Imagine Greater Tucson
Online Survey Data from January 11 - 31, 2011
Survey: 1. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The easy access to undeveloped desert and mountains for outdoor recreation | We love the out of doors and hiking. It is our main form of recreation. There are so many beautiful and accessible trails of all levels to make a great day for either a short hike or a longer one. |
The climate and weather. | I like to spend as much time as possible outside and to garden. I live in our backyard whenever the weather permits and I am not at work. |
The University of Arizona | The university brings a cultural and intellectual dimension to Tucson. There are many entertainment and educational opportunities for the community. I love the campus and the students. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
DM air force base--the noisy flights | For over 20 years I have live in an historical neighborhood in the DM flight path. At times the planes are so loud that you cannot in your house and we have replaced the windows with double pane. They were not this loud 20 years ago. Sometimes are worse than others. I have been awaken at night by the flights (I mean midnight) I do not want the F35s here. Snowbird planes are a problem. I am concerned about the pollution from the planes. You can see the fuel raining down. I am concerned about crashes. I know DM is important to our economy, but maybe we should look to what Chandler did with Williams AFB. |
More open space and not all buildings. | During the last housing boom, so much desert and open space was swallowed up by housing development without enough residents to buy them. Why. No planning. Now we have this glut of houses hurting our economy. |
Have the urbanized areas incorporated. | There are large urbanized unincorporated areas in Pima County. It hurts us because we do not get revenue we could otherwise get. Plus the county residents of incorporated areas have to unfairly carry the burden for the unincorporated areas in paying for their law enforcement, courts, zoning and planning, road maintenance and other services. As a city resident, I am unhappy about it. County residents should be taxed extra for those services if they don't want to incorporate. |
Date of survey: Jan 11, 2011 // Home near: 22nd and Swan 85711 // Years here: 41 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 2. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sonoran Desert | I love the diverse beauty of this region and the living desert. |
Climate | With the exception of a few humid sticky weeks in the summer, our climate is ideal 10-11 months a year. My move and choice to remain in the southwest, though I am far from retirement age, is that this is a pleasant liveable climate. |
Authentic arts and culture | Tucson offers a wide variety of arts and cultural choices. The vast majority are home-grown and authentic. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make some decisions; stop waiting for everyone to agree! | The leaders of Tucson (city and region) seem nearly paralyzed when it comes to decision making. The seeking of consensus appears admirable, but universal consensus is impossible. Sometimes tough decisions must be made and the "noisy minority" must be ignored. (Example: Rio Nuevo's lost decade.) |
Traffic systems | Tucson's long history of fighting freeways and other traffic improvements is well known and thankfully, the voters passed the measure to improve some of our road network. However, much more is needed. Traffic signal timings appear to be set to the needs to 1975 and completely out of touch with current traffic flows. Signal timings on primary arteries, especially the timing of lights for secondary and third-tier cross streets, add significant time to even the shortest trip and they contribute to significant fuel waste and pollution. The goal of traffic control should not be traffic constriction? and the enrichment of the oil companies. Having previously lived in communities where significant traffic challenges were reduced through improved traffic light settings, I strongly encourage Tucson and region to proactively respond and improve the most stressful and frustrating aspect of living in this valley. |
Date of survey: Jan 11, 2011 // Home near: River and Swan 85718 // Years here: 5 // 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? |
Bikeability/Walkability | I like that Tucson is relatively friendly towards bikers and walkers, at least in the area where I live (Central Tucson). I'm an avid biker, both as a means of transport and recreation, and I believe more bikes on the road are good for the community--good for our environment and for our health. |
Outdoors | I like that a variety of hiking and camping options are within driving distance. Being able to escape the heat on Mt. Lemmon during the summer is nice. |
Food Movement | I like the Tucson has a robust local food movement, with its array of farmer's markets and local non-profits working on food justice issues. Eating healthy food is an investment in ourselves, the environment, and our economy. Further, it's an issue that can unite people with diverse interests and political views, be that over physical meals or as a general movement. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | Though Tucson does a decent job, I'd like to see the bikeability/walkability/public transportation situation improve. With all the wide open space we have, in fact, I think we should be leading the country in this aspect. |
Date of survey: Jan 11, 2011 // Home near: 6th ave. and University 85705 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 4. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cultural diversity | The historical blend of Native American, Mexican, and American cultures, is uniquely Southwestern. The particular, Sonoran/border flavor distinguish Tucson from other historical cities like Santa Fe. I like the feeling of the old places that were built with Tucson�s land, rock, and water, with its environment in mind. |
Progressiveness | For the most part its an educated, live-and-let-live community, conscious of its environmental footprint. |
Affordability | Its a city that a working person can afford to live it, while still being a good destination for tourists. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Zoning | I think this has created sprawl. More multiuse areas, creative use of historic buildings, and live/work space could add more vibrancy to historic parts of town in the after hours. Allow infill and perhaps more multistory buildings instead of having homes creep up our mountains. Although, outside of downtown, I do like the wide streets views of the mountains. |
Prioritize education | Supporting education is good for business, not a waste of $$ -- encourage creative and critical thinking from our future business leaders, employees, and politicians... |
Taxes/finances | Are there options other than sales tax to fund city services? Rental taxes? Lodging taxes? We need something more stable. The most visible sign of reduction in city support seems to be a huge amount of graffiti right now,but obviously there are so many more areas less visible. |
Date of survey: Jan 11, 2011 // Home near: Greasewood and Anklam 85745 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 5. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Close to and supportive of natural desert surroundings | Tucson has a great heritage of conservation and remaining close to our desert surroundings. Large areas of open space are intermixed with the suburban growth - and while many people would prefer less "sprawl" this pattern of ranch homes on acreage is truly a unique characteristic of Tucson that sets it apart from many urban, planned communities. While new urbanization is very much supported, I think it is important to also recognize how much of the flavor of Tucson comes from individuals being able to live close to the desert (as opposed to close to work, shopping, or entertainment venues). The challenge is to find infrastructure (regional transportation options) that can bridge those individuals who choose to live closer to the desert with those who choose the new urbanization. |
University of Arizona's Research and Innovation hub | The University of Arizona is such a high-caliber institution and truly does a great job of partnering with businesses, and allowing entrepreneurs to spin off technology ideas. Supporting this with more of a "think tank" atmosphere to foster innovation and business/academic partnerships to help other businesses and public entities become more creative and cutting-edge will be key to future development. |
Strong theater, arts, music, culinary and cultural identity. | I truly believe Tucson is more a hub for the creative, performing and even culinary arts than the Phoenix area and I want to keep it that way! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Reduce the size and influence of city government | I truly believe that Tucson's political leadership has been dysfunctional for decades. Raising and throwing money (tax payer money) will never make for a great community. The politicians need to take a back-seat and let business and charitable organization leaders take the reins. For example, I truly hope Imagine Greater Tucson is not a politically motivated initiative, because if it is - it will be words without action because there will be a political agenda driving it. |
Improve infrastructure and transportation | The RTA is a start - just wish it were less politically driven - an authority with a board of directors who are private business leaders (like the airport authority) would be amazing! |
Improve local support of businesses and taxing climate | Businesses find it very difficult to work with the city of Tucson - the local government can be very anti-business and anti-growth oriented in their permitting, regulatory and taxing actions. They speak about wanting economic development, but their actions do not support their talk. |
Date of survey: Jan 13, 2011 // Home near: La Canada/Magee 85704 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 6. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Health issues for my spouse -- much easier on him to live in a warmer climate. Also less home maintenance and easier to drive. |
More liberal than Phoenix | I prefer to live in an environment with like-minded individuals. After living in both Phoenix and Tucson, the latter feels more comfortable and inviting. |
U of A presence | It is my alma mater and my employer. It brings a vibrancy that benefits not only those directly involved with the campus but the community at large. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mental health and other social services | A compassionate community is one which takes care of those less fortunate. I think Tucson could do a better job in this area. |
Street/Road Conditions | Lots of potholes makes the community look like it is uncared for and is rough on commuters. |
Downtown offerings | To me, Tucson has very little to offer in the way of a downtown presence. More restaurants, the arts, and eco-friendly businesses (clothing, bedding, furniture) would be an attraction for me. |
Date of survey: Jan 14, 2011 // Home near: Tangerine/1st Avenue 85737 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 7. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The climate and unique topography | I am an active person that likes to engage in nature and the outdoors. I bike, hike, run, and kayak. So my surroundings in very important. |
The lifestyle I enjoy here. | I have a nice home surrounded by great neighbors. It's a great central community near the U of A and UMC. Things I enjoy are close. |
I have been able to make a good living here. | I am a creative person who needs room to roam in a career. I've been able to do what I enjoy as long as I've been willing to work hard and been able to be self employed for 25 years. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Our city government is ridiculous. It needs revamping form the ground up! | Poor planning, lack of foresight, wasteful use of funds, poorly run and outdated systems, rigid and out of date development regulations. Fresh ideas take forever to get agreement and even longer to move forward (Rio Nuevo is the perfect example of this). The city only gives attention to the people with the most money and approves things that are often not in our best interest as a community. We have run off really great talent over the years because of this. Our public school system is a disgrace. |
STOP URBAN SPRAWL!!! | Tucson always takes the quick fix instead making sound long term goals. We should be giving resources and create new code to infill projects, boosting independently run small businesses and keep our surrounding environment a place where all creatures can live. Take on stewardship of our environment seriously. |
Support and take active leadership in sustainable living on every level. | We need to act now. Make changes now to tired and outdated modes of thinking around our use of resources. It's not hard, it just takes education and awareness to make improvements in our community. Be bold about putting what's best for our community to thrive long term, not cave to pressure from special interest groups. |
Date of survey: Jan 14, 2011 // Home near: Campbell and Speedway 85719 // Years here: 26 // 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? |
Sense of community | I feel like people in Tucson really do care about each other. When a tragedy happens, or help is needed, the outpouring of help is unbelievable. |
The physical beauty | I like to be able to look at the mountains etc. everyday. Sometimes it's hard to remember that other people don't wake up to the beauty we see every day in the desert. |
Overall acceptance of all people | Tucson is a unique oasis where it doesn't matter your race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation- you will be accepted. I am proud to live in a city like this. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Gang violence/activity | Although Tucson is not a "Blood in blood out" city, there is still a lot of gang activity here. We need more things for our youth to do to keep them occupied and out of gangs. |
Upkeep of land and property in parts of the city | There are certain areas of town that look like they are falling apart. The Stone and Ft. Lowell area is one example. I�ve seen large squares of dirt near houses. I wonder why the city can't beautify this? There are some buildings around town that look like they should be condemned. Our poorest people are the ones that live in places like this and it is not fair. |
Poor education system | Our youth are dropping out of school left and right. These kids are at risk for having legal troubles and remaining on the welfare system. Many end up as teen parents and working at low-wage jobs. |
Date of survey: Jan 14, 2011 // Home near: Kolb & Sunrise 85750 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 9. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I love our community, it's diversity and it's caring nature. | I think that the atmosphere of being a 'small college town' while having a million people is a tribute to the way people come together here. I am writing this following the sad events of 1/8, but it community response demonstrates to me what I'm talking about. |
I love the desert and our weather | We have great weather, and the desert is magnificent along with our mountain treasures. |
For the most part, I like the fact that we take sustainability seriously | Our focus on renewable energy, water conservation and reclamation and our focus on local agriculture, etc. Having an organization like Sustainable Tucson focusing these issues is great. The newly formed "Green Chamber" is making a difference in the business arena as well. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Leadership in the gov't sector | We need visionary leaders in the public sector to collaborate with the private sector in creating public policy that support sustainable economic development for our community. The Tucson City Council has to have leaders of this caliber who will be leaders. Where there is political will there is a way. |
Leadership | We need leaders who can see a vision for Tucson beyond their own political interest. I think Gabby Giffords is a remarkable example of this. We all know that a lot of influence happens behind the scenes.... I'd like to see our leaders doing this for Tucson. Where there is political will, there is a way. |
Leadership | We need leaders who can bring together all segments of our population including the University to make a difference for this community and be a model for America. |
Date of survey: Jan 14, 2011 // Home near: Grant/Swan 85712 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 10. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The natural desert!! | I enjoy the natural beauty of the desert. The cactus, animals, plants, the whole package. Love to hike, bike ride and car ride in desert areas. |
The mountains | |
Southwestern architecture | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Build an east/west freeway through town | My daughter lives 28 miles from my home in N/W Tucson. To drive to her house takes almost one hour each way. It should be a 15 minute trip! |
Traffic congestion in general | Due to the lack of highways. |
Date of survey: Jan 14, 2011 // Home near: Cortaro/Silverbell 85743 // Years here: 37 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 11. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The Arts | Tucson values and encourages the arts, murals, galleries, music, etc. |
Multi-cultural | Diversity is one of our beautiful strengths |
More liberal views | More tolerant of different types of people. A more cohesive political climate than in Phoenix. Yet, this seems to be at risk since the past election. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better transportation | The public transportation is inadequate for people who work non-traditional daytime hours or weekends. It is completely inadequate and often it takes someone over an hour and multiple transfers to travel 5 miles. |
More jobs and vocational services | I work with the homeless Unemployment keeps our families and individuals at risk for long term problems like foreclosures = homelessness = medical crisis = mental health problems = substance abuse problems = hopelessness = criminal activities = etc |
Family to Family Support Network | If social services can help families, those families could help other families. By being with successful families who learned how to deal with their crisis, as well as move into a safer place, this could possibly offer hope to those who |
Date of survey: Jan 15, 2011 // Home near: Glenn & Stone 85705 // Years here: 59 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 12. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The big Asian community. | Having a lot of Asian markets , restaurants .... |
The view. | The view is beautiful . |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I'd like the city to be more walkable. | 1:you don�t need to have a car to go anywhere, save money; 2:protecting the environment. |
Date of survey: Jan 15, 2011 // Home near: 5th and congress 85701 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: #NAME?s | |
Survey: 13. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Makes things seem better |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Violence | Would like to feel safer on the streets |
Date of survey: Jan 17, 2011 // Home near: kolb and wilmot 85712 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: #NAME?s | |
Survey: 14. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Dog community relationships | Great place to participate in dog-related activities. |
Small town feel-large town amenities | Much smaller than the metro Phoenix area where I grew up, more personal. |
Sense of community | Given the tragedy that occurred 1/8/11, Tucson is a very giving place and we always respond to need. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Roads. | They are in deplorable shape. I vote every time for improvements and just don't see that much change. |
Schools | Teach the children something useful!! Again, I vote for education almost every time and yet the lack of basic knowledge and literacy skills is horrible. I can't help but feel I am throwing good money after bad. Our future is very much in doubt. |
Money/accountability | Where did my tax dollars go?? Certainly not to roads/transportation (see above). Rio Nuevo, etc was a boondoggle, poorly managed and borders on a scam. |
Date of survey: Jan 17, 2011 // Home near: Kolb and 22nd st 85710 // Years here: 36 // Born in the: #NAME?s | |
Survey: 15. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The mountains | The mountains provide breathtaking views wherever you live. They provide opportunities for hikes, walks, horseback rides, camping, biking and more. |
Small town community feeling | Although there are more than a million people in the region, Tucson still feels like a small town in terms of knowing your neighbors and connecting with people throughout the community. |
The weather | Most people choose Tucson because of its weather; so did my husband and I. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
County and City government working together. | To achieve business goals necessary for our economic growth, city and county governments should work together or merge into one entity. |
Improve education | We are failing our children by not providing quality K-12 education. Today's children should have the same rich educational experience that most of us had as youngsters. |
Date of survey: Jan 17, 2011 // Home near: Thornydale 85742 // Years here: 36 // Born in the: #NAME?s | |
Survey: 16. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The physical environment -- the mountains, the desert, the natural beauty of the area. | Being outside and enjoying nature is important to me. I moved here to be outside more, and I've come to enjoy my daily walks and hikes in the area. |
Its small-town feel. | I feel like I know everyone here. I like shopping at local businesses where the shop owner knows me -- it makes me feel more connected with the community. |
The sunshine. | It is gorgeous! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
We need a broader range of economic opportunities, not just government or real estate-related options. | The community would be better able to finance its priorities if it had a broader business base, and more interesting people would be attracted here. |
The educational system needs to be improved. | Friends have moved because of the poor schools. |
We need to celebrate the good things we have more -- I would get rid of the Arizona Daily Star which seems to only publicize the worst of Tucson. | Everyone complains about Tucson without even knowing all the good things that happen here. |
Date of survey: Jan 17, 2011 // Home near: 22nd Street and S. 4th Avenue 85701 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: #NAME?s | |
Survey: 17. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | The ability to be outdoors comfortably year round -I love the Sonoran habitats & Sabino Canyon. |
My job | Have a career with a great company that is part of a national initiative |
Proximity to Phoenix & rest of the state | I love Arizona's eco system diversity - from the Colorado River pathway, the mountains & the Sonoran Desert |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 17, 2011 | |
Survey: 18. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Arizona's center for the arts | State-wide theatre, opera, and dance originated in Tucson and ultimately exported to Phoenix and its suburbs. America falls short on culture, especially in comparison to European countries. We have so much to offer but, sadly, very little government support. |
The cultural richness | The cross cultural influences of Native American, Mexican, and Asian have contributed to local art, jewelry design, architecture, dining, dance and performing arts, all of which make Tucson a unique city and a great place to live. |
Being a "big-small" city | Tucson has a certain intimacy, in spite of its size. People marvel about seeing people we know all the time--at a concert, on the street, at a restaurant. Keeping that intimacy and "connectedness" is very important to me. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | Convenience and pollution. Roads are more and more crowded. There is little ease in getting from one side of town to the other. Also, there is little apparent thought about making Tucson pedestrian-friendly. With the climate we have, sidewalks should encourage walking, not being so narrow and unattractive. |
Prioritizing education | Although my children are grown so I don't have to worry about the quality they are getting, the education in Arizona, and therefore Tucson, is embarrassing. To be ranked 49 out of 50 states is appalling. Education, of course, is critical to individuals, to local industry, and to the city's (and state's) future. |
The "look," building codes | Tucson has been allowed to become a series of strip malls, each of which has a different design. As these malls age, they become uglier and uglier. While we do not have to be like Santa Fe, more emphasis should be placed on the beauty of the residential and commercial architecture. |
Date of survey: Jan 17, 2011 // Home near: Craycroft/Fort Lowell 85712 // Years here: 39 // 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? |
Community spirit | Seems like a small town with much diversity and community spirit |
Climate | Great climate |
Cultural opportunities | Great sports, entertainment, good medical facilities |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | Sometimes getting across town is difficult |
The city government | Difficult to work with as a business person. I would characterize it as business unfriendly |
Re-emphasize #2 | In order to attract business city government has to change its culture |
Date of survey: Jan 17, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde and Sabino Canyon road 85750 // Years here: 36 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 20. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The climate | I enjoy being outdoors year round to hike and garden |
The ecosystems and open land of Arizona | Travel to other parts of AZ is easy, beautiful mountains, habitats, Colorado River. Shopping in PHX, sporting events in PHX |
My job with a great company | My company has progressive business practices and is part of many innovative programs regionally and nationally. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Tucson has tunnel vision, think it is better/different than the rest of the State | It is sad to pathetic how Tucson keeps separate from the rest of AZ. There are unique aspects of Tucson, but same can be said of many places in AZ. So AZ refuses to go to PHX- where the rest of the state has come together. |
Tucson would get honest about what works & what needs to be fixed. | Again, the constant harping on Tucson. Hey- the rest of Pima Co is as big as Tucson. maybe Oro Valley will annex Tucson. The Arts may start fundraising & stop badgering government to give them a free ride. Ever notice how the successful Art orgs go about their business? Hey MOCA - give the taxpayers back our $$. How much tax revenue would that bldg generate if it was a grocery store? Oh wait, Rio Nuevo doesn't need sales tax $ does it? |
Acknowledge that children having children, homeless & impoverished women having children leads to dire circumstances for decades | It is very sad that because of religious & political barriers, women/girls without insurance or on public health do not get family planning choices. What is great about a homeless woman having her fourth child while she is in shelter? What is great about Tucson ranking in the top 5 for STD in Latino girls or child abuse? PLEASE focus on critical issues that need policy changes as well as funding. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Years here: 30 | |
Survey: 21. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small sense of community | Cultural events- fall/spring fairs |
Winter weather | The ability to play golf/bike in the winter |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sidewalks | There's a dire lack of sidewalks in most |
Allergies | For many years, people have moved to Tucson because of allergies. because of the planting of foreign plants in the region, it's becoming difficult for people to live asthma-free |
Education | There's a large number of uneducated Tucsonans; the school system needs to be revamped to motivate an increased number of graduating seniors |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: speedway and campbell 85719 // Years here: 2 // 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? |
Community connections. | I volunteer in the greater community and value the partnership that creates. Those opportunities expand the resources available to me personally and professionally. |
Even prior to the horrific vent early in January, I have always been inspired of how our community comes together for causes. | Supporting one another and the willingness to make a difference in the lives of others is something I witness here in Tucson again and again. |
The community embraces the beauty of our region. | The accessibility to our natural resources the mountains and arid desert is a demonstration of our communities commitment to preserving our gift of the land. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More services for those in need. | In my opinion it is our civic duty to insure that there is a standard quality of life that we all have access to. |
More services for those in need. | Re-invent the transportation system for older adults and those unable to access traditional public transportation. Re-invent housing needs to better address and serve the individuals residing there. |
More sidewalks | Often I find that Tucson is not a walker friendly town, particularly in neighborhoods. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: swan and glenn 85712 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 23. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Friendliness of people and sense of community | I moved here from Washington DC and really appreciate the "small town" feeling of this community. It was easy to get to know people and I now feel a real Tucsonan. |
Vibrant arts community | I have developed my own creative side here -- never used before. I have taken a writing class at Pima, tile mosaic classes at Santa Theresa Tile and attended lots of theater and arts events. I am devoted to the Open Studio Tours in the fall and love talking to artists about their work. Art is very accessible here, in addition to high quality. |
Desert Environment and Climate | We hike regularly, walk daily, watch the stars and otherwise appreciate the beautiful natural environment. My idea of "winter" is a 60 degree, sunny day -- with an occasional rainstorm to keep the cactus happy! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improved City and County efforts to improve the region's economy | I find it frustrating that it appears that the structure of our city and county governments does not facilitate urban growth, jobs, and general prosperity for the region. I would like the leaders to show more vision and more cooperation. |
Greater use of the arts as a means of social and economic growth | Other cities, eg Austin, TX, Providence, RI, Portland, OR have used arts districts to revitalize their urban cores and involved artists in their efforts to do this. I would love to see a downtown arts district that encompasses the entire downtown area, from the warehouses to TMA to MOCA to Temple of Arts and Children's Museum. And then market this vibrant area. Use the Streetcar to make it fun to visit all these places. |
Improved cohesiveness between areas, such as the "Foothills' and downtown | I am always amazed to hear people talk about how dangerous or difficult it is to be downtown and do things there. I am encouraged by 2nd Saturdays, but would like to see more done to build confidence and excitement with everything that downtown offers and could offer |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Mile Wide and Sandario 85743 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 24. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The gorgeous canyons, mountains and desert | I enjoy hiking, birding, being out in nature |
The ability to be outside most of the year - weather! | I enjoy gardening, walking in my neighborhood, golfing |
A close community (small town) feeling with the stimulation provided by the university and the arts events. | I have many friends and am involved in many community organizations. I enjoy the live music options. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The educational system needs improvement | My children did not receive as good educations as I did in my youth. Our educational outcomes are terrible and this affects the quality of life here: increased crime, drives away businesses, many youth with limited opportunities |
The mental health system needs improvement | I know people who have declined and are at risk and put others at risk due to lack of access to appropriate medications |
Improve access to family planning, birth control | I have known too many high school students who got pregnant, and saw their opportunities limited; have seen too many neglected children whose parents were still children. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Country Club and 6th 85716 // Years here: 32 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 25. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I love the "big little town" feel that Tucson still has despite a population of a million people. | Hardly a day goes by that I don't see someone I knew from high school or college, somewhere in town. A boy who grew up in the house next door when we were raising our children, now lives in the next block with his children! This feeling of being separated by one degree give me a great sense of community. |
I love the desert and the mountains, the climate and the air. | Our environment in Tucson is unique. The mountains and the desert never fail to give me joy. The many shades of gray and green after a rain, and smell of the desert when it rains, touch me deeply inside. I grew up in Tucson, in a house off Lester and Pima, and the smell of the desert when it rains, reminds me of that simpler and safer time. The dry air of Tucson, can only be appreciated when you have to go someplace where the bath towels don't dry overnight, or mold grows around the outside of the house. Sometimes our air is so fine, on a spring night with the orange trees in bloom, that it is almost like fine wine. |
I like it that people still believe they can make a difference in their government. | When people think they can make a difference in their government, they will continue to get involved in the democratic process, to volunteer, to protest, and to vote. Years ago when volunteering for a candidate, I saw one of my major professors from the University. It was the "small town in a big city", along with the involvement of the citizens of Tucson. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I am deeply concerned about the level of power held by the contractors in Tucson. | Even though contractors say they will respect the environment, they routinely cut down cactus and native species. They have little regard for the environment, or for the laws that would hold them accountable. Many of them have friends in high places, and believe they do not have to follow the laws that the rest of us must follow. |
When folks build or buy houses in the County, so they can avoid the taxes of the City, then they complain about the lack of services in the County! | This is particularly important to me because I work with Seniors, who buy houses or mobile homes out in the desert. They they can't get public transportation, they have to pay separately for the fire department and trash collection, and they complain about many other things. If the City and the County laws and taxes mirrored each other, there would be less incentive to tear up the desert, and there would be enough income from taxes to pay for services. |
Too many golf courses! Too much grass! | Golf courses use lots of water. The rest of us are constantly exhorted to use less water, reuse grey water, and catch and use rain water. Just because a person can afford the water, does not mean they are more entitled to use it. For heaven's sake, we live in the desert! |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Twenty-second and Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 66 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 26. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Opportunities to volunteer. | I like to get out and participate in Cats in the Community, volunteer at St. Mary's Thrift Store, and pick up trash on my own in my neighborhood. |
Diversity of cultures. | I like interacting with my Hispanic neighbors and have found that our concerns about living in our neighborhood are alike. |
Festivals, museums, music and art, science and literature. | One can never claim to be bored in Tucson! 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? |
I would make a law stating that corners on intersections be clear of brush and walls in order to improve line of sight for oncoming traffic. | It is difficult to see oncoming traffic from a stop sign when brush, trees and walls block the view. |
I would institute a volunteer corps to clean up the city. | Underpasses are filthy. There are not enough public trash cans. There are no recycling facilities at apartment complexes. |
Chop down plants blocking views of oncoming traffic. These are in the median on Mission Road between W. 36th Street and Ajo Way. | It is difficult to pull out into traffic from San Mateo Apartments when you can't see oncoming (southbound) traffic because of brush. When making a u-turn to travel north, it is hard to see oncoming (northbound) traffic because of the plants in the median. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Mission and W. 36th St. 85713 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 27. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Location | I love the diversity of topography. You can be hot/warm/cold in only a few hours. |
Small town feel | I grew up on the east coast and I enjoy that most days Tucson feels like a small town and not a big city. |
People | Most of the people I encounter are warm and inviting. Not the same pretense of people I knew on east coast. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Roads | There should be a better way to keep the roads in better condition. Tired of all the potholes and damage to cars during monsoon season. |
Traffic | We should be able to cross town in a more efficient manner. I find it frustrating to only go a few miles and have it take 4xtimes as long during high traffic times of the day. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: river/cloud 85750 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 28. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town feel and friendliness | I'm from a small town and though I still get homesick, I feel the sense of community and friendliness here which makes me feel a sense of place. |
The Educational Opportunities | I love that Tucson is home to community college and a state university--making education accessible to diverse populations in the region including Hispanics, low-income, and first-generation college students. |
The FOOD! | I love the excellent choice of restaurants (particularly locally-owned) with fine cuisine and vast ethnic offerings. I'm a foodie! I think the quality of Tucson area restaurants is an all-too-well-kept secret. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Connect South Tucson and Greater Tucson in meaningful ways | I think connecting these two communities would show an interest in embracing diversity. It seems that the border between South Tucson and Tucson creates too much of a divide between Whites and Latina/os. People (Whites) seem 'afraid' of South Tucson and think there is a wealth of culture for us gringas to embrace there and hopefully vice versa. |
Transportation System | I HATE commuting; Tucson is so spread-out that efficient public transportation should be more readily available as should more parkways/highways to move across town east/west and north/south. Fortunately, I live in mid-town, but not all my friends and family do:) |
Get rid of the slumlord trailer parks in central Tucson. | As one who lives in mid-town, I am sick of the slumlord eye-sore trailer parks near Columbus and Pima and other areas. I'm not suggesting making the tenants homeless, but these eyesores have got to go and be replaced with higher quality (yet affordable) housing. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Alvernon and Speedway 85712 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 29. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Enjoy outdoor activities and warm, dry climate |
Size | Tucson is the perfect size to have all the services I need yet not be a huge or sprawling city |
Dedication to natural resources | Worry over water resources Like to hike, bike, etc. and want to retain a desert environment in which to do so |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Urban sprawl and development | Prefer infill and neighborhood based projects to large developments that eat up more desert land and are not sustainable with our natural resources (i.e. water) |
Downtown Revitalization | A sense of community and localized activity |
Public Transportation | As good as Sun Tran is, there is room for improvement in terms of rapid transit and transportation options to Phoenix and area airports. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Harrison/Golf Links 85730 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 30. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The vibrancy around University of Arizona | I works for the university. worked in big cities in US, i had reservations about settling down in a place considered as 'College Town' but i loved it from first day. |
Weather | Tuscon definitely have nicer weather. though temperature is high but still better than lower temperatures combined with high humidity. Winters are absolutely amazing. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Public Transport | A good public transport is a part and parcel of growing development of any city. i do not expect Tuscon to turn New York overnight but i do hope that Tuscon will have much better public transit system than what it has today. |
More vibrant downtown area and culture scene | No Doubt,there are activities going around University area and downtown but would like to see it more lively in terms of socio-culture scene in terms of true city life. |
Street lighting | I am told that Tucson is not supposed to street lighting in order to have clear sky for various astronomy centers around the area. I do appreciate this effort in terms of energy saving also but sometimes many streets in university area are too dark. - dark to make you feel unsafe. are times that i have to walk through them (when i don�t have any company and i have a reason to go out alone), i have to be really cautious. Having some light around university where most of residents do walk would be additional but useful step in avoiding any crime in the area. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Park and Adams 85719 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 31. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Level of education appears higher than other communities. | Having lived in Phoenix for 4 years in the late 70s, I enjoy meeting and working with people in Tucson. |
The general environment is clean and varied. | Mt. Lemmon is a valuable get-away from the desert heat. |
Police and first responders are well trained. | Having been through one of the first Citizens Police Academy graduates, I did not appreciate how well trained and how generally more efficient our police officers are in Tucson. I suspect our crime rate is lower than other communities in Arizona because of our training and professionalism. The downturn in the economy is likely to increase crime rates because of fewer badges on the streets. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Downtown is really cool looking for 1955. | Anyone who has ever driven through Albuquerque, New Mexico would be shocked to learn Tucson is about the same population. The tall buildings there are no match for the Old Pueblo. Rio Nuevo was a major league 'planning festival' and a continuation of dreams of developers. |
