[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6478727,"mediaKeyId","5708316-289a5d26394efa31a6a5b478b1d9442c","parentId",5708316,"title","Regional Transportation Authority plan sent to March ballot after unanimous board vote","audioSeconds",90,"startMs",3967000,"endMs",4057000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708316-289a5d26394efa31a6a5b478b1d9442c&start=3967&end=4057","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708316-289a5d26394efa31a6a5b478b1d9442c/thumbnail_3967000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6478727/Pima-County/Arizona/Regional-Transportation-Authority-plan-sent-to-March-ballot-after-unanimous-board-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478727-24db94e93c4d05c764f9d12c3a6375ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1770456561&Signature=DM91O8yW0zJcPv8F7KWBlkohdEMofDfBZoNq99u20mXl19OOG7fHB6KPXlx0t-VgdBUoGNYOlQ~~PxUc2PLtv-YNbJV209VPGmNWDCkJMOIjeZiInOcGrIiBgplo~IeFCZy6HheW1DBHnaxEch7rjHXOecQ2JwFGGZvfImUpUtP4kqLcauw4GC0kRNrr4~72vOCnd9bscc9Lmg8T8aXyOu82zwfs41c0-O0mOE8j-ZRapu71DBm1BGf1YJUq4OxBOcoUboNvozf73cBnYRQCrGI7U5GJ~uGCTA3KNk9MUOr~DRpvenc-af9Q22SGFp-xavetPF7Zghe29DDJASb04Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pima County","date","2025-09-02T23:35:48Z","article","The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to place a Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) continuation resolution on the March ballot following a unanimous recommendation from the RTA board.

Mayor Joe Winfield, chair of the RTA, told supervisors the technical work behind the proposal reflected broad jurisdictional collaboration and that March gives the public the best opportunity to consider the regional initiative. Michael Ortega, interim director at Pima Association of Governments and the RTA technical committee, also attended and supported the action.

Why it matters

The RTA plan is a long‑range, multi‑jurisdictional transportation funding and investment plan. Putting the measure before voters would continue the RTA levy and allow the agency to pursue a 20‑year program of transportation projects and services that RTA staff and member jurisdictions say is fully funded and leverages state and federal funds.

Board action

Supervisor Hines, who serves on the RTA board, moved the item; the board passed the measure 5–0. Chair Scott thanked Mayor Winfield and staff for their work.

Ending

The board’s vote sends the RTA continuation resolution to the March ballot for a public vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pima County Board of Supervisors Meeting - September 2, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to place the Regional Transportation Authority continuation on the March ballot after the RTA board recommended the timing; the vote was unanimous.","taxTitle","Pima County, Arizona","taxId",2570,"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},6478732,"Pima County approves $8.5 million housing package to expand affordable units and keep households housed",939,19721000,20660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708316-289a5d26394efa31a6a5b478b1d9442c&start=19721&end=20660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708316-289a5d26394efa31a6a5b478b1d9442c/thumbnail_19721000.jpg","/articles/6478732/Pima-County/Arizona/Pima-County-approves-85-million-housing-package-to-expand-affordable-units-and-keep-households-housed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478732-7487d8062e226d243ad1aa777fce3bb7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770456561&Signature=EQFE-xUqhqgsopILwU3Nj3FcmnGvJfZLZgokcS30FP2Vtx~RZI-aUOlZQ1aExtqxF-degR3Eoaa6BzOqUmaTyXux2OIxQRfmGZaUlYT7I22iKcSq1vuNYBqBtEhndarZzbmkGtg-EZlpt-O-DWXB9YyMilBE-XqkMBi49tcSoVDz5Dt7p1eJYj5p0DUVziVxoz82j-k5V-N97XfI21bkedlktxq3GPBLzKDHc5diWqUNbDhgYUadT9EnIEfEE59Ug7MMbi07EARt5LOkB4225FCyy~ilAwT73~umYeqeaPOwh9dkhWY2v4YCEhYbXIpIqzdQpXJO2z1LtigGKbn9-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted to accept recommendations from staff and the Regional Affordable Housing Commission that devote roughly $8.5 million for housing efforts aimed at increasing affordable units and preventing or interrupting homelessness.

