A newsletter from the Office of Council Member Lane Santa Cruz

Mayor and Council Highlights

September 9, 2020

Study Session

• Council Member Santa Cruz motioned to begin the city-wide equity assessment facilitated through the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE), and to outline the steps to stand up the Office of Equity. The motion passed unanimously.

• Council Member Santa Cruz motioned to prepare an anti-discrimination resolution prohibiting the use of the city’s general funds and in-kind services for community special events that display symbols expressing or supporting racism or discrimination; and to prohibit contracting with human services providers that engage in discrimination. The motion passed unanimously.

• Council Member Santa Cruz moved to approve the initiation of the Historic Landmark rezoning process for the fountain in the El Presidio Plaza, waive the city’s processing fee, work with the Arts Foundation of Southern Arizona for guidance on the rehabilitation of the fountain, and (amendment) begin the process to rename the fountain in honor of Supervisor Richard Elias. The motion passed unanimously.

Regular Meeting

• Council Member Santa Cruz shared a tribute honoring the life of André Newman, a resident from Barrio Hollywood whose contributions to the community have been vast and far reaching, and of Gloria Manzanedo, a resident from Silvercroft who worked tirelessly to improve the conditions in her neighborhood.

• Mayor Romero requested a motion to delay approving the expansion of the Central Business District and to discuss the item in the study session on September 22. The motion was moved forward and passed unanimously.

• Mayor Romero requested a motion to declare a climate emergency for the City of Tucson. The motion was moved forward and passed unanimously.

See below for the meeting agenda for Tuesday, September 22.

Know Tucson Podcast
Episode 16 - A discussion on the Central Business District and Gentrification

In Episode 16 of Know Tucson we had a discussion with Raul Ramirez and Josefina Cardenas about the proposed expansion of the Central Business District, the Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET), and recent protests about how these items under consideration by the Mayor and Council contribute to gentrification.

Neighborhood Workshops

Topic: LIVE WELL ARIZONA INCUBATOR: Purpose, Examples, How to Apply

When: Wednesday, September 23, Noon - 1:00 pm

To Register Online: Fill out the online registration form and receive your invitation for the virtual workshop that will be held via Microsoft Teams.

Workshop Content: The Live Well Arizona Incubator is designed to support and accelerate the work of teams seeking to address community issues with their very own coach to guide them. This no cost program is a collaboration of the Arizona Partnership for Healthy Communities and Vitalyst Health Foundation.

Questions: Please contact Rebecca Ruopp, Neighborhood Engagement Specialist, at Rebecca.Ruopp@tucsonaz.gov.

Silvercroft Neighborhood Tribute

In honor of Gloria Manzanedo, residents of the Silvercroft Neighborhood Association reached out to our office and shared some of the legacy she and her husband left behind.

Both Gloria and her late husband Frank were long-time residents of the neighborhood. Together they worked tirelessly to improve conditions in the area, both serving as presidents of the association. They were instrumental in securing grants to get street lights, trees and vegetation, handmade benches, and so much more. We acknowledge the work they did, and share our thanks to them, and to give our condolences to the community and their family.

2020 Arizona Women’s Business Center of the Year

Congratulations to the Women’s Business Center of Southern Arizona for officially being named as the 2020 Arizona Women’s Business Center of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The WBC of Southern Arizona is leveling playing field for women, minority and immigrant entrepreneurs. They provide comprehensive business and management training, one-on-one business counseling and wraparound professional and personal development services to equip individuals, especially those with low and middle incomes, with the confidence and tools they need to start and expand their business.

More recently, the WBC has been essential in administering the small business continuity grants provided for by the We Are One | Somos Uno Resiliency Fund. We are grateful for the WBC and celebrate their achievements.

City Launches Visual Improvement Program

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.

Tucson CARES for Arts and Culture Organizations

Arts and culture bring so much joy to our barrios. In a way that few other things have the capacity to do, arts and culture go a step beyond survival toward transformative justice.

We're pleased that the Arts and Culture COVID-19 Assistance Grants are available to provide $5,000 to $10,000 emergency assistance to arts organizations impacted by the pandemic, and specifically to provide short-term emergency disaster relief to help prevent eviction, prevent homelessness, assist with rent or mortgage payments, assist with subsidies for utility payments to preserve essential services, and other needs arising out of the economic impacts of COVID-19. Supporting local artists and local arts and culture organizations is essential in Tucson's recovery from COVID-19.

Applicants will be asked to complete the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona’s online application form including contact information, artistic mission, demographics, and demonstration of financial loss due to COVID-19. The deadline to apply is October 5.

City of Tucson and Intermountain Centers Break Ground on New Sensory Park

Ward 1 Tucson City Council Member Lane Santa Cruz, Tucson Parks and Recreation, and Intermountain Centers will break ground on Intermountain Sensory Park, 401 N. Bonita Ave., today, Sept. 15, at 3:30 p.m. In the fall of 2019, the Mayor and Tucson City Council approved the development and maintenance agreement of the park. It will be one of the only parks west of the Mississippi designed to accommodate those on the autism spectrum and will include elements for those individuals with physical disabilities. The new park will provide a safe and accessible place for people and their families who are living with autism. The building of the park will happen in phases as funds become available. Phase I improvements include fencing and a new turf play area that should be completed this fall. Financial support from the community is necessary to complete the construction.

Donate to the park
Intermountain Centers/City of Tucson news release
Tucson Parks and Recreation