Romero Champions Tucson’s Bold Investments in Safety, Parks, and Infrastructure

Mayor Regina Romero presented her accomplishments for 2024 on Tuesday, highlighting a proposed half-cent sales tax aimed at tackling Tucson’s pressing issues. Speaking to around 350 attendees at the Tucson Convention Center, Romero emphasized the city’s struggles with housing affordability, fentanyl addiction, and the impacts of climate change.

Romero urged recognition of both the challenges and successes within Tucson. “While we face a housing crisis, an opioid crisis, and aging infrastructure, we must also invest in what’s working,” she stated. The mayor detailed initiatives, including the development of low-income housing with federal and state assistance. Notably, the city plans to inaugurate Milagro on Oracle, a 63-unit senior housing complex located where the former No-Tel Motel stood.

Another development, Sugar Hill on Stone, is set to provide 66 affordable housing units on the site of the old Bum Steer tavern. The mayor also committed to increasing funding for police and fire departments, along with establishing the Office of Violence Interruption and Prevention to reduce gun violence in targeted neighborhoods.

In her address, Romero outlined progress made in 2024, mentioning the adoption of a Heat Action Roadmap and ordinances ensuring breaks for city workers in extreme heat. Furthermore, she reported the distribution of over 900 “heat relief kits” to the homeless and collaboration with Pima County to set up cooling stations.

Capital improvements funded by the 2022 Prop. 411 have led to the resurfacing of 257 miles of streets, alongside enhancements to local parks, including new playgrounds and splash pads. “I will continue to seek partnerships to combat homelessness and ensure our children have access to quality education and job opportunities,” Romero asserted.

The proposed Proposition 414 seeks voter approval for the half-cent sales tax in the March 11 election. If passed, the Safe and Vibrant City Initiative could generate approximately $246 million for first responders, with additional funding allocated for affordable housing, public safety, and crime reduction programs over ten years.

Romero explained the need for this funding, citing an impending $27 million loss in state-shared revenues due to tax cuts implemented by former Governor Doug Ducey and the GOP-controlled Legislature. “We are seeing aggressive cuts coming from the state,” she warned, emphasizing the urgency for community support.

“If Prop. 414 doesn’t pass, we will face severe budget constraints,” Romero clarified, noting potential losses in public safety personnel and essential programs. The mayor’s address, previously known as the “State of the City,” was organized in cooperation with the Tucson Metro Chamber and Visit Tucson. Following the event, the chamber expressed its opposition to the sales tax proposal.

Michael Guymon, CEO of the Metro Chamber, remarked, “Tucson needs to address these vital issues, but we believe there are more effective solutions that don’t impose additional costs on families.” The debate over Prop. 414 reveals the complexities of financing community needs while balancing economic growth.