What the board approved

County staff described the package as two complementary efforts drawn from a one‑year funding opportunity: roughly $5,000,000 to “build more” (including bridge and transitional housing initiatives and capital support) and about $3,500,000 to “keep people housed” through a combination of preservation, weatherization and home‑repair programs plus rent and utility assistance and rapid rehousing supports.

Director Darland and Director Sullivan framed the recommendation with data from an Eco Northwest housing needs assessment that identified a long‑term need of roughly 116,000 housing units by 2045, including 21,000 immediate units and about 8,000 units for households exiting homelessness. Sullivan told the board the plan lets the county simultaneously fund near‑term housing stability interventions and longer‑term unit production.

Why it matters

Staff said the approach balances short‑term needs (rent and utility assistance, rapid rehousing, eviction prevention) with capital strategies to build or preserve housing affordable to households at or below 80% of area median income. The plan was described as aligning with Board Policy D‑22.17 (the county’s 10‑year funding plan for housing) and as intended to reduce returns to homelessness by combining subsidy and new/repurposed housing capacity.

Board reaction and vote

Supervisor Cano and others praised the package as the beginning of a multi‑year strategy and urged continued emphasis on coordination and outreach to ensure eligible households enroll. Supervisor Christie voted against accepting the recommendations; the motion passed 4–1.

Implementation notes

Staff said funding will support multiple delivery approaches: scattered‑site rental assistance, project‑based units developed by non‑profits, conversions and new construction where feasible, and targeted investments in home repair and weatherization to keep low‑income households stable. Staff also said they would return with proposed program details and award recommendations and that jurisdictions and nonprofits could apply for funds as appropriate.

Ending

The board directed staff to proceed under the adopted allocation framework and to return with implementation steps and award proposals. The vote signals Pima County’s immediate investment to both prevent new episodes of homelessness and expand affordable housing capacity.","The Board of Supervisors accepted staff and the Regional Affordable Housing Commission’s recommendations to allocate approximately $8.5 million to build affordable housing and keep people in existing housing; the vote was 4–1.",{"_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},6478737,"Residents urge Pima County supervisors to halt ‘Project Blue’; board holds executive session, takes no immediate action",2271,1977000,4248000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5708316-289a5d26394efa31a6a5b478b1d9442c&start=1977&end=4248","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5708316-289a5d26394efa31a6a5b478b1d9442c/thumbnail_1977000.jpg","/articles/6478737/Pima-County/Arizona/Residents-urge-Pima-County-supervisors-to-halt-Project-Blue-board-holds-executive-session-takes-no-immediate-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6478737-58e8e50e905e756ac722b1cb121f1c78/orig.mp4?Expires=1770456561&Signature=P7OgE3DzJIkQJDQGAhRe5t4SAVJTRdd15EA-dAUsI9WHsyQ7m0J1sAqllIXeq-e~JoQ-KCr4AgNCGEFwe6Lg1Qb66YxlrnQrIoQRU73jFlL7A3rXUaM0-WsErB9kJABoBecywb8gy9qbcZnZZpU6hRncxjf9jsKHEhPR3ZmbMwH-P2diRDLDyN7DHAIWWT8n6eKXNgJSYab7-CQBdTXPQp2eSoq1NpkZRIzV4xnRAoDhaFbqhpd4PYG2k7H8ynnodr0GHZ6q31uzjlo1gm~n-klZoEp6TmbMMEdQCAV354lGpieoeWwZV0OlUG-96UzEnN9-zPo2pPB3v7YV5C2WLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting, dozens of residents urged the board to stop Project Blue, a proposed hyperscale data center that opponents say would consume large amounts of water and electricity and harm local climate resilience.

