Imagine Greater Tucson
Online Survey Data from December 10, 2010 - January 10, 2011
| Survey: 1. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tolerance and diversity. | I realize they are not the same thing, but they go hand in hand. I grew up in a tolerant and diverse - in a different way - community, but that's how I want to raise my child. |
| Quality of life. | The air quality, the dessert, and the surrounding environment make this a great place to live. |
| The people. | I have lived in Tucson for 15 years, and this location attracts people with a lot of the same ideas and values that I have. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Funding for education. | The children are the future. We cannot expect an education system that fails to acknowledge that our educators are professionals responsible for the education of our children. |
| Transportation planning. | We cannot continue to ignore our growth. Plans for roads and infrastructure have to be made if this is where we want to live and work. |
| Date of survey: Jan 10, 2011 // Home near: Thornydale & Magee 85741 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 2. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The climate. | The ability to participate in outside recreation for most of the year. Which means we need more parks. |
| Uniqueness. | Tucson is very unique and people from other areas of the country seek out what is different and interesting. |
| Small town feeling. | Despite its size, Tucson still has a small town atmosphere. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation. | Create more opportunities for functional and efficient mass transportation like light rail, trains, subways, etc. Create safer opportunities to ride a bike. Put less emphasis on cars. But if cars are emphasized then build freeways in Tucson, so cars and gas can be used efficiently. |
| Create more parks which are linked together. | The ability to participate in outside recreation is so important yet one has to drive to a park. Link parks with paths using washes. Create an environment where people want to walk or ride their bike to get somewhere. |
| Tucson does not have a "heart" or center. | I think Tucson needs a couple of "hearts" at key locations throughout the City. What I mean is a "business district", "arts district", "food district", etc. Tucson has no "heart" or "hearts." For example, in other cities there is a "Chinatown" or "arts district" or "business district". Tucson is scattered nothingness. We are unique. The old mission could be the "Old Mission District." Labeling is important to me and I think to visitors. |
| Date of survey: Jan 10, 2011 // Home near: 22nd St. and Houghton 85748 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 3. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sense of community | I am a Fifth generation Tucsonan...staying here and being a part of the growing community has meant a lot to me. I am having such fun watching the city grow...especially downtown. |
| University of Arizona/UMC | I have a small marketing company and UMC is one of my large clients. Being involved with them for the past 5 years has opened my eyes to all the incredible docs and research that we have in our own backyard. I know that some folks think of UA as a small school in a small town with a great basketball program...we are so much more and are growing in every direction so rapidly. |
| The weather! | It is such a blessing to wake up every morning with this incredible weather. Because of our weather we are able to have a city that is vibrant with opportunity for health and well being. The weather factor really helps make my first two choices of what I like best about Tucson go full circle...we are able to attract Docs, professors, and leaders due to our weather...I think it is a major factor in their decision to live here and enjoy our lifestyle. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Jan 10, 2011 | |
| Survey: 4. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The people and diversity of all them | The university is a magnet for new persons in our community. it attracts new energy and ideas, efforts |
| My neighborhood central Tucson | It makes me feel like i am in small town with a big city advantage |
| Easy access to all my shopping needs, traffic is not that bad | Everything is close to my home |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Plant more trees | Tucson has too much concrete, too much black tops........too many ugly streets and strip malls |
| Date of survey: Jan 10, 2011 // Home near: ft. lowell and alvernon 85712 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 5. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Diversity/tolerance | I want to live where everyone is not just tolerated but welcomed. I moved back to Tucson for this reason, although, frankly it is not as welcoming to all as it used to be. |
| Landscape | It is a beautiful region, the mountains are and the developing trail system are accessible. |
| Green living | Tucson is progressive in its policies and mindset with regard to living a sustainable lifestyle. I want to minimize my impact on the earth. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Schools/higher wage jobs | I don't have children but realize our local schools are not preparing them adequately for the future. Those who are prepared don't stay here to work. Although I can see the tech park helping, we want local people to qualify to work there. |
| Non-partisan elections | Removing partisan politics may help with election qualified candidates. This Dem/Rep divide is hurting us and is unnecessary on a local level. |
| Transit/streets | We desperately need a better way to travel east-west. I know the budget is a disaster, but honestly, major streets were in horrible condition prior to 2009. Quit studying and restudying major route expansion plans and downtown links plans and move on it already! |
| Date of survey: Jan 09, 2011 // Home near: grant and craycroft 85712 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 6. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Hometown feeling | Having lived in Tucson for 30 years, it will always be home and living in the Phoenix it's nice to visit often. |
| Many memories | Raising a family there and being involved with kids, it's like wherever you go you see someone you know. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Improve the infrastructure. | Hard to get around. |
| More things for young people. | Lot of young people seem to leave Tucson for other jobs, education and see that other larger cities offer for their age group to work and enjoy their free time. |
| Date of survey: Jan 08, 2011 // Home near: We live in Gold Canyon AZ - US 60 and Kings Ranch Rd 85118 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 7. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The people. | Everyone is friendly and helpful. Especially the U of A employees. |
| U of A | Everyone I contacted at U of A was always nice and helpful. |
| Small town feeling | People like the U of A kids and get to know them. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The roads | The roads are very rough and have lots of potholes. |
| Nothing | |
| Nothing | |
| Date of survey: Jan 08, 2011 // Home near: Tucson Blvd 85719 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 8. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The outdoors: big sky, mountains, all that. | I've lived in overcrowded cities back east where all you can see of the sky was a narrow strip above the canyons of buildings or through overgrown, cramped streets and highways. The open sky really feels like there's room to move and breathe. The mountains also help to ground the city and give a sense of place. |
| The more progressive vibe that the city seems to have when compared to other cities in Arizona. | This goes really into political feelings, but certain aspects of the city feel more like that Portland, OR, or the Austin, TX vibe. |
| The xeriscaping. | It really sets us apart from other cities and towns. In fact, it's made me more aware of environmental issues -- when visiting towns with grass lawns, I think of the expense and waste of watering and maintaining them. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The sprawl | Tucson seems to think that it's a small city and, if we improve the city's traffic by creating a loop for 10 around the north and east side of town, we'll invite sprawl. But looking from Gates Pass at night to the east shows our little valley full of city. I'd love to improve traffic flow. |
| We're compact, yet spread out. | It would be impossible to fix this, but everything that seems like it should be close seems to be too far away. There doesn't seem to be a city center, just isolated spots where there are stores here, restaurants there, businesses there. I'd love to see more of a village model where there are several larger city centers. |
| Our community schools | I'm a parent. |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: Ina and Thornydale 85741 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 9. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Big city with a small town feel | Tightens community feeling. makes you feel that you can and do make a difference. |
| University of Arizona | UA draws the community in and basically unites us a community. |
| Weather | Outdoor activities |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Nothing | Not applicable |
| I would have visiting team sit someone else at the football games. Why is it that when our fans go to away games, that we are separated from each other and we sit in the nosebleed sections or in the midst of the home team. When visiting fans come to AZ stadium, they get to all sit together in section 17, right in front of where their team comes out. This creates a home team advantage at an opposing school feeling for them. It is especially "fueling" for them if they bring their band like ASU did. It really irked me that they had their own little corner to celebrate after the game. This would NEVER happen and did not happen when we went to ASU last year. We were assigned seats way up high around other UA fans, but we were too high for the team to feel our influence. Our team came through the tunnel on the opposite end of the field from where our band was stuck (in the corner) Even though we pulled out the win, we did not have a section to celebrate with the band/team at the end of the game. I would really like Athletics to look into scattering visiting fans so they are not sitting right over the entrance of their team and to place any visiting band away from the team entrance and fans. | I never want to see what I saw regarding ASU celebrating on OUR home field again. They had their own private corner for their fans, team, and band. This fueled their performance and became sickening to the loyal UA alumni/fan base at the end of the game. |
| Nothing | Not applicable |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: sabino canyon/river 50 // Years here: 24 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 10. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The Sonoran Desert | I love the ease with which it is easy to get to the WILD outdoors here, for all levels of fitness. Sabino Canyon is easy, as are some trails in Saguaro National Monument, but the Finger Rock trail and others are harder. PRESERVE THE DESERT, and the approaches to places like Sabino Canyon. |
| The Arts | Tucson has traditionally been a haven for artists of all kinds. We support a symphony, an opera, a theater, and a ballet, plus several museums. And we have UApresents. Keep the arts alive! This means giving artists and arts companies EXCELLENT coverage in the newspaper, good homes for their performances, and educating the young about music and art - and making performances available to them. |
| Food | We have a great restaurant scene. I especially like the many small family owned Mexican places, as well as the independently owned bistros. The foodie scene here is as good as anywhere. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| A greater sense of a metropolitan community | Tucson, the city limits, is only a small part of our metropolitan whole. We need to work together--the city and the unincorporated county--to keep this a great place to live. Our city and county govts. are distressingly unfunctional. We need a strong mayor system: someone who has the brains, the guts, and the power to envision a decent future, and work to make it a reality. Not a crowd of councilpersons and supervisors with their own petty interests, and the inability to say "No" to anyone. Case in point: what has happened to Rio Nuevo? Disastrous! Downtown should be built up and running by now, and instead we've wasted tens of millions of dollars on "studies" and a bridge to pretty much nowhere. We need a decent symphony hall: not the harebrained idea of an aquarium. We need museums! We need decent, well-lighted parking and fine restaurants. We needed to put together a tax-package that would convince some teams to keep spring training here--though after the fiasco of situating the ballpark in the middle of NOWHERE, that might have been unrescuable. We need a first class hotel downtown, not a run-down third rate hotel. We need decent shopping: why can't we put together a package that would attract a store like Nordstrom's? |
| EDUCATION | We need to work on our public education in order to make this a place attractive to companies with high-paying wages. We should not be going after call-centers and other unskilled, low paying companies. We should be going after optics, high-tech companies. They require a skilled work force, however. If that means slashing administrator jobs in order to pay teachers better, closing some schools in order to focus energy, money on a more select set of schools: do it! Focus on teachers, the kids, and BASICS that are now counted as frivolous extras to be cut: art, music, languages, P.E. I had a first class public education here from 1st through 12th grade, one that sent me to Stanford, Oxford and Harvard Universities. I worry that our public schools will not serve my children nearly as well. Also, we need to partner better with the U of A. It has been--and should remain a driving force here. Let's work on keeping more of its graduates as the loyal and proud business, entrepreneurial, and artistic engines that drive and shape this town. At the moment, I fear that the UA is more interested in its proposed medical campus in Phx than it is in its home base campus here in Tucson. |
| Upkeep of public spaces | Okay, maybe this seems superficial, but I don't think it is: what is up with letting our streets, sidewalks and medians look like trash heaps? That says, in symbolism hard to miss, "we are a trashy city." What's up with spending money to design nice roads and medians, like River Road, and then letting them go to seed for two years before cleaning them up? Phoenix manages to have beautiful streets. I'm not suggesting the water waste of grassy medians and sidewalk landscaping like Scottsdale, but couldn't we manage some basic desert landscaping that's decently taken care of--the trash picked up (or not thrown out in the first place), and the weeds removed? Couldn't we make a push for keeping our streets and public places free of trash? I think this is more important than it seems, both for how we think about ourselves and our community, and what we invite the outside world to think of us. |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: River & Oracle 85704 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 11. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Hispanic heritage/history | One of the main reasons I moved to Tucson was because I was attracted to the strong Hispanic heritage of the region and the historical culture of the reason. |
| Open space/mountains | I like that when I am in the city I can look in any direction and see a beautiful mountain range. I am also proud of the fact that the County (and other local jurisdictions) has made preserving open space a priority and I hope that never changes. |
| The University | I think that the University is such an important asset to the community and helps to keep Tucson young and vibrant. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Urban sprawl | The sprawl factor is really terrible here. It takes at least 20 minutes to get anywhere. There are very few walkable communities in the city. Everything is spread out and there are way too many empty strip malls in this city. |
| Connectivity | Along the same line as sprawl, but the connectivity in the area is really poor. The city seems very divided regionally. People really don't like to venture beyond their areas of town because it is such a pain to navigate. |
| Health and Wellness | I would really like to see Tucson become a prime example of a healthy and sustainable community. We have so many unique assets here, I think it is a shame that the community seems to take so much for granted. |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Craycroft 85712 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 12. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Surrounding mountains | The topography of some rolling hills and mountains on all sides of the metro area. |
| Climate | Other than a few summer thunderstorms, the weather is pretty stable. |
| Low rise architecture. | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Political philosophy | Stop being a welfare city/area. All it does is discourage learning English and failure to blend into American society. |
| Education | The education system across the valley needs to improve by demanding more from students. |
| Make it a better appearing area | Remove trash and pursue those who do not maintain clean homes and businesses. |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: Golf Links/Harrisson 85730 // Years here: 43 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 13. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| DOWN TO EARTH SPIRIT | PEOPLE ARE FAMILY LIKE AND VERY MUCH DOWN TO EARTH (no competition between people) ; THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE ARTS AND MUSIC; IT'S NATURE; OPEN SPACE; EASY DRIVING |
| NATURE | PEOPLE ARE FAMILY LIKE AND VERY MUCH DOWN TO EARTH (no competition between people) ; THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE ARTS AND MUSIC; IT'S NATURE; OPEN SPACE; EASY DRIVING |
| ARTS; FESTIVALS | PEOPLE ARE FAMILY LIKE AND VERY MUCH DOWN TO EARTH (no competition between people) ; THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE ARTS AND MUSIC; IT'S NATURE; OPEN SPACE; EASY DRIVING |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| THERE ARE NO JOBS TO KEEP US HERE | PEOPLE ARE FAMILY LIKE AND VERY MUCH DOWN TO EARTH (no competition between people) ; THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE ARTS AND MUSIC; IT'S NATURE; OPEN SPACE; EASY DRIVING |
| THERE ARE NO JOBS TO KEEP US HERE | PEOPLE ARE FAMILY LIKE AND VERY MUCH DOWN TO EARTH (no competition between people) ; THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE ARTS AND MUSIC; IT'S NATURE; OPEN SPACE; EASY DRIVING |
| THERE ARE NO JOBS TO KEEP US HERE | PEOPLE ARE FAMILY LIKE AND VERY MUCH DOWN TO EARTH (no competition between people) ; THE TRUE SPIRIT OF THE ARTS AND MUSIC; IT'S NATURE; OPEN SPACE; EASY DRIVING |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: GLENN AND FIRST AVE 85719 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 14. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | I LIKE THE HEAT. WISH WINTER MONTHS WERE WARMER |
| VARIETY OF STORES | LOTS OF STORES TO PICK FROM. |
| MAJORITY OF PEOPLE ARE FRIENDLY | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| GET A NEW MAYOR AND 3 COUNCIL MEMBERS | THEY DO AS THEY WANT AND NOT AS PUBLIC ASKS. THEY CAN'T BE TRUSTED |
| BETTER TRANSIT SYSTEM | WITH THE COMPUTER WORLD YOU WOULD THINK CONNECTIONS COULD BE TIMED FOR SHORTER TIME BETWEEN CONNECTIONS. MORE OFTEN THAN NOT YOU WILL MISS A CONNECTION BY MINUTES MEANING ON WEEKENDS WAITING AN HOUR. ONE ALWAYS HAVE TO ALLOW AT LEAST TWO OR THREE HOURS TO GET FROM EAST TO WEST. |
| GET RID OF THE SO CALL STREET CAR | WE HAVE BUSES RUNNING THE SAME ROUTE AS THE STREET CAR WILL RUN AND THEY ARE RARELY IF EVER FULL. WE THE WATER CUSTOMERS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR MOVING WATER AND SEWER LINES ALONG THE ROUTE. A WASTE OF TAX MONEY. |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: 22ND AND WILMOT OR 22ND AND KOLB 85710 // Years here: 45 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 15. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Environment | The natural environment makes Tucson a sacred place to live |
| Historic building | Tucson has a nice collection of beautiful historic structures |
| Travel ease | Easy to get to Tucson - good priced flights - nice highway access |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Down town | Downtown is dead - no life, no residents - too many bums |
| Speedway | Speedway is such an ugly road framed by the beautiful mountain views |
| Dessert | Stop chewing up the desert to build houses - rebuild old neighborhoods make them more desirable |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: Ina and I - 10 43081 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 16. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Recreation/hiking/biking/the great outdoors! | Being active, healthy, being constantly reminded of what a beautiful world we live in--and that we can never take it for granted. |
| Culture/diversity | I grew up in a pretty monolistic town--I truly appreciate being in a place where people's cultures, family, traditions, passions, talents are celebrated--not judged, condemned or ignored. Tucson is a celebration place--and I love that! |
| Weather | Just keep your head down (and stay indoors) during June, July and August. Other than that, we are the smartest people in the country for living here: abundant sunshine, warm weather, little rain but a beautiful desert and atmosphere. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 | |
| Survey: 17. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It still feels like a "small town". | Our interaction with the UofA athletics only enforces this feeling of a small town. Being of an older generation (I am 57) and involved with collegiate sports, keeps me "in the loop". |
| People in Tucson are very giving and generous. | With my Christian values, this is so important to me. Our family does a lot of volunteering and collecting for non-profits. I find the community very supportive. |
| The endless possibilities of entertainment. | Everyday we have numerous choices of things to do here in Tucson...whether athletics, theater, live music, etc. there is an abundance of activities. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The uofa football program. | We have been involved in Arizona athletics for over almost 7 years now. After being involved with Coach Candrea, I find Coach Stoops to be a very unprofessional, rude and embarrassing example to not only his players and staff but to the community as a whole. |
| I would like to see Rio Nuevo dropped. | Our city has spent millions of $$ and no one seems to know where it went. At this point, we have too many needs within our schools, our families and children in need to send any more $$ to this crazy idea. |
| We need to get and keep more professional sports teams. | We would enjoy going to more athletics...but where the last stadium was built is like no man's land for the bulk of the community. I don't feel that the professional business community endorsed and promoted the athletic possibilities we had and it seems to have fell apart. |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: Tangerine and Rancho Vistoso 85755 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 18. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | Sunshine is energizing for me |
| The cultural climate | Access to excellent theater, art, music |
| Access to the University | A University town has more intellectual opportunities. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation | I drive from Oro Valley to the UA every day. |
| The appearance of downtown areas | It's not personally appealing--and a bit embarrassing to take guests through some areas. |
| More regionalization in our approaches | I think that this is the only way we can make real progress in transportation, etc. |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: Oracle and Tangerine 85755 // Years here: 14 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 19. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Na | Na |
| Na | Na |
| Na | Na |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Improve the business situation | Why does a city like Albuquerque look like it has way more industry and business than Tucson...same size but everything is nicer and cleaner and their are many bigger business...can poor little Tucson get none and they all go to Phoenix..... |
| Improve the roads/infrastructure | More job opportunities |
| Double and Triple check what.... | Double and Triple check what other communities are doing to lure and keep large business |
| Date of survey: Jan 07, 2011 // Home near: Golflinks and Pantano 85730 // Years here: 99 // Born in the: 10s | |
| Survey: 20. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Relatives and friends like to visit | I'm from the Midwest, so I'm glad my family and friends like to visit sunny Tucson |
| Shopping | I like to shop. |
| Working at U of A | Glad to have a job in this tough economy |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Crime/graffiti | I've lived in Michigan and Ohio and I always felt safe and the neighborhoods I lived and worked in were always clean. In Tucson, I've had my car broken into, and we have an alarm system at home. |
| School system | I don't have children, but I've been involved with Tucson high school science teachers at U of A and my impression is that schools are not up to par. |
| Green spaces/parks | Before moving here, I would often walk for exercise at local parks. In Tucson, I don't feel safe doing this by myself, and the parks are not very beautiful or serene. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Greasewood and Speedway 85745 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 21. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The University of Arizona | I feel that it employs a lot of people. It brings a sense of community and pride to Tucson and it is so important that locals have access to an institution in order to get a quality education. It also brings tourism and out of towners to help boost the economy. All the sporting and theatre events the U of A provides is also so important and brings life to Tucson. |
| Outdoor facilities (i.e. national parks, recreational parks, golf courses, etc.) | I think that it crucial that Tucson does not build into our national parks and preserves Tucson's natural beauty. The weather is so great here that being outside is so appealing and it is so important that we have beautiful, clean, and fun parks/facilities to enjoy the outside. I also think that this attracts tourism. |
| Small town feel with a lot to offer | I like how Tucson does not feel overwhelming and like such a huge city such as Phoenix or LA. Tucson still has a smaller town feel but still has a lot of entertainment, shopping, etc to offer. I think that is why so many people like it because you can still find something fun to do but it is not crazy expensive and there is still a lot of culture and events to explore. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Education system | More money needs to go to public schools and charter schools should be banned!! |
| Downtown | I like our downtown but I think we need more things to get people down there and promote downtown...having a good downtown will really help Tucson |
| Road conditions | Much of the road conditions are not up to par and the traffic has gotten worse and it the traffic infrastructure is not up to par...maybe we need a better public transportation system? |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Broadway and Camino Seco 85710 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 22. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | I enjoy the outdoors and having good weather obviously helps. |
| Low cost of living | I like not spending lots of money for decent housing. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Economy | There aren't enough jobs in Tucson. |
| Schools | I've heard that the public schools are very bad |
| Many parts of Tucson seem very rundown | A lot of neighborhoods seem like they are run down. Neighbors don't care about keeping up their yards. Weeds growing all over the sidewalks. Streets full of potholes. The city doesn't have a modern feel to it. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Tucson and Speedway 85716 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 23. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather | I find the summers hot, but the nights cool and you can do almost anything year-round just depending on the time of day. bright sunlight is unique here and in the West. |
| Beauty of mountains and desert | Lived in mid west and it was flat, really missed the mountains. Openness of Tucson |
| Family is here | I am fortunate to be a native and have most of my immediate family here. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Politics | Hard to do business and grow in this region. |
| Roads | Hard to travel around-Tucson is not that big and has never aggressively addressed this issue |
| Jobs | Until the climate is such to support small business and they reduce the personal property tax we will not compete for growing companies. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 42 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 24. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The great weather | Easy to get around and accomplish things without being hindered by excessive rain, snow, etc. |
| The traffic (believe it or not) | Fairly easy to get around compared to a lot of cities |
| The diversity | Many choices in cuisine and culture |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More community involvement by residents | An involved community and a community in progress toward mutual goals |
| More industry, enterprise, and jobs | Need more wealth creators and tax payers |
| Better city leadership | Need to move forward |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: 29th/Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 52 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 25. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The wide variety of places to shop and things to buy | I live in Silver City New Mexico most of the year and there is only a WalMart there |
| I like the 4th Ave Street Fair | It is a fun event that brings people together |
| I like the dog parks in Tucson | I have a dog that I take to the dog park when I am in Tucson |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| We need to get more industry into Tucson and create jobs | I would like to see people's children and grandchildren to stay in Tucson, but if there are no jobs, then they have to leave |
| Preserve some desert. The desert is constantly shrinking | I think we should preserve some desert spots for people to be able to go to for recreational purposes |
| We should have programs that incorporate school children into our groups and society | We need to have the children and young people to feel like they belong here in our community |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 60 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 26. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Elementary school is close to my house | Children are the future |
| Various sites to visit and explore | Continued education and involvement in my community |
| No smog | I like to breathe |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Less gangs | Dangerous |
| More lakes and parks | Family involvement and exploration |
| City council involvement | People need a voice |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 27. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Natural beauty of the region | I'm an outdoors person i.e. it is much better to be outdoors in a beautiful area. |
| Sonoran Mexican food | I grew up with quality Sonoran Mexican food. It is most difficult/impossible to find this food in such places as New York City, Washington D.C., Miami, Florida, Houston, Texas, San Francisco or even Los Angeles. All places where I have lived/worked. |
| Vibrant arts community | The arts enrich ones life. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Education k-12 | It permeates all aspects of living in the Tucson community/region and the state. It is a decidedly negative effect. There are at least 3 generations of poor education k-12 in the state of Arizona. |
| Adult/vocational education | It would help mitigate the negative effect mentioned in #1. |
| Relationships among those who do not live from paycheck to paycheck . | It should help lessen the negative effect mentioned in #1. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: River /Craycroft or Sunrise/Craycroft. 85718 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 28. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The diversity of the community | This community permits you to know, work with and enjoy people and their cultures. |
| The weather | The beauty and temperatures of the fall and spring with the added benefit of not having to deal with snow is ideal. |
| The varied entertainment options | Between U of A sports, local theater and various outdoor opportunities there is much to do is this area for people of all ages. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Funding for Education | We are the worst funded education system in the country, yet our local public schools find a way to be in the middle of the states in their testing. |
| Improve through city transportation | To go from east Tucson to the freeway can take 40 minutes. Some type of through city highway system, similar to Phoenix, needs to be designed and implemented. |
| Bring more clean industry to the area | To get companies to move to Tucson we must improve education so that their are willing to come. Tax incentives work well for the company, but when high level employees refuse to move due to an inferior education system, we need to make appropriate changes. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Speedway/Harrison 85715 // Years here: 46 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 29. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather for outdoor activities | Beautiful winters, even better summers; easy access to outdoor activities. |
| Cultural opportunities | Wide variety of cultural events to include classical music, festivals, cinema, etc. |
| Eclectic | Big city diversity for shopping, restaurants, worship, etc.; but with small city attitudes. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Improved law enforcement. | Crime rate is too high, too many illegal aliens, it's time to get serious. |
| Better/increased flights from the airport. | Difficult to get timely and reasonably priced flights from Tucson International. |
| Improved traffic flow. | Explanation is self-evident, try driving across town during rush hour. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Campbell 85710 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 30. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The University of Arizona | The UofA is a "centerpiece" of knowledge, learning & activities in the community. UofA sports & cultural events provide excitement & entertainment for many. |
| The University of Arizona creates Stability | Being the centerpiece, the UofA helps create stability in the community by providing 'Jobs & Learning Opportunities' for many. |
| Tucson atmosphere | Tucson provides an attractive climate of health and activities throughout the year. This supports a pleasant life style. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Bring the UofA to the elementary students | The young people have to know that we are there for them. The knowledge and the opportunities must be introduced at the earliest age. |
| The legal system should be phased into schools | Many of our children never learn why we have laws, and the consequences of breaking the law. |
| Health and welfare of our children | The UofA is an "icon" for community health. "Do all our children know how & why we brush our teeth?" UofA should continue to contribute to our community. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 31. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The restaurants and different food options in Tucson. | I like the local franchises because of the variety they provide compared to what I can get in my local community, such as Magpies and Eegees. |
| I like the different shopping opportunities provided in the community. | There are more shopping opportunities than in my local community, such as the craft stores, both chain stores and local stores. |
| I like the sports venues that we can go to in Tucson. | I like the fact the University of Arizona provides quality entertainment. My family are season ticket holders for football and always enjoy coming up to watch the games. Also, the U of A is here to stay, not like professional teams that always have the option of leaving. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Improvement in some of the rundown areas of town. | It seems like there are certain areas of town that have been forgotten in improvement. |
| There should be a commitment to bringing out Tucson's heritage. | There are many cultures that are important to the makeup of Tucson and each should be recognized. |
| There should be a commitment in bringing in more sporting opportunities to the community. | I believe there could be more tournaments throughout the city that bring in southern Arizona teams to play in Tucson. Most tournaments are held in either Phoenix or out of state. It is difficult for these teams to find places to play. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Frye and Lezner 85635 // Years here: 0 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 32. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Manageable community size | Tucson is a large city but also has a small town feel. That said, Tucson desperately needs cross-town freeways. That will not necessarily make Tucson grow but it will make Tucson more livable. |
| Southwest/Mexican cultural influences | Architecture, food, customs. It is important to me to preserve, cultivate and celebrate our Southwest and Mexican-influenced culture. |
| Diversity of neighborhoods/communities | There are "pockets" throughout Tucson of various types of communities, housing options (e.g., pricing), etc. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Need to build cross-town freeways. | We cannot bury our heads in the sand and pretend we don't have traffic problems. Cross-town freeways would improve traffic flow, reduce pollution, etc. |
| Truly rejuvenate downtown. | There is little improvement to the downtown area after years of "Rio Nuevo." We need to learn how other cities have successfully rebuilt and copy their methodology before the State/Federal government stops giving us money. |
| Bring in more business/jobs. | Unemployment is high and overall, wages are low. We need to nurture relationships and recruit new businesses. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Columbus / 5th Street 85711 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 33. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The collegiate community | It provides youth and many opportunities for things to do. |
| The small city atmosphere | There are no large masses of people to contend with. |
| The friendliness of the community | Self evident |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The roads in Tucson. | The roads in Tucson are rough and need repaving. |
| The roads. | |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 90s | |
| Survey: 34. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Desert beauty | Natural beauty enhances my life. |
| The U of A | I love my job at the U of A. The U of A enhances the community with education, cultural and sporting events. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Lower tuition and college text book costs | It's hard for middle class people to pay for higher education |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: 1st Ave and River Rd 85718 // Years here: 32 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 35. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The landscape and respect for nature | People in Tucson are aware of the importance and beauty of natural resources and landscape. Our desert is beautiful and as a whole we try to protect and respect it. Our buildings blend with the desert colors and shapes. |
| The cultural diversity | You can find many ethnic restaurants, many local restaurants and different backgrounds around the university and the schools. The world is as big as we want it to be and Tucson needs to be able to offer a picture of the whole world to all generations |
| The arts | We are fortunate to have access to music, dance, and theater. Art enriches our lives and helps us have a better understanding of the human spirit and intellect. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Education | The quality of education in Tucson must be outstanding and not mediocre. It also has to be balanced and broad. To attract talent we need to offer good education. I am very disappointed with budget cuts in education. Discontinuing art and or physical education is a shame. |
| Downtown | It has to be more vibrant and alive, Weekends in downtown are not exciting. I know a lot is being done to attract neighbors to downtown such as 2nd weekend in downtown. More people need to support the FOX theater. I know more people who would not miss a basketball game, yet you have a live band performing at the FOX and they say it is too far. |
| Jobs | We want to keep Tucson a place that offers good jobs so we don't lose talent. If we offer good jobs, good school a vibrant downtown and access to the art, Tucson can be a great place to stay. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 36. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Natural environment | Provides scenic and recreational opportunities. We enjoy being outside and hiking the trails which surround Tucson. |
| University of Arizona | Opportunities to attend lectures and be enriched by the university. |
| Recreational opportunities | I spend six months here to enjoy the mountains, biking, and golf. I also enjoy the restaurants and cultural events. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Downtown | Coming from a vibrant downtown (Indianapolis), I am saddened by the lack of planning and foresight in the governmental and business communities. We have one of the best locations for promoting tourism and conventions but the worst facilities. Look at Albuquerque for an example of a comparable sized city that has emphasized its strengths. I have asked many times: who are the business leaders in this community and how do they lead? There is no answer. Perhaps because Tucson has not be able to attract Tucson-based businesses. |
| Emphasize a Greater Tucson | There are the City and the Areas North of the city. There is no sense of a Tucson metropolitan area as exemplified by the City Council's inability to have any leadership or planning. We are "gated communities" in the Foothills to protect again the crime and poverty of the city. |
| Encourage redevelopment in the city | Too much effort is spent trying to preserve decaying neighborhoods. Some are worth saving and others are not. The vision needs to be broader than the limited neighborhood view. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Prince and Campbell 85719 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 37. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The pace of the city: laid back but still moving forward | I moved to AZ from the east coast 14 years ago; I've since welcomed a few more friends and family to the Old Pueblo. Everyone says the same thing about Tucson: compared to the east coast the pace is a refreshing and welcoming change. Even though there's always something to do, the city has a more laid-back vibe to it. |
| The University | You can't beat a research one university for pumping grads, research dollars, professional development opportunities, and sports into the local economy. I'm thrilled UA is heading downtown - I'm hopeful they will make the most of this opportunity. |
| TIA | Every time I fly out of Tucson I thank my lucky stars that I'm not leaving from Phoenix. TIA is a great airport - it's close, convenient, and - since the new look - is actually somewhat of a destination itself. I wish they had more direct flights but, even so, I love TIA! (no, I am not a TIA employee - I really just appreciate convenient transportation options!) |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Downtown | Even though I love that fact that Tucson is laid back (see response in #1) I still wish downtown had more consistent energy. I've heard it said often before but Denver is a great example of what I am referring to. Event Phoenix is moving ahead of Tucson in terms of their downtown! Light rail, public art, universities, housing, restaurants, shops - it's a great mix that Tucson would benefit from. |
| Public transportation | Compared to east coast cities Tucson is a nightmare to get around by public transportation. I often help to coordinate small conferences in Tucson - one of the largest complaints from our attendees is that they can't get around the city. I have to agree. |
| Jobs jobs jobs | My partner - a 2006 UA grad with honors - has been looking for a full-time job (in his field or related) in Tucson for 4 years. It's really a shame - we often think about moving away from Tucson and our home just for increased job opportunities elsewhere. We love this city but feel like the city doesn't feel the same about us! |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Columbus & Broadway 85711 // Years here: 14 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 38. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The local culture and history that surrounds it. | My family has now been in Tucson for five generations. My children are growing up in a community that cherishes it's rich Hispanic history. The University of Arizona has played an important part in my family's history. The Tellez family consists of alumni, but most importantly, "die-hard" supporters of Wildcat sports. |
| It's not Phoenix. | Although I would love an additional free way or Costco here and there, I am happy to live in a smaller community which possesses a great deal of character. |
| The University of Arizona | We are born and bread Wildcats. Enough said! |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Clean it up! | As time goes on, I find less and less visually appealing areas of town. |
| Make Rio Nuevo a Real Thing! | Ugghhh, I hope it happens before I leave this world...and I'm only 37! |
| Change Speedway Blvd. to Lute Olson Blvd. | |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 37 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 39. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The natural beauty and climate are first rate. | I am an avid environmentalist. This part of AZ is a treasure trove. |
| The University of AZ. and the community college system | A community with a first rate university and a top flight community college system is essential to proper growth and development. |
| The growing research component with a town gown partnership. | Our fiber optics, medical research, and astronomy programs are outstanding. These are facets we must promote and enhance. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| We have extremely poor leadership and I use that term loosely. | We drift along content to be the "Old Pueblo" in the 21st century. This is really a huge detriment. |
| Development of a real CBD and downtown. | Without a vibrant and flourishing downtown and CBD we will continue to wither and dither. |
| Public education much more support. | Any attempt to bring in progressive businesses and industry will fail without a strong public education component. Tucson has to fight locally and in Phoenix to improve this aspect of our community life. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Skyline/Campbell 85718 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 40. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| University of Arizona | I'm a Phoenix native who attended U of A in the mid-90s so I enjoy coming back a few times a year for sporting events. |
| Weather | What's not to like about the Tucson winters?! |
| Natural beauty | Tucson is a great place to bring people visiting Arizona for the first time because it seems to have more natural beauty than Phoenix. And who doesn't love Tucson sunsets? |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Traffic | I understand it's hard to keep up with rapid growth, but so many streets are ridiculously gridlocked all the time. |
| Flood control | Things may have improved a lot in the 10 years since I moved away from Tucson, but the flooding was terrible if it rained even slightly hard. |
| More vibrant downtown | 4th Ave. and that area is fun, but with its proximity to downtown, there seemingly would be a better way to connect the two to create a large area with bars, restaurants, theater. concerts, etc. As it is, there seems to be a disconnect between 4th Ave. and downtown. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Non Tucson resident 85308 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 41. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | No great potential disasters -- tornadoes, earthquakes, blizzards, etc. |
| Physical environment | Mountains, deserts, unique vegetation |
| People | Generally very congenial |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Government | Too much bickering between city and county |
| Government | Not following through on promises, e.g., bond issues |
| Schools | Public education quality is very lacking |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Cortaro/Silverbell 85743 // Years here: 14 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 42. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| I have grown up here so it is my home. | Most of my and my husband's family live here so that is a major reason that we have stayed. Strong family support is very important to me. |
| Weather | While I still don't like the 100+ degrees we get in the summer I think we have some of the best weather in the country. If we want to go skiing or see snow we can go to Mt. Lemmon or head up to the White Mountains. |
| Not to big or too small of a community. | I have seen the growth that the community has made and while most has been positive I do feel that we have regressed in some areas. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Make the changes necessary for a better road system | I live in Vail but travel to Tucson (mid-town)every day for work and while I like the 45 minutes of solitary time I get it does get more congested as time goes on and around the holidays it gets crazy going anywhere here in town. Complete the Houghton corridor project; the space and need is there. |
| Expand the local Bus system to include outlying areas. | I looked into taking the bus when gas had gone over $3 a gallon but because there wasn't a close enough starting point I gave up and actually started carpooling with others that work at TMC. |
| Bring in higher paying jobs and bring back Spring Training | I think our city has become the 'Call Center' of the Southwest. While these are jobs that I am grateful stayed here in the US they are not high paying jobs and would like to see other industries take advantage of our great weather and all we have to offer as a community. Please bring back Spring Training Baseball! It was such a great form of entertainment and brought in $$$ for the community because others wanted to escape the winter in the East and Midwest and enjoy our sunshine and a good ballgame! |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: I10 & Vail exit 279 85641 // Years here: 47 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 43. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The natural areas surrounding the city | I love being able to drive up any street and see a mountain backdrop. I never take for granted being able to drive or bike just a few minutes and reach beautiful desert, riparian canyons, and getaway mountains. I enjoy being able to hike year-round. |
| The University of Arizona | I'm a huge U of A sports fan, and feel it's the strongest civic bond Tucson has, of any kind. Where else to you see such a blend of ages, ethnicities, religions, political persuasions, socioeconomic statuses, etc. in one venue? Beyond sports, the U of A campus is a central gem in this city, with beautiful green open spaces, consistent red brick buildings, and a climate that values learning and research. |
| The casual attitude | I've been to all 50 states and have never been anywhere in which I was more comfortable being myself than I am in Tucson. No one judges me harshly if I dress in shorts and a T-shirt or speak casually. We're not expected to conform to some false ideal of Midwestern values of Northeastern sophistication. We're allowed to be ourselves. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| People's tempers | Whether it's in traffic, in line at a store, or in many other settings, many people here seem grumpy and rude to each other much of the time. We seem to lack compassion for our common man. In other parts of the country, there seems to be more of a sense of community togetherness, as if they're all there to help each other. But here, I feel people have a western land grab attitude in which if I don't get it, you will, so I'd better beat you to it. |
| Unabated sprawl | The very reason that many of us are drawn to this area--the beauty of the Southwest--keeps getting gobbled up by endless sprawl. This is not a problem unique to Tucson, by any means, but it's sad to see the huge swatches of desert I remember from my youth plowed over to make room for more strip malls and cookie-cutter developments. We need to use in-fill and possibly build more vertically to preserve the outlying areas. At some point, if this valley becomes too developed, I won't want to live here anymore. |
| Traffic management | It can be very stressful to get around Tucson and Pima County. The lights are not timed with efficient travel in mind. I feel I spend half my waking hours stuck at red lights. Also, without more highways in town, there is no expedient way to get from certain parts of the valley to others. A person living on the east side of town can spend about as much time getting to I-10 and Cortaro as it takes to get from Cortaro to Chandler. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: 22nd and Pantano 85710 // Years here: 37 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 44. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Small Town Feel | Things do not seem as rushed, hectic, or crowded as in big cities |
| Proximity to excellent natural attractions | I can easily take my family to a number of really great places to show them the ecological diversity and beauty that surrounds us. |
| Variety of cultural events | Greek Festival, St. Patrick's Day, Tucson Meet Yourself, etc. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Serious redevelopment of downtown | Downtown should be a vibrant ad attractive place for people of all ages. I would like to see downtown Tucson create a pedestrian mall along part of downtown similar to Denver's. I think more can be done to create college student housing and thriving retail and restaurants. Additionally, I would like to see more signage and promotion of museums and events that occur downtown. |
| Greater connection between the UA & the city | Why is the University Band not in more of the parades? Why doesn't the university have a greater presence in our public libraries? Why isn't there a UA Sun Tran sponsored bus. Why do we not see more Red and Blue around the city during big games. I thin the city could host a lot of tailgating type events downtown and have buses transport people to the game from there. Charging for parking at Congress and I-10 and encouraging people to tailgate there would be great. |
| Greater focus on our children & incorporation of youth in city policy and decision making | I would like to see the city work with schools to educate students about city politics. I would like to see more involvement and promotion of youth/neighborhood advisory groups that report to the council with recommendations. I would like to see more businesses get involved with and support our local schools. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Columbus 85711 // Years here: 37 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 45. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| History | I am 5 generation to the Tucson area. |
| Weather | Our wonderful weather conditions make it a perfect sports town. |
| University of Arizona | As an UA alumni and "Wildcat for Life", I personally believe the UA is one of the key elements in making Tucson really stand out. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Better, safer roads | Our roads are a little outdated and can be hazardous for cars (pot holes) and there are hardly any sufficient bike lanes for cyclists. |
| Going green | Living in 250+ days of sunshine, I believe we can utilize solar power energy and making Tucson more green. |
| Buying local | I think it is important for the community to try to spend more on local, healthier food in places such as farmer's markets rather than buy food filled with preservatives at more commercial institutions. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Grant/Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 46. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Mountains, clean air, beautiful locality | After living in large cities in California, Tucson is a breath of fresh air...literally. |
| The foothills are a wonderful place to live | Clean, fairly well planned. Minimal blight that besieges most of Tucson. |
| Hiking and the Catalina Mountains | Easy access to trails, easy trips to Mt. Lemon. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Reduce Blight | Tucson has a world class University. Clearly one of the prime reasons people are here. However, no matter which path you take to arrive at the campus, you are overcome by blight; buildings, property, equipment is disrepair. Speedway, for example could be a main entrance to campus from highway 10. If I did not live here, I would not have allowed my children to attend the University mainly due to the poor conditions of it's surrounding neighborhoods. |
| The local government is completely ineffective | There was a plan set forth to the voters to change the city charter. This failed at the polls likely due to the over publicized fact that the council would make more money. Now that we know the myopic mindset of a majority of the population, we need to take a fresh approach. Sadly, from attending many council meetings, our welfare majority are controlling the progress of this city. |
| Create a business friendly city | Service industries are necessary for support of the population but are not a good measure of economic growth and can be a liability as seen in the last economic downturn. Manufacturing products, research and technological innovation are strong measures of our economic condition and the city and county should go overboard to embrace these industries. However, no bright CEO is going to allow expansion into Tucson and have his employees settle for the third world education. Clearly this is another liability with this city. Why do most, if not all the doctors and professors at U of A and UMC have their children attend private schools or District 16? Education is important to them. Even Greg Byrne, in his short understanding of Tucson knew enough to stay away from TUSD. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: ina /campbell 85718 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 47. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Quality of life | Weather, lifestyle, beauty |
| University of Arizona | It is a focal source of pride in its accomplishments in academics, the arts and in athletics. |
| People | Typically are friendly and educated |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Change local governmental attitudes | The existing obstructionist attitudes at the city and county are can't do. They must become can do. |
| A more balanced newspaper | The newspaper is still the number 1 source of information to many people. The Daily Star is an anti-everything embarrassment for a region this populated. |
| Improve the roadway system | A crosstown freeway would greatly enhance people's lifestyle. I commute over an hour/day which could be cut to half of that with non-surface street routing. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Orange Grove and La Canada 85704 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 48. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sense of small community-not megalopolis | People are still cordial, friendly. |
| Weather | Great Weather-sunshine, warm |
| People know other people | Networking and generous community |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Need to have facilities to attract tourism, trade shows and industry | Tucson has grown dramatically since my youth, however we haven't kept up with other communities to attract people to come and work here or visit Tucson. |
| Need Leadership | Our City Council and board of supervisors is not effective in growing our community. Prime example is the Downtown Hotel. Cleveland Ohio which has less thank 500,000 inhabitants has major downtown hotels and attractions. |
| Spend money to grow our community | We afraid of growth. We need to spend the money in order to grow. It will pay dividends in the long run. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Craycroft & 5th Street 85711 // Years here: 62 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 49. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The University of Arizona | I like the way it brings the community together and brings the feeling of family. It is fun to be a part of. |
| The Mountains | The mountains that surround Tucson are beautiful and are second to none. It is something that everyone that has come to visit me as always loves. It gives such beauty to our community. I love seeing them each morning when I wake up. |
| The US Air force base | I have lived in Tucson over 55 years and I watched as the base and the people that are in the Air Force are active in our community. They are always there to be coaches or to be team Mom's. The help with any community drives we have and make Tucson their home while they are stationed here. Many of these people return to Tucson to retire here. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The City Counsel and the Board of Supervisors | We need more forward thinking people to hold these positions. They do not think outside the box when it comes to improving the City and County that Tucson resides in. We need better roads. better ways to move traffic (IE freeways) to get people from one side of Tucson to the other without always having to use surface streets. Also by improving the flow of traffic it will provide be transportation for business that maybe looking to relocate. |
| Clean up the city. | Tucson needs to look to business and the people that live here to clean up their yards, Parks and old historical building. There is such a need to make Tucson look like a clean and beautiful place to live. First impressions are lasting and when you exist the Interstate and all you see is trash and unkempt houses it does not make for a good impression. This is something that a city could have as a compain for schools, business and the citizen of Tucson and it would show the pride that people have for their city. |
| Tucson Unified School District | TUSD needs to be broken into smaller Districts. They have to many highly paid Executives and the money does not filter down to where it could benefit the children and the community. It is sad to see what programs they continue to take away from the children and use that money to hire more highly paid administration. The children should be the top priority and instead of continuing to increase taxes they need to use the money to improve the education of our children |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Harrision 85710 // Years here: 57 | |
| Survey: 50. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | I love the Tucson area climate, no COLD winters |
| Small city | I do not like the big city feel of Phoenix, LA , etc, no huge traffic problems and commute times |
| People | The people of Tucson enjoy being here and relating to each other |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 | |
| Survey: 51. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The friendliness of the people in the community. They are very welcoming to others moving to the area | Living in large cities in midwest, California, and east coast, this is a very nice change. |
| Natural beauty and the weather | Who can't be happy watching the sun rise and the sun set over the mountains each day. |
| Availability of the arts. | Ease of access to, and interest in the arts, by the Tucson community |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More and better jobs. | The best and brightest young people will leave if the perceive they cannot have a fulfilling career. That results in a downward spiral. |
| Find a way to make downtown (or another location)work as the "draw" for Tucson. | All "great" cities have a core location that attracts people. I am new here (3-4 years), but all of the finger pointing and accusing over the past is not doing any of us any good. Find people who want to make things work, and get moving. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Ina and Oracle 85718 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 52. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | Don't like the cold, ice and snow! |
| Mountains | Coming from the midwest I was tired of the "flat" lands. |
| Cost of living | Reasonable C.O.L. includes gas, groceries, utilities and food. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Education system | This is the future of this state and country. Stop cutting taxes at the expense of our schools. |
| Infrastructure | Repair and build better roads. Stop wasteful spending on such things as streetcars. |
| Political climate | Need competent people leading our state and communities. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Esperanza and La Canada 85614 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 53. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Regional beauty of the ares | The beauty of the desert and surrounding areas |
| Atmosphere | Just a really great atmosphere, not quite 'laid back' but just the opposite of say NYC. Relaxed, but not asleep. |
| The University | I used to really like the University, but in the last two or three years I have attended talks from U of A professors wherein they made it a point to continue the leftist indoctrination bull crap so common on college campuses. As such I have stopped all financial support. We had planned for our son to go to U of A, but thank heaven he got into a really good school back east. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Clean it up | Tucson is a great place, but it has a reputation of being a bit 'run down.' We visited Tucson a few weeks ago and I was surprised that the streets were so full of litter, houses in various stages of needing repair, business that need to be cleaned up, painted, etc. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Central Phoenix 85021 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 54. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The small town feel with big city amenities | I grew up in Los Angeles, so I appreciate the advantages of small. |
| The chance to be outdoors | I enjoy the chance to be outdoors most of the year. The air is clean, the mountains are beautiful and life is better outdoors. |
| The arts and culture | I enjoy the interesting and quirky arts and events and the wonderful variety of food and restaurants. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Public education | Public education needs to be supported with real dollars by this community. It is the long term foundation of economic development. |
| Our willingness to work together | We are a community of entrepreneurs and as such, we do not seem to know how to work together to achieve common goals (like supporting schools, development plans, sports teams, etc.) |
| More community beautification | Phoenix used to be a big, pile of nothing. Now it is an aesthetically interesting and beautiful community. We can do better. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Grant and Wilmot 85711 // Years here: 37 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 55. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The University of Arizona | I love attending and watching the U of A sports and other school related activities |
| The weather | Not to hot (most of the time) and not to cold |
| Mountains/wilderness areas | I have always loved the many mountain ranges of Southern Arizona and have come to love the desert as well |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Corrupt and incompetent local government | I hate paying taxes for projects to improve our city and have the money disappear and have noting accomplished such as what has happened and is happening with the downtown "revitalization." |
| The lack of some kind freeway system | If you want to do something not in your neighborhood it can take half an hour or an hour to get there especially if you have to go east to west. |
| City and counties willingness to attract professional companies here | People with stable employment make a great community |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: twin peaks and coachline 85743 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 56. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Restaurants | We live in Green Valley, and the choice of restaurants is not good. We also think there is a nice selection and range of prices. |
| College presence | The students add a vibrancy, varied cultural presence |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 | |
| Survey: 57. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Not a big city | Friendly people for the most part, not like the big city hassles/attitude |
| Weather | Cold hurts |
| Closeness to the wilderness | A short ride away |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| City government a joke | Shortsighted, too liberal |
| Border security | The cost to support illegals in our community & our country is staggering |
| Improve/reduce the requirements to do business | The city is one of the worst places to try to open a business, this has caused many small businesses to either not open or move out |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: sabino canyon/cloud road 85750 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 58. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | The climate allows us to enjoy so many outdoor activities, it allows us all to live a healthier, more active life |
| The size of the community | While it has grown tremendously, Tucson still has a small town feel to it |
| The University | The University offers so much to the community from continuing education, to preforming arts and athletics; many of which are comparable to professional offerings in other cities |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Infrastructure | While Tucson has grown, and there have been many road improvements to the main roads, many of the smaller roads have had no attention; often building takes place increasing the volume of traffic with no road improvements |
| The sprawl | Again, as Tucson has grown, it has stretched out to the north, east, south and west, again with nothing in place to tie all of the communities together into a cohesive city |
| Down town | If down town had an infusion of businesses, which would mean parking and back to street improvements, I think that the disparate communities would be joined into a more cohesive unite |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Ajo and Kinney 85735 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 59. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| University of Arizona | As a retiree, I enjoy sporting events, cultural venues, and the ability to interact with people of all ages, including students. |
| Tucson has a small town feel. | Friendly people who give back to their community via volunteerism as well as financial support. There is a pride in helping others. |
| Who wouldn't like the climate? | The topography and climate, with plenty of sunshine bring smiles to my face every day. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Continue to pursue biotechnology. | Tucson's vision should be to become the biotechnology capital of the southwest. Without a platform like this, higher paying jobs and therefore better educated citizens will continue to bypass Tucson. |
| Education | Without a better educational system, citizens as well as businesses cannot keep up with other regions of the country. |
| Government | Holding elected officials accountable for their decisions. Rio Nuevo is a disgrace. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Swan/Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 60. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | Being able to be outside throughout the year |
| Easy access to the natural wonders of Arizona | We can go where we want to go |
| UA sports | We can attend competitive sports events in relative comfort |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Increase rate of improving the roads | Avoid being delayed by transportation bottlenecks |
| Get the city and the county spending under control | We can't afford to give everything to everybody |
| Increase efforts to reduce net water consumption and reduce runoff | Need to face the facts about the available, sustainable water supply |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Magee and La Cholla 85704 // Years here: 69 // Born in the: 20s | |
| Survey: 61. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Local flavor | I think Tucson has a certain quaintness to it, which is entirely unique to Tucson and its surroundings. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Better integration with other AZ cities | Tucson has succeeded as its own city largely out of necessity. I think it has much to offer the rest of the region to make all of AZ stronger. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: 51st and Baseline 85339 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 62. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The environment | Our majestic mountains, the flora and fauna of the Sonoran desert, the climate. And don't forget the saguaros. |
| The long time residents, who understand our "sense of place" | Tucson has great cultural diversity, a long history of being a community - we once called ourselves "The Old Pueblo", and knew who we were - the old timers still value that. |
| It's not in Maricopa county. | It seems that, taken as a whole, Tucson is much more compassionate, caring, and thoughtful of our fellow residents. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Secede. | Look up Baja Arizona, talk to Hugh Holub. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: 1st/Grant 85719 // Years here: 47 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 63. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's a smaller community located in a warm weather climate | It makes for a better quality of life; not having to deal with major rush hour traffic or inclement weather. |
| Different cultures and people from all over the country | I've met so many interesting people and made great friends whom I've learned so much from. |
| The cost of living | It is important not having to live paycheck to paycheck and being able to live in a modest home while saving for retirement and being able to enjoy travel and recreation as well. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Create a small freeway or highway to easily travel to the different parts of the city. | I work in home health and do a lot of driving around town. It's frustrating to get stuck at stoplight after stoplight. |
| The city council (or whoever is/was responsible for Rio Nuevo, Tucson Electric Park) | Tucson is limited in terms of the variety of recreation it offers. Rio Nuevo is a great idea and San Antonio was so successful, as well as a city in New Mexico where they did something similar...Rio Nuevo should have already been completed, or at least nearing the end phases! TEP was POORLY planned! What a bad location, there's nothing around it. |
| Develop the 4th avenue/university area more. | I enjoy nightlife and Tucson has no real nightlife. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Tucson Blvd/Ft. Lowell Rd 85716 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 64. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The people! | Tucsonans are welcoming, giving, thoughtful, and just a little weird. I love the small things about Tucson that make it slightly quirky and just fun... like the dinosaur McDonald's, or the Santa ears on Padre Kino's horse, or the rattlesnake bridge. |
| Tucson traditions | Tucson's traditions... Tucson Meet Yourself, July 4th Fireworks on "A" Mountain, Tucson Pops summer concerts, Winterhaven, Dia De Los Muertos, 4th Ave STreet fair -- all these things provide a common context for Tucsonans and bind people together in shared experience. |
| The physical environment | The mountains, the desert, the smell of the desert after rain, the terror of a monsoon thunderstorm, the buzz saw roar of cicadas in the summertime... all these things are just indescribably beautiful. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson streets/roads/transportation infrastructure | Tucson's roads are (many of them) in terrible shape. Passing of the RTA helps but there's a lot more to do to maintain the infrastructure, let alone improve it |
| Control growth | It is disheartening to see so many "crackerjack" tract homes built on bladed-over pristine desert when there is so much infill land still to use. |
| Jobs | It is very hard to find a good job in Tucson, and it's hard to lure people to good jobs here because they will feel "stuck" if they want to change jobs. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Campbell & Speedway 85719 // Years here: 22 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 65. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | I froze my butt off in Iowa winters for 52 years |
| University of Arizona | Great entertainment in arts & sports. |
| Mountains | Great scenery and hiking opportunities. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Get some decent paying jobs | Pay here sucks |
| Kick out all the grumps | People here aren't as friendly as in the midwest |
| Bring the foothills into the city limits | They reap the benefits of Tucson. they should help carry the load. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Houghton & Bilby 85747 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 66. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | The climate in Tucson enables us to be active year round, particularly September-May. |
| History/Culture | The area has a rich history and a diverse cultural mix that allows for many entertaining and enriching activities. |
| Proximity of a major university | The variety of cultural, entertainment, enrichment and sports activities offered at the U of A compensates for the lack of other arts and sports offerings in the area |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Downtown Tucson | We travel a lot and have seen many successful downtown renovations (Portland, OR being a highlight). Despite some great development near the Hotel Congress the rest of downtown is a dismal embarrassment. |
| Public transportation | There are natural light rail corridors which would make travel easy and open access to downtown from Oro Valley, Marana, Vail, Sahuarita, etc. Most areas have vibrant development upon such corridors. |
| A well designed arts complex. | No desert turtles or rainbow bridges. Just an appropriate sized theater complex that is state of the art. Perhaps along a light rail line. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Dove Mountain Blvd/Tangerine 85658 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 67. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Geological features of the valley. | I enjoy the outdoors, specifically mountain biking and hiking. |
| Weather | Makes it easy to go outdoors year round. |
| Character | Places are created by their diversity. Tucson is a mixing pot of culture and style. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Public education | Young families and good jobs need to be backed by |
| More parks | Parks like the linear river parks provide places for people to get out and enjoy Tucson. |
| Mass transit | Travel in and around town would be greatly improved |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Prince & Mountain 85719 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 68. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The U of A campus | It feels like a second home to me and it remains a great place to visit and hang out, even after graduation. |
| The foothills area | Very nice area, clean and beautiful landscape. |
| Unique eateries | Such as El Charro. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Build a freeway on a diagonal through the city | Tucson is not a small town anymore. It desperately needs some way to get through the city besides surface streets. A freeway type road through the middle of Tucson would be perfect. |
| Clean up the area around the University | While some areas are nice, such as University Blvd, most of the area within a mile of the campus borders is run down. |
| Reduce theft | Find some way to reduce the high rate of theft |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: 101 and Scottsdale Road 85054 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 69. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The University of Arizona | I am an alumnus of the University of Arizona and have been an Arizona Wildcat fan my entire life. |
| Catalina Mountains, Sabino Canyon, etc. | I love the outdoors. Hiking around Tucson is as good as it gets. |
| 4th Avenue/Congress | I enjoy going out. I think there is plenty of great spots around Tucson to go out, particularly on 4th Ave and Congress. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Downtown | I think Downtown Tucson has great potential and the underdevelopment of that area has really disappointed me. |
| Roads | The roads around Tucson, particularly around the University are terrible. It makes a bad impression on the rest of the city when you're riding through potholes every 20 feet. |
| City Council | They don't do their job. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 70. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson is really UA country. Everyone has an interest in UA activities. | As a former athlete and UA graduate I am proud of our athletic programs and coaches. I expect the UA to continue to be an outstanding institution in Arizona and the PAC 10. |
| Great place to live. High quality of life. | I chose to retire here and live a healthy and reasonably inexpensive way of life during my "Golden Years." I continue to be close to my alma mater and support the Wildcats |
| Reconnecting with "Old Wildcats and friends from my college days. | Friendships never die. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tone down Mike Stoops sideline antics. | It is embarrassing to answer negative comments about his outbursts. I personally like what he has done for the program until now. TV cameras are watching for those eye catching moments. Not good PR and not good for future recruiting. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Camino Seco and Wrightstown 85715 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 71. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Quality education at U of A | Job creation |
| Quality education for k-12 | Give our children a chance at a bright future |
| Sense of community | Engaged donors to education and research |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Increase communication about why research is important to the U of A | Education and research make a quality University and increase jobs in the region |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Orange Grove and First 85718 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 72. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| University of Arizona | U of A is important to me because both of my graduate degrees were earned there. Also because the University is an integral part of southern Arizona and a willing partner to many activities - most recently the Festival of Books- as well as providing a plethora of artistic venues. |
| The caring of this community | The immediate response by citizens when there is a crisis anywhere. The ongoing work of the Community Food Bank and numerous non-profit organizations. |
| Climate | I love the 'dry heat'. The view of mountains any direction one looks gives a feeling of being in a protected environment. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Long range planning of the city leaders | In the 35 years I have lived in Tucson it has not progressed. Rio Nuevo - which has been renamed - is a prime example. |
| More protection of the scenic beauty of the area. | It is sad to see the beauty of the Catalinas - for example - marred by houses creeping up the foothills. |
| More emphasis on water conservation | It is concerning to see so many golf courses and high water usage landscapes when we have a finite amount of water available. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Ina/Oracle 85704 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 73. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| People are friendly. | When people are friendly you feel much more welcome at events and in the community in general. |
| People at the UA seem very hospitable. | When you attend events at the school you feel welcome and feel as though they are happy to have you there. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson needs to find a way to build its economic base. | The financial stability of a community is reflected in its ability to provide the amenities that make for a pleasant place to live, raise a family, recruit good faculty, etc. |
| Tucson needs to find a way to replace the baseball teams and what may be the loss of the gem show. | Tourism brings money into the community and helps to support the cultural amenities that make it a great place to live. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Sunrise and Swan 85718 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 74. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather. | Being from the midwest, I like the weather here in Tucson because one can go outside and be active most days of the year. |
| The beauty of the area. | Beauty in the mountains and desert plants makes for a "good" feeling and a special energy that one is part of all this. |
| The art/theater/sports for entertainment | I like to attend these type activities. That is why I chose a "University Town". |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Let the pros do the work. | The public golf courses should pay for pros to do the courses. It would save money in the long run and we could have some great city golf. Also, in city planning of new areas - let the pros do it, instead of each person on the city council trying to figure out what to do. We are running out of time. |
| Better public schools | There are many good teachers and students ,but what can we expect when we do not give them financial support. Our kids are our future leaders. We need smaller classes. |
| Clean up many neighborhoods and keep trash off the highway sides. | Tucson could become more beautiful if we could clean up some neighborhoods of junk, etc. could be a volunteer effort to help those who need it. Also, let,s keep trash off the sides of the beautiful roadways. I like to see nice things, and I also like to volunteer to help others. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Narajah and LaCanada 85737 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 75. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Family and friends | My family and friends reside in Tucson |
| University of Arizona | It's where I went to college. I love going to their sporting events, football and basketball in particular, to root for the Wildcats. |
| Weather | The weather allows plenty of outdoor activities, such as hiking and running. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Needs a freeway | It's difficult to get around Tucson in a timely manner. Tucson needs a crosstown freeway. |
| Build a baseball stadium and a 15,000 seat arena in downtown Tucson | We need to attract a Triple A franchise to Tucson and to bring more people to downtown Tucson. A baseball stadium with either downtown or mountain views will bring around 10,000 people to downtown Tucson. Additionally, a 15,000 seat arena with luxury boxes would attract concerts, a minor league basketball or hockey team, NCAA men's basketball tournaments, and possibly 1 or 2 UofA basketball games. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Ina and Shannon 85741 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 76. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather | It allows me the opportunity to do those things that I find important, such as sports, riding my motorcycle and enjoying the outdoors. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| There is a wide division among rich and poor | I think that for a community to be healthy, all segments should feel the same. There is much division among the classes and the wealthy have the power. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: 1-19 and Iverington 85746 // Years here: 44 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 77. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Small town feel | Tucson is a large city but still has that small town feel. We have everything a large city has to offer arts, music performances, broadway shows, college sports, etc. |
| Weather | Love the year round mild weather. This makes staying active and healthy attainable year round. |
| University of Arizona | My husband and I are both alumnae. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Education | I am not happy with the public education standards and lack of budgetary support from legislators. |
| Roads | I hate pot holes! |
| Illegal aliens | Secure our borders! |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Snyder & Kolb 85750 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 78. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | The desert and mountains are so beautiful, and the climate is pleasant, even in summer. |
| Size | Tucson is big enough to have cultural activities, but small enough to navigate. |
| History | Tucson has a unique history, with native Americans, Hispanic traditions, and anglo-American culture. I love being part of this. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Industry | Tucson needs to produce something other than copper. Phoenix has a high-tech industrial base. Tucson is all services, which keeps us low wage. |
