Tucson Metro Chamber Stance on Proposition 314 

In August, the Chamber expanded its stance on November ballot measures, officially opposing Proposition 314, the Secure the Border Act. Among other changes, Prop 314 would authorize state and local law enforcement to enforce deportation orders on individuals entering Arizona from a foreign country at any location other than a lawful port of entry and creates new penalties for selling fentanyl that that results in a person’s death. Read more about the Chamber’s position here.  

For more details on the Chamber’s 2024 ballot positions, read the press release and stay tuned for our official Voter Guide and our Candidate Evaluation Guide for Candidates running for Pima Community College Governing Board and Arizona Corporation Commission. 

In August, the Chamber hosted its inaugural Chamber Advocates training, an exclusive opportunity for Tucson Metro Chamber members to stay informed and get involved with the issues that matter most to your business! As a Chamber Advocate, you will gain exclusive access to: 

• Monthly briefings from Chamber staff on key local business issues. 
• Early updates on local initiatives and developments that could affect your business. 
• Opportunities to influence policy by joining advocacy campaigns alongside fellow Chamber members. 

You can also participate in Public Policy Council meetings, access subcommittees, and receive priority status for voting Public Policy Council membership applications. 

The next Chamber Advocates sessions are scheduled for: 

• October 30th at 5 PM: Register here 
• January 29th at 5 PM: Register here 

Support the 11th annual MAC Dorm Bash

In August, the Chamber’s Tucson Restaurant Advisory Council convened a group of local restaurant operators and food service professionals and partners to discuss the impact and advocacy around the passage of Prop 138. The Chamber has come out in support of Prop 138, which you can expect to see on your November ballot.  

Eliminating the tip credit could have some damaging economic impacts on Arizona’s restaurant servers and bartenders. In a survey, the Employee Policies Institute found that: 

• Tipped employees find the current system both profitable and flexible, with 97% preferring it over no-tipping alternatives. 
• On average, tipped workers across the country earn more than double the current federal minimum wage, at $15.51 per hour. When tips are factored in, some tipped workers can earn up to $84 per hour. 
• Tipped workers are also about 20% less likely to live in poverty compared to other minimum wage earners. 

The Chamber supports initiatives that provide Tucsonans, whether career server or aspiring professional, the stability of good work and good wages, with the opportunity to earn significantly more with tips. We encourage you to learn more about how this will impact service industry employees here.  

Upcoming Meetings and Policy Updates 

• TEP Midtown Reliability Project Arizona Corporation Commission Public Hearing In July, the Arizona Corporation Commission's Line Siting Committee approved TEP's preferred route for the Midtown Reliability Project. The route runs from the DeMoss-Petrie Substation along Grant to Park Ave., south through Jefferson Park to Adams, and then east to Vine where the proposed substation would be located. The route continues from Vine back to Park, south to Speedway, and follows Euclid down to the Kino Substation. TEP must now apply for a special exception permit for the Vine substation, a process involving public meetings and requiring alignment with the University Area Plan. TEP is expected to submit the application within the month. The approved route will then be reviewed by the Arizona Corporation Commission at its September 5th meeting. Learn more about the project here. 
  
  
• Plan Tucson Draft An updated draft of the Plan Tucson goals and policies, as well as a future growth scenario map, is expected to be released by the end of August. read more. 
  
  
• Low Impact Development Standards Draft The City of Tucson is considering a Low Impact Development (LID) Standards Ordinance. LID is meant to mimic pre-development runoff conditions in post-development scenarios by implementing small-scale green infrastructure features that utilize vegetation, soil, and natural processes to manage stormwater at its source, reducing reliance on traditional stormwater management systems. Read more. 
  
  
• Corridor Redevelopment Meetings Posted The City of Tucson is looking at ways to encourage new development of underutilized sites on commercial corridors. The city is developing tools to help transform vacant lots, deserted strip malls, or empty parking lots along major streets into vibrant mixed-use locations. A community meeting was held on August 8th, and you can view the recording, meeting materials and public survey here. 
  
  
• Sonoran Corridor Survey Closes Sep 1 ADOT is seeking community input as it moves into the next study phase for the Sonoran Corridor, also known as State Route 410 (SR 410), a proposed new freeway in Pima County that would connect I-19 and I-10, south of Tucson International Airport. The community is encouraged to participate in an online survey and mapping exercise to help identify interchange locations and areas of interest, including any recent changes within the study corridor that should be considered. The survey is open through Sunday, Sept. 1. 
  
  
• Pima County Heat Ordinance Adopted At the September 19th Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting, a heat ordinance was adopted requiring county contractors to implement heat illness mitigation plans, including access to water and adequate breaks. While this applies only to county contractors, OSHA is considering a similar measure at the federal level. OSHA’s proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention rule would require employers across general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture to establish plans addressing heat hazards amongst other provisions. The intention is to reduce heat-related occupational injuries and fatalities. Public comments will be invited when the proposal is published in the Federal Register. If approved, this rule would apply to private sector employers. More details can be found here. 
  
  
  

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