Find a city council that gets things done. | Drug addicts have the same level of expertise when it comes to 'planning' on the city council. You name a major project in downtown Tucson like a major league baseball stadium or a new city hall or a new hotel or a new high rise building and the Tucson city council has NOT done it. Marana's city hall looks very different that Tucson. |
Increase taxes to pay for light rail. | SunTran is at the end stage of efficiency. We need light rail because it is much less expensive to operate and the savings could be used to extend hours of operation. Spending tax dollars to benefit the most people has yet to be spoken in public by anyone on our beloved city council. Why? I give up. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: 4th Avenue & Speedway 85705 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 32. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural environment | I love the mountains, the Sonoran Desert plants and wildlife, and the dark skies. I can easily escape the city for a natural getaway, with parks all around. |
University of Arizona | I take advantage of the intellectual opportunities and cultural offerings, and I appreciate living in a city with the diversity and stimulus that the university provides. |
Pace of life | One of the reasons I moved here was to escape the rat race and sprawl of the SF Bay Area. Tucson has all the city amenities but a slower pace of life than "big" cities. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More/better mass transit and car options | After a few years of being in Tucson without, I finally had to buy a car to get around. As population expands, more cars will only mean more congestion/wider roads. Clean, safe, convenient mass transit would free up lanes of cars, and prevent air pollution. More dedicated bike streets would help, too. |
More stringent water regulation | I lived through two major droughts in CA, and easily consume <50 gal water per day. It's inconceivable to me that new residential construction doesn't have water harvesting and graywater built in, or that commercial parking lot water harvesting (PCC East, Target Superstore) isn't mandatory. |
More street trees | In the past 20 years, I've seen winters get warmer and summer nights get hotter due to the heat island effect. We are significantly changing our micro-climate in ways that will get worse with climate change. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Speedway/4th Ave 85705 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 33. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The high degree of participation by individuals in politics, issues and challenges which affect the community. | These are things which make Tucson a unique community. |
The influence of the University. | I believe Tucson lives and breathes with what happens at the U of A. The U of A is the reason so many bright, interesting people are here -- both young and old. |
Tucson is one of the most environmentally aware communities in the country. | Caring about the environment, i.e. the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, is a key to economic development and personal well being. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The public school education system | Economic development can't take place without an excellent school system. |
Making the President of the U of A more visible | I believe the President of the U of A should be as prominent as the Mayor or any of our Federal elected officials. |
Improve relations with Phoenix | I've been here 50 years. The relationship with Phoenix has worsened every year. That's counter productive. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Campbell and Grant 85719 // Years here: 50 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 34. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Nature | Unaltered land |
Weather | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Deport illegals | It's hard to find a job and crime is intolerable. |
Roads | A pothole almost swallowed my car the other day. |
Stop developing | Styro condos are killing the landscape. These houses aren't even "green" by definition! I can't even go out and enjoy the beautiful natural habitat I once knew, because it is gone. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: golf links/kolb 85730 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 35. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Hiking in the mountains | The countryside around the city is beautiful. A half-hour hike takes you to a completely different world. |
4th ave and downtown | The unique cultural events that seem to always be happening make it tough to have a dull weekend. Dia de los muertos, street fair, second Saturdays, movies in the park - there's always something that's fun to do. |
Bike friendly communities | I've always liked the idea of biking to work, but never seriously considered it until moving to Tucson. My car has been out of commission for months and I have barely noticed it because I can ride anywhere and seldom have to share lanes with cars. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cleanup the neighborhoods north of downtown | I live in the near northside and, while my house and community are wonderful, they are surrounded by less attractive neighborhoods. I would like to see an effort to improve these neighborhoods, as they have a lot of potential and great diversity. |
The state of the historic districts | Districts like Iron Horse and Pie Allen have old homes, but the old homes are deteriorating. In other cities, homes in historic districts are treated with care and people take pride in their neighborhoods. I love living near downtown, but would like to see historic buildings restored to make the area more attractive to people who would otherwise abandon the City for the suburbs. |
The isolation of the south side | While it is becoming a reality in this country that the margin between lower economic classes and higher ones is increasing, I would like to see an effort to integrate all areas of the city into a community - please invest City funds in depressed areas. We all do better when we ALL do better. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: Oracle and Glenn 85705 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 36. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The people | Many cultures to learn from |
The food | Many cuisines prepared by people who are natives |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better roads | Streets are choked during the day based on my travels. People use cars here because the geographic dispersal renders buses ineffective to most folk. |
Attitude of government | Government here has a small town mindset. While that's a wonder "feel", it is horrible for managing a city of a million plus people. Growing up involves a lot, including doing major road work off ours, instead of 8-5 for 12-16 months. |
Date of survey: Jan 18, 2011 // Home near: wrightstown and pantano 85715 // Years here: 38 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 37. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The local music scene | I have a friend who is a local musician, and I enjoy being able to see her perform in local venues. We also get awesome national acts coming into town to do concerts at Club Congress, Rialto Theatre, and Plush. |
The "Tucson Originals" restaurants | I enjoy patronizing local restaurants, including El Charro and Pastiche. |
The community events | I love Tucson Meet Yourself and the 4th Ave Street Fair. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make downtown and 4th Ave better lit | I want to feel safer when parking and walking around at nighttime in these areas. |
Date of survey: Jan 19, 2011 // Home near: river and la cholla 85741 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 38. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The sense of community | The recognition of neighborhoods is nice |
Downtown, 4th ave, university area | These areas are busting with culture. The variety and community involvement is great |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better public transportation | In other cities our size getting around without a car is easy and fun. I love not having to worry about driving and enjoying the scenery. In Tucson we need to invest in light rail and/or add another hub to the bus system. |
Date of survey: Jan 19, 2011 // Home near: prince and campbell 85719 // Years here: 36 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 39. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The strong culture. | When you come to Tucson, you know you are in Tucson. The food, arts, and music make it unique. |
There are many local businesses I can support. | I appreciate that we are not full of strip malls and chains. |
The political climate. | As an ally, I find is important that the LGBT community is supported. I also notice that Tucson isn't a republican majority which I appreciate. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sense of community. | The population of Tucson is made up of many different transient groups- individuals who only live here in the winter season, students, military, immigrants. As a resident who doesn't make up any of these groups, I find it hard to find people who are dedicated to living here in the long run and making this a better community. I would hold more events that keep us working together. Many times we are consumed by political issues like immigration that polarize us. |
Transportation. | The bus system is not efficient. I would not use it unless I absolutely had to. When driving in Tucson, the lack of a freeway system that moves through town makes for a lot of surface street traffic and increased time on the road. |
A better downtown. | Our downtown is not the hub of activity that it could be. As a young person, I find myself gravitating toward University when I think of where to socialize at night. I am not a university student and would prefer to spend my time and money downtown, but the nightlife is less than appealing. |
Date of survey: Jan 19, 2011 // Home near: Campbell and River 85719 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 40. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Freeways are not essential to life | Tucson is still small enough that you can get around town using regular streets. Yes we have some traffic but the wait is usually no more than one light and it is delightful to not have the pressure of merging freeway traffic, lane changes, and high speed |
Small town feel with city conveniences | Neighborhoods are vibrant. people care. people know each other |
Weather | No snow, ice, sleet. warm enough to not need a jacket most of the year |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More public transportation options | I don't see well at night. i don't like to drive. Want creative ways to get to/from bus stops so I don't have to walk a long ways from bus stop to destination. |
Safety | I would walk, bike, take public transportation, especially at night, if I felt safe |
Ways to be outside when it is 90+ degrees | Our delightful winter weather means unbearable summers if you are out. more shaded areas - man made (maybe with solar powered fans to cool?) or better yet tree lined walkways |