| Transportation | We need a cross-town freeway, three lanes to Phoenix, light rail in town and to Phoenix. |
| Infill | We need to build some higher density housing closer to the center of town, instead of sprawling out so much. that would go with the transportation, and help us create more culture. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Oracle/River 85704 // Years here: 43 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 79. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The University of Arizona and the pride surrounding it | We have two children who attend the university. We do not live in Arizona. |
| The authentic, western feel and the size of Tucson | Tucson feels like a real town. It's not a place where growth is out of control and you see the same stores and eateries around every corner. It feels real. On the down side, it seems petty crime is out of control. That's a HUGE downside. |
| The purple sunsets. Seriously | We visit Tucson (to see our kids and attend football games) about 4 or 5 times each school year. We love the sunsets. Not to many towns have sunsets that turn the mountains purple. It's gorgeous. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Get rid of the petty crime on/surrounding the university | We pay a ton of money for our kids to attend the U of A. Both have had bikes stolen. One has had an apt. broken in to. It seems the same group of people prey on students year to year. This is the first year the U of A is taking bike theft seriously. |
| The university needs to be careful with admissions. Only allow the best and brightest. Money and business follow a highly educated population. | |
| Clean up the town (trash, landscaping, neighborhood ordinances) | We've thought about investing in Tucson real estate. It's tough because most areas around the university are such a mix bag. It doesn't seem there are neighborhood ordinances or maybe they just aren't enforced. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 80112 // Years here: 0 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 80. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's been my lifetime home and I love the town and the U of A | To be sure we continue to do the right things to keep it this way. |
| Great weather for year round outdoor activities | I enjoy outdoor activities and this is a great place for it. |
| The mostly friendly people | It makes things fun and exciting. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Elected officials who had an idea as how to manage the town effectively and efficiently | It's embarrassing to see how poorly we compare to Phoenix. |
| Improve the road system | The entire city is faced with poorly conditioned roads |
| Improve the community center and it's activities. | The center can't even compete with the Indian community for entertainment. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Swan and Ft. Lowell 85712 // Years here: 77 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 81. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Natural resources ie. desert, mtns etc | The ability to be in the midst of one of the treasures of the world |
| University of Arizona | To be in an environment of thinkers, problem solvers and future leaders |
| Weather | No snow storms, hurricanes, tornadoes |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation | Difficult to maneuver from east to west side of Tucson |
| Downtown vitality | Shopping, restaurants, culture which Tucson is deprived |
| Vision for the future | Get over the small town atmosphere and prepare for the future with a vision that encompasses private enterprise as well as govt |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: speedway and painted hills 85745 // Years here: 45 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 82. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Landscape/climate | We love to be outside and enjoy the sun and the sunsets here are the best anywhere! |
| Small town feel | We've lived in Southern California and there is too much traffic and so many people! |
| Local food & character | We love to eat mexican food and to experience the culture of Southern Arizona. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Better transportation corridor | Highway or expressway through the middle of town |
| More enthusiasm for sports | Tucson is a great place to play and get involved in sports. Especially to watch. There is no reason we shouldn�t be able to support a minor league baseball team, spring training, horse racing, etc. |
| Schools | We have very few options when it comes to quality schools and education for our children |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: campbell/sunrise 85718 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 83. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| University of Arizona | UA attracted me to Tucson with its renowned business school and other excellent programs. |
| University of Arizona Athletics | As a student-athlete, the program is one of the best athletic departments in the country. The support from the Tucson community and the ties between McKale and Tucsonans are incredible. |
| Downtown Tucson | I live close to downtown, and there is always something cool and fun to do that I have never seen before. The revitalization of the downtown area has greatly benefited me and really improved my quality of life. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 | |
| Survey: 84. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| University of Arizona | Because my son goes to college at UA |
| Hotels in the Tucson | Makes Tucson a great vacation destination. |
| Mountains that surround Tucson | Beautiful sunsets to look at every evening. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Make more areas in Tucson that are like the foothills | Adds more character to the city. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 85. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | I enjoy the year around weather for outdoors activities such as golf |
| Proximity to the U of A | Alumni, love the sports teams |
| Large town, but not too big | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Politics | Pima County is very left leaning, very anti business, which is keeping our economy and our overall vibrancy stalled |
| Elect people who understand business | Tucson City Council and Pima County Supervisors in general are people who have never met a payroll, and have no clue how real society works |
| National politics | We keep electing people like Giffords and Grijalva who do damage to this region. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: oracle,hardy 85705 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 86. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| We have the amenities of a big city, while still maintaining open spaces. | Both points enhance our quality of life. |
| Proximity to the U of A | I am a huge fan of education at all levels, and bleed red/blue for UA athletics. |
| There is something here for everyone. | Whether it's parks for kids, or senior league baseball, there is something here for everyone. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| I wish the community leaders, business leaders, and U of A leadership would sit down on a regular business to find common ground to help Tucson achieve its potential. | We have a wealth of talent and ability that continues to fail this community. People need to get over themselves and a lot of pettiness to work for a common good. |
| The support for public education in Tucson and AZ is sorely lacking. | Our future is dependent upon our next generations be provided the opportunities that will allow them to become productive citizens growing our community and our economy. Stymieing education at every turn only harms our future. |
| The city and county need to work as one to create a vibrant, active community where people and businesses actually want to move back into the city's center. | I had the opportunity to visit Miami FL in the early 90's, and while it wasn't the place I'd want to live, was impressed with the blend of old and new. I visited two years ago and was SHOCKED. Not only had the infill in the city totally changed the entire dynamic, it obviously provided business and job opportunities. I could only hope that sometime before I die in the next twenty years, that something positive actually happens about the regrowth and emergence of Tucson as a player for jobs, business, and schools that are given the tools to educate our kids. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Ina/Shannon 85741 // Years here: 42 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 87. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | I hate blowing snow at my age |
| Collegiate influence in town....sports environment | I believe it helps inspire my children to "want" to attend college. I enjoy attending the sporting events |
| Cost of living | Economics.....job market is terrible though |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Economy | Employment and economic survival |
| Employment diversity and wage strength | Employment and economic survival |
| City and regional government incompetency | Complete lack of leadership, vision, drive and ability to professionally manage. Local politics play too many favorites to cultural influences that destroy true community growth. Rio Nuevo, Tucson Electric ballpark location, lack of development and upkeep of the TCC |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Lambert and LaCanada 85737 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 88. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The beautiful mountains | I come from the midwest and to me the mountains are just beautiful to look at!!!! |
| Cultural diversity | We enjoy the Marachi Festival, Tucson Symphony, Arizona Opera, Tucson Pops and the U of A Presents, U of A Football, Basketball and Softball. We support all of these things!! |
| Desert Museum | We love the bird Aviary's, The summer evening programs, and see any wildflowers in the spring. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson Convention Center | This is the worst venue that I have ever had the misfortune to watch the Cirque de Soliel in, and I will never attend another event in this awful venue!!!! It is only a matter of time before the Tucson Gem Show leaves this lousy facility. |
| Centennial Hall | It is a disgrace to the U of A to have only two bathrooms in this facility, one for men and one for women. We went to see Mannhiem Steamroller last year and the line to the womens bathroom extended out the facility into the street!!!! |
| Downtown Tucson | Downtown Tucson looks like a slum!!! Congress St. looks like a bowery with bums, what's wrong with this cities leadership???? Looks to me like lack of leadership!!!! |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Desert Bell Drive and La Canada 85614 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 89. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Live theater,music and art scene | We enjoy attending concerts, and live theater, and going to art galleries and museums. We are not big TV watchers, so this is our alternative |
| Walking/hiking trails/paths | I enjoy being out in nature,especially with our great weather here, and the abundance and easy accessibility of trails or paths makes that very easy to do, with little travel time involved. |
| Great restaurants | Duh..we love to eat! |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Emphasis on funding education and more respect for educators | Without quality education at all levels (and I am not just talking about passing measurement tests) there is no future here, and without great teachers, there can be no quality education. More respect, and better pay, for teachers would attract enthusiastic, creative and dynamic people to the field. |
| More preservation of open space | . Viewsheds are one of our biggest assets here. That is what visitors always remark on. If that goes, then we are just another big city. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: broadway/camino seco 85710 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 90. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | It contributes positively to our health. |
| Mountains | They are beautiful! They declare God's creation!! |
| University of Arizona | It brings an academic climate that is stimulating and enhances a life time of learning. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| City of Tucson Elected Officials | They offer NO leadership. They are corrupt!!! They are professional thieves!!! Two examples: Look at downtown Tucson!!! Also, millions of misappropriation of funds with Rio Nuevo. They are unfriendly to small business! |
| Pima County Elected Officials | Ditto from above. They have thwarted business development in greater Tucson to the max. |
| Illegal Immigration/Drug Smuggling | The failure to address these issues has degenerated a wonderful community into a growing unsafe city/community/region that is a cancer that will destroy Southern Arizona!!! |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Tangerine & Thornydale 85658 // Years here: 74 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 91. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | Opportunity to do things outdoors nearly every day of the year. |
| Location | Location between the 4 sky islands is great for beauty and getting out and enjoying the locale. |
| Size | We're not Phoenix. Can identify with and know most of the city. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Better access to various neighborhoods. | Need better coordination of traffic lights to facilitate cross town traffic, both north/south and west/east. |
| Spring training | Puts Tucson on the map as a desirable winter vacation destination. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Saddlebrooke Blvd & HIghway 77 85739 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 92. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The University | Athletics Department |
| Weather | |
| Low cost of living | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More job opportunities | Need $ to support oneself |
| Improve roads | |
| Modernize city | |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Granada and St. Mary's 85701 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 93. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| University of Arizona | Great school. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Neighborhoods around UofA | People complain about students. Tucson would not be much of a town without UofA and students. |
| Police reaction to UofA students | People make lots of money off of UofA students and then call the police for every little thing. Tucson City Code, Section 13-32, unruly gathering of more than 6 persons. Many landlords rent to more than 6 students, putting tenants in violation just by renting. Complaints can be made anonymously and student tenants have very little recourse. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 0 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 94. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Great setting with the Catalina/Tucson Mountains | I grew up in Tucson out by Sabino Canyon and the foothill areas is beautiful. |
| University of Arizona - Highly ranked in many categories | Great school. I attended the U and my oldest daughter is now a freshman there. |
| Community | Growing up in Tucson, I still have many close friends living there. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| BUILD A FREEWAY SYSTEM | Tucson's lack of a cross-town freeway and loop system is city planning malpractice at it's finest! The poor road system in Tucson makes driving a nightmare in any part of town. |
| Attract some large employers | Tucson needs to get serious about attracting Bio tech and High tech industries and the quality of well paying jobs that come with them. Tucson can not thrive on service sector jobs for the masses. |
| Clean up the blight | Driving down any of the major East/West arteries shows nothing but badly aging strip malls. Provide serious incentives for owners to perform major renovations that look upscale and attractive! |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Guadalupe & Greenfield, Gilbert Az 85234 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 95. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | Other than the summer it is a great place to live wife and I manage to escape each summer to cooler climes. |
| U of AZ football, basketball(mens), semipro baseball | I enjoy following and reading about local sporting events. |
| It is a caring community. | I appreciate the Community Food Bank, Gospel Rescue Mission and my local church-congregation. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The city council. | I believe the Council has completely mis-managed Rio Nuevo and believe all but Cunningham & Kozachik should decline to run for office in the next election. |
| Improve funding for the entire educational system. | Our future depends on education and I feel we are falling short because of lack of funding. |
| ???? | |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Speedway/Pantano 85710 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 96. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| University of Arizona | An academic institution adds value to a community. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Downtown still needs to be revived. | A thriving city center connects the entire community. |
| Clean up the junk. | Tucson is very pocketed, i.e., good area, bad area, good area, bad area, etc. As a result, my neighbors and others do not want to leave their neighborhoods at night. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 97. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The "vibe" or atmosphere | It is comfortable living here. There is a strong educational component because of the University and the University adds a strong sports and cultural component as well. People care about their own quality of life and the quality of life of others who live here. The segments blend well: anglos & hispanics, young and old, long-time residents & newcomers. |
| Weather | I grew up in an area where I could be outside every day and the same is true of Tucson. The weather permits the freedom to conduct in door or outdoor activities all year round. |
| Diversity of activities | I like being able to do a variety of things, to try new things and to return to older things. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Stronger economic base | Too many people don't earn enough to have the best quality of life. This should be one of the solar capitals of the world. It would employ more people in jobs that are worthwhile |
| Combine city and county governments | I've been here almost 35 years and they were talking about that combination when I got here. Some things have merged but everything needs to merge |
| Treat all landfills as mines | Landfills are a problem. There aren't enough of them and they are filled with items that could be recycled or put to other uses. They should be looked at as mining opportunities and mined to recycle everything in there |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Thornydale & Lambert 85742 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 98. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It is the best kept secret in the US. | Tucson has so much to offer- the climate, the mountains, the ability to do almost anything outdoors for 350 days per year. |
| The business community | I arrived in Tucson 4 1/2 years ago and enjoyed the sense of business people helping other business people. The business community is very welcoming. |
| Tucson is a college town. | My family and I have embraced the Wildcats as the home team. We have not missed attending a home basketball or football game and have even traveled to road games to root them on. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Have the local government embrace business. | The region has so much to offer, but the government seems to reject the most important concept. In order to support a million people, there have to be jobs. There needs to be creative thinking in attracting corporate headquarters. I want my children to stay & work in Tucson! |
| Road Construction | Millions are spent to re-do roads with no improvement. How wide must bike lanes be? A perfect example is the latest construction on Sunrise- a 2 year disaster that did nothing but place large power poles to block the most scenic area in the region! |
| Non stop flights to the northeast. | The powers to be need to replace the direct flights to the New York metropolitan area. It is incomprehensible that a city of a million people does not have a direct flight to the nation's financial capital. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Sunrise/ Sabino Canyon 85750 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 99. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Lifestyle | Quality of life |
| Weather | The sun always shines |
| People | Great friends |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Leaders | Lack of strategic planning g... Rio nuevo as example |
| Business. Climate | Become more pro business |
| Education | Tusd is a disaster... Should have been broken up long time ago. Approach to districts needs Revamping |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Catalina hwy and harrison 85749 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 100. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather | Our climate promotes getting outdoors and getting involved in all sorts of activities. |
| It's a college town | Getting to see top notch athletics and top notch entertainment through UA Presents. |
| The people are friendly | If you show you care, others will reciprocate and interact with you |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The city needs a vision of what it wants to be and where it wants to go | I have watched Tucson flounder in its growth and development activities. There appears to be lots of lip service given to growth and development, but it is constantly in conflict with those who don't want things to change. Rio Nuevo is a good (best "how not to" example) case in point - lots of early huff followed by embarrassingly inept follow through. |
| Downtown development needs to happen. Just do it! | I would love to see the vibrancy of game day on University Blvd extend into downtown. When I go to U of A games, I meet friends before and after games for food and drinks. When I go to a downtown event, I usually have to plan dinner/drinks a fair drive away. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Oracle Rd and Tangerine Blvd 85755 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 101. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Multicultural | Hispanic, native American, "Anglo", western and other cultures - historically and present make Tucson interesting and fun. Lots of art and cultural events |
| Desert and weather | Dry and warm mountains |
| Close to Mexico | I love Mexico |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Protection of the environment | I love the desert - no water/rain no desert vegetation or animals |
| Better funding for arts | I love arts and culture |
| Better ua football team | Can we ever go to the rose bowl ? Win a bowl? |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Star pass & greasewood 85713 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 102. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| People of Tucson with Hispanic heritage | Tucson has a comfortable laid back attitude |
| Weather | Ability to enjoy out door activities |
| University of Arizona | Alma mater |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Improved attitude toward business | The community can not progress or flourish without a successful business community |
| Ease the ability to improve business, less regulation | As above |
| U of a football | Enjoy the games and want to see the program improve, with reach out to all youth and high school football players in the state and make them u of a fans that is where I believe fan base can grow, Have one non conference game with free tickets so that the experience can be enjoyed by a fan base that is already interested in football. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: swan,sunrise 18 // Years here: 48 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 103. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The people | The people in general are far more kind and laid back than in the Scottsdale/Phx area that I grew up in. |
| The University | I went to U of A from 2000-2004 and have so many great memories from there. I still find myself there for a game, a run, or to go out to eat on campus at least once a week. A lot of friends went back to Scottsdale, Chicago, L.A.....after graduation. Most are jealous that I'm still here and so close to UofA. I just wish there were better jobs available here for U of A graduates. |
| Outdoors | I've gotten into Triathlons, running groups, and hiking groups in Tucson that I have great friends and great experiences from enjoying. The weather and the restaurants would be 4th and 5th on my list. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Retain more U of A graduates | It's sad to see all these people fall in love with the University and Tucson only to find jobs elsewhere. |
| Traffic | Make it easier to get East/West across town. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Grant & Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 104. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The desert with the diverse habitat surrounded by mountains. | It's not Phoenix!!! |
| Friendly atmosphere | It's not Phoenix!!! |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| A forward thinking, informed local government. | Create a master plan that doesn't change with the political winds. |
| Have the UA become a school for all of Tucson. | UA has become or continues to be an elitist school that does little to support average students unless they are athletes. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Houghton and Escalante 85730 // Years here: 56 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 105. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | Year round outdoor activities |
| UA basketball | Basketball is my favorite sport. I grew up in Indiana where basketball was the only sport that mattered. I've been a Wildcat fan for almost 30 years. |
| Diversity | I believe in and appreciate the diversity of people and cultures in Tucson, |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The too hot summers | It's just miserable! |
| Traffic | Street traffic is so slow! I wish we had a cross town freeway or more parkways or ??? |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: St. Mary's & Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 106. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| That it is a good sized city that has retained a small town feel. | The community really pulls together to care for one another and deal with issues. |
| The accessibility of nature. | From mountains to river ways to watchable wildlife the Tucson area offers a myriad of outdoor opportunities which I highly value and enjoy. Plus, there is always something outdoors to enjoy no matter what time of year! |
| The cultural diversity and range of cultural events. | I hold the ability to learn about other cultures and people in high regard. The Tucson calendar is chock full of events, fairs, shows, and other assorted activities. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More parks and greenspace. | I thoroughly enjoy being outside and I know that it is important that everyone has access to fresh air in a safe place. Tucson is woefully deficient in park land. Connecting the linear parks along all our waterways is a big step. |
| Improve roadways. | Tucson needs a crosstown expressway to link east to west and north to south (on the eastside). By improving roadways I also mean not only for cars but for bicyclists and pedestrians as well. Tucson has a dearth of sidewalks which makes foot travel incredibly difficult. |
| Date of survey: Jan 06, 2011 // Home near: Sunset and Silverbell 85743 // Years here: 38 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 107. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The natural beauty | I moved to Tucson from a highly populated, urban area with no mountains. I marvel every day at how beautiful Tucson is. |
| It has a small town feel. | My former city was so large that even when you made a conscious effort to meet people, there were so many people responsible for so many different aspects of the community, it was extremely difficult to cultivate enough relationships to make an appreciable impact. |
| The cultural diversity | Having UA in town makes a big difference, as well as DM airforce base, a robust Hispanic culture, and transplants from so many places. Everyone feels welcome in Tucson. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Provide sidewalks and bike lanes all over town. | We have such a terrific climate for outdoor activities, but it's often dangerous to walk/bike around town. |
| High speed rail up to Phoenix | Tucson is never going to get the culture/arts/airport access Phoenix has. But a convenient, cost effective way to enjoy these things in Phoenix would be fantastic. I think it would be a huge financial boon to Tucson it this were available. |
| Have a city management that's more friendly to business | Tucson can't seem to get it management act together. There needs to more incentives to bring in business. |
| Date of survey: Jan 05, 2011 // Home near: Campbell & Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 108. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Small size | Not an overwhelming scale |
| Limits to development | Beautiful natural surroundings and preservation of historic architecture |
| Intellectual and cultural center | The University of Arizona |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Limit growth | Preserve natural setting |
| Eliminate poverty | Social justice for all |
| Improve job market | Full employment |
| Date of survey: Jan 05, 2011 // Home near: stone/speedway 85705 // Years here: 29 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 109. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Warm sunny weather | So i am not limited by the weather to do outdoor activities or work |
