[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6298724,"mediaKeyId","2501384-fdc5811a4792e6dfaa7cce962bcd9ef6","parentId",2501384,"title","Mayor and Council Direct Manager to Negotiate Renewable Power, Resiliency Support From TEP; Move Toward Franchise Outreach","audioSeconds",170,"startMs",5240000,"endMs",5410000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2501384-fdc5811a4792e6dfaa7cce962bcd9ef6&start=5240&end=5410","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2501384-fdc5811a4792e6dfaa7cce962bcd9ef6/thumbnail_5240000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6298724/Tucson-City/Pima-County/Arizona/Mayor-and-Council-Direct-Manager-to-Negotiate-Renewable-Power-Resiliency-Support-From-TEP-Move-Toward-Franchise-Outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298724-dd1af6de3d2f555eed832fb64b6370f9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770528581&Signature=nsd7mJ1OVMP7GjQY177xjLN8yi0UwwQFhg0EJiDXujxmFSg3qN6VHJJgFlrNTNtV4QCFZ5s1A66ehkxwx45VMk84E9OOdOQCJ4fG0TWRZSw6VEpPvKqnTKGmNZUs~ynPn3mrbIiTdcsxOiH1FzN0sD5GQnEFdpTTnnOvgpoOE-iW5ykDNygNdFE0y4iY6uLq~2ErJz0hNWo2~HBf-Ac3iRPYSUJvVdUQZiIrsfKcYRTytWpkvgRWoQhsvrynsUymIoJyHEEpAmBZgGAB5MKyKA8itVk25KE01f9hsZlZkZfceIaDcc-u4WXhC0CVazj71oFgaT0xkAxyR556G49wAw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tuscon City, Arizona","date","2025-03-05T01:57:45Z","article","The Tucson mayor and council voted March 4 to direct staff to negotiate several agreements with Tucson Electric Power (TEP) after an executive session. The motion, adopted by voice vote, asks staff to bring back a power purchase agreement under which TEP would commit to supplying 100% of the electric power the city purchases from renewable sources, to develop infrastructure and equipment for an energy resiliency project at the Donna Ligon Center, and to engage with TEP on advancing the city’s Resilient Together climate action and adaptation goals. The motion also directs staff to begin public engagement on a new franchise agreement request with a tentative election target of November 2025.

The council’s action followed an executive session citation stated in the meeting record; after the closed session, a council member asked for direction to staff and a motion was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.

City officials clarified that the 100% renewable commitment would cover electricity used by the city as a customer (city accounts), not electricity delivered to all Tucson residents. Councilmember discussion produced one explicit amendment asking that the agreement require “at a minimum” 100% renewable supply so future contracts could potentially include higher renewable percentages; the amendment was accepted by the motion maker before the final vote.

The motion lists four discrete tasks for staff to return to council: (1) present a power purchase agreement with TEP that commits, at a minimum, to providing 100% of city-purchased electric power from renewable sources; (2) present an agreement for TEP to provide essential infrastructure and equipment to support an energy resiliency project at the Donna Ligon Center; (3) engage with TEP to advance goals and policies in the Resilient Together climate action and adaptation plan; and (4) initiate public engagement regarding TEP’s request for a new franchise agreement, with a tentative election timeline discussed for November 2025.

No final agreements were approved at the meeting; the council’s vote authorized staff to negotiate and return with concrete proposals for council consideration and formal action. The record shows the council approved the directive by roll-call-style voice vote after the motion and an accepted amendment.

What’s next: staff will return to the mayor and council with draft agreements and recommended franchise materials for public engagement and eventual council decisions. The council did not set final terms or adopt any contract at this meeting.

