important to remember Democrats who came before and paved the road for all of us to walk on. Selim Franklin, an early Democrat in Tucson, is one person that citizens of Tucson should honor for his contributions to Arizona before it became a state. Born in San Bernardino, California on October 19, 1859, Franklin [...]

League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson Voter Education Program Saturday, March 20 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Online Registration link: https://bit.ly/lwvtucson_waterfuture FREE Virtual Public Webinar The future is likely to bring a hotter, drier climate, resulting in projected reductions in Colorado River flows. Population growth in the state will create an increased demand for water. We need to ensure that water is shared equitably among stakeholders, including tribal communities, municipal users, agriculture, and industry.  And we need to take care that water is available to protect ecological systems and threatened riparian landscapes. Join us to hear experts Kathy Jacobs of UArizona, State [...]

Ann Chanecka, Deputy Director Tucson Housing and Community Development, spoke at the Democrats of Greater Tucson meeting on March 8, 2021. She described numerous projects tackling: Poverty rates, low incomes, and economic disparities; Education and economic mobility, Health disparities, Homelessness, Housing instability and Neighborhood inequities. In terms of Public Housing, the city has: 550 Multifamily units for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities 452 Multifamily units for Families 503 Single-Family Properties The City manages more than 6,000 Section 8 Vouchers, which allow individuals and families to pay 30-40% of their income on rent, and 451 Affordable Housing units. In 2020, Housing and Community Development received [...]

Many thanks to Anne Simmons, our Video Production Editor, for editing this video. Tucson City Council member Nikki Lee spoke at Democrats of Greater Tucson on January 4, 2020, and outlined her three-pronged plan for 2021: A stronger Tucson: investing in roads, first responders, parks, small business, and attracting high-wage jobs. A smarter Tucson: using technology to improve city services and smart, sustainable public transit. A sustainable Tucson: promoting responsible growth and preserve the natural landscape. Councilwoman Nikki Lee is an Air Force veteran, IT project manager, wife, and mother of three. She was elected in 2019, and [...]