| Mount lemon | It is within driving distance so if i need to get away colder places i have a place to go easily |
| Mexican food | They are everywhere. and good. i live for food. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Public transportation | Can they make it more friendly, like newer bus for more frequent and highly used routes, cleaner vehicle, fewer roads, more bike lanes, more pedestrian friendly areas. more family oriented night life. |
| Better city and local government | With the budget problems, and the waste we hear about the rio neuvo project, the local government needs to step up the plate and be financially and socially responsible, and service oriented. and accountable to the citizens of Tucson |
| Natural resources | Parks and university and dm and raytheon, ibm , the mines need to coordinate and share resources. they are not separated from the rest of the community. the community needs to function as a whole. parks should be fee-free and be open to all, and treasured by all |
| Date of survey: Jan 05, 2011 // Home near: tucson and glenn 85716 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 110. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather | The nice weather allows me to do with my time outdoors. |
| Relatively light traffic | I've been in larger cities, and as poorly as Tucson drivers drive, commutes are not bad. |
| Housing is cheap | I can buy a bigger house for less money. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| So much...starting with the small town mentality. | The Tucson metro area has 1 million inhabitants. Stop treating it like a town! There aren't enough things to do, particularly arts and culture, that are representative of a city our size. Have to go to Phoenix to do serious shopping at decent places or to watch real opera. The small town mentality also means that we don't have the infrastructure to support a city our size because local politicians are insistent on keeping us small. |
| City streets | It's amazing how many Tucson streets don't have a middle/turning lane. The quality of the roads are awful. Again, the infrastructure is not there. |
| Events | I feel like Tucson focuses too much in the older population, the snow birds and retirees. Tucson needs to keep young people here to help move it forward. There is nothing that attracts/retains younger people once they graduate. Not enough jobs that interest young people, not enough events that keep them happy here. |
| Date of survey: Jan 05, 2011 // Home near: Irvington & Midvale Park 85746 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 111. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The outdoors, the natural environment | I enjoy being physically active and while I like to live in a larger city, I like quick access to areas that feel remote and free |
| Hispanic Culture and Community | While not Hispanic, the Mexican/Hispanic culture makes Tucson unique. Love it. |
| Winter ;) | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Poor cross-city freeways segment the city | I think freeways allow people to travel to and understand other regions more easily./ |
| The community is compartmentalized | There seems to be few links between the foothills, downtown, south Tucson, the west side etc. It's important to be interconnected to really take broad community action for change |
| Downtown | It's coming along, but more is needed |
| Date of survey: Jan 05, 2011 // Home near: Glenn/Swan 85712 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 112. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Cultural diversity | Exposure to cross section of humanity through festivals, lectures, and various social events bringing together diverse cultural members |
| University of Arizona | Various out-reach programs of an educational and cultural nature, especially tailored for retirees located outside the immediate university community |
| Recreational Activities/Weather | Access to various outdoor activities (hiking, biking, etc.) and spectator participation in various levels of athletics from public schools through the university programs |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation Mode Diversity | Implementation of mass transit (light rail, etc.) to out-lying population areas such as Oro Valley, Marana, etc. would reduce dependency on the private automobile. Such is especially important for the elderly, who may be limited in their ability to operate a vehicle. |
| Community Centers | Availability of community centers with diverse activities would create a sense of belonging, as well as enhanced feeling of well being through various programs and activities |
| Environmental Awareness | Emphasizing the importance of the environment in citizen's lives and the need to care for our natural surroundings through preservation of "green" space, various educational programs, etc. |
| Date of survey: Jan 05, 2011 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 113. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sun/weather | Beauty, able to do stuff outdoors most of year |
| Laid back character | Matches my personality |
| Alternative/natural healing and artistic community | I seek out holistic health practitioners for myself, my family and my pets and there are many great ones here. Being expose to the quality and quantity of art here is inspiring and uplifting. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Remove it from the state of Arizona. Just kidding but it is embarrassing sometimes to say you are from Arizona with Jan Brewer, SB 1070 and etc. | My values are democratic. |
| Remove much of the border influence. | I like the Mexican influence here but it is really a border city approaching the character of El Paso. |
| More smart grown and environmental policies. | The environment needs saving and this city will soon turn into a Phoenix if the sprawl is allowed to continue. Places, like Boulder, that limit growth are more valued. |
| Date of survey: Jan 05, 2011 // Home near: campbell & broadway 85719 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 114. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Scenery | The sky islands and lush Sonoran desert vegetation are unique to this area. |
| Spanish Colonial and Mexican influence | I enjoy walking around downtown Tucson with its plazas and historic buildings, it feels almost like I am in a foreign country. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation | First of all, the roads in Tucson and Pima County need some serious care and maintenance. Additionally, it is a real hassle to get around the city because there are no expressways. The interstates are only valuable if you are passing through. The area needs limited access highways through the heart of the city and its east side interconnecting with the freeway system. We are not a small town but we have small town infrastructure. |
| Safety | I don't feel comfortable walking around at night because there is no street lighting, even in the downtown area. Additionally, police are rarely seen patrolling potential high use areas, such as downtown. A bike patrolman or two would be a good addition. |
| Run down areas. | When I moved to Tucson, my wife said it was a dump. I told her it had character. After living here for a while, I agree with her, a large chunk of Tucson is a dump. But it doesn't have to be. These same areas do add character but need to be restored in order to attract people to the area and give them a sense of security. |
| Date of survey: Jan 04, 2011 // Home near: Interstate 10 and Highway 83 85641 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 115. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| An approach that values and includes indigenous cultures | The variety of cultures indigenous to our area of Arizona is one of the primary characteristics that sets off our community from other cookie-cutter communities that blanket areas of the United States. I enjoy the variety and flavor the cross-section of cultures add to our area. |
| The beautiful landscape, with desert, foothills, and mountains | It is important to me that we appreciate and nurture our unique native environment and allow the desert and foothills to flourish, maintaining interesting and lovely access trails to back country, and controlling urban spread that would simply turn this area into a sprawling city with few wilderness areas left. |
| Intellectual environment | I hope for a continued excellent rapport with the University of Arizona, and with scientists, such as astronomers to Kitt Peak, who seek out the ideal features of the area. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transition to planned and beautiful avenues throughout the city | We have such a beautiful setting here in the valley, surrounded by mountains. However some major routes seem so poorly planned and trashy/weedy, like they are lined with tired strip malls. Attractively landscaped avenues (desert-friendly plants, of course) would enhance the area for residents and visitors. |
| Improved resurfacing of many neighborhood roads | If you drive through certain lovely neighborhoods, the roads are smooth and well maintained. Drive through some of the other neighborhoods and you confirm that the approach is to just patch the holes as they happen (and the same holes eventually open up again). This makes quite a difference to the atmosphere of any neighborhood. Residents of every city probably ask themselves this: why are the most expensive neighborhoods the ones where the roads are so well maintained? Tucson isn't the only city with this problem, but doesn't have to fall prey to it. |
| Encourage more high quality jobs to come to the area | Although the city wants to encourage Walmart to open up more stores to add to the number of available jobs, we need much more than low paid retail positions to satisfy the wealth of underemployed talent in our community, and we would do well to encourage our college graduates to want to make Tucson their home. |
| Date of survey: Jan 04, 2011 // Home near: Broadway and Country Club 85716 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 116. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Setting & Climate. | Tucson is surrounded by natural beauty and has a very unique climate. While local growth can't affect the climate, it could negatively impact some of the natural beauty that is all around us, that which makes us unique. Any growth in this city should incorporate this unique environment. Design should play off our environment and open spaces should be used when at all possible. |
| Diversity | Tucson seems to be a diverse town in several ways. Our proximity to the border allows for a strong Hispanic community. Our climate allows for retirees to come here from all over the country. But Tucson also seems to have more political diversity than other towns in Arizona. This diversity is a strength that has yet to be developed. |
| Size | Tucson is the unique combination of a large city with a smaller town feel. Growth is inevitable, but I hope Tucson can keep this feel as we grow larger. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Attitude | Tucson has a serious self-confidence problem. People here do not see the many positive aspects of living here. Tucson is a gem that its residents fail to recognize. |
| Education | This likely is a comment seen in many towns across the state and nation. Education seems to have fallen out of favor, and its importance lost on parents and politicians. It will provide this city a solid workforce that could influence companies coming here. |
| Division | There is no regional sense of community. The foothills and South Tucson don't seem to see themselves as living in the same region. As a result, we have a ballpark in South Tucson that sits empty, and a major mall in the foothills that generates no taxes for the thousands of people who shop there. If this region is to thrive, the needs of the region must be put before the desires of the neighborhoods. |
| Date of survey: Jan 04, 2011 // Home near: 5th & Alvernon 85716 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 117. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Proximity to great hiking and natural scenery | My wife and I enjoy the outdoors. We live in midtown, but a thirty-minute drive takes us to trail heads in any of three directions from midtown. After ten minutes of hiking, we can--depending upon the trail--leave civilization behind and become immersed in solitude. |
| Sunshine | I was born and raised in Oregon. That explains it all. |
| Active theatrical and other cultural groups | We enjoy theatrical productions, and Tucson has a number of amateur groups that provide superb entertainment. (Tucson also has a good selection of fine independent restaurants, which make an evening out on the town even more enjoyable. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Aircraft noise | The residential neighborhoods of midtown Tucson are plagued with the noise of aircraft from Davis-Monthan as well as from the 162nd Fighter Wing. While D-M is crucial to America's defense and Tucson's economy, the city and the Air Force should work together to ensure the midtown residential neighborhoods are more livable. |
| A responsive and responsible local government | The city council members and the mayor--not to mention the city staff--fail to make the hard decisions that are necessary for the long-term well being of Tucson. Rio Nuevo and the budget problems are two egregious examples of this. |
| Water | Tucson ignores our dwindling water supply, and instead continues to welcome housing developments (temporarily halted due to the economic conditions) that will exacerbate the shortage. As with so many other local problems, Tucson prefers to pretend that this problem does not exist. |
| Date of survey: Jan 04, 2011 // Home near: Speedway & Tucson Blvd. 85716 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 118. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate and setting | Beauty |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Bring it into the 20th Century | This is the 21st Century. Tucson has stood still since I moved there in 1949. What is the old adage? If you aren't moving forward, you are moving backward. |
| Date of survey: Jan 04, 2011 // Home near: 6th & 6th 85705 // Years here: 22 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 119. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Educational Opportunities | UofA, Pima College, charter and private schools. An educated community is a healthy community |
| Cultural Variety | We have a wide variety of artistic/cultural events/attractions. More than many cities much larger than ours |
| Sense of community | Small town feeling |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Jobs | More variety of employers - more manufacturing, private sector jobs; less dependence on governmental jobs |
| Improve public safety | Rapid response of first responders, reduce crime (major and minor) |
| Save our open spaces | We need more parks, safe places for kids/families. If we don't save it now, it will be lost |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Broadway/4th Ave 85701 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 120. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Having traveled by auto in all 48 states many times and growing up 14 minuted from NYC - Tucson is less citified than most other places and we need to KEEP it that way | No response |
| Most important is the fact that Tucson is basically surrounded by mountains, and this is a major redeeming factor | Visual relief |
| I can get away from it every year to a different part of the country to revive my drooping spirits | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Keep it small, prohibit growth | No response |
| Do some kind of poll or public education regarding available jobs that one is willing to take- then figure how to import labor without giving citizen rights to non-citizens and their families. First provide and make available those rights to U.S. citizens without all of the hassle | |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Years here: 35 | |
| Survey: 121. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Mountain Views | Spaces |
| Education | History and elective |
| Public Safety | Police and Court |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Civic duties for our youth | Keep our youth in our community |
| Advanced education and recreation for kids | Advanced math, science, middle and high school |
| Public safety | Have our police and youth work together |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Old Spanish Trail 85641 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 122. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson is the most liberal/progressive city in AZ | Because I feel a progressive society fosters free thoughts and values tolerance |
| Research city | Technology saves lives and moves humanity forward |
| Support art and culture | Encourages creativity and boosts learning |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The influence the few wealthy have over the rest of society | It is unfair and they generally only lookout for themselves by exploiting the less fortunate |
| All the magical thinking that influences our society | It creates a lack of understanding about the world we live in |
| Bigotry | Promotes hatred and fear, holds us back as a city state, and country |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell/Grant 85745 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 123. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| I love congress st and 4th ave | I think that this part of the city exudes so much energy. i love seeing the people walking, the musicians on the street at night. second Saturdays are a great idea. its fun to come out and explore this are often. |
| Hiking in the desert | Hiking in the desert is a true local thing. its one of those things that can only be done here. no where else in the country can it be done this way |
| Walking in the old neighborhoods | Armory park, barrio viejo, dunbar springs, downtown, el presidio to name a few |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Public transportation | I have made the choice to NOT own a car. i use my bicycle everywhere i go but i would like to have more flexibility when i can't use my bike. more bus lines more often. |
| Keep Tucson dense, not spread out | I don't like that Tucson is becoming more and more suburban. i like things to be concentrated in one place. nice and dense. |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: 4th ave and 18th street 85701 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 124. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The beauty of the environment. | I love that we have clean air, blue skys and beautiful surrounding mountains. The desert is amazing! |
| The diversity of culture. | I appreciate all the diverse cultural events - Greek Festival, Dia de San Juan, Native Pow Wow. |
| Year round exercise and recreation. | I love that my family can spend as much time outdoors - swimming, biking, hiking. We can go to Sabino Canyon to swim and hike, bike at Sahuaro National Park and drive up Mt. Lemmon for snow and cool air. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Revitalize downtown! | We need to create a central location in Tucson that will draw concerts, cultural and sports events and BUSINESS!! |
| Road congestion. | There has to be an easier way to cross town! |
| Safer roads | There are way too many fatal accidents in Tucson. I'd like to see ways to make our roadways safer! |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Golf Links/ Houghton 85730 // Years here: 39 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 125. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The desert/mountain environment | It gives me a feeling of space and thus of my individual possibilities and being. |
| It's a "little" big city | I was born here in 1952 and some aspects still "feel" the same to me. Pretty nostalgic. |
| Older folks | I find them mostly wise and easy to talk to. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation | It's hard to get around via car: potholes, poor left turn lanes, few bus pullouts, no east/west freeway. |
| The tax rate | I guess the folks who set these things and the folks who vote for them don't know that taxes are passed on to consumers. I pay more and I don't like it. |
| Business UNfriendliness | I know many small businessmen and women and to a person they tell me that they have had loads of problems with the city government. I, myself, am a small business person and I have as well. |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Years here: 58 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 126. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Year round outdoor activities | I love being able to be out of doors all year to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine |
| Blending of the anglo and latin ways of life | It feels good to have a wider base of understanding of cultural values |
| Looking at the mountains. | It is simply beautiful here |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Each resident would have access to quality education | Each child deserves a good start in his/her life |
| More assistance for those living in poverty | It is personally sad to see people living on the streets |
| More dedication to the arts | A community needs to have time and money devoted to beauty |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 127. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the outdoor beauty | So different from anywhere else. Beautiful |
| Small town feeling | Lived in a big town, and enjoy the smaller towns |
| Affordable housing | To live |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Border issue- drugs and criminal activity | Safety |
| Nothing much going on downtown, and if there is, it's not very safe | Safety |
| Need more major sports teams | Entertainment |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Ina/Thorneydale 85741 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 128. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Small town | Not congested like Phoenix |
| Weather | Good weather for outdoor activities |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Roads | Fix traffic around town |
| Bring more sports (professional) into town | Outdoor activities, for families will bring more jobs to the public |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Irvington/Campbell 85706 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 129. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Parks and outdoor recreational areas | It is important for the overall mental and physical health for a person to exercise. I love being able to go to a public place to walk/hike or throw the football around with friends |
| Local merchants | There are a lot of owner operated/community supported shops and restaurants. I like that corporate franchises do not dominate |
| National parks | Desert museum, Sabino Canyon- I feel it's important to preserve the natural habitat/environment |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Public transportation/traffic | Driving to work there is a lot of gridlocks from the pedestrians and buses. Don't have have safe above traffic crosswalks, lots of accidents are constantly occurring for mid-traffic crosswalks |
| Greenery | There are a lot of walls and rocks to "beautify," but more palm trees and oleanders that green to me makes for a more beautiful scene as well as improves air quality |
| Crosstown freeway | The freeway should better incorporate the inner city so traffic is streamlined |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Swan/Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 130. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sunsets | I love the views |
| Mountains | Nice quick getaway |
| Family | Most of my family is here |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The roads | Traffic sucks! We need wider roads |
| New houses | We need to preserve our land and stop building |
| School systems | Why does Vail have such a better school system than Tucson? |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Irvington/Pantano 85730 // Years here: 29 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 131. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The mountains | They are beautiful and bring a sense of place |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Freeways | Because the transportation is horrible |
| Streetlights | It's too dark |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 132. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Desert environment | Beauty |
| Open space | Need to keep the recreational purposes and beauty |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Controlled growth | To preserve the beauty of our environment and natural growth |
| Better transportation | To commute to Phoenix easier. Less congestion in town. Transportation to out skirts of town. Operate train service |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Old Father/Magee 85741 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 133. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather and Nature and natural preservation | Don't have to worry about natural disasters. Enjoy the weather |
| Old town history | History |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Crime level | Safety |
| Public Schools | Need more: too many kids, not enough education |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Mission/36th 85713 // Years here: 52 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 134. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Affordable housing | Affordable housing is available for individuals transitioning from shelter/homeless |
| Health focused | Bike lanes, children activities offered in the community |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation | Travel 15 miles- takes 45 minutes. Bus for clients' employment goals |
| Ex-offender services | Housing, health, food stamps and not available/coordinated for individuals entering our community |
| Education | Poor ranking in national stats leads to a long-term impact on economic stability |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 135. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| My family | Roots |
| Weather | I hate the cold |
| History | Defines who people are |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Politicians | Most people who make laws do not realize the impact it makes on others |
| Medical insurance qualifications | Low-income families who barely get by "over qualify" |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: 6th/Irvington 85714 // Years here: 29 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 136. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Blue sky and mountains | No response |
| Access to nature | |
| Weather | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Way roads are planned and made | No response |
| School educational system | |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Houghton/Irvington 85730 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 137. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The natural beauty - mountains, desert | Appreciating and taking care of nature |
| The weather and outdoor recreation | I love to spend free time outside- enjoying fresh air, sunshine and exercise |
| The laid back lifestyle/the diverse population from all over US and different countries | I like that Tucson is a big city but does not feel too big and impersonal. I love that we get to live in a beautiful resort destination that attracts people of all ages and backgrounds. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Clean up (remove weeds, trash) keep mountain views and open areas, parks a priority | I dislike Phoenix area by contrast -BIG city with too much paving, minimal views, minimal open areas, minimal nature sightings in neighborhoods and when playing golf, etc. |
| More bike paths, walking trails that connect the city | I grew up in Ft Collins Co. We could bike or walk safely from one end of the city to the other - promotes biking and walking - healthy lifestyle |
| Clean up downtown and unsightly run down hotels, motels, etc. Attract more healthy businesses to help Tucson compete with larger cities (design, architecture, concerts, art, etc) | A location as beautiful as Tucson should be healthy vibrant and ALIVE! I have lived her for 12 years and have seen minimal changes that improve Tucson business and aesthetics. |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: tangerine 85755 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 138. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Mixed-use, high density housing areas | Builds better communities that are safer and less transient |
| Bi-lingual education (i.e. Davis Elementary) | Improved learning and diverse skills for our youth in a global society |
| All Souls' Parade and Medical Marijuana | Meaningful community, gathering, and celebration. Refocus on medication |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More opportunities for youth - sports, classes, alternative activities with longer hours available at low or no cost | Youth are our future |
| More public access restrooms/showers/fountains for the homeless | To support the populations that don't have access to these and are not able to use business facilities |
| Better oversight of city finances and agencies using these funds | I support less fraud and more agency transparency in government |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: I-10/Congress 85701 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 139. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| No response | No response |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Have more free places for children and teens to hangout and keep busy | I have 4 kids. I want all the kids to have a safe place to go and do fun and safe things |
| Raise minimum wage | It takes more money to live comfortably |
| Lower rent | Some people do not have the credit to own |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 140. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather, owls | Not too cold, not too hot. Important to the desert |
| Close to the border | My family |
| Downtown Saturday nights and 4th Ave | It brings people together in one area |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More parades; such as the All Souls' Procession | It brings the creativity out in people |
| More Saturday night downtown festivals | It brings the community together |