Sources: meeting transcript, March 4, 2025 mayor and council study session and executive session report.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tucson Mayor and City Council Meetings MAR 04, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Tucson mayor and council voted March 4 to direct staff to negotiate a package of agreements with Tucson Electric Power (TEP) that includes a power purchase agreement committing the city’s accounts to at least 100% renewable electricity, infrastructure support for a resiliency project at the Donna Ligon Center, and public engagement on a potential new TEP franchise with a tentative November 2025 election.","taxTitle","Tucson City, Pima County, Arizona","taxId",2572,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6298710,"City Officials Warn of Federal Funding at Risk; Council Adds State Bill on Court‑ordered Treatment to Tracker",562,11609000,12171000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2501384-fdc5811a4792e6dfaa7cce962bcd9ef6&start=11609&end=12171","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2501384-fdc5811a4792e6dfaa7cce962bcd9ef6/thumbnail_11609000.jpg","/articles/6298710/Tucson-City/Pima-County/Arizona/City-Officials-Warn-of-Federal-Funding-at-Risk-Council-Adds-State-Bill-on-Courtordered-Treatment-to-Tracker","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298710-a2f485b8cbfcea23d013229b0dd1574f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770528581&Signature=W3Wc6JztFtUCP-7yxEVWhdeLh2IGWlRJzrTXRqtlpTI6qAqebBVG9JAThciwAjPfNYiFSLx98m9Daa~wlslnup9UjejVF~FzuH5t7hGZIqdt6wpWSpqizFdbzGaiddLkfBAPsUOMNr30evR1GNy-nyLCUAxelvm72nHJesrhcv5k-SRW23hg7I5V4h0esvIS8KRi415uHkIBw2SNEeZGsEZ3z6DVLhTrMjS3uQmMBM21vt3pWXq1ZtbCvUjLx3HGX~tZ9JolpFsY5tozzIPcqWm0k1~yoXhekYJcRMMJXbmL7Wa4iODusoFu3agynTQCxOMEmkdddW9mQsOqQdojWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tucson city officials told the mayor and council on March 4 that a large portion of federal funding the city has been awarded but not yet expended is at risk amid federal budget deliberations and administrative pauses. The city attorney and city manager reported that approximately $285,000,000 in awarded federal funding remains unspent and therefore exposed to potential pauses, freezes or cancellation, and that the most at‑risk program categories include public safety, transportation projects and housing initiatives.

Specific examples cited by staff included the Choice Neighborhoods implementation grant (approximately $50 million) supporting affordable housing and the Tucson House rehabilitation project; Continuum of Care funding for homelessness programs (about $15 million awarded for the current year across partners); and a $25 million Bipartisan Infrastructure Law award for the 20‑Second Street bridge replacement project (the award is described as on hold). Staff said they participate in daily briefings with other jurisdictions and federal partners and will monitor court rulings and agency guidance affecting grants.

At the state level, staff summarized ongoing legislative activity and recommended tracking specific bills. The mayor and council considered Councilmember Ullick’s suggestion to add Senate Bill 1257 (a bill to allow short stabilization periods and court‑ordered treatment for addiction/substance use) to the city’s legislative tracker with a note of support while monitoring the funding implications. Council made a formal motion to add SB1257 to the tracker with a notation of support; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

Staff also briefed the council on other state session matters they are tracking, including water‑related measures and housing/zoning bills; staff noted their recommendation to oppose the Ag‑to‑Urban bill (Senate Bill 1304) as it was written at that time because of water resource concerns and a request by the Arizona Department of Water Resources to exclude Tucson from the bill’s effect.

Councilmembers raised the possibility of additional federal impacts if a federal budget reconciliation package moves forward in Congress and highlighted the potential effect on Medicaid, SNAP and other social programs. City leaders encouraged residents to monitor legislative developments and noted ongoing engagement with the city’s congressional delegation and state legislators.

Sources: city attorney and intergovernmental affairs briefing, March 4, 2025; council motion to add SB1257 to the city tracker.","City staff told the mayor and council March 4 that roughly $285 million in awarded but unspent federal funds are currently at risk amid federal budget uncertainty; the council also voted to add state Senate Bill 1257 (court‑ordered stabilization/treatment) to the city's legislative tracker with a note of support subject to funding review.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6298714,"RTA Board Update: Remaining City Projects Active but $143M Shortfall Persists; RTA Next Outreach and Timeline Highlighted",245,10776000,11021000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2501384-fdc5811a4792e6dfaa7cce962bcd9ef6&start=10776&end=11021","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2501384-fdc5811a4792e6dfaa7cce962bcd9ef6/thumbnail_10776000.jpg","/articles/6298714/Tucson-City/Pima-County/Arizona/RTA-Board-Update-Remaining-City-Projects-Active-but-143M-Shortfall-Persists-RTA-Next-Outreach-and-Timeline-Highlighted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298714-ca261ede0ba406f2c120f98e4b76991f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770528582&Signature=IDFUg9hfhCZyRFaTI2d1Q2zf2CiVJi69lDp9sFhil6TYCmTpkMLsJ4yWWwUSS7efqK519zHT2PhtoY~NyFDboeBWywl6CpAtu4eGLjjkDrAPDW-Ab3Ae9QruShV2KK~qm3I3Iv2iOifhnCaE9BbB0ljvcySnLXP~xEjTONmUpQZirhiCuRJLYPYoLdrfoIFNkOkQ2ZJMcx1OXLM6AK4en2yBKWKDKdfbNcsQwex38csNWvG1LmvhhV2PCin-S9S7hGj9w6S14jC1vn00u68U8DT4~2NS9A19heVKunsO9DXBuVSBDI1pBVXc8uX5jDPutoZF2u3GNf~SyICJajKCcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Tucson’s transportation director briefed the mayor and council March 4 on outcomes from a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) board meeting and a PAG Regional Council session the previous day. The RTA staff update reported a funding shortfall of approximately $143,000,000 to complete the remaining RTA plan projects after accounting for available funding. Separately, four substantial city projects have already been shifted to RTA Next and, according to the RTA presentation, deferred project value for RTA Next is about $239,000,000.

