Tucson Mayor Regina Romero delivered her State of the City Address, reiterating her vision of building a safe, just, and sustainable city that expands economic opportunity, even as Tucson faces economic and political challenges. She noted that Tucson voters have doubled down on progressive priorities, including affordable housing, free and reliable transit, climate resilience, neighborhood investment, and shelter with wraparound services.
Mayor Romero highlighted the Safe City Initiative as the centerpiece of Tucson’s public safety strategy. She detailed how the city expanded Safe City Deployments, invested in treatment and recovery using opioid settlement funds, and launched the SAFR Center pilot to divert people into care instead of jail. She emphasized the need to strengthen behavioral health and addiction services, limit illegal guns, and increase collaboration across jurisdictions, while recognizing the frontline employees who support residents every day.
She also outlined new investments in low-barrier, transitional, and supportive housing, including early progress at the STAR Village Safe Sleeping Site. Ongoing affordable housing developments will bring hundreds of new units online in the coming years. Mayor Romero noted that initiatives such as free transit, utility assistance, and Thrive Zones help families remain secure and stable.
Looking ahead, Mayor Romero prioritized economic opportunity, infrastructure, and long-term regional prosperity. She spotlighted the new Tucson Small Business Center, expanded technical assistance for entrepreneurs, and programs supporting veterans. She urged passing RTA Next to strengthen transit, improve road safety, and support first responders, and pointed to the economic impact of SunLink and neighborhood improvements achieved through Proposition 411.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