| More sports activities for kids | They are our future |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Broadway/Campbell 85719 // Years here: 29 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 141. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Open Spaces | Tired of living in crowded cities |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Need a crosstown freeway | Faster access to east/northeast part of the city |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Valencia/Ajo 85735 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 142. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The small town feeling | When I first moved to Tucson I enjoyed the sense of community by Tucsonans felt toward one another |
| The liberal atmosphere | I strongly feel that liberal ideals help move areas forward and conservative values create stagnation |
| The use of green technologies in city services | I feel that the use of green technologies keeps Tucson moving forward with appropriate economic growth opportunities |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The lack of focus on strong public educational program | We have problems in our community with brain drain. People leave Tucson because they have little options educationally |
| Higher Property taxation | We need more revenue to produce more services at a better quality level (excluding education since that is not the city's responsibility) |
| More coordination with community resources to improve cultural services | We could increase our cultural opportunities and more museums and music |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Houghton/Camino Del Toro 85641 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 143. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Small Town Feeling | Community |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More public transportation | More and longer routes, to Green Valley and Marana |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Years here: 50 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 144. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Proactive social services community | We must take care of our people first in order to maintain a strong foundation |
| Affordable housing | It is very reasonable |
| Tightening of the borders | We can't take of the Mexicans. Make them take care of their own! |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Better education - no more illegals | It's our future |
| Better transportation | Employment is limited if you can't get there |
| Better urban planning | No trolly |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Irvington/Midvale 85746 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 145. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Landscapes | Soulful experiences, sport activities, family time, leisure, inspiring for my work as an architect |
| General attitude of people | Less stressing out than other places, yogi-artist-outdoors-spirituality mentalities, great exchanges that inspire and help in personal progress |
| Time to focus | Time to focus on the essential stuff in life, less stressful schedules, healthy living, minimal time on commutes |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Contain sprawl | Contain the visual and actual pollution of the desert and climate - the reason why most people live here.. |
| Densify the centers | Develop housing forms that allow landscape experiences in dense urban settlements, collective stewardship model for the landscape, make downtown a lively place |
| Maintain important characteristics while growing | Maintain the artistic character, keep at an inspiring place for artists, musicians, writers etc. - keep the specifics, while allowing for growth (esp. economic growth) |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: stone and broadway 85701 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 146. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's my home and my friends are here | If all of my loved ones left, I might move to be around them, but otherwise, no. I have a sense of being loved here |
| Weather, open spaces, and the blue sky | I spent time in Virginia and found the weather and the green suffocating |
| Cost of living | This community is more affordable than many |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Use resources to keep our city clean and safe. Clean up ugly areas; keep graffiti cleaned up | Areas that are kept up keep crime down and make for a better overall city |
| Have more easily accessible recreational facilities | Children and families need to be able to get out in nature and exercise and enjoy each other. It is healthy for the body and soul. The Rillito River trail is an example of a place where people can get outdoors. |
| Keep central neighborhoods free of infill that encourages the 'rental results' | It is very discouraging to watch neighborhoods that used to be pretty family areas turn into dorms and crack houses |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Grant/Mountain 85719 // Years here: 55 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 147. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Environment, history and culture of the region. | The uniqueness of this region in all of these areas. |
| The presence of The University of Arizona. | Affords access to higher education and services provided by the university. |
| The Sonoran Desert Museum. | This, along with the proximity of both state and national parks, offers an opportunity to learn about and explore our unique environment. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson's road system. | The roads in this region are way behind those in Maricopa County due to a lack of emphasis on funding and taxation. |
| Increased support for education in the public schools. | The lack of funding for local schools hurts our ability to attract businesses, leading to a lack of growth. |
| Rail system to Phoenix. | In comparison to other states, Tucson and the state need to be more committed to a regional rail service. |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Naranja and La Cholla 85737 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 148. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Diversity of communities | Interesting, like to learn about different cultures and traditions, like history, different languages and practices |
| Desert | Hiking, weather, interesting flora and fauna, horseback riding, heat |
| Small region | Having come from a big city back east, Tucson is easy to get around, not much traffic, everything within reach |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Protect historic communities from predatory developers | I live in one, and it's being overrun by minidorms |
| Public transportation | I would make this better, I would use it more, it's more sustainable |
| Improve water conservation | Tucson will run out of water soon |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: grant and mountain 85719 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 149. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Diversity of things to do and eat! | I like to eat! |
| Natural beauty of the area and access to recreation. | I am a huge nature lover. |
| Air quality compared to other large cities. | I dislike excess light pollution. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Compete better with Phoenix with activities. | All things such as aquariums, new stadiums, and such all go to Phoenix. Seems like state funding should be more spread out. We need things to bring in people. Be it a six flags amusement park or casinos downtown. |
| More job growth. | I personally have not been affected as far as work from the economic downturn however job growth does increase wages. This is due to increase competition for workers. |
| An east to west light rail on Golf links or Broadway. | Light rail would be convenient. |
| Date of survey: Jan 03, 2011 // Home near: Harrison and Golf Links 85730 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 150. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Arts | Music and shows in several venues |
| Business Mix | Very of what I need I have to get from out of the area |
| Golf Courses | Variety and accessibility |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Require Vehicle Safety Inspections | Gets bad vehicles off the road and requires people to fix burned out lamps and signals. It would also be a source of revenue for the city/county |
| Access to our Supervisors and Council | I asked a question of the Dist 4 supervisor about the feasibility of storm culverts and was passed on to a functionary that never returned my eMails or calls |
| Traffic Patterns | Making sensible changes that gives drivers a sense that our traffic managers know what they are doing. An example of this lack of management is Catalina Hwy and Tanque Verde. Closing two lanes East rather then closing one lane East and allowing two lanes NE to Catalina Highway |
| Date of survey: Jan 02, 2011 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 151. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather | It's great. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Infrastructure/traffic | It is ridiculous to get from on side of town to the other. We need express ways/freeways |
| Business climate | The city is so anti-business, we will never attract good employers until things change. |
| No vision | We always play catch up. |
| Date of survey: Jan 02, 2011 // Home near: Oracle-First 85737 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 152. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather for 6 cooler months | Makes it easy to get around, nice to be outside |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Stop growing the population | Crowds produce hassles, pollution, street engorgement |
| Date of survey: Jan 02, 2011 // Home near: Broadway/Country Club 85716 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 153. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's diversity. | It is the "feeling" I get when wandering through town. It is not all the same, however I believe that Tucson does try to create a welcoming environment. Just like they did for me when I moved here in 1986. |
| Our art, culture, music and food scene. | I have seen Tucson move in the same direction as most of the country. Embracing culture from all over and celebrating our differences, like "The Tucson Meet Yourself". |
| Our natural setting. | I want our government to realize the wealth of our desert and to protect it for future generations. Pulling the reins on development, mining, and urban sprawl will be a major component in Tucson's future. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The need to be pioneers in properly training and preparing our young parents to raise responsible and productive Tuconans. | This has to be done by emphasizing on education beyond high school, parenting classes for our teen parents and the large number of grandparents raising their grandchildren. Industries must also receive tax incentives to set up in Tucson, (New Mexico had become a Hollywood favorite for films because of the big tax breaks the state gives them), and creating partnerships with high schools and internship programs. Our children are our future and it is our responsibility to mold them to be the citizens that Tucson needs. |
| The Rio Nuevo Project | Scrap the original idea. Yes it is important to keep the history of the area, but it should be incorporated with an amusement park with interactive/educational exhibits, and fun rides like a "mining" roller coaster. There is NO major ride park in Arizona, why not make Tucson the first one! |
| The racial tensions towards Mexican Americans | Just because our heritage is from Mexico, it does not change the fact that I am an American. I vote, pay my taxes, give back to my community and I am raising my children to do the same. The animosity I feel from non-Mexican citizens or visitors is apparent and heartbreaking. |
| Date of survey: Jan 02, 2011 // Home near: Broadway/Pantano 85710 // Years here: 27 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 154. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sense of the weird. Spirit of place. Aspirations. | Many settlements do not have these features and are therefore without the inspiration to tackle issues like sustainability, community, and what constitutes a good society. On the other things, aspirations take you only so far. Execution is equally important. In that we are lacking. |
| Natural setting. | Without its mountains and deserts, Tucson would be just another low plains city. It wouldn't be Tucson. |
| Multiracial lineage. The Indian/Spanish/Mexican/Southwest contribution is tremendous | The mix of cultures here is essential to the Tucson identity. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Make futures planning a No. 1 priority, not a sideline to the day-to-day administrative and business activities. | The future sense in Tucson is pathetically undeveloped. Life here's all about the past. Okay, it's a fine past, but what about the future? No one I've met can provide a compelling image of the future Tucson. |
| Walk the talk. | Of all the good ideas enunciated here at public meetings, chamber of commerce events, art scenes, the university, in the press and online, about 1% are realized. Of all the places I've lived, Tucson is the most disappointing display of civic/business/community inaction I've yet encountered. |
| Get the UA out of its ivory tower. | What a crappy university. Big on sports. Low on community spirit. The Book Festival is the first and only successful interface between the UA and the general community. It's nice that the UA gives tours, offers to help entrepreneurs, and commercializes its R&D. Most Tucsonans know UA only as a source of sports. The institution seems incapable of expressing an opinion on anything that's favorable to the City. It's totally self-centered. |
| Date of survey: Jan 02, 2011 // Home near: River and 1st 85704 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 155. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The outdoor space in relation to the "city" | Can still see all 4 mountain ranges, sky islands and they are only a relatively short drive away. |
| The neighborhoods with their individual characteristics | Each area is fairly distinct to some degree-would like to see many more little neighborhood parks-they are such a great gathering place and informal way to meet and talk to others. I believe these spaces afford and promote more physical activity as walking, walking the animals, bike riding. |
| The cultural diversity-many cultures maintaining their distinct features and the sharing of the culture is a great opportunity we have in Tucson | I personally would like to learn more by listening/speaking with people from different cultures etc in a non-judgmental but educational-experential presentation. Like Tucson meet yourself but focusing a week or month for each culture/ region to be represented from food, culture, dance, music, beliefs, tales or cultural lore . |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation | I do not use the public transportation as there is ONLY the bus system. I prefer a "green" transport system like elec trains above the ground (can't dig deep enough or get the needed space and easement for a underground system as in Boston, Europe. I prefer we Look hard at raised transportation system that has multiple lines and stops and that is faster than our current bus system. It took > 35 minutes to ride the bus the 3.7 miles from my house to work due to the waits @ connections. |
| Recommend increased use of SOLAR technique to generate power. I recommend that all public buildings city, county, state, federal, courts, Dept of corrections etc all have SOLAR as their PRIMARY means for energy. Wind would be a great option as well in areas out of the city | We need to utilize the major resources we have free at our disposal ie sun and wind. Need to look to the future ie how to combine this "green" techniques with the power generating techniques of the future - nuclear fusion for example |
| The governments have been run by the "good ole boys network" for much time. We need to evaluate term limits ie 1-2 terms only for all elected and appointed official in Tucson City and Pima County governments. | I have seen too much "who you know" in Tucson, ie my nephew�s business is the low bid for this county contract to build/restore. It is sad in this day and age that we operate in that mentality rather than the futuristic concept of technique, spend a bit more today and save in the future due to quality and advanced planning. Look at Rio Nuevo what a fiasco and embarrassed for Tucson and great waste of tax payers $$$ for what? They did not listen to their constituents- small, tasteful, cultural center. They Got caught up in the politics of it all. |
| Date of survey: Jan 01, 2011 // Home near: Broadway/Alvernon 85711 // Years here: 56 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 156. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | Enjoy the mild winters |
| Friendly atmosphere | People are outgoing, reciprocate my efforts to communicate; have time to socialize |
| City is not to large | Easy to get around by auto |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Residential zoning | Owner occupied manufacture homes in Tucson and surrounding residential neighborhoods among existing residential homes and not restricted to "mobile home" parks. |
| Public transportation | Expand the network of buses in the greater Tucson area and increase the hours that buses run on their routes so people could take advantage of activities that extend into the late evening hours. |
| Change traffic rules to allow electric carts to operate on Tucson and neighboring streets | The ability to get to grocery store, pharmacy and malls without use of a car or bus that does not service my home withing a quarter of a mile. |
| Date of survey: Jan 01, 2011 // Home near: N. 1st and Orange Grove Road 85718 // Years here: 54 // Born in the: 20s | |
| Survey: 157. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's charm and history | That's what makes Tucson unique |
| The weather | So many possibilities since activities can be planned for almost any day of the year |
| The people are really nice | The people are open to suggestions and change |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The job prospects | It's a low-wage area. Money dictates all other choices. |
| Teaching methods | Our children are not prepared for the future or for getting good jobs in other states (they can always return to Tucson and bring their job skills with them but as it is, we don't see an influx of people with great skills passing those skills on to their children or interns. |
| More opportunities to start a high-class business | We have way too many bars and tattoo parlors and not enough other businesses. Bars and tattoo parlors do not attract big investors and don't create workers with a wide range of marketable skills transferable to other businesses. Too many of our young people are drunk and over-tattooed which makes it harder to get good jobs and does not contribute to a professional atmosphere for Tucson. |
| Date of survey: Dec 31, 2010 // Home near: Speedway and Columbus 85711 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 158. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sunny warm weather and surrounding nature/ wilderness | I love nature, wildlife and the wilderness. I feel that Tucson offers that even within the city limits, which is wonderful. Surrounding mountain ranges are beautiful. The weather is great in Tucson! I came from the mid-west where there was too much snow, gray clouds, and cold weather. |
| Unique stores and restaurants | Nationwide chains aren't authentic. I feel that Tucson has a lot of Mom & Pop stores that are unique and offer people options that they can't find at big chains. Unique restaurants in Tucson can't be found anywhere else-- that adds "specialness" to Tucson. |
| Easy to get around | It's easy to drive around town, or ride my bike because of the bike lanes. I can also take the bus if I so choose to. The roads are easy to use because of "the grid" pattern. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More Water Conservation! | We live in the desert, where water is not abundant. People need to be more conscious about saving and preserving water. They also need to use water more than once if possible. I feel that individual people as well as businesses and companies need to do more to conserve water. |
| Use more renewable energy sources | Use more solar and wind power! We are in a great location to use these forms of energy and we should harness that. I believe we can live well without polluting as much as we have been. |
| Stop the Sprawl! | Stop building into the desert and stop the expansion. Instead, focus on building the city without expanding too much if possible. I don't want to destroy the natural desert and the habitat surrounding Tucson. Sprawl just makes it harder to get around town and it takes longer. It's better to contain the city, so it does not destroy surrounding nature. |
| Date of survey: Dec 31, 2010 // Home near: Broadway & Rosemont 85711 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 159. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | No hurricanes, tornadoes, ice storms, etc |
| Location | I-10, while imperfect, provides quick access east & west |
| Views | The mountains ringing this area are pretty awesome, except where zoning allows blockage |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Road planning for the future | Rebuilding poorly implemented road plans every 10 years or so is stupid in the extreme |
| Over sight | Tax monies are collected without knowing really where they are spent |
| The airport | Having an international airport with no scheduled international flights is weird |
| Date of survey: Dec 31, 2010 // Home near: oracle & calle concordia 85737 // Years here: 38 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 160. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Genuine, courteous, & friendly people | Having traveled for a living most of my life, I've found that the people around you make the biggest difference in whether I enjoy my environment. |
| Natural and mostly untouched beauty | Enjoying God's creation is one of the best pleasures in life. |
| easy airport and excellent community college and university | We travel several or more times per year for business and pleasure. A stress-free predeparture and post arrival "port" minimizes unnecessary travel hassles. My wife has attended both nationally-recognized as well as local, community colleges. The level of higher education and teacher-to-student commitment level surpass those. The ability of these schools (Pima & UofA) to make a student feel comfortable in a challenging and new environment is exemplary |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Freeway connecting the East to West side or a loop | Because Tucson is so spread out, it takes an inordinate amount of time to get from one end of town to the other due to lack of freeway infrastructure. |
| Too much crime | Everyone prefers to live safely and securely. The spillover benefits are obvious in attracting others and their businesses to the area. |
| Improve small business development efforts | I've been self employed all my life. Even though my client base is national in scope, I still keep my "business home" in Texas due a stronger, cheaper environment. |
| Date of survey: Dec 29, 2010 // Home near: Wade & Ina 85743 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 161. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Feels like a "small town" tho it's over 1 million metro | It feels friendly. I run into people I know all over the place, like the bank. |
| It's close to the outdoors | I get spiritual renewal in nature. I don't have to drive far. The sky islands give a variety of climates simply by driving about an hour. |
| It's a progressive university town | There is a cultural variety and general acceptance of diversity. I'm concerned it won't last - intolerance seems to be rising. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Orient growth to transit | I like mixed use - small shops, sidewalk interactions, places where the lawyers and hobos know each other out of court. |
| Invest in shade | The weather is great - even in the summer - but there needs to be shelter from the blistering sun. Downtown awnings, especially along south sides of streets. Bus stops are ridiculous. Orientation for shade rather than paralleling the streets would help on north-south routes. |
| Free wifi. | I'd like to be able to access information about my location just by opening my laptop. It can go a long way towards getting us out of our car dependence - I wouldn't have to walk so far. |
| Date of survey: Dec 29, 2010 // Home near: Campbell-Grant 85719 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 162. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's a quirky, independent, unique community | I'd like to see Tucson accommodate the growth that it has experienced, and probably will continue to experience in a way that preserves and even enhances it's uniqueness |
| Green ethic | Tucson is a desert city and I appreciate that there's at least a sense that our resources are unique and limited |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| I would like to see more urban revitalization and not just in the downtown area | I live on Broadway across from the Park Mall and its an area that is semi-vibrant, but is lacking in unique sense of place. I moved to this area from Campbell/Grant and I think that's an area outside of downtown that is more like what I am envisioning. I enjoyed living in that area. |
| Education | Personally, I have a two year old child and I struggle to find a decent elementary education option for her, particularly as I want her to be well-educated in math and science. Also, improving education helps the region attract and retain young professionals and their families which I hope will help Tucson thrive |
| Sustainability | I'd like to see Tucson exist in a way that is compatible with its character as a desert city, conserving its limited resources (water) and using its abundant ones (like sun) to its advantage |
| Date of survey: Dec 29, 2010 // Home near: Broadway/Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 163. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The community is finally saying "no" to developers. | For years there has been no forward planning in our community. Now finally people are understanding that the desert is worth preserving. |
| Bike lanes and public transportation. | For too long car dealers had too much influence over the political decisions regarding our community. At last this is waning. |
| Historic districts. | Tucson has an abundance of historic districts. These are to be encouraged. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The city should condemn El Con Mall. | This mall is a blight in the center of town. It should be rebuilt as mixed use retail/residential and the adjoining neighborhoods should be reunited as one. |
| Create a green belt around the city. | Very soon Tucson will become just another suburb of Phoenix. Thank God the recession has slowed this down, but for how long? |
| Initiate a criminal investigation of Rio Nuevo. | Downtown Tucson - what a mess. First bulldoze the convention center and then build adobe houses on streets with local stores. Demolish the Stalinist superior court and adjoining government buildings. A real downtown has places for people to live, work and play and then WALK home. |
| Date of survey: Dec 28, 2010 // Home near: Broadway/Alvernon 85711 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 164. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Commitment to connected open space | Tucson's large areas of undeveloped Sonoran Desert, along with expanding trail networks connecting them, are what make Tucson special; they provide its sense of place. It's not just another low-density city that happens to be hot and dry much of the year instead of cold and wet. |
| Progressive mindset | Pima County, some years back, considered installing a growth boundary to limit rampant over development and encourage compact, sensible development patterns. It didn't pass, but had good success . . . indicating the values many Tucsonans hold dear. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Remove politics from zoning. | Establishing a planned growth process for the metro area, instead of the leapfrog development of past decades, could rein in sprawl and put an end to overbuilding . . . helping prevent another housing bubble and meltdown. It would also encourage better-planned development. |
| Further encourage housing downtown. | Tucson's historic downtown is key to what Tucson is -- funky and unique. Let's promote that, instead of allowing Tucson to degenerate into Anyplace. |
| Recognize the population size. | Tucson is no longer a small town. Some steps have been made to address moving people from place to place, but the community's attitude to such projects has to change. |
| Date of survey: Dec 28, 2010 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 165. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Small town atmosphere | Big city living is soulless, stunting of opportunities, and deprives it's citizens of opportunities to flourish |
| Public support for alternative approaches to civic problems such as water conservation | Water is precious. Big industries (mines) and agriculture use pumped groundwater in excessive, non-sustainable quantities, leaving the urban area pinched to conserve water. But, the rate structure for water usage is skewed toward the rich and powerful. |
| Support for the very poor | Elderly white widows, for example, are a very large segment of the very poor. Some programs recognize this and help with housing and transportation for this segment of the population. There are other good examples..... |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Rio Nuevo is an open cash drawer to some city wonks and hangers on. | I've seen certain individuals enrich themselves using HUD and other city programs meant to help the poor. For example, Corky Poster and his architectural company have been working closely with Community Development personnel for many, many years, and it has been a very lucrative relationship for him. |
| The environment can't sustainably support the population. | Limits to growth! Both within the CoT limits and some regions of Pima County. |