Date of survey: Jan 19, 2011 // Home near: houghton road / catalina hwy 85749 // Years here: 36 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 41. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Friendly people | The overall experience being good or bad has much to do with the people encountered in everyday life in the community. The friendliness and helpfulness of the people i have encountered has been really welcoming to me, a newcomer to the area (from Chicago area). |
Nice weather | Being a recent (Oct. 2010) transplant from Chicago area, the lack of snow and bitter cold has been most enjoyable. Also, the presence of sunshine almost every day contributes to me having a better outlook and being in an overall better mood. |
Access to services, specifically medical services | I have a number of medical issues that have and could require expert medical attention. The medical services I've enlisted so far are top-notch. Other services (entertainment, shopping, automotive, etc.) are pretty extensive for the population of the area. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Relieve traffic congestion. | Have more major connector roads between downtown and northern areas; along with this, have better connectivity to I-10 from northern areas. |
Market the area. | Increase the in-state and out-of-state promotion of Tucson community / region as a superior place to live and/or work. This would help the ailing real estate industry, bring in more tax revenue, and, thusly, increase jobs and help other industries. |
Publicize free / low-cost activities. | There are a wealth of activities available in the Tucson region, but it seems I find out about them (radio / newspaper) too late to participate. Like number 2, above, these activities need more marketing. |
Date of survey: Jan 19, 2011 // Home near: Oracle and Rancho Vistoso 85755 // Years here: 0 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 42. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Strong neighborhoods | Most neighborhoods in Tucson are organized into strong neighborhood associations, giving a platform to individuals to come together and make decisions about what they value the most. There are many grassroots efforts going on at any particular time in the city. This instills a sense of empowerment that is conducive to action and that gives the community a strong identity. |
Connectivity | Form the adoption of the Sonoran Conservation Plan, a landmark in environmental planning to the vast network of hiking trails, the County and the various jurisdictions within it, prioritize connectivity, providing ample opportunities for hiking and outdoor activities. These not only are valuable amenities. They are also a way to keep a community healthier. |
Environment | On a not so bright day, one only needs to take a short drive to gates pass or saguaro west to watch the sunset, a walk under the moon on Sabino Springs; a walk on coyote traveled paths in Saguaro East or Pantano Wash, or a hike up Mount Lemon, to brighten one's day. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improve Walkability | The fact that one needs to get in the car to go anywhere in Tucson is very unsustainable. The community needs education on mixed-use development and the idea of work, live, play and learn in place. Walkability also allows us to reduce our carbon footprint by minimizing the need to use an automobile |
Improve the Poor Transit System | Many people in this City depend on the transit system to go to work. In addition, many others could use transit as form of mobility, which will substantially reduce traffic, allow us to have more pedestrian-friendly streetscapes and make the community more sustainable. The problem is that the community has grown in a manner that contributes to urban sprawl and such sprawl does not support the critical mass needed to support light rail, street cars or a more efficient transit system. |
Provide more Affordable Housing | The lack of housing that is affordable to all income ranges is a problem in Tucson. A study that identifies affordable housing needs and provides a housing needs assessment based on different income ranges will be beneficial. |
Date of survey: Jan 19, 2011 // Home near: Granada and St Mary 85701 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 43. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversity and Culture | All the different types of delicious food at restaurants and art work and murals around town |
Community Events | Tucson Meet Yourself, 4th Ave St. Fairs, Winterhaven, Octoberfest, that the Zoo and Children's Museum do reduced entrance fee days |
Community Resources | Tucson is very supportive of those in need. It is great to so many non-profit agencies like The Diaper Bank, Foodbank and many others. It's also great to see our local news stations and business offer support for example toy drives during the holidays. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education | Education is so important and as a social worker I see so many of our youth getting a poor education if not any at all. It is very easy for high school and even middle school students to drop out. There also seems to be a lot of charter schools in our community. These are great for some students who need a less traditional setting but if we have too many we may not be offering the best experience and education. |
Drugs and Gangs | More prevention to help our community stay away from these types of crime. Specifically for youth. |
Public Transportation | We have many areas in the Tucson region that are secluded when it comes to public transportation. |
Date of survey: Jan 19, 2011 // Home near: Golf Links and Wilmot 85730 // Years here: 24 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 44. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cultural uniqueness | Live in inner city neighborhood near U of A, beautiful historic buildings. Must have thoughtful infill planning. Must not destroy historic homes for inappropriate buildings in R-1 areas. |
Friendly neighborhoods | Places where you know your neighbors and work together to improve the neighborhood and community |
University | Should infiltrate the town with thinking people. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Get rid of inappropriate infill | Mini-dorms in R-1 are unsafe, not neighborhood friendly and in the long run not good for the University community |
Have more forward thinking decision making by City Officials | Tucson has a specific culture that makes it far more inviting to tourists. That ambiance and culture of history is what brings people to Tucson. |
Date of survey: Jan 20, 2011 // Home near: Campbell-Grant 85719 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 45. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | I like to be outdoors |
Small town feel | I like that Tucson has a wide variety of offerings with a small town feel. |
Easy to navigate | Streets run north and south and east and west making navigating thru town easy. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The need to understand and speak English | I feel anyone living here should make learning the English language a priority. We should not have to spend additional funds to translate everything we do into Spanish. |
Funding for schools | Funding for our schools is a disgrace. We are among the least funded states for education and we are talking about cutting additional funds. |
Salaries | Salaries are extremely low in the Tucson area. |
Date of survey: Jan 20, 2011 // Home near: Broadway and Houghton 85748 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 46. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Quality and pace of life | Having children, I enjoy the "small town" aspect of our city, the parks, the people and the laid back feel of the community. |
The weather and views | 300+ days of sunshine, outdoor activities, beautiful vistas and clean, crisp air make living in a vacation spot worthwhile. |
The restaurants | Great variety of locally owned, creative, high quality, interesting, kid friendly and affordable food establishments make this a "foodie" paradise. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Downtown | Great "bones" and improvements to make it a pedestrian friendly, thriving downtown but it still needs more reason to come down there after hours (bars, clubs, restaurants, etc.) and designated areas/clusters of shops (i.e. antiques). Wig stores and Greyhound stations don't work! |
More events (both indoor and outdoor!) to bring revenue, people and fun to the region | Minor league baseball (update Hi-Corbett!), Food/wine festivals, chili cookoffs, music or festivals, wild west themed events, etc. - all capitalizing on the region's VERY rich history, culture, cuisine and people. |
Consistency and cohesiveness in development, planning and | No cohesiveness in the architecture or layout of downtown, no noticeable rhyme or reason to why things are built where they are (i.e. TEP) and "bad parts" of town in the middle of nice areas. |
Date of survey: Jan 20, 2011 // Home near: 1st and Orange Grove 85718 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 47. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The culture and diversity | The diverse cultural interests make Tucson a vibrant, creative and intellectually stimulating place to live. |
The weather/climate | I enjoy activities like hiking, biking, backpacking and Tucson is a mecca |
Proximity to the west coast and Mexico/So America | Easy to get out of the country and experience variety |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Growth slow it down | Too little vision going into the growth |
More focus on design | Tucson is naturally beautiful but fragile |
More focus on education | |
Date of survey: Jan 21, 2011 // Home near: broadway/Campbell 85719 // Years here: 25 // 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? |
My family lives here. | Being close to my family is what keeps me in Tucson. |
The beauty of the mountains and the desert. | I love that everywhere I look I can see mountains. |
Even though we are a large community it still has the feel of a smaller community. | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I would like a better school system. | I have two children and I would like them to get the best education possible. Also, kids are the future. We need to improve our school systems so that the children are prepared to handle their responsibilities in the future. One day they will be running this town, and country, and if we don't provide them with the right foundation to do so, they will not be at a disadvantage. |
Better road system. | I spend a lot of time in my car everyday and feel that some of the roads could be improved, especially the most frequently traveled roads. Also, I would like to see better planning when a new community is being built to prevent the traffic situation from becoming unbearable before it is finally fixed. |
A long term growth plan that does not change every time someone new comes along. | It appears as though every time someone new comes along the previous plans change. Rio Nuevo, for example, has been changed so many times. It does not appear as though the city really has a clear understanding of its vision for Tucson. |
