๐ Tucson's New City Manager Unveils Bold Vision for Urban Renewal and Public Safety
Tim Thomure, Tucson's new city manager, discusses plans to address housing, public safety, and community development through a proposed quality of life ballot measure.
Based on the 9/17/24 Jump In Tucson Show on KVOI-1030AM.
While the city claims this proposed sales tax will fund necessary public services, we must question whether allocating approximately $50 million of the estimated $80 million annual revenue to police and fire departments is the best use of these funds.
โฎ๏ธ ICYMI: From the Last Showโฆ
๐ฝ Keepinโ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
๐ง๐พโ๐พ๐ฆ๐พ
๐๏ธ Tucson has a new boss named Tim! ๐งโ๐ผ He used to work with water ๐ง but now he's in charge of the whole city. Tim wants to help people find homes ๐ and keep everyone safe ๐. He's asking grown-ups to vote ๐ณ๏ธ on whether they want to pay a little more money ๐ฐ to make the city better. This includes fixing roads ๐ฃ๏ธ, helping firefighters ๐, and making sure there's enough water ๐ฐ for everyone. Tim thinks it's important to listen to what all the people in Tucson want! ๐ฅ๐ฃ๏ธ
๐๏ธ Takeaways
๐ Tim Thomure, former water expert, now leads Tucson as City Manager
๐ Housing affordability and homelessness are top priorities for the city
๐ Tucson partners with Pima County to combat fentanyl crisis with $100 million fund
๐ฐ Proposed half-cent sales tax aims to fund public safety and community programs
๐ฆ City focuses on developing major corridors while preserving neighborhood character
๐ณ๏ธ Voters will decide on increased city investment in March 2025 ballot measure
๐ป Radio Show Topics
๐ From Water Wizard to City Chief: Tim Thomure's Journey to Tucson's Top Job
Tim Thomure's appointment as Tucson's City Manager on March 19, 2024, marks a significant transition in his career and for the city. With 30 years of experience spanning the public sector, private sector, and consulting, Thomure brings a wealth of knowledge to his new role. His background is deeply rooted in water resource management and environmental work, shaping his approach to urban governance.
Thomure's journey to becoming City Manager is noteworthy. He previously served as Tucson's Water Director, significantly contributing to the city's water management strategies. His expertise in this area is evident from his involvement in high-level water conservation initiatives, including Governor Ducey's Arizona Governor Water Augmentation Innovation and Conservation Council and the Arizona Drought Contingency Plans Steering Committee. He serves on Arizona's Colorado River Reconciliation Committee, highlighting his ongoing commitment to addressing regional water challenges.
His transition from water management to city leadership was gradual. Before becoming City Manager, Thomure served as Assistant City Manager under Michael Ortega, one of Tucson's longest-serving city managers. This experience gave him a comprehensive understanding of the city's operations and challenges beyond water management.
Thomure's diverse experience within the city government, including temporary assignments overseeing various departments such as Parks and Recreation and Transportation Mobility, has given him a unique perspective on the interconnected nature of city services.
๐๏ธ Building a Better Tucson: Tackling Housing and Development Challenges
One of the primary issues Thomure faces as City Manager is addressing Tucson's housing affordability crisis and related development challenges. His approach to this issue demonstrates a nuanced understanding of urban planning and community needs.
Thomure recognizes the delicate balance required in urban development, as evidenced by his statement: "It's always going to be striking a balance between the character of the community we have and then the types of height density and development that we need in order to be the Tucson of the future."
This philosophy guides the city's approach to zoning reform and strategic development.
The focus on major transportation corridors for increased density and mixed-use development is a key strategy. This approach aims to create vibrant, accessible urban spaces while preserving the character of existing neighborhoods and barrios. It's a response to the need for more housing options in Tucson, particularly those that are affordable and well-connected to city services and employment centers.
To facilitate these changes, Thomure has made strategic personnel decisions. The appointment of Christine Swallow as Assistant City Manager, given her background in streamlining permitting processes in the Planning and Development Services Department, signals a commitment to removing bureaucratic barriers to housing development. Similarly, the promotion of Corinne Manning to interim director of Planning and Development Services ensures continuity in these reform efforts.
These initiatives aim to create "fast lanes" for certain housing projects, particularly those addressing affordability concerns. The goal is to make the development process more efficient and responsive to the city's pressing housing needs while maintaining necessary oversight and quality standards.
๐ Home for All: Addressing Homelessness and Affordability in the Desert
Tackling unsheltered homelessness and housing affordability are at the forefront of Thomure's agenda as City Manager. He recognizes these issues as interconnected challenges that require a multifaceted approach.
The city has implemented several programs in recent years to address these issues, including the Housing First program. This evidence-based strategy aims to remove barriers to housing access, providing stable accommodation to address other challenges individuals may face. Thomure's support for this approach indicates a commitment to proven, humane solutions to homelessness.
In addition to Housing First, the city has developed community safety, health, and wellness programs. These initiatives employ care coordinators and navigators to help connect individuals with appropriate resources, moving beyond traditional emergency responses to address underlying needs. This shift represents a more holistic approach to community well-being, recognizing that issues like homelessness often intersect with mental health, substance abuse, and other social challenges.