| Better urban planning | Water dept and the land use planning departments seem corrupt and self serving, to a large extent. I am a planner, and I can't understand how they get away with it. Where is the community oversight? |
| Date of survey: Dec 28, 2010 // Home near: Broadway and Campbell 85719 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 166. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sonoran Desert & Sky-Islands. | This is the most beautiful desert in the world - a very special place. The Catalina Mountains are as lovely as the Grand Canyon. The climate, environment, flora & fauna are all fabulous and unique. These are our greatest treasures, and we must preserve them. |
| Historic neighborhoods & downtown. | These parts of Tucson make us unique and different from other sunbelt sprawl-based cities. Barrio Viejo, Armory Park, El Presidio & West University have character & authenticity not found in strip centers & malls. Congress St. & 4th Ave. are the only pedestrian streets we have. |
| Proximity to Mexico & cultural diversity. | Another world is an hour away. Mexico has a contrasting culture, society, history & architecture. The closeness of Mexico gives cultural depth and richness to our experience of life in this shared border region. Tucson's multi-cultural past and composition |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Establish urban growth boundaries. | Without such boundaries Tucson will eventually resemble Phoenix or Southern California: non-stop suburban sprawl. We can justify growth limits because our water supply is limited. The current recession shows that Tucson can survive without non-stop growth - in fact we can thrive, if we organize for true sustainability [which means working within our limits] However we cannot sustain unlimited growth based on imported water, imported energy and imported capital. We must look within. |
| Facilitate meaningful and well-designed infill development. | The only alternative to growing out is growing up. This will save energy & land, and create a more urban city. Save the desert: don't build on it! Suburban development is inherently unsustainable by its very nature. The cost of infrastructure & services will bankrupt the City if we don't reverse current trends. Low density development has the highest cost for roads, water, sewer, gas, electricity, fire protection, police, parks, schools etc. Time to turn inward and upward. |
| Stop widening roads -- improve public transportation. | Road widening facilitates further car traffic. No city has solved its traffic problem by street widening [look at SoCal]. We should narrow streets instead, and then offer an alternative. This together with infill development will turn Tucson around. Ours is the ideal climate for bicycling, yet our streets are treacherous. We should learn from Portland: a series of low-intensity streets [like Tucson Blvd.] and no "Speedways." Plus excellent transit & cycling. |
| Date of survey: Dec 28, 2010 // Home near: Columbus Blvd. [aka Thoreau] & 5th St. 85711 // Years here: 50 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 167. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's unique history | We have lost it! It is buried somewhere under a Chicago like atmosphere! When I came here in 1978, there were small jewels to be discovered. Most have been destroyed and the downtown is one of them. |
| The weather | It makes life so much simpler. It is one of our best assets. It doesn't cost anything it is a gift to us and we should be shouting it from the housetops. |
| The old timers | They know the history by heart! Whenever I meet a group of people who have been here 20 years or more, there is a different conversation. It always begins with, The people will bring Tucson back to it's former self. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Church bells! | Tucson should be the city of the bells! It costs nothing and is such a reassuring sound all over the city. A few people complained and the bells were silenced for everyone. This would cost us nothing and would bring charm to our city. |
| Mariachi's! | How charming are they? We should pay groups of Mariachi's to be at the airport at peak times to play in person for the people getting here for the first time. They would never forget it or us. They stretch back in our history and glorify the Hispanic community and also ours. These travelers are coming from snow covered streets and they reach Tucson it is like an oasis. |
| Communication | For the most part the public has been left out of the government and Rio Nuevo. Others came in here and thought they knew about us and they didn't, however that didn't stop them from spending all of our money. We have nothing to show for it. The imperialism makes me angry. It is so not a part of the Tucson culture. Now, only after most of the money is gone are they asking for citizens help. Is it too little too late? I hope not. |
| Date of survey: Dec 28, 2010 | |
| Survey: 168. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Ideal climate for outdoor activities and access to opportunities for outdoor activities | While I'm a big fan of living in the city, I think it's extremely important to have opportunities to connect with nature. Tucson abounds with those opportunities and our mild climate for most of the year provides ample encouragement to engage in those activities. |
| Our cultural diversity | While Tucson has not been perfect in this regard, we do have much greater respect for those cultures that were here prior to this region becoming part of the United States than do many other Sun Belt communities. We have much room for improvement but the spirit of tolerance I see in Tucson is much greater than in Phoenix. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| We need a much greater commitment to development and growth of small business from within the community. | Attracting national chains to regional commercial development is the path of least resistance for developers and lenders. The city and the region needs to do more to support locally-grown, small business that have always provided the ladder to economic prosperity for local communities. |
| We need to do a better job of planning for economic growth. | Local comprehensive planning and regulation of development has evolved over time primarily by adding onto the existing framework. This has resulted in something that is frequently unwieldy and can inhibit smart growth. It's time to plan and regulate in a smarter way, focused more on longer-term goals than immediate objectives. |
| Date of survey: Dec 27, 2010 // Home near: Broadway and Alvernon 85711 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 169. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The beauty of the desert and the wildlife. | This is the most beautiful desert in the world. I have lived in other desert areas that were never this lush. |
| The weather | I love this part of town where the wind doesn't blow as hard as it does in other places. |
| The culture | The Mexican influence in our area, with it's food, culture and people. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The leadership | Our city has floundered |
| Date of survey: Dec 27, 2010 | |
| Survey: 170. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate and landscape | Makes it easier to socialize and interact with people most of the year. (For example, as opposed to colder climates where you are required to "hibernate" during the winter months.) |
| Friendliness of the people. | I relocated to Tucson from the Los Angeles area in 1993. I was then, and continue to be, impressed about the friendliness of the people who live here. |
| Safety. | Compared to places like Los Angeles, I view Tucson as a very safe place. I realize that, as with all growing cities, things are changing, but the city remains a relatively safe place for me and my family. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation. | What more can you say. The absence of public transportation (particularly in the areas outside of city limits) makes it difficult, if not impossible, for most residents to get around without a vehicle. |
| Sidewalks (transportation). | The absence of paved sidewalks in many areas (also particularly in the areas outside of city limits) makes it difficult for those who might walk to get around. |
| Employment and education opportunities. | Acknowledging that Tucson is home to one of the greatest Universities and several businesses, there needs to be an increased effort to bring business to Tucson and to retain and bring talent to Tucson. |
| Date of survey: Dec 27, 2010 // Home near: La Cholla and Overton 85742 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 171. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather | Being able to do outdoor activities year-round is important to me. |
| Faith communities - my church | Having good choices in faith communities is important because of the strong bonds that are formed, people to help each other and care for one another. |
| Places to go that reflect Tucson | Places like 4th Avenue, the zoo, the art museum, desert museum and others make weekends fun. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Have media focus more on the positive | The focus of our local press on highlighting the negative creates a climate of animosity at times that spreads to everyone to look for the negative. |
| Improve downtown | While there have been improvements, when you travel through downtown you feel like it is on the decline, some buildings look like they are about to fall down. |
| Quit the negative focus on the border | Sometimes it feels like people tie every problem issue to our closeness to the border - I feel like there are not enough real facts and so people are afraid when there is no more danger than in any other city. |
| Date of survey: Dec 26, 2010 // Home near: Craycroft/Grant 85712 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 172. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather | I hate winter. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More apartments Downtown! | I would love to live downtown, but the lack of variety and affordability in the housing stock is terrible. No one seems to realize that not everyone in Tucson wants to live in a house on the far east or far north side and commute everywhere. Some of us want a livable, walkable community based around Downtown. More places to live would be a good way to start that. No more parking garages! More living spaces!! |
| Better bike lanes and public transportation. | I hate driving, and Tucson drivers are especially bad. There should be dedicated bike lanes *with* a "bumper" (concrete divider) between them and the road. Drivers here don't care if there's a bike lane on the road or not--they'll drive in it if they can. It is frightening. |
| More solar power! | It's embarrassing that in a city with so much sun we depend so heavily on old-fashioned forms of energy generation. |
| Date of survey: Dec 25, 2010 // Home near: Campbell/Speedway 85719 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 173. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather, | From Michigan love the weather |
| Small Town feeling | From a small town, could not live in From a small town, could not live in Phoenix. |
| People | Nice people to talk to |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Not progressive | I own a business here. The community is not bringing other futuristic businesses here. |
| Government | Tax, tax, tax, and can't stay within their budgets. |
| Not enough events like sports team to bring people here. | All we do is push theses events somewhere else. |
| Date of survey: Dec 25, 2010 // Home near: Soldiers Trail and Ft. Lowell 85749 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 174. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| For a large City it feels like a small town | It seems that wherever I go or whoever I meet, I inevitably discover that the people I meet have a mutual friend or acquaintance or common thread. These seems to be only 1 degree of separation. |
| Ability to escape the City very easy | Coming from NJ, Tucson is a place that still has wide open spaces. In a short drive, you can be hiking on the Catalinas, or Tucson Mountain Park, or Cienega Creek. |
| Relatively laid back attitude | The East Coast and even Phoenix seems to have different priorities. Tucson�s priorities match mine better, taking things easy and taking time to smell the roses. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Investment in the City's Core | Lots of talk occurs around Rio Nuevo, and I support revitalizing downtown, but the remainder of the City's Core, the neighborhoods developed in 30s to the 60s are crumbling. We've focused on growth at the fringes, it is time to re-focus on repairing/rejuvenating the Core. |
| More culture/sports | Tucson already has varied mix of activities for a City this size, I am surprised we don't have more. Other equivalent sized City have major league franchises, exciting museums, etc. These should ALL be in the downtown/U of A area. |
| Less studying, more action | I�ve watch 2 studies of the 5th/6th st corridor occur, with no action as a result. Spend money on constructed improvements, rather then studying and restudying something. |
| Date of survey: Dec 23, 2010 // Home near: 5th and Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 175. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's scale/size | Easy to get around. |
| Weather | Nice weather all year around. |
| Geographical location | Near mountains, big cities, desert, beaches |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Its architecture/luck of it | This refers to mainly rental homes that doesn�t add any value to the neighborhood nor the city. Also too many empty lots waiting for the economy to comeback meanwhile the city look terrible and doesn�t attract real investors. City should tax empty lots the same that home owners. |
| Money administration | The City/County spend the money based on political revenue, not where is really needed. Some work takes forever to be finished afecting stores near by. Rio Nuevo is also a good example of bad administration, did anybody got fire in the City for this? |
| Public transportation | City wide and regional. we keep spending money expanding roads and highways instead of expanding public transportation that is cheaper. Is is really hard to believe there is not a train from Tucson to Phoenix yet or a train going east west and north south in Grand Tucson. It seams that to sell cars is more important. |
| Date of survey: Dec 23, 2010 // Home near: first and roger 85719 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 176. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | It's almost perfect |
| Community | Great People |
| Weather | It's beautiful almost every day |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Roads | They are in terrible shape |
| City Government | Slow to react to community issues and difficult to deal with in general |
| State Government | Absolutely abominable |
| Date of survey: Dec 23, 2010 // Home near: Pantano & Speedway 85710 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 177. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Mountains | The Sky Islands / having nature so close to my home |
| Winter weather | Perfect for me |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Government | It is too cumbersome to get anything of value accomplished. COT Council is fighting progress and infighting has ruined good programs. Pima Co. Board is even worse. |
| Business attraction | We need a healthy business environment to weather economic downturns. We need healthy business for there to be good jobs. |
| Schools | No truly successful children's school programs available. TUSD, AMPHI, FOOTHILLS districts are not successful at implementing budget changes or paring down admin. |
| Date of survey: Dec 23, 2010 // Home near: River and Oracle 85704 // Years here: 41 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 178. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Air Quality | We have a lot of improvements to make with air quality, but we are better off that many major cities. Nothing is more important to our physical health than the quality of air we breath |
| Informality | Not having to buy and own economically and environmentally expensive things to fit in. |
| Music | Music is an important part of our culture, regionally and internationally. Music and other forms of non-violent and fun expression are important outlets for society. Tucson is musically diverse and enriched with music. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Air Quality | Air quality is one of the most important aspects for maintaining a physically healthy population |
| Public transportation | I everyone were to carpool, bicycle or ride mass transit our city would be happier, cleaner, and make great progress in improving our ecology by reducing air pollution and by reducing fossil fuel usage |
| Education | This Item maybe should have been at the top of the list because improving everyone's education is clearly the only way our society will improve in all ways, especially economically. We should market harder and make Tucson the Education Capital of the World |
| Date of survey: Dec 23, 2010 // Home near: Lambert and La Canada 85737 // Years here: 45 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 179. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It has a centralized downtown area that needs to be developed. | I would be happy to help renovate downtown. |
| Needs major perimeter road improvements. | It would make it easier for everyone to get around Tucson. |
| Tucson has a real history. | Gives me a sense of belonging. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Dec 23, 2010 | |
| Survey: 180. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Location | We're not in the hot death bowl like Phoenix in the summer and we're not freezing our tails off like the rest of the country in the winter. Not to mention the mountain ranges are full of life and make for spectacular scenes with storm clouds rolling in, or seeing them at sunrise and sunset. |
| The People | Most, not all, are genuinely charged about making Tucson an awesome place to be. But we need to work together as one and make smart decisions about how to shape Tucson. As a collective group, Tucson, OV, Marana, Vail, Sahuarita, GV and the Indian Nations we could rock this place! |
| The Flavor | Look around, look at the makeup of the area - now - today... I've met people from all over the country and even other countries. Never saw that from where I came from. I've been introduced to so many new and different things, I'm loving it and exposing my kids to everything this area has to offer. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Rio Nuevo board | Out, they can't make a decision to save a life... Never have I seen so much money spent on nothing (OK besides the government |
| Dirty | As much as I want to turn a blind eye to it the towns are dirty, some more than others. The homeless selling papers or asking for spare change only goes so far. When I see them drinking beer, smoking, talking on an IPhone, getting out of a Lincoln Town car behind a building then proceeding to walk over to a street corner begging for money... County wide ban on that crap. Some yes I'm sure are homeless - put them to work picking up the trash around town. In return the are provided with low rent apartments to help get them back on their feet. |
| Graffiti and gangs | Being in a gang know to cause violence is an act of terrorism, we need to stamp it out. If you're in a gang and you're caught - you're in jail. Make it a tent city like Maricopa. We shouldn't be afraid to take a stand to this... Being in jail is only the start, we spend millions on this - put them to work as well. There's plenty of trash out there to be picked up and graffiti to be cleaned... |
| Date of survey: Dec 23, 2010 // Home near: I-19 - Sahuarita Road 85629 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 181. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| I like the easy access to the mountains. | I enjoy hiking, being outdoors, getting away from people. |
| There are things to do outside. | The community activities like Dillinger Days, the Street Fair, Second Saturdays Downtown, etc. |
| There is something for everyone. | Golfing, biking, museums, zoos, sports, etc. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| There needs to be better access to other parts of the city. | It used to take me 20 minutes to drive from St. Mary's hospital to Broadway and Highland. General traveling around Tucson is not good. The streets are unsafe. |
| The "small town" mentality. | Tucson isn't a small town. It's a major city. I'm tired of legislation, programs, traffic control, etc. that doesn't involve the understanding that we are growing and need to address that. |
| Date of survey: Dec 23, 2010 // Home near: River Rd. and Oracle Rd. 85704 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 182. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's actually a very small town | Being a small town allows me to feel like I can make a difference. One person, or a small group of like minded people, can open up an art house movie theater, or a great video store, or start up a day of the dead procession... and that action can positively affect the community. |
| Proximity to nature | It doesn't take long to get to the base of Mt. Lemmon, or cross over Gate's Pass, or drive south into the desert, or get to Saguaro NP... and be in an environment that is more shaped by nature than by man. That keeps me grounded and connected to the natural world. |
| The people | There is a large enough and diverse enough population of people here to support the institutions (UofA, The Loft, Rogue Theater, Tucson Clean and Beautiful, Native Seed Search...) and activities I care about. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Automobile domination | Cars are isolating and wasteful... yet almost a requirement here in Tucson. We have the right climate to get people out of cars a lot of the time... if there was better support for biking and walking (shade, water...) and transit (please)... we could really have something special. |
| Isolated populations | The military world of DM and Raytheon. the university. snowbirds. retired populations to the north and south. I have something in common with each of these populations, but rarely do I get a chance to interact with more than one at a time. Maybe what we need is a stronger and more vibrant core population that lives here all year long for more than just a few years at a time... and connect the more transient groups to this group. |
| Water use | We don't do enough to acknowledge that we're in a desert. we should be doing everything we can to limit water use, to treat rainwater and greywater as important resources, not just problems to be solved. |
| Date of survey: Dec 23, 2010 // Home near: Broadway and Tucson Blvd 85719 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 183. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It feels like home | I grew up here. My family lives here and are involved in my children's lives. |
| The size of the city | It's not a huge city, and feel rather small for it's population. It feels safer, more comfortable, and welcoming than a large city, and still offers a wide variety of activities, culture, etc. |
| The cost of living | My husband can do what he loves (police work), earning a very average income and I am able to work very little and spend most of my time raising my children and managing my household. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Quality of schools/amount of funding to public schools | I have small children who will be entering school in a few years and probably can't afford private school. It's ridiculous how low the standards are for primary and secondary education not just in AZ but nationwide. I hear AZ, though, ranks among the worst. |
| Public safety needs to be made a priority. | City budget cuts have required police and firefighters to take pay cuts and have forced a hiring freeze for TPD. I hear more cuts will be made soon, and the department is doing everything possible to avoid laying off officers when we currently have a shortage of police force. My husband is a police officer, so of course this directly affects us, but I'm more concerned about the message this sends to citizens of Tucson and people interested in moving to the area. As a mother, safety in my community is obviously a big priority. |
| A central/common gathering area that is the heart of the city | I think a city this size would really benefit from an active downtown type place (doesn't have to be downtown, but that makes the most sense!). Besides it being somewhere fun and entertaining to walk around, shop, eat, etc, I think an active downtown makes people feel connected to their city and is a place where people feel a sense of community. The Rio Nuevo project sounded like a great thing in some ways, but it seems to have failed (at least so far). |
| Date of survey: Dec 22, 2010 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 184. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | Our climate facilitates an active outdoor lifestyle whether that is hiking, cycling, camping, BBQ'g, horseback riding, running, shopping or dining the climate most always accommodates us, year round. Tell Eileen to accept my Linkedin Invitation. CK |
| Hispanic Culture | The Hispanic culture is an integral part of what Tucson is. From dining to architectural style to the blending of language and traditions the influences of the Hispanic culture define a significant part of who we are as a community and add flavor to the lifestyle. Eileen, I posted a discussion at the College of Architecture Linkedin group about this survey to hopefully drive some additional traffic here. |
| Small Town Atmosphere | People are friendly and treat you like they know you. Traffic is relatively easy to deal with. Mixed use projects could substantially add to this feeling of mixing living, work and shopping functions to create neighborhood centers rather than regional malls. Eileen, you still haven't created the Imagine Greater Tucson discussion group I mentioned on Linkedin! |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The local government | The local government is and has been the greatest impediment to the growth of this community. Personal indulgences, improper focus, reckless spending, lack of leadership, lack of vision, inability to engage and reach consensus with the business community, catering to special interest groups, catering to no growth activist, this list could go on but you get the picture. |
| Removal of anti-growth barriers | Over my 30+ years in the Tucson architectural industry: Land Use Codes, Ordinances, Development procedures and processes, City Staff, DRB, Variance Approval Board, City Leadership all are impediments to growth and have been incrementally implemented and distorted to effectively, over time, bring thoughtful development to a halt. Hence the exodus of growth to the Tucson perimeter. A strategy that encouraged urban sprawl and promoted growth of the surrounding communities. |
| The anti-business attitude of government | Our local government has consistently taken an anti-business position and sees business as the adversary. They work against business instead of with business to facilitate growth, commerce, and employment. Also the growth of government is another problem. They should learn to do more with less like the private sector and stop expecting the community to support (through our taxes) their reckless expansion of government departments, staff, facilities, etc. Outsource some of the operations to the private sector like plan review and permitting. |
| Date of survey: Dec 22, 2010 // Home near: Broadway & Camino Seco 85710 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 185. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| DOWNTOWN TUCSON REVITALIZATION | I recently relocated back downtown to Barrio Viejo. I raised two kids in Armory Park in the late 80's early 90's and now that I'm adopting a 5 year old, I wanted her to experience urban living and now is the time that downtown is finally making a comeback. We walked to Tucson Meet Yourself, we walk to restaurants, the park, Santa Rosa Library, Children's Museum etc |
| Culture and Traditions | I love the historic and cultural traditions that make Tucson so wonderful. These two things set us apart from Phoenix and always have. Locally owned restaurants, local shops, small neighborhood or church events are fun to explore and support! |
| Visiting our surrounding communities | I enjoy seeing what other communities have to offer...Green Valley, Sahuarita, even just different neighborhoods in the greater Tucson area. I will drive to the only KMART in town just to see what's going on over on that side of town! |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Change the negative perception of Downtown Tucson | Modern pioneers are sinking their own money into the downtown area. local eateries, bars, shops...all have faith in the revitalization of the area. There is always something fun going on whether it's a retro movie at the Fox, a concert at the Rialto or just stopping into Empire Pizza for a slice...people just need to come downtown more often to see how much things have changed. We walk all over downtown and at all hours of the day and while it's common sense to be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are, we feel comfortable. |
| Transportation | This is tough because while I would like to use public transportation, I don't have an hour to take the bus from Oracle and Ina downtown or vice versa. I think many people stay in their own neighborhoods (east side, etc) because they've become micro cities and they have all they need there. It breaks my heart when I see empty buses on the street but I can understand why after I had to rely on them when my car was in the shop...I don't know how we can change this |
| Immigration rights | Pass the DREAM ACT for crying out loud |
| Date of survey: Dec 22, 2010 // Home near: Broadway and Main 85701 // Years here: 27 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 186. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Comfortable pace | I'm from a smaller metro area, and find Tucson doesn't have the metro bustle, and feels like home. |
| Fairly easy to navigate | The major streets are easy to navigate, compared to other major metros. |