Date of survey: Jan 21, 2011 // Home near: Golflinks & Camino Seco 85730 // Years here: 27 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 49. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Social/political climate | Friendly, willing to help each other, liberal (there, I said it) |
Climate | Warm-ish in the winter; not ridiculous in the summer, if you have lived here a while. LOTS to do (those who say otherwise are afraid of getting out of breath): Sabino Canyon, Mt. Lemmon, hiking, biking. |
Arts/Music environment | Availability of well-priced high-quality music, dance, theater and other events. Special thanks to TSO, UA Presents, ATC. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Local politics | Good city council, but angry, argumentative people on the sidelines - definitely a minority, but a loud one |
Traffic | I know it's not as bad as other places, but I moved here 51 years ago, so it's bad now. Solutions include grade-separated interchanges, non-bus mass transit, more 3rd street-style bike routes. |
State political climate | We must live in the shadow of a wacko state government. Immigration is a wrong-headed word here, where we have historically lived in harmony with Mexico. That is changing for the worse. |
Date of survey: Jan 21, 2011 // Home near: Sabino Canyon Rd & Tanque Verde 85715 // Years here: 51 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 50. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Friendly | Easy to meet and know people and to be a part of a small group. Makes for excellent volunteer opportunities. |
Convenience | Housing and apartments are generally located close to shopping, transportation, shopping and medical (Doctor and Hospital) facilities. Travel time is reduced and response time by Fire Department and Police is good. |
Weather | As a person suffering with arthritis, the warm and dry climate appeals to me. I don't like to be restricted by snowfall and the cleanup. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Less small special interest groups with power | Those with the loudest voice do not always represent the majority. They have held Tucson back from addressing bigger issues |
A metropolitan form of government | This form of government would allow for broader planning to address growth in the future. |
Broader thinking by elected officials | Look at the big picture rather than small issues. Consider the greater good for all. |
Date of survey: Jan 21, 2011 // Home near: Glenn and Columbus 85712 // Years here: 51 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 51. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I am not in region 1-use to be | I am not in region 1 use to be |
Family | Family |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Don't live in region 1 | Don't live in region 1 |
Money | Money |
Date of survey: Jan 21, 2011 // Home near: tanque verde 85712 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 52. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | We can be outside all year round, barbeque, run, bike |
Access to outdoor activities | Love to run, bike |
River trails | Safe to exercise without watching for cars |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improve the downtown | Make it an attractive gathering spot with activities for locals and tourists |
Improve the schools | It is hard to hire employees that grew up here and have them be effective |
Consolidate the government | Sooo many school districts, each with administrators, transportation offices, etc. Cities and county compete for resources instead of cooperate for the community |
Date of survey: Jan 21, 2011 // Home near: swan & river 85712 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 53. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
That it remains small | If it grows beyond current population it will no longer be a good place to live. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 22, 2011 | |
Survey: 54. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The open and inviting nature of the people I meet. | Having lived in 4 states, I am so impressed with the open and welcoming attitudes of the people I meet in the Greater Tucson community, by enlarge. There is an invitation to be comfortable with one another I have rarely encountered. |
The beauty of the natural environment, and the urban interface | In Tucson, we can live in the mountain foothills with the native desert flora and fauna, and yet nearby have a vibrant urban community of fascinating people and high artistic and scientific achievements. |
The respect and humility for the environment. | Shortly before I moved to Tucson in 2004, Pima County voters approved the purchase of substantial new open space lands. I believe the preservation of so much open space near our city center enhances the physical and emotional health us all, through cleaner air and easily accessed recreational opportunities. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improve the business base sustainably. | It is so difficult to find financial resources for our arts, educational and humanities organizations, because there is no good base of large businesses as in other communities where I have lived. |
Improve public transportation | We could ensure the sustainability of our clean air and require fewer road improvements, if we all did not have to drive everywhere. I would use public transportation from a hub, if I had reasonable opportunities. |
Can't think of 3rd this minute! | |
Date of survey: Jan 23, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell and Sweetwater 85745 // Years here: 6 | |
Survey: 55. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Desert | Such different vegetation from east coast, dry weather |
University | Because of the quality of people it draws to our neighborhoods |
Proximity to cultural events | The town is small enough and we close enough in (Sam Hughes) that we can be downtown in 10 minutes |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Clean up the downtrodden areas | I don't know how it could be done, but a beautification project, esp. for an area like Speedway coming east off of I-10 |
Increase density | Make in-filling easier |
Put more value on education | I taught for 31 years in Fair fax County, Virginia. I'm appalled at the low bar set for education here. Teacher pay is incredibly low. I realize that's state-dictated, however, and the legislators here seem to be content with a constituency of the uneducated |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: speedway and country club 85716 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 56. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Our Sonora nature, arts and culture | Our region is unique in terms of its native plants, and its diversified traditions reflected in arts and culture. |
Proximity to expansive and important areas | We are nearby many national parks, Native American reservations, wildlife habitats and important sites in American history. |
Small but interesting community of professionals | From local farmers to vineyard owners, from Solar manufacturers to geologists, from leading chefs to seamstresses and retailers - Tucson is home to varied pros who are active members of our community. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More practical action, less planning and talk | I am frustrated, have participated in an assortment of planning meetings, town halls, studies, questionnaires like this. No more asking questions that lead to reports and no action. |
We need leadership that works together productively | We are required to be productive in our careers, to demonstrate value and tangible accomplishments. |
Strategies for Business Development, Historical Preservation, Sustainable communities, Educational Programs and Conservation need to be priorities | A plan that puts all elements in balance as we pursue an environmentally and economically smart small city future. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Years here: 5 | |
Survey: 57. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Multiculturalism | It's important 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? |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 | |
Survey: 58. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The people | This is the smallest large town I have ever lived in |
Landscape | The mountains are absolutely lovely. |
Economics | Although at times, it may seem that Tucson is a low wage town... in fact it is gaining in it's ability to attract and hold high wage employees |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I would prefer to see a more diversified economy | I think Tucson relies too heavily on the low wage earner in service and hospitality areas |
I would like to see more openness about city finances | I feel there is corruption and collision among both city and county governments in maintaining the status quo and sweeping bad situations under the rug instead of confronting them |
Better education for all our citizens | The loss of state funding for education has put the entire economy and health of the state at risk for failure. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Sabino and Cloud 85750 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 59. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The beautiful environment and access to nature | Connections to nature bring a sense of harmony, balance, and spirituality. |
Feel of a college town | Contributes to a feeling of vitality, diversity, and a learning community. |
The variety and excellence of art events | I appreciate the symphony, dance, art galleries, and depth of experience artists bring to a discussion and community. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Public transportation | Roads and traffic create stress; better public transportation would enable people to move around more comfortably, less expensively, and with less damage to the environment. |
Schools | Improve standard of living for all by creating better jobs. |
More challenging work opportunities for young people | Children would stay in area instead of moving to Seattle, Denver, Los Angeles. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Oracle and River 85704 // Years here: 33 | |
Survey: 60. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Eclectic personality | For a small city there is a fair amount of cultural opportunities to entice locals and visitors to taste the flavors of the southwest which nourishes a unique lifestyle; those people bring a part of their individuality & history with them should they decide to put down roots. |
Two degrees of separation | If you are in business and engage with some of the more forward thinking non-profits by joining their organizations you will find a lot of accommodation and doors opening more readily. |