Funding for these programs has come from various sources, including the general fund and federal ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) dollars. However, Thomure acknowledges that sustaining and expanding these efforts will require additional resources, which is part of the rationale behind the proposed quality of life ballot measure.
The focus on housing affordability extends beyond programs for the unhoused. Thomure and his team are working on zoning and code reforms to increase housing density and diversity in Tucson. These efforts seek to create more housing options at various price points, addressing the broader affordability crisis affecting many Tucson residents.
๐ Fighting the Fentanyl Crisis: A Collaborative Approach to Public Health
Thomure recognizes the fentanyl public health crisis as a significant challenge facing Tucson, intertwined with issues of homelessness and community safety. His approach to this crisis emphasizes collaboration and leveraging available resources.
A key element of the city's strategy is its partnership with the Pima County Health Department. Thomure views this collaboration as essential, stating, "The city and the county will always be partners in this space because it is both a city matter and it's a public health matter."
This approach avoids duplicating efforts and takes advantage of the county's existing public health infrastructure and expertise.
The city and county can significantly access substantial new funding to combat this crisis. Approximately $100 million over the next 18 years, derived from opioid manufacturer lawsuit settlements, will be dedicated to addressing the public health impacts of the opioid crisis. Thomure's decision to pool these resources with the county rather than administer them separately demonstrates a commitment to a coordinated, efficient response.
Utilizing these funds involves direct services to those affected by substance abuse and broader community safety initiatives. This may include expanded treatment options, harm reduction programs, and education and prevention efforts.
Thomure also sees the proposed quality of life ballot measure as a potential additional funding source to complement these efforts. By potentially increasing resources for community safety and public health initiatives, the measure could enhance the city's capacity to address the fentanyl crisis and its associated challenges.
๐ Balancing the Books and Badges: Tucson's Public Safety Funding Dilemma
A significant portion of Thomure's discussion centered on the challenges of funding public safety in Tucson, particularly in light of the city's broader financial constraints. This issue is at the heart of the proposed quality of life ballot measure, which would introduce a half-cent sales tax increase to fund various city services, with a substantial portion allocated to public safety.
Thomure explained that while the city's general fund is healthy, it faces two major challenges. First, the needs of a modern Tucson have outgrown what the general fund can provide, even with optimal distribution. This includes core services like police and fire and expanded community safety and wellness programs that the city has implemented in recent years.
Second, there's been a significant reduction in state-shared revenues, which are locally generated tax dollars that go to the state and then return to Tucson. This reduction amounts to about $40 million annually, creating a substantial gap in the city's budget.
The proposed half-cent sales tax increase, which would go before voters in March 2025, aims to address these challenges. It would generate an estimated $80 million annually, with approximately $50 million earmarked for police and fire departments. The remaining funds would support community safety, housing, and other public safety initiatives.
Thomure emphasized that this approach is more than maintaining current service levels. It's about giving voters a choice regarding the level of service they want for Tucson. This includes traditional public safety measures, investments in technology to enhance safety and efficiency, and programs addressing root causes of crime and social issues.
The ballot measure also addresses specific operational needs, such as replacing aging vehicles and equipment for police and fire departments. Thomure noted that some police officers still drive 20-plus-year-old vehicles, highlighting the need for capital investment in these essential services.
๐ณ๏ธ The People's Choice: Tucson's Democratic Approach to City Investment
A key theme in Thomure's discussion was the emphasis on democratic decision-making in shaping Tucson's future. This is most evident in the decision to put the proposed half-cent sales tax increase to a public vote in March 2025.
Thomure stressed the importance of giving Tucson residents a voice in determining the level of city services they desire and are willing to fund. This approach reflects a commitment to transparency and civic engagement, allowing voters to make informed decisions about the city's future.
The ballot measure is presented as a choice for voters: do they want to maintain current service levels or see a need for expanded and enhanced city services? This framing acknowledges the diverse perspectives within the community and respects the democratic process in making significant decisions about public investment.
Thomure also highlighted the city's efforts to provide detailed information to voters about the proposed measure. He mentioned that comprehensive explanations of the investments and their intended impacts will be available to the public well before the vote. This commitment to transparency aims to ensure that voters can make an informed decision based on a clear understanding of the proposal's implications.
The democratic approach extends beyond just the ballot measure. As described in the interview, Thomure's leadership style emphasizes collaboration and community input across various city initiatives. This includes engaging with business leaders, neighborhood associations, and other stakeholders in shaping policies around housing development, community safety, and other key issues.
Thomure and the city leadership are fostering a sense of shared responsibility for Tucson's future by putting major funding decisions directly to the voters and emphasizing transparency and engagement. This approach may help build trust between the city government and residents, potentially leading to more broadly supported and effective policies in the long term.
๐ฆ Three Sonorans Commentary
Tucson's Crossroads: Progressive Concerns in the Face of Urban "Renewal"
As Tucson stands at a crucial juncture in its development, the recent appointment of Tim Thomure as City Manager and the proposed half-cent sales tax increase raises significant concerns for our community's progressive values. While Thomure's background in water management is commendable, we must critically examine the implications of his broader urban development plans and the city's approach to pressing social issues.