| Arts and activities | Generally, there is always something interesting and fun to do. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Travel loops | It is challenging to get from some parts of town to I-10, NW area, etc. The only "loop" we have is 210, and only covers the far east side of town. My trips always require me to go west through the downtown area to get to most places I go. |
| Improved mass transit service | For a metro this size, I am surprised we do not have 24 hour bus service, including on weekends. |
| Safety | There are a few areas in Tucson which should have ramped up security presence. This could be via police or an auxiliary service with the authority to take action. Specifically, the Ronstadt area needs more authority presence, as do a few other areas. |
| Date of survey: Dec 21, 2010 // Home near: Broadway and Kolb 85710 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 187. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| I like how friendly the community is | I prefer to live in a small town atmosphere with larger city amenities. So I like the feel of Tucson, but access to the theater, arts, and events |
| Of course I love the weather | Moved from Illinois 30 years ago. Important because it makes outdoor activities enjoyable year round |
| Views, cleanliness | It is important to keep air quality good so we can see the views and keep the streets and areas clean because these are some of the first impressions for Tucson visitors. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Need to be more business friendly | Need to attract more businesses whether through tax breaks or otherwise in order to put more people to work, improve our tax base, increase wages locally. |
| Would really push buy local, support local businesses | Even our local government sometimes uses resources from outside our city or outside our state. We need to support us! I know funds are short for everyone in this economy. Local dollars stay local and trickle down to help many people. |
| Get rid of photo cameras on the streets! | OK, it is a revenue source, but a major irritant to local drivers and out of town visitors-especially those who have never experienced them. I have never personally received a ticket, but it stresses me to make a left turn in those intersections especially when an out of state driver slowly makes a turn ahead of me, leaving me stranded in the intersection as the light turns. There should be a count down for the turning lane so a driver can judge time left on the turn light. Many lights in Tucson have the count down to the yellow light, why not in the turn lane? |
| Date of survey: Dec 21, 2010 // Home near: Speedway/Stone 85705 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 188. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | Duh |
| Mountains | When it's too hot U can go up there |
| University | Great place to meet ppl and go to the library plus, I enjoy the students (I live near the University) |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Dec 18, 2010 | |
| Survey: 189. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | Warm and dry is beneficial to the aging process. Keeps us active and outdoors most of the time |
| Proximity to what we need | Medical treatment, restaurants, shopping, services, when needed is only a short drive away. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Public transit is non existent | There is simply no leadership in the community so I don't expect anything to change for the better |
| Make sure Jan Brewer and her idiots in the legislature are not re elected | Brewercare is bad for business. Arizona is the national joke because of the governor |
| Date of survey: Dec 18, 2010 // Home near: Hacienda del Sol and River 85718 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 190. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's diversity. | There are so many cultures that make up Tucson and each one being unique makes Tucson ever changing. |
| Climate | With the climate so inviting 80% of the year Tucson should be teaming with activities. |
| Pleasant living. | Landscape, Climate, and Diversity, all contribute to making Tucson a desirable area to live, work, and play... |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Focus on developing commerce and attracting businesses | Declining population and tax base. Lack of vision and leadership to developing a strong community foundation. |
| Unify Tucson | Pull together all the different cultures and celebrate them as a whole rather having them split into small bands. |
| Unify Tucson with Pima County | As the main metro unit of Pima County it is our responsibility to set and maintain the standards for Pima County. It's our dollars that make the wheels turn for the county and we should connect with the outlining areas to develop solidarity. |
| Date of survey: Dec 17, 2010 // Home near: Houghton and Sahuarita Road 85641 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 191. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The great nature we have surrounding our city | It provides a scenic backdrop to my commuting activities and a ready place to enjoy nature. |
| The wonderful climate most of the year | It provides me an opportunity to exercise more often than the cold climate from my home state of MN. |
| Some of the people values are similar to my own | I appreciate the progressive values and the importance of education and quality of life priorities. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Fund education more adequately across all school districts. | My daughter was slipping behind in understanding the fundamentals such as writing and reading due to a large k-3 class size. |
| Greater understanding of how fair taxation can improve everyone's lives. | There seems to be a lot regressive taxation (sales tax) instead of fairer income tax. I'd rather see less tax loopholes and a tax reform so there is a more stable funding base. |
| Ensure that their is good access to essential services. | Because there is a lot of people without health insurance, there are problems with receiving health care in emergency rooms. While I have health insurance, I have become personally familiar with the plights of other individuals in the emergency room. |
| Date of survey: Dec 17, 2010 // Home near: Sunrise and Sabino Canyon Road 85750 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 192. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Diversity of people | I enjoy having a diverse population and how that broadens our horizons and experiences. |
| The mountains/sunsets | The physical environment is just wonderful |
| Our location | We are located within 6 hours of snow, fishing, oceans. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The bus/commuter service | Make the bus system have more routes and frequency. It would be nice to be able to "go" anywhere quickly and without a car. |
| Bicycle lanes | Continue to make our city "Bike" friendly. Add more bike lanes. |
| Date of survey: Dec 16, 2010 // Home near: Speedway/Wilmot 85710 // Years here: 49 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 193. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The layers of history and diversity of people | I believe the long history of the area tells many stories, and that many kinds of people and their history help make a more compassionate community |
| The desert and mountains | The land is powerful, and the desert unique; it is subtle, requiring thought regarding its' nature, and the pleasure of rain reminds me of the importance of the resource. A tree that keeps leaves year round,like the mesquite, to me,talks of the fullness of a lifetime. |
| The richness of the Mexican and native cultures and liberal views | I think a balance of thought is important; the "puritan" east does not appeal to me; I like color, attachment to the land and family, and feel the fiesta is more natural than purposeful restraint of pleasure. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The leadership | A lack of working together and finding compromise, of listening to others, and working for the region instead of the dollar or the upcoming election, drains ethics and community improvement. |
| The idea that the car should be the deciding factor in planning | Alternate transportation, a walkable community, and the ability to stand on A Mt. and have a clear view is important. (On the other hand, do not restrict the pleasure of letting Tucsonans take friends to that same mountain in their car to enjoy the view. |
| The dedication and resources needed to improve,not private, but public, education | We have a specific need to educate and play with our children, to honor and teach them. The need to enforce silly laws and additional officers to enforce, instead of providing positive choices, and funding them, drains our community. |
| Date of survey: Dec 16, 2010 // Home near: broadway/wilmot 85710 // Years here: 55 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 194. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Big city with small city feel | We have sports, theater, shopping and unlike big cities, it is easy to get too |
| People | People are fairly down to earth |
| Weather and environment=active community | We love Sabino Canyon and the weather makes the city great to run in the winter and great to swim in the summer. Great "active" community |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Education | State-wide problem. My kids get a great education and I love our schools. We need the city and state to embrace it's importance. |
| Embrace active lifestyle | Tucson could and should be an active life-style mecca. We have an amazing bike race and running marathon, great hiking, an expert in natural medicine (and western med), not to mention healthy living spas. Tucson should be leading the way in active lifestyle. |
| Date of survey: Dec 16, 2010 // Home near: Sabino and Snyder 85750 // Years here: 23 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 195. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather | I like to be outdoors a lot. |
| The Sonoran desert history/culture | I am interested in our forebears, those people who lived here before the European / Eastern invasion: Tohono Oodham, Mexicans, Apaches, and other early inhabitants of the Tucson basin. |
| The community's love of arts and music | Arts and culture, music, drama, Street Fairs, All Soul's parade, etc all make Tucson a distinct place, unlike other SW cities. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The poor school systems | If we can't have good schools in Tucson, people won't move to the central core. |
| The lack of support for Parks/Rec and family health | Poverty and dependent families are important to me. |
| Tucson City Council often is too timid | Council members need to LEAD, not just respond. |
| Date of survey: Dec 16, 2010 // Home near: Grant and Country Club 85716 // Years here: 23 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 196. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The culture of a more laid back community. | Number one the weather is fabulous and the natives are friendly. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The Culture is more laid back here than in Phoenix | The weather is Fabulous. |
| I don't know which region I am in. | |
| I don't know which region I am in | |
| Date of survey: Dec 16, 2010 // Home near: Speedway and Pantano 85710 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 20s | |
| Survey: 197. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Access to mountains combined with the stimulation of a city | The great rock climbing and cycling in the foothills and mountains around Tucson |
| Weather | The beautiful seasons and the ability to be outside all months of the year |
| Access to a University and all that it brings to the region | #NAME? |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Traffic | Driving across town takes forever! |
| Neighborhood schools in central Tucson | I would love to see strong schools, centrally located that families want to support and send their children to. |
| Crime in central Tucson | Central Tucson does not feel like a safe and supportive place to raise a family-petty theft, people driving too fast, robberies, and meth houses....to name a few |
| Date of survey: Dec 15, 2010 // Home near: Irvington and Houghton 85747 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 198. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Blended cultures | Exposure to Hispanic tradition |
| Weather | Good for my health and outlook |
| Attention to green power | Community support of solar power options |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Roads | Specifically adding additional federal interstate system |
| More government cleanup | Graffiti and roadside/vacant lot litter |
| Date of survey: Dec 14, 2010 // Home near: tangerine and thornydale 85742 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 199. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | I come from Chicago originally and have loved the sunshine for the past 25 years. |
| Reasonable | When I arrived in Tucson it was a reasonable...specifically in its infrastructure- size, education, crime, transportation etc...unfortunately I am not sure I would make the same decision today, but it is now my home. |
| My social network | Friends. Loved ones are here. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Education | Without better schools the long term outlook is grim. We need to make huge changes in how we view education and our youth. |
| Transportation | Without a mass transit plan, mobility is and will continue to be an issue for Tucson. |
| Immigration | Without immigration reform....we compromise our health care, safety and ability to move forward economically. Although this is considered a "federal" issue, it impact Tucson greatly. |
| Date of survey: Dec 14, 2010 // Home near: Sabino Canyon and Tanque Verde 85715 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 200. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The desert | Its where I feel the best |
| City size | |
| Border region culture | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Build an Ice Rink | I've lived in many parts of the country and with exception of Tucson I was able to play and work at an Ice rink. I am most content in a rink. |
| Build an Ice rink | A rink is a local business employing 10 to 50 people. A rink generates income for other local business With proper management marketing Tucson could become the premier desert destination for tournaments, competitions, and events. A rink would be a new and welcome source of tax appropriate revenue for the city or county |
| Build an Ice Rink | A well run rink boosts Tucson's image and can be an important gathering for all people of Tucson be it for hockey, figure skating, public skating, birthday parties, or fund raising events |
| Date of survey: Dec 14, 2010 // Home near: Broadway/ Cambell 85719 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 201. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| People | I think the people in Tucson are friendly, intelligent and willing to help each other. |
| Scenery | Tucson is encircled with majestic mountains and beautiful deserts. The area has preserved this beauty in the face of progress and modern development exceptionally well. |
| Passion | People in Tucson are passionate about their causes and ingenuity. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| A unflappable education system | I want the education in this region to be strong, well-funded and consistent. Changes from year to year cause stress on our children. |
| A stronger applicant pool | If we want qualified people and businesses to come here, we have to to fix No. 1. |
| More national stores | We still do not have a Nordstrom or many other wonderful stores that Phoenix has. |
| Date of survey: Dec 14, 2010 // Home near: Sunrise and Kolb 85750 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 202. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| People | Life |
| Weather | Life |
| Trails | Life |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Get a public ice rink | Love to skate |
| Roads | Traffic |
| Date of survey: Dec 14, 2010 // Home near: broadway kolb 85710 // Years here: 23 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 203. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Diversity of the population | As an immigrant myself I thrive on the multiplicity of viewpoints and opinions diversity provides |
| It's a liberal area of a stated which is perceived to be extremely conservative | As a progressive liberal i don't believe i could survive in a predominately conservative environment |
| Even though Tucson is a big metropolitan area it is fairly easy to access the desert | I am a lifelong gardener and need to get close to nature for my own sanity |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Mass transportation - availability and affordability | Being located in a basin Tucson can not continue to negatively impact its air quality by being dependent on private autos, and we need to get our citizens walking in order to begin to address asthma and obesity |
| The City Council needs to be held much more accountable for their actions | It is not acceptable that situations such as Rio Nuevo exist. I left Tucson 8 years ago and in returning this year I find that all that has changed is that Rio Nuevo became an independent taxing district and spent over $25M with nothing to show for it |
| See the liberal community to become as vocal as the conservative community | My experiences in AZ leave me seeing that it is the Phoenix area that is radically conservative; the remainder of the state is relatively liberal. We need to start taking back the character of public dialog from the rabidly conservative, and disproportionately loud, community |
| Date of survey: Dec 13, 2010 // Home near: Alvernon Way & Grant St. 85712 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 204. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| You got rid of Rodney Glassen | NA |
| We lost the spring training teams whats next gem show wake up | |
| NA | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Dec 13, 2010 | |
| Survey: 205. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails | As an avid cyclist I really enjoy the many miles of bicycle lanes and mountain bike trails we have in Tucson. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Ice rink | As a hockey player with a wife who is an ex figure skater, I feel that having at least one ice rink in Tucson is critical to our community. Instead, our current option is to go to Phoenix and spend our money there. |
| Road conditions | Tucson roads are by far some of the worst in Arizona. Only a handful of main roads are being improved, hardly any bus pullouts, traffic lights too short during rush hour all lead to massive traffic jams in the middle of town. |
| Date of survey: Dec 13, 2010 // Home near: Tangerine and Oracle 85755 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 206. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It is beautiful. | Having just moved here...people are friendly and it is lovely, not just the weather but the desert. Traffic is not bad at all. |
| Ease of getting around. | I like that Tucson is built on a grid. It is easy to find where you are going. |
| Clean water | What a nice change to be able to drink tap water. I also appreciate that people are green and recycle everything. I like that people harvest rain water. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Roads | I know it the heat affects the surfaces but there are some big pot holes that should be filled. The roads are pretty bumpy. |
| Another Country Western Radio Station | I like KIIM however another station would be nice so I can change the station if I don't like the song. Silly I know but you did ask. |
| Outlet stores | It would be nice to have more outlet stores. |
| Date of survey: Dec 13, 2010 // Home near: Valencia & Kolb 85747 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 207. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Small Town feel | I think it is important to live in a town that offers all of the city while feeling like you live in a smaller, manageable town. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| More smaller communities | One think I love about Portland is the fact that they have tons of small communities, you have all you need within walking distance...I live at Swan and Sunrise, I would like to see more diverse shops within walking distance |
| Date of survey: Dec 13, 2010 // Home near: Swan Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 24 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 208. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson | Great Rock Climbing |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson | Ice Rink |
| Sahaurita | Ice Rink |
| Date of survey: Dec 13, 2010 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 209. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The small town feel | The culture of Tucson makes it easy to form communities in the downtown area especially, and the university is a magnet for interesting people. It's important to me because it's allowed me to feel involved and integrated into the larger purpose of making Tucson a better place to live. |
| The sense of history | I really like that some of the older buildings in Tucson have been preserved, and that you can really get a sense of history in the urban core. It gives me a sense of personal connection and context that are important to me. |
| The cultural diversity | I appreciate that you can ride your bike 10 minutes south of downtown and experience a completely different culture. It just makes me happy. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Form a tighter growth boundary | All the things I really like about Tucson are in the downtown area and are all about density: the cohesive community, the historic buildings, and the cultural diversity are all a function of the older core, while the sprawling east side suburbs don't feel like they have any of the qualities I enjoy. |
| Better multi-modal transportation options | Tucson needs to learn to live without automobiles, or at least learn to live with a lesser dependence on them. Much of the infrastructure built since 1950 has been car-centric sprawl; even much of Campbell doesn't have sidewalks. We need to turn away from growth at the periphery to improving the quality of the built environment at the core to make living in the city an attractive option. Bicycle boulevards are a key part of this; rapid bus transit is another; the streetcar is a third. |
| Reduce our dependence on the service economy | Besides housing/growth, Tucson's other industry, tourism, is also extremely dependent on cheap fuel. We need to start planning for an oil-scarce future if we intend to remain in Tucson. Building an economy based on knowledge and highly skilled workers is a start; making sure our city can support at least some of our graduates is key! |
| Date of survey: Dec 13, 2010 // Home near: Stone/University 85705 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 210. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's healthy lifestyle | My kids are outdoors all the time, am able to jog outdoors mostly year-round, I don't run into smokers everywhere and people seem to spend their time doing other things besides watching sports while drinking (I'm from the midwest). |
| Beautiful scenery and climate | This makes my personal exercise program--jogging outdoors--easy and enjoyable. Seeing the beautiful mountains every day has a calming effect. |
| Slow pace of life | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Traffic issues | I dislike driving and easing traffic would streamline this necessary evil. |
| Date of survey: Dec 12, 2010 // Home near: Swan/Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 211. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Friendliness | While we are not as open & friendly as we used to be, I love the fact you get all the amenities of a big city with the warmth of a small town. |
| The weather | 82* on December 12th! I don't really need to say more. But I'd rather be uncomfortably hot for 6 - 8 weeks than bone-freezing cold for 4 - 6 months! |
| The Scenery | The mountains, the canyons, the sunsets, etc. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The crime statistics | I'm disabled & often do my shopping late at night. I no longer feel safe doing this. The spillover of drug cartel/gang violence is getting quite scary. |
| The Potholes | Fix the many potholes & rough streets. |
| The city taxes | I find it outrageous that Tucson pays higher taxes than Phoenix. |
| Date of survey: Dec 12, 2010 // Home near: Grant at Alvernon 85712 // Years here: 42 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 212. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The beauty of the desert. | The variety of plants and animals is very important, and the knowledge that we are in a LIVING desert with unique cacti and birds and flowers. It may seem like a harsh place, but our desert is beautiful in its own way. |
| The warm climate. | Being in a warm region is good for me, since I suffer from arthritis, and cold temperatures aggravate the condition. The longer period of warmth here in Tucson decreases the number of days that I can barely move my hands. |
| The feeling of openness, and the fresh air. | I love that less than an hour in any direction will bring me to natural desert. I can take my kids and my students from school to see and examine the wonder of nature. In addition, from nearly anywhere in town, the mountains are readily visible, and it makes me happy to see them. It is also important that the air quality here is so good. We aren't like Los Angeles with its permanent smog issues. We can breathe clean air. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The wasting of water. | Too many people here don't seem to realize we are in a desert, and that our water supply is not inexhaustible. Leaving water running in the streets while washing cars in a horrible waste of our precious water, and I see this a lot. We need to implement more rainwater collection programs as well, to help control our water usage. |
| The lack of shade. | Being in a hot environment, we should have more shade throughout town. All bus stops should have shade, and many do not. Ocotillo shades would be good enough, it doesn't need to be fancy, just something to keep the worst of the sun off of people. Also in public parks, and other public spaces, there should be areas with watering facilities for pets, and these should also be shaded. |
| More desert safety awareness. | Every year, children and pets die from being left locked in cars in the sun. Cracked windows do not solve the problem. Too many children die from drowning here, too. There needs to be more public awareness about the dangers of desert living. Perhaps signs in parking lots, and more public service announcements about keeping pools fenced, covered, and out of reach of children. |
| Date of survey: Dec 12, 2010 // Home near: Wilmot and 22nd Street 85711 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 213. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Size | Large enough to support cultural amenities and provide economic opportunity, but not too big. |
| Diversity | Diversity in people (i.e., origins, viewpoints, goals), in architecture, in neighborhoods |
| Physical environment | The physical beauty of the place, and the importance of it in the city's identity and priorities |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Dec 12, 2010 | |
| Survey: 214. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| My neighborhood | I chose to move to Tucson and I have made it my home. I love my neighbors and my neighborhood. |
| Variety of food | I enjoy eating out and like the fact that Tucson has a variety of restaurants, etc |
| The variety of activities | Outdoor, sporting events, festivals of all kinds, casino..there's always something to do |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Clamp down on graffiti | Graffiti is ugly and saddens me as I drive around the city and see it everywhere. I would make a public example of those who are caught doing it. |
| Take a stand against illegal immigration | Illegal immigration is a crime. Pretending it is not and encouraging those who come here in violation of the law only adds to our problems |
| Remove the Statue of Pancho Villa from downtown | Pancho Villa is not a role model or hero in American history. Putting a statue of him in our downtown only identifies Tucson as a kookie town dominated by radicals. |
| Date of survey: Dec 11, 2010 // Home near: Irvington/Midvale Park Rd 85746 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 215. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Public transit | Sun Tran is very reliable, easy to follow and convenient since it goes everywhere |
| Shopping | There is a very nice mix of small family owned stores and big chain retailers as well as many local artisan shops when you are looking for something special |
| The varying age groups | Have elderly, with young couples, with university students, very nice mix |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Dec 11, 2010 | |
| Survey: 216. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The landscape | The beauty lift my spirits every day |
| Hispanic culture | Make the community unique and interesting |
| Sunshine | The good weather makes live easier in every way |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Quality of education | We cannot thrive if we don't reverse our dismal performance is this area |
| Poor leadership | We value mediocre leadership....make not waves....get nowhere kind of people. |
| Economic opportunity | We will continue to die if we don't reverse our dismal performance economically. |
| Date of survey: Dec 10, 2010 // Home near: Sabino Canyon Road and Sunrise 85750 // Years here: 38 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 217. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The climate. It is grand | As we age warm and dry especially in the winter, is paramount |
| Easy to navigate | Mostly whatever appointments we have are easy to reach in a short time |
| Access to San Diego and San Francisco in the summer | |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Better mass transit | Don't like relying on our car for everything |
| Spring training major league baseball | I like baseball |
| Get rid of the Tucson City Council. | These folks are generally incompetent. |
| Date of survey: Dec 10, 2010 // Home near: River and Cambell 85718 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 40s | |
Some editing has been done, to remove obvious typos, reversed letters, junk entries and some misspellings.