Tucson Business Listening Tour: A Conversation with Local Businesses 

In October, the Tucson Metro Chamber embarked on a Tucson Business Listening Tour throughout Pima County’s five districts. Led by President and CEO Michael Guymon and Vice President of Business Advocacy Zach Yentzer, the tour aimed to hear directly from local business leaders about their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. 

The Chamber sought to identify areas for improvement and brainstorm solutions to inform the update of its 2024 Public Policy Guide. By championing policy changes that contribute to Tucson’s growth and prosperity, the Chamber can continue to support the local business community.
 

The Chamber thanks tour hosts Downtown and D2 Dispensaries, Farhang & Medcoff, AGM Container Controls, Swaim and Associates, and Caliber Group for making the tour possible. 

While expressing concerns with many of the growing challenges of doing business in Tucson today, many still shared that Tucson is the “best place they’ve ever lived.” The Chamber shares this sentiment and is committed to making Tucson even better. 

The Chamber invites you to share your insights and concerns by completing a brief 3-minute survey. Your voice is crucial in shaping the Chamber’s future advocacy priorities. 

2024 Tucson Metro Chamber Advocacy Survey 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Recognizes Tucson Metro Chamber's CART for Efforts to Combat Retail Theft 

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce's latest report, "Crime Risks to Business 2023," highlights the growing wave of retail crime in the United States, recognizes the progress made in its prevention, and offers policy recommendations to lawmakers. 

As crime rates surge nationwide, local business organizations, such as the Tucson Metro Chamber's Coalition Against Retail Theft (CART), have emerged as dynamic forces in the fight against retail theft. CART has successfully distributed $100,000 to struggling businesses in the City of Tucson and has advocated for effective policy changes in law enforcement and prosecutorial practices that would deter and prosecute retail theft more effectively. This support has been invaluable in the face of rising theft rates in the Tucson Metro area. 

The report highlights the importance of local efforts to secure the safety and prosperity of businesses. The Chamber is steadfast in its mission of championing the strongest business community possible and hopes to continue helping businesses arm themselves against crime. 

Tucson Chamber Requests Reconsideration of Smoke Shop UDC Amendment 

The Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce thanks the Tucson City Council for reconsidering a proposed Unified Development Code (UDC) amendment to restrict smoke shops' proximity to schools. The Chamber expressed concerns that the proposed definition of smoke shops could inadvertently include convenience stores and other retailers and was grateful that the Council postponed decision-making to address this point. The Council is scheduled to discuss the amendment at its November 14 meeting. 

Chamber VP presents to Southside Business Coalition on retail theft 

The Tucson Metro Chamber is a proud partner of the Tucson Police Department (TPD). Regular meetings between the Chamber's Business Advocacy Team and TPD officers inform the Chamber's work, particularly concerning organized retail theft. 
 

In October, Zach Yentzer, the Chamber's Vice President of Business Advocacy, presented the Chamber's approach to convening community members together to combat retail theft at a Southside Business Coalition meeting hosted by TPD. 
 

The Chamber's Coalition Against Retail Theft (CART) comprises business leaders, asset protection professionals, and policy experts who collaborate to identify policy solutions to combat retail theft and its associated problems. 
 

The Chamber recognizes the broader implications of socio-economic disparities, the rise of the fentanyl epidemic, discrepancies in the justice system, and the lack of resources. It is actively engaged in bringing solutions to local and regional decision-makers to alleviate these issues. 
 

The Chamber extends its gratitude to the Southside Business Coalition for their warm welcome and looks forward to actively engaging with regional business coalitions moving forward. 

Tucson Leads the Way in Water Conservation 

The Tucson City Council recently adopted the One Water 2100 plan, making Tucson a regional leader in water conservation. 

The Tucson Metro Chamber played an active role in developing the plan, engaging in community working groups, facilitating meetings, and organizing information-sharing sessions among its members. 

The Chamber commends Tucson Water for its continuous efforts to safeguard the city's water resources. These efforts have placed Tucson in an exceptional position for further economic expansion. 

For an in-depth look at why Tucson is primed for success, read the lead article of the November edition of the TREND Report, written by Zach Yentzer. 

Exploring the Update of Tucson’s Outdoor Lighting Code 

 

Before the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Tucson and Pima County recognized the need to update their joint outdoor lighting code ordinance. This update is essential to upholding our community's reputation as a center for astronomy and safeguarding Tucson's natural environment and wildlife. 

The Tucson Metro Chamber has been actively involved in the Outdoor Lighting Code Committee Meetings from the start. We have addressed key concerns such as public safety, economic development, and code consistency. These aspects of the code affect Tucson and Pima County's economic growth and ease of business for numerous industries, including signage, real estate, and development. 

The Chamber has engaged with member businesses in various sectors to gather input. We are eager to continue working together to find balanced solutions. Read the most recent draft update here. 

Tucson Metro Chamber Responds to Rio Nuevo Board Changes 

 

Following the replacement of several Rio Nuevo Board members, the Tucson Metro Chamber remains committed to advocating for the stability and progress of downtown Tucson revitalization. 

The Chamber is working to minimize disruptions to the Board's work and prevent the loss of momentum that could be detrimental to downtown's revitalization. We are heartened by the reappointment of former Governor appointees Edmund Marquez and Jannie Cox and pleased that Fletcher McCusker will continue his work on the board. 

The remaining appointees, chosen by Governor Hobbs, bring a wealth of valuable experience. The Chamber looks forward to collaborating with them to maintain the current level of return on investment, sustain the existing momentum, and drive the growth necessary for the continued revitalization of downtown Tucson. 

Read the press release here. 

Election Day is Right Around the Corner 

 

 

The Tucson Metro Chamber encourages all eligible voters to support Propositions 496, 402, and 413 on November 7th, Election Day. 
 

Proposition 496 

This $480 million bond package will enhance TUSD facilities, bolster security, and invest in technology. These upgrades will create a safer and more conducive learning environment for all students, attract and retain exceptional educators, and promote the long-term goal of enticing new businesses to Tucson. 
 

Proposition 402 

This proposition empowers Vail residents with local control by allowing Vail to incorporate as an independent town. This would give residents greater influence over critical decisions concerning zoning, land use, public safety, recreation, and transportation. 
 

Proposition 413 

This proposition aims to adjust the salaries of the Mayor and Members of the Tucson City Council, which have remained stagnant since 1999 and now fall below the minimum wage. Passage of Proposition 413 would raise the Mayor's salary to $95,750 from $42,000 and each City Council member's salary to $76,000 from $24,000. 

For additional voting details, visit the Pima County Recorder's Office website Here. For a deeper understanding of the Chamber's stance on these propositions and access to general voting resources, explore the Chamber’s press release page here and Candidate Evaluation Guide for comprehensive information on the candidates running for Mayor and City Council. 

EDITOR NOTE: Inclusion of certain propositions on voter ballots are subject to its respective jurisdictions. To confirm which jurisdiction you live in, please visit Vote.gov: https://www.vote.gov/ 

In the News 

Stay up-to-date on the Tucson Metro Chamber's advocacy efforts with recent media coverage in KOLD NEWS,KGUN 9, Tucson Sentinel, the Arizona Daily Star, and Inside Tucson Business. 

For press release and advocacy alerts, subscribe to our press release page here. 

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