A newsletter & podcast from the Office of Council Member Lane Santa Cruz

We Are One | Somos Uno Resiliency Fund

The Mayor and Council allocated $5.5 million into the We Are One | Somos Uno Resiliency Fund using the CARES Act to support small businesses, nonprofits, and workers and families impacted by the pandemic. Recently, Mayor Romero and Council Member Santa Cruz announced a donation from Open Society Foundations and an anonymous donor for a combined total of $1.25 million for Tucson’s immigrant community.

The deadline for small businesses and nonprofits to apply is today!

The YWCA’s Women’s Business Center will administer the small business continuity grants to be awarded up to $10,000.  Applications are available in English and Spanish and grants will be awarded within 10 business days of application submission. Small businesses within Tucson’s city limits can apply at ywcatucson.org.

The Community Foundation of Southern Arizona will administer the nonprofit continuity grants to be awarded up to $20,000. Nonprofits in Tucson and the City of South Tucson can apply. Due to reporting requirements, a new application process will be in place. Visit cfsaz.org for grant requirements.

The Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona (WFSA) will administer the workers and families grant program. The one-time grant will provide up to $700 per individual and $1,200 per family for those who live in the limits of the City Tucson or South Tucson. Individuals living in eligible zip codes who are over 18 years old as of August 19, 2020, and have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19, can apply for funding at womengiving.org.

Priority will be given to those individuals and families whose income does not reach self-sufficiency standard for Pima County and who have not yet received any other COVID-19 relief money from the state or federal government.

Sunnyside Foundation will administer the application process and distribution of the Immigrant Relief Fund. Details on how to receive aid will be shared at sunnysidefoundation.org.

Small Business Continuity Grants 

Open: Friday, July 31, 2020

Close: Friday, August 28, 2020

ywcatucson.org 

Nonprofit Continuity Grants 

Open: Friday, July 31, 2020

Close: Friday, August 28, 2020

cfsaz.org 

Workers and Families Grants

Open: Wednesday, August 19, 2020 at 10 a.m.

Close: Wednesday, September 9 at 5 p.m.

womengiving.org

Immigrant Relief Fund
sunnysidefoundation.org

A Tribute to André Newman

André Newman was a Westside neighbor whose enthusiasm, understanding, vulnerability and love embodied everything that makes Tucson special. He always greeted folxs warmly, and he had a way about him that made you feel like you belonged.

André, we are so grateful for your presence, and we grieve your absence. You made Tucson more just, more joyful. We miss you deeply. Rest in power.

Know Tucson Podcast

In Episode 15 of Know Tucson we had a discussion with Francisca Porchas Coronado. Francisco has worked as an organizer for over 15 years on a variety of issues, including civil rights, climate justice, criminalization, and migration on a local and national level. Francisca founded Healing in Resistance, a wellness project that centers the healing of Latinx/migrant people on the frontlines in the fight for migrant rights. Francisca is also the founder and coordinator of Latinx Therapists Action Network, a network linking Latinx therapists to frontline migrants rights organizations working in Latinx communities and Native mental health services.

Upcoming Mayor and Council Meeting
September 9, 2020

The agendas for the Mayor and Council meeting on September 9, 2020 at 12 p.m. have not been published online yet. However, the study session agenda is expected to include the following items: a discussion on COVID-19 relief, a conversation on equity, painting murals on city property, and a GPLET for Stackhouse. The regular session is expected to include the extension of the E-Scooter Pilot Program, the expansion of the Central Business District, and the selection of the new Vice Mayor. 

When the agendas are published, you can find them online by clicking below.

City of Tucson Small Business Visual Improvement Program

The City of Tucson is now accepting applications for our Visual Improvement Program (VIP). VIP is great for property owners or business tenants seeking to renovate or restore exterior façades, signage, and lighting for commercial buildings. The program is designed to impact properties in need of revitalization and strives to increase sales and/or revenue for the property owner or tenants. Link: https://connecttucson.com/visual-improvement-program/