Housing Affordability and Gentrification: Thomure's focus on developing major transportation corridors with increased density is a double-edged sword. While we desperately need more housing options, we must ask: affordable for whom?
As Thomure stated, "It's always going to be striking a balance between the character of the community we have and then the types of height density and development that we need in order to be the Tucson of the future."
But whose future are we building? We must ensure that this development doesn't lead to the gentrification and displacement of long-standing communities, particularly in historically Latinx and Indigenous neighborhoods.
The "Housing First" approach to homelessness is promising, but we need guarantees that it will be implemented with cultural sensitivity and without over-policing our unhoused neighbors. The intersection of homelessness with the fentanyl crisis demands a compassionate, health-focused approach, not criminalization.
Regressive Taxation and Public Safety: The proposed half-cent sales tax increase is inherently regressive, disproportionately impacting our working-class and low-income residents. While the city claims this will fund necessary public services, we must question whether allocating approximately $50 million of the estimated $80 million annual revenue to police and fire departments is the best use of these funds. Our community needs investment in education, mental health services, and community-led safety initiatives, not just traditional law enforcement.
Environmental Concerns: Thomure's expertise in water management could be a boon for our desert community, but we need assurances that urban development plans will prioritize sustainability and desert conservation. The focus on corridor development must include green spaces, water-wise landscaping, and measures to mitigate the urban heat island effect that disproportionately affects low-income neighborhoods.
Democratic Process and Community Voice: While the city's decision to put the sales tax increase to a public vote in March 2025 appears democratic, we must ensure that all communities, especially those historically marginalized, have a real voice in this process.
As Thomure emphasized the importance of voter input, stating, "The question will be before the voters whether we want to increase that investment," we must ask: Will the city actively engage with and listen to our barrios, our Indigenous communities, and our working-class neighborhoods in shaping Tucson's future?
In conclusion, as Tucson faces critical decisions about its future, we call on City Manager Thomure and the entire city leadership to center social justice, environmental sustainability, and true community representation in their plans. The proposed developments and funding measures must not come at the cost of displacing our most vulnerable residents or exacerbating existing inequalities. We need a Tucson that grows responsibly, preserves its unique cultural heritage, and ensures that the benefits of urban renewal are shared equitably among all its residents.
The future of our beloved desert city depends on it.
If you enjoyed this article, buy us a cup of coffee!
๐ฏ People Mentioned
Tim Thomure: "Tucson wouldn't be what it is today without the Colorado River."
Michael Ortega: Mentioned as the previous City Manager who served for nine years.
Christine Swallow: Newly appointed Assistant City Manager, known for driving reform in permitting processes.
Corinne Manning: Appointed as interim director of Planning and Development Services.
Ted Maxwell: Host of the "Jump in Tucson" radio show.
Matt Neely: Works behind the glass for the radio show.
Joe Valdez: Mentioned as one of the longest-running city managers in Tucson's history.
Albert Elias: Former Assistant City Manager who retired.
๐ง Propaganda Analysis
Propaganda Analysis
In examining the discussion with Tim Thomure on "Jump in Tucson," we can identify several propagandistic elements and messaging techniques:
Overt messages:
Tucson faces significant challenges in housing affordability, homelessness, and public safety
The city government is proactively addressing these issues through various initiatives
A proposed half-cent sales tax increase is necessary to fund improvements in city services
The city administration values community input and is putting the decision to voters
Hidden messages:
The current level of city services may not be adequate for Tucson's needs
Without additional funding, the city may struggle to maintain or improve essential services
The reduction in state shared revenues is putting pressure on the city's budget
Hidden opinions:
The city administration believes that increased spending on public safety and community programs is necessary
There's an implicit opinion that the private sector alone cannot solve Tucson's housing and homelessness issues
Claims made:
The proposed half-cent sales tax increase would generate approximately $80 million annually
About $50 million of the new tax revenue would go towards police and fire departments
There's a $40 million annual reduction in state shared revenues
The city has $100 million over 18 years from opioid settlement funds to combat the fentanyl crisis
Current general fund revenues are insufficient to meet Tucson's modern needs
Techniques employed:
1. Appeal to authority: Presenting Tim Thomure as an expert due to his background in water management and previous roles in city government.
2. Bandwagon: Implying that supporting the tax increase is necessary for the good of the community.
3. Card stacking: Emphasizing the positive aspects of proposed initiatives while downplaying potential drawbacks.
4. Plain folks: Portraying the city administration as responsive to community needs and valuing public input.
5. Glittering generalities: Using phrases like "quality of life" and "community safety" without specific definitions.
6. Transfer: Associating the proposed tax increase with improved public safety and community well-being.
7. Testimonial: Using Thomure's personal experiences and background to lend credibility to city initiatives.
8. Fear appeal: Implying that essential city services may deteriorate without additional funding.
While the discussion presents factual information about city initiatives and challenges, it frames these issues in a way that supports the administration's preferred solutions, particularly the proposed sales tax increase. The language used often emphasizes positive outcomes while minimizing potential negative impacts or alternative approaches.