City of Tucson staff noted the city currently has 12 remaining RTA projects active in various stages (planning, design, or construction). RTA staff also presented three broad options to address the funding gap: (1) local jurisdictions provide additional funding; (2) reduce project expenditures (scope reductions); or (3) defer projects into RTA Next for a future funding measure. The RTA board discussion did not yield an immediate action; RTA is continuing outreach and planning for RTA Next.

Staff highlighted outreach metrics for RTA Next: between November and January the RTA held 15 open houses (including one virtual event) and conducted a region‑wide survey that drew 2,213 respondents. Staff cautioned that survey demographics underrepresented key populations — for example, only 14.6% of respondents self‑identified as Hispanic or Latino compared with a 42% Hispanic/Latino share in Pima County — and respondents with incomes below $50,000 were also underrepresented. RTA has contracted a consultant to engage hard‑to‑reach populations via targeted outreach, pop‑ups, intercept surveys on transit routes and other tactics; staff also noted an active comment link on the RTA Next website that produced about 74 emailed responses.

Timing: RTA staff told the board that to place a measure on the November 2025 ballot the RTA board would need to finalize the plan by May 2025. Meeting participants noted this schedule is tight and that unresolved funding and project‑delivery decisions could push timing.

Council members asked staff to develop local options and proposals to address the shortfall and stressed that the city should be prepared to propose revenue or scope changes, and to coordinate with regional partners. The mayor said she advocated that RTA use PAG federal and state funds where appropriate and consider scope adjustments, and asked city staff to prepare concepts for how Tucson would move forward to deliver projects promised to voters.

Sources: presentation to mayor and council and RTA board update, March 3–4, 2025.","Tucson staff briefed mayor and council on recent Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) board discussions: city of Tucson has 12 active RTA projects remaining, RTA staff reported a $143 million funding shortfall to complete remaining projects (excluding deferred projects), and deferred projects total $239 million proposed for RTA Next; RTA must\n",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6298719,"Council Approves Direction to Proceed on FY26 Budget Forecast and Health‑benefit Plan Changes; Manager Seeks Employee Enrollment Guidance",1853,5422000,7275000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2501384-fdc5811a4792e6dfaa7cce962bcd9ef6&start=5422&end=7275","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2501384-fdc5811a4792e6dfaa7cce962bcd9ef6/thumbnail_5422000.jpg","/articles/6298719/Tucson-City/Pima-County/Arizona/Council-Approves-Direction-to-Proceed-on-FY26-Budget-Forecast-and-Healthbenefit-Plan-Changes-Manager-Seeks-Employee-Enrollment-Guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6298719-8442fc484ce80a05ffec1613451a1695/orig.mp4?Expires=1770528582&Signature=LKFZ7gAeuYtWGWVhwlU-QRcX2EzN7uor8zhC4enTBNF~OK0ZrDAii8v7jyZiV8dHtJeZidzUsltc7m4MICASJj9EViahF6JfD1v2KACtNjdzcCGDqALX~z3WYAo6aizGc6pWbDqqs~cbs47FXX-ZwgaNQPNoyVMUy8UPnhFnMVyEO0NPYhAiO99hy2R49cnZEJRgl7Ks4v4fhtVFvJX-VJp91xtKU72jrJrkelMJxSB9tnqUVvojVrm984oQp0cb5mBGjcVnf0zO-pJ3JGwCxQR7dYyJeyq3-zZJd8SrCIMAKtGknkX2JIJ~fPa3mSwBj-dRNFyrotsorUe0uG7bCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tucson mayor and council voted March 4 to proceed with the city manager’s recommended changes to employee health benefits for fiscal year 2026 and accepted staff’s five‑year financial forecast as the basis for further budget work. The motion to proceed — made and seconded during the study session — passed by voice vote.

