Powering Through Post-Election Season with Big Things Ahead

Hey, Tucson Chamber Members! The Chamber’s Business Advocacy Team has some exciting updates to share as we wrap up election season and dive into what's coming next. There's a lot going on in the Chamber world, so let's get to it!

Big News! 

Sun Corridor and the Tucson Metro Chamber are exploring a potential partnership! At October's Sun Corridor Annual Luncheon, CEOs Joe Snell and Michael Guymon announced the period of due diligence between the two organizations to pursue whether both organizations can better achieve their goals working together more closely aligned in a new organizational structure, joint venture or as a merged organization. Why? Studies have demonstrated a significant overlap in organizations working to bolster our business community, and both Sun Corridor and the Tucson Metro Chamber are looking at ways to streamline these efforts and multiply their impact. We want your thoughts! Share your thoughts with Michael Guymon, Tucson Chamber President & CEO at mguymon@tucsonchamber.org.

Chamber Advocates

Fresh off our first Chamber Advocates Monthly Briefing in October, we're already preparing for our next cohort. Want to be part of shaping Tucson's business future? Join us on January 29th at 5:00 PM via Zoom. These advocates are our boots on the ground, helping to:

• Mobilize fellow Chamber members
• Join key advocacy opportunities
• Co-advocate on crucial business issues

Register Here!

Mark Your Calendars! State of the Region is November 13^th!

Don't miss our inaugural State of the Region event on November 13th (8:00 AM - 11:30 AM) at the Tucson Convention Center. We're bringing together some of the region’s most influential decision makers:

• Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Adelita Grijalva
• Mayors from Marana, Sahuarita, Oro Valley, and Tucson
• Top business and community leaders

They'll be diving into Southern Arizona's economic development future, workforce trends, and real-world challenges. Plus, networking over breakfast!

Register here, seats are limited. 

Raffle Prizes Needed for the 11th Annual MAC Dorm Bash

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee is seeking raffle prizes—such as goods, services, or gift cards—for our annual Dorm Bash on November 25th, which serves hundreds of Airmen each year. Donating items from your business is a great way to promote your brand to the Airmen on base and encourage them to engage with the local community. If you’re interested in contributing a raffle prize, please contact Lucinda at ldelrincon@tucsonchamber.org.

Policy Updates You Should to Know

• Safe and Vibrant City Ballot Package: Tucson says it is facing a $400 million hit in state-shared revenues over the next decade. A new transaction privilege tax that could bring in $80 million annually. Mark your calendars for March 11, 2025 - that's when this goes to vote. The Chamber’s Public Policy Council reviewed Proposition 414 in-depth, stay tuned for more updates on how and whether this proposition impacts the business community. Read the breakdown here.
  
  
• Plan Tucson: The release of the preliminary draft of Plan Tucson 2025 has been delayed to ensure a high-quality plan for the city's growth over the next 10-20 years. As a result, upcoming work sessions and community forums will be rescheduled, and the outreach program will be adjusted. The Chamber will provide updates on the new timeline and opportunities for community input as soon as they are available. Stay tuned for more information.
  
  
• Community Corridors Tool Public Meetings Update: The City of Tucson’s Planning and Development Services Department held two public meetings recently to discuss the Community Corridor tool, an initiative of the City designed to revitalize major roadways by transforming underutilized properties like vacant lots, empty strip malls, and unused parking lots into mixed-use developments. By streamlining zoning regulations and removing development barriers, the program aims to facilitate the creation of affordable housing and transit-oriented projects that support both community growth and climate action goals. Learn more, take the survey, and provide comments here!
  
  
                       
  
  
  
• Tucson Water Rate Changes
  • Starting FY 2025, Tucson Water is increasing their rates:
    • Water Supply Fee jumping from $1.00 to $1.25 per unit
    • Commercial and industrial rates aligning with that 5.5% system-wide increase
  • Want to learn more? Join our Zoom meeting with the Tucson Water team on 11/20 (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM). Reach out to zyentzer@tucsonchamber.org or sspencer@tucsonchamber.org for the details.
    
    
• Metal Theft and Property Crimes: The Chamber recently dissolved its Coalition Against Retail Theft (CART) after holding its final meeting in October. CART brought together law enforcement, government representatives, and retailers to develop strategies and collaborative efforts, including the security grant with Tucson Ward 4. Now, its work will be folded into the Chamber’s broader Crime and Public Safety policy advocacy. If you've been affected by property damage or metal theft, we want to hear from you as we continue working with law enforcement to tackle these issues. Reach out to Stephanie at sspencer@tucsonchamber.org or Zach at zyentzer@tucsonchamber.org, and stay tuned for future opportunities to get involved in our efforts to enhance community prosperity and ensure public safety.

Get in the local advocacy game!

Want to make a difference? It's easier than ever to support our political action committee (PAC). Check out our new ChamberPAC page to learn more or chip in.

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