The meeting included an executive session called by the county attorney to provide legal advice about Project Blue; Chair Scott told the public no board action on the project would occur that day. The board returned from executive session and indicated staff had received direction to proceed as discussed in closed session but did not announce any substantive decision on the land sale or contract terms.

Why it matters: Project Blue — and more broadly the prospect of large data centers — has prompted repeated public objections in Pima County because speakers said the facilities would place “unsustainable” demands on scarce desert water and boost electric demand at a time of grid stress and rising rates. Many speakers also raised procedural complaints about nondisclosure agreements, transparency and whether representations from the developer would be honored.

Public comments and concerns

Speakers during the call to the public uniformly urged the board to stop the land sale or otherwise prevent Project Blue from moving forward while concerns remain unresolved.

- “Project Blue and all data centers are not only a step in the wrong direction, they take a sledgehammer to building climate resilience in Pima County,” said Betsy Wilkening, a fifth‑generation Tucsonan who called for cancellation of the project.

- Jordan Walker, a lifelong unincorporated Pima County resident, noted the city of Tucson’s unanimous rejection of annexation and said that vote reflected community opposition: “They heard the concerns about water scarcity, secrecy, and long term sustainability.”

- Kylie Lewis, a District 2 resident, cited figures she attributed to analyses and press reports and warned of very large water and energy demands if the project used air‑cooling with supplemental evaporation during very hot days.

Other speakers emphasized environmental justice, threats to local jobs, noise and heat impacts, risks to species and groundwater, and distrust of the developer’s claims. Several public commenters asked the board to terminate the acquisition agreement or bring a public vote to prevent the sale from closing if the annexation condition was not met.

Board response and context

Chair Scott opened the meeting by reminding the public that the board could go into executive session under state law to receive legal advice and that the planned executive session was only for that purpose. He also explained that the executive session item on Project Blue arose from the county attorney’s request and that no immediate action on the project would be taken in open session that day.

Supervisors and staff noted related policy work underway: Supervisor Allen said two separate agenda items on the meeting — a policy for nondisclosure agreements and a policy requiring environmental impact review for economic development projects — were responses to lessons learned from the Project Blue discussion and were meant to improve transparency and the county’s ability to evaluate large water/energy projects.

Votes at a glance (actions referenced by speakers and in public materials)

- Item 10 (foreign direct investment plan funding): motion to expend $100,000 from contingency to begin a Mexico‑focused economic outreach program — FAILED, vote 2–3 (Chair Scott and Supervisor Hines in favor; Supervisors Allen, Cano and Christie opposed). (Source: public roll call recorded during the motion.)

- Executive session on Project Blue: the board convened in executive session for legal advice and later reported they had provided direction to staff; no formal open‑session action to approve or close any sale was recorded. (Source: Chair Scott’s introductory remarks and the post‑session announcement.)

What the public said they want

Speakers asked the board to: cancel the proposed land sale for Project Blue; require new, public environmental and energy analyses before any decision; declare stricter nondisclosure limits so the public and elected officials can see relevant data; and, in some remarks, pursue public power or other measures to reduce utility profit transfers and protect ratepayers.

Ending

Chair Scott closed the public comment period after confirming the board would consider staff follow‑ups and that the clerk’s office would relay constituent communications to all supervisors. No vote to approve Project Blue occurred at the meeting; the board held an executive session for legal advice and returned to public session without adopting any sale‑closing motion.

","Hundreds of residents urged the Pima County Board of Supervisors to stop Project Blue, a proposed hyperscale data center, citing water, energy and public‑health concerns. The board held an executive session for legal advice and did not take action on the project at the meeting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Regional Transportation Authority plan sent to March ballot after unanimous board vote

Pima County approves $8.5 million housing package to expand affordable units and keep households housed

Residents urge Pima County supervisors to halt ‘Project Blue’; board holds executive session, takes no immediate action