City staff presented a multi‑year financial forecast that reduced the projected FY26 operating deficit to approximately $13,000,000 from earlier higher estimates. The forecast assumes base FY25 operating levels plus a potential $17,000,000 pool for contractual commitments and supplemental director requests. The forecast does not assume an economic downturn or shifts in federal funding and notes that unrestricted general fund reserves are projected to decline (an end‑of‑FY26 unrestricted balance was shown as approximately $7.5 million in the presentation).

The council considered the city manager’s recommendation on health insurance plan designs and employer contributions. Staff described a three‑part approach to reduce the gap between available funds (about $4.8 million budgeted for benefits) and estimated health plan cost increases ($7 million–$10 million): 1) increased city contributions totaling about $4.83 million across plans for FY26 as modeled in the forecast; 2) increased employee premium contributions (percentages differ by plan and enrollment tier); and 3) plan design changes that shift some costs to plan users (higher deductibles, added coinsurance in parts of the network and HRA plans, and creation of a fourth specialty prescription tier across plans).

Key elements of the recommendation and council discussion:

- Health plans: Network and HRA plans would see higher deductibles and new coinsurance for some services; a Tier 4 (specialty) retail prescription tier would be added across plans. The HSA plan would keep current plan design and premiums and would retain enhanced city HSA contributions.

- HSA employer incentive: The city manager recommended continuing enhanced HSA employer contributions ($1,500 individual / $3,000 family) for FY26, funded from plan savings, at an estimated added cost of about $1.3 million; staff will review sustainability each year.

- Employer/employee share: An estimated 1% of total plan cost for the network and HRA plans would shift from employer to employee, saving roughly $450,000 annually.

- HRA plan future: The benefits committee was directed in the presentation to study the feasibility of closing the HRA plan as early as the FY27 plan year because enrollment has declined (about 10% of members) and cost increases in that plan have been large. Staff will add education on reimbursement account balances to open enrollment materials so members can plan before any closure.

- Dental plan: Staff recommended moving the dental PPO to self‑funding for FY26, producing an estimated $247,000 in savings without plan changes; retiree DHMO rates would increase by 4% passed through to retirees who elect that plan.

- Employee wellness benefit: The manager proposed allowing employees and their families free access to city recreation facilities for FY26; governance and details would be developed and utilization tracked for cost impact.

Open enrollment will start May 1, 2025, and staff said they will hold in‑person and virtual education sessions throughout May (nine virtual and multiple in‑person meetings plus 1:1 enrollment assistance). Staff also presented exhibits showing paycheck impacts for typical income bands and comparisons of staying in the network plan versus switching to the HSA plan.

Council members pressed staff on prescription drug cost drivers (staff and consultants cited specialty drug spending and utilization), strategies for employee education on affordable dispensing options (staff noted Costco pharmacy is in‑network), and clear outreach to employees who would be affected if the HRA plan is closed. Several council members emphasized strong employee engagement, careful implementation for those impacted, and rounding numbers to simplify employee communications.

After discussion the council approved a motion to proceed with the city manager’s recommendations on health benefits, enabling staff to finalize open enrollment materials, proceed with education sessions, and incorporate the changes into the budget development process. Formal adoption of plan design changes and premiums will occur as part of the FY26 recommended budget and subsequent budget adoption steps.

Sources: city presentation, March 4 study session transcript; staff exhibits on plan design and employee paycheck impacts.","Mayor and council voted to proceed with the city manager's recommendations on employee health benefits for fiscal year 2026 after receiving a five‑year financial forecast that showed a $13 million projected operating deficit for FY26 and proposed plan design changes and combined city and employee cost shifts to cover rising health costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Mayor and Council Direct Manager to Negotiate Renewable Power, Resiliency Support From TEP; Move Toward Franchise Outreach

City Officials Warn of Federal Funding at Risk; Council Adds State Bill on Court‑ordered Treatment to Tracker

RTA Board Update: Remaining City Projects Active but $143M Shortfall Persists; RTA Next Outreach and Timeline Highlighted

Council Approves Direction to Proceed on FY26 Budget Forecast and Health‑benefit Plan Changes; Manager Seeks Employee Enrollment Guidance