The Advocate | August 2024

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The Advocate | August 2024

Tucson Metro Chamber Updates from July: Voter Guide Incoming, Chamber Advocates, and More!


July kept the Chamber busy with election season in full swing. The Chamber proudly unveiled our 2024 Candidate Evaluation Guide for Pima County in July just in time for you to review before the primary! If you haven't explored it yet, you're in for an excellent resource for Pima County candidates who have made it to your November ballot.

The guide's scores come from a dedicated bipartisan candidate evaluation committee. These Chamber members generously devoted two full days to join our team in interviewing 22 candidates. Their commitment ensures a fair and thorough assessment.

We are thrilled by the positive reception of the guide and the valuable information it provides. Read it now!

Stay tuned for additional candidate evaluation content on candidates for the Pima Community College Governing Board and the Arizona Corporation Commission, coming just in time for the November 7th general election!


Soon to be on Your Ballot! 


On July 30th, the Tucson Metro Chamber Board of Directors today voted advance positions on three ballot items that have been referred by the legislature or placed by citizens’ initiative, at its regular Board meeting. Each supports the interests of the local business community and the broader Tucson economy. In addition, the Board earlier this Spring announced support for the Make Elections Fair Act. The Chamber Board makes decisions based on the recommendations of the Public Policy Council. This body is representative of member industries and is politically diverse. Further action on additional ballot items may be forthcoming. Read the press release here.

The Tucson Metro Chamber Board of Directors has approved the Chamber to advance the following positions: 

  1. Support Proposition 312 (Property Tax Refunds for Nuisance Mitigation)
  2. Support Proposition 138 (Tipped Workers Protection Act)
  3. Support Proposition 140 (Make Elections Fair Act)
  4. Oppose (One Fair Wage Act)


Tucson Metro Chamber Advocating for Reliable Infrastructure



The Tucson Metro Chamber recently demonstrated its commitment to supporting crucial local infrastructure improvements at July's Line Siting Committee Public hearing on Tucson Electric Power’s Midtown Reliability Project.

Chamber President & CEO Michael Guymon presented official comments, emphasizing the project's importance for Central Tucson. The Chamber believes that the project is urgently needed within our community to support a reliable grid. The Chamber is also in support of increasing grid capacity to pave the way for continued regional growth and economic opportunity, which enhance our community’s economic vitality.

While some attendees voiced personal concerns, the Chamber stood as a voice of reason, recognizing this project as a vital community asset. We believe the project is necessary for our region's continued development and prosperity. You can learn more about the project here HERE.


Military Affairs Committee Bids Farewell to the A-10


On July 17th, members of the Tucson Metro Chamber's Military Affairs Committee (MAC) were treated to an unforgettable experience at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The group joined the A-10 demonstration team for an exclusive briefing and Q&A session, followed by an up-close viewing of the iconic aircraft that has graced Tucson's skies for decades. This visit held special significance as Davis-Monthan is currently in the process of divesting these aircraft to support its transition to a special operations power projection wing in the coming years. For MAC members, it was a bittersweet opportunity to give the A-10 one last hurrah while engaging with the dedicated airmen who've built their careers around this aircraft. A special thanks to MAC Gold Sponsors PMI Global Services and Chase Bank.

Are you a fan of the A-10? Hawgsmoke is the USAF’s premier aerial gunnery competition, bringing together the best Attack Pilots from every A-10 squadron worldwide for a week of intense flying and heritage. 

How to Help:

Hawgsmoke relies on fundraising and donations from the local community as federal funds cannot be used. Donations can be Raffle Prizes, Food & Beverages, or Direct Financial Support. Hawgsmoke is operated by a Nonprofit 501c3, more details can be found at www.hawgsmoke.com/donate/ or you can reach out to Stephanie at sspencer@tucsonchamber.org.


Upcoming MAC Sponsorship Opportunities



Upcoming Meetings and Policy Updates

Plan Tucson Revisions Input Needed
Plan Tucson staff are seeking input on the latest revisions to draft Plan Tucson policies. The full list of policies, organized by goals, presented in April and May, is available, along with a spreadsheet showing how the 327 policies were revised into 180 policies, surveys for each goal are available, so please review the updated list and submit your responses by August 8th. For more information and to access the updated draft goals, policies, development guidelines, and future growth scenario maps, visit PlanTucson.tucsonaz.gov.

City of Tucson PDSD Corridor Redevelopment Feedback
The City of Tucson Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) is seeking feedback from impacted business and sectors on proposed corridor redevelopment standards. Engage by attending the upcoming meetings:
In-Person Meeting
Virtual Meeting
  • Date: Thursday, August 8, 2024
  • Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
  • Location: Virtual - Zoom

Pima County Heat Ordinance Input
The Pima County Board of Supervisors and the County Health Department are seeking public input on a proposed Heat Ordinance to protect County employees and contractors working in the Arizona heat. The public comment period is open until August 6. The ordinance will be presented to the Board for consideration of ordinance adoption at its Aug. 19 meeting. Read More.

Land Use and Infrastructure Updates
Psomas and the Pima County Department of Transportation are updating the Land Use Assumption Report and Infrastructure Improvements Plan. Updates will be presented to the Board of Supervisors by the end of 2024, with final approval expected by February 8, 2025. A new fee ordinance is anticipated by the end of 2025. The Chamber will keep members informed as this progresses.




The Tucson Metro Chamber is expanding its efforts to boldly champion the interests of our local business community. To support these initiatives, we've made it easier than ever to contribute to our political action committee (PAC). Whether you're an individual looking to chip in $10 or a company aiming to give $10,000, your contribution to the Tucson Metro Chamber PAC allows us to effectively advocate for policies, measures, and initiatives that strengthen our regional economy. Check out our new ChamberPAC page to learn more or click HERE to donate right now.


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