Based on community input for a 15-mile transit line, residents want to see a focus on affordable housing development and anti-displacement measures.
A proposed 15-mile transit line would connect downtown Tucson to the city’s international airport, reports Perla Shaheen for KGUN9. “The transit will run directly from the Tucson Mall to the Airport, and is expected to bring in major business development. This could impact around 30 neighborhoods, many of which are historically made up of low-income, marginalized communities.”
The article notes that “There are 14 community engagement officers asking people in these areas what development they'd like to see. The City also created an online survey that’s received more than 2,000 responses. 78% of those surveyed support the development of affordable housing.” Monica Landgrave-Serrano from Tucson's Department of Transportation and Mobility said "We want to see how open the community is to duplexes, transitional homes, live-work options” that could provide more affordable housing than existing single-family homes.
A prior article by Shaheen outlines the proposed transit line, which “would connect three transit centers, a lot of major employers: Pima Community College, the Veterans Hospital, the airport itself,” says Project Manager Ian Sansom. “It'll be another five to ten years before this transit line is complete. The city is still figuring out where exactly it'll go and whether or not it will be a street car or a bus.”
Read the full story: Community wants affordable housing, amenity development along proposed Norte-Sur 15-mile transit line
Tucson plans to keep free transit despite budget shortfall
Tucson's buses have been fare-free since March 2020.
Tucson Keeps Buses Fare-Free
The city is doubling down on its efforts to boost bus ridership as part of its climate action plan.
Tucson Extends Free Transit To End of Year
After eliminating transit fares in 2020, the city of Tucson is exploring ways to fund a permanent program.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
US buildings threatened, destroyed by fires set to triple by 2060
Researchers found a high fire risk for socioeconomically vulnerable neighborhoods in the American West.
LA residents may be allowed to paint their own crosswalks
Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky put out a motion instructing the Los Angeles Department of Public Transportation to study the feasibility of allowing volunteers to paint crosswalks.
Dallas moves to overhaul its zoning code
The city's zoning reform will allow more multi-family and mixed-use developments.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority