Tucson leaders back $2.2 million SAFER pilot as regional opioid settlement plan advances

Tucson city leaders described the regional plan for distributing opioid settlement money and confirmed a local steer toward a SAFER (Sobering Alternative Facility for Recovery) pilot and other recovery services.

City staff told the mayor and council that the regional advisory committee and Pima County were finalizing allocations intended to be disbursed in multi-year awards. The plan the city presented breaks an annual funding target of roughly $8 million into several program areas, including youth prevention ($1.25 million), peer navigation ($1.25 million), transitional wraparound supports ($2.0 million), law-enforcement co-response ($600,000), mobile MAT continuation ($300,000), staffing and oversight for public-health monitoring ($400,000) and $2.2 million designated for a SAFER pilot, evaluation and startup planning.

The SAFER concept described to council is a low-barrier, medically supervised facility where people experiencing intoxication or drug-related crises can be dropped off as an alternative to jail or an emergency department. City staff said the SAFER pilot would offer peer support, clinical and medical oversight, basic amenities (laundry, showers, cots for up to 72 hours), and connections to treatment, shelter and transportation. The pilot is intended to begin in an existing facility to speed start-up; formal evaluation and planning funds are included in the $2.2 million allocation.

Why it matters: The plan moves settlement funds from one-off payments to multi-year contracts for navigation, prevention and transition services and adds a large new service (SAFER) intended to reduce unnecessary emergency and criminal-justice system use while increasing linkages to treatment and shelter.

Key details and next steps: Staff said the funding would be distributed through competitive RFPs administered by Pima County; the county board was expected to vote on allocations contemporaneously with the city briefing. Staff estimated RFPs going out in July–August, with contract awards and provider onboarding by late summer or early fall. Staff also said jurisdictions, including the city, may apply as providers.

What council did: Members praised the approach and asked for later reports on outcomes and data. Several councilors emphasized that year-2 and year-3 allocations should be adaptable based on evaluation. The mayor and council did not enact new policy in the study session but received the update and encouraged expedited procurement and cross-jurisdictional coordination.

Speakers: Lee Hopkins, Community Safety/Health staff (presenter); Chad Casimir, Tucson Police Department (remarks on enforcement/deflection); Mayor Regina Romero; Council members Brenda Uleck, Paul Cunningham and others (questions and directions to staff).

Discussion vs. decision: Council received information and urged rapid procurement and evaluation; formal awards and contracts will be executed by Pima County via RFP process. No ordinance or contract was adopted by the mayor and council at this meeting.

Clarifying details: The $2.2 million SAFER allocation replaces a previous $250,000 planning allocation; the SAFER pilot as described would accept people using alcohol, opioids and stimulants and allow voluntary stays of up to 72 hours; county-administered RFPs were expected to be released in July–August with contracting in August–September (estimated).