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Council creates regional task force after gaps analysis on homelessness and opioid public‑health crisis
Summary
Following a staff gaps analysis on homelessness and fentanyl misuse, the council voted to convene a multi‑agency task force (mayor, vice mayor, city and county managers and chief legal and public‑safety officials) to produce an action plan addressing shelter, behavioral health, and justice system coordination.
The City Council on Feb. 19 approved the creation of a multi‑agency task force to coordinate actions addressing unsheltered homelessness and the opioid/fentanyl public‑health crisis, following a staff gaps analysis presented by assistant city manager Les Morales and Community Safety Program Director Brandy Champion.
Staff described a multi‑step workshop involving city departments, Pima County partners and service providers that mapped common scenarios (encampment engagement, arrest pathways) and identified three primary gap areas: encampment, shelter and services for unsheltered persons; behavioral‑health and substance‑use treatment; and safety and justice system coordination. Themes in the analysis included insufficient low‑barrier shelter beds and long‑term housing options, real‑time data challenges for bed availability and case tracking, and limited timely access to behavioral health and substance‑use treatment.
Brandy Champion said the AMFI Housing Resource Center (a low‑barrier congregate shelter operated by Old Pueblo Community Services) will open March 1 and add 70 beds. The city’s opioid settlement committee and the proposed Proposition 4‑14 (Safe and Vibrant City) investments were identified as potential funding sources for one‑time infrastructure such as a sobering‑alternative/recovery center.
Tucson Police Chief provided data on narcotics arrests and system loads: year‑to‑date narcotics arrests were up 12% and 35% above the five‑year average in the department’s account, and deflections to treatment were reported as lower than desired. Chief Casimir and staff emphasized the need for better data sharing between police, courts, and county systems and noted Pima County has committed investment to improve jail medical and behavioral health handoffs.
Mayor Regina Romero proposed a task force including the mayor and vice mayor, city and county managers, chiefs of police and the sheriff, city and county attorneys, and other decision‑makers to produce an action plan and bridge gaps identified in the report. Council moved and approved the motion by voice vote.
Ending: The city manager said staff would convene the task force if the motion passed, continue existing operational work (shelter openings, outreach, data‑sharing steps) and return with an action plan. The council directed staff to maintain momentum and engage county and regional partners in the task force.