University of Arizona;DMAFB | Very important to have a extraordinary world-class teaching university to help support the jobs of the 21st century Continue to support the military that has supported & continues to support Tucson for over 75 years. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make the city more business friendly with a caveat | The city is broke; redevelopment will come from the visionaries in the private sector. We don't have to give the taxpayers any more unnecessary obligations like taking on ownership of the Hotel Arizona. Bert has plenty of wealth to leverage a loan without dumping more obligations on a weary, over taxed population. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Linda Vista & Thornydale 85742 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 61. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It is a big city that feels small | We have the diversity, arts, population, and culture of a large city, but everyone knows each other. It feels like family. We are not like Phoenix. |
Weather | I know no one wants to hear this, but a dry heat is better than a humid heat. It is really really nice 10 months out of the year and you need to stay hydrated and in the shade the other two. |
Landscape and mountains | I love the desert and the mountains and the cactus....I love being able to see for miles and miles |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education funding is embarrassing - increase funding | Our priorities are a bit messed up when we cut kindergarten, GED, and higher Ed, yet cut taxes for the rich. This will be the one thing that can prevent us from really moving into the future and having an economic recovery. |
Take Jon justice off the radio | I think he is the one most negative voice we have in Tucson. I hate having to name one person, but sometimes one thing can make a difference. If he could at least change his format even just a little, so we could help the community grow rather than blame and hate each other. |
We should be able to lead the nation on comprehensive immigration reform. | My mother is an immigrant and our country really is better because of our rich history of diversity. We can figure this out if we stop fighting and do what is good for people, families, business and national security. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Magee and la Canada 85704 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 62. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town atmosphere | I know people where ever I go and they know me. I can make a difference here. |
Big city features | I don't want to travel 1000 miles for symphony or a good restaurant. |
Availability of nature and "green" community | Like mined people and ability to reconnect with nature daily |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mass transit | Tucson is woefully lacking in mass transit. Add and expand tram-streetcar/light rail and explore other transit opportunities to remove roadway congestion. |
Additional park/green space | We live here for access to the desert and the mountains. If Rosemont and other mines destroy those venues, why stay? |
More funding for arts/cultural | Art and cultural events help bind the city and give a voice to what is happening. Such things engender ride of ownership and awareness of others. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Swan and Grant 85712 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 63. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
One million people, and still a small town feeling. | If you live in Tucson for any length of time and are at all involved in your community, you get to know personally people like Gabby Giffords, our mayor, Barbara LaWall, and more. |
I love our diversity and rich culture. | Tucson is a small melting pot, but one that embraces the best of all its cultures. |
The cost of living, and living nicely, is far superior to other places. | I live in a lovely home, underneath the Catalina Mountains. My daughter lives in a much smaller home, right near a commuter train, in a high crime district in California. Her home is on a postage stamp sized lot, mine is on an acre and a half. Her house cost her $650,000, mine would sell for about $350,000. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Money spent on children. | How can a state with as much wealth as we have, be at the bottom of the barrow with what we spend on children...education, medical/mental health. |
Our highway system. | It takes as long for me to get to I-10 as it does for me to get from Ina and the freeway to Casa Grande. |
Polarization of political views. | Long before our tragedy in Tucson, I was disgusted with the polarization of political discourse. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: River/Swan 85718 // Years here: 36 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 64. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural beauty | Peace |
Original and independent thinkers | Inspiration and hope |
Relatively calm | Easier to connect |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Quality of education | We will grow our intelligence, creativity and original thinkers, human growth and development |
Development services | We need a synergistic plan that will serve the community..enhancement rather than doing things piece meal and creating disconnect with the environment and barriers to human growth and development |
Photo enforcement | Not photogenic:) |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: river/craycroft/sunrise 85750 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 65. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Desert beauty | Good for the soul and good for thinking. |
Friendly small town atmosphere | Makes me look forward to getting home to Tucson (from other cities I work in) to enjoy the people. |
Can make verbal business deals | Less worry about scamming |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Schools | It is the driver of good jobs to keep Tucson kids in Tucson after graduation |
Spend money to finish the bike paths and roads | Getting around, especially on mountain to mountain bikepaths across the valley are the things that attract the talent that tech companies will follow to Tucson |
Lower business related property taxes | Historically, government is largely what Southern Az has done (e.g. Air Force, UA, State, County). People look to government for too much in So. Az. Need to do things that attract private payrolls to change mindset. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Swan and Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 66. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The small town feel of my NE neighborhood. | Living outside the city limits...city politics don't please us at all...Rio Nuevo, etc! |
Weather | What can you say about our beautiful winters. We have lived in Tucson since 1946 and have loved every moment. |
Excellent medical services | UMC and their physicians, hand in hand with other groups, provide us with excellent medical services. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Elimination of our too large illegal immigrant population | The financial drain on our tax resources and taking of jobs from Americans. There was a time when a job in construction was highly sought after. Employers must be made to stop hiring illegal labor and increase their wages appropriately to encourage citizens to once again go into the construction trades. |
Schools | TUSD is simply too large and completely mishandled. Bilingual studies have taken up far too much of the resources of TUSD for far too many years. Again, their plan is not working. I worked at the administrative offices of TUSD and was witness to the waste and duplication of work that takes place there. Discipline must be reinstated in our public schools. One only has to look to the success of private/parochial schools to see the value of discipline and proper management. Without exception these schools produce better results with much less money. |
Roads...improve our roads & elimination of Rio Nuevo | We are far behind other cities of our size in this area. We need better planning and implementation. For example, we should be building more intersections like the one at Tanque Verde/Wrightstown/Pantano. That street car fiasco drives us nuts! We will be paying to operate it forever...and to serve such a small number of people. Enough already with the trying to "revitalize downtown"...nearly every community in the country has given this a try and the large majority have failed and failed and failed. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde & Wilmot 85749 // Years here: 65 // 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? |
Natural environment | I have easy access to a major National Park and similar protected natural areas. |
Cultural diversity | I live a richer personal existence by being a part of a diverse community. |
Congressperson G. Giffords | Giffords represents the best interests and highest ideals of the District she represents - and I am a part of it. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Enact gun control legislation within the city. | I am frightened that gun laws are endangering me personally as well as the public at large. |
Get off the dime about fully redeveloping downtown. | Tucson can not succeed as a vibrant city as long as its downtown is not inviting and vibrant. |
Have the city play a greater role in protecting the natural environment. | We've already made too many compromises with protecting and enhancing our natural environment. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Houghton and Speedway 85721 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 68. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The people | The caring, culturally diverse, thoughtful, dedicated people in Tucson are its greatest asset and enrich my life and stimulate my intellectual and personal growth. |
The natural environment | Clean air, beautiful vistas, unique landscapes, natural areas are personally invigorating. |
Enjoying midtown, downtown, access to the UA | Enjoying being outside in our backyard and neighborhood in midtown (Broadway & Country Club area), reading, gardening, walking, bike riding; easy access to downtown and at the UA at various cultural events and institutions (TMA, UA museums, Centennial Hall, UA lectures, public libraries). |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Halt all military aircraft flying over the central city and require that they fly over the least inhabited areas of our community. | Military aircraft endanger citizens and denigrates the quality of life of people who live and work in the central city, and is destructive to the environment. If indeed the City of Tucson is serious about strengthening the central city and IGT is serious about encouraging greater densities in the central city, then this issue must be confronted and the planes must be re-directed away from the most populated areas. |
Strengthen all educational institutions in Pima County, from K-12 to Pima College to the UA. | Tucson will never flourish until it adequately values education at all levels and develops mechanisms to fund high quality public K-12 education, to support the community college system and to strengthen the funding base of the UA. If the state won't do this adequately, we in Pima County must figure out ways to do so. |
Reduce huge economic disparities by generating genuine economic development, not just marketing Tucson to low wage industries and call centers, and developing a real social safety net for the many members of our community who are hungry and hurting. | Tucson is a lovely town where our families have lived since the late 40's/early 50's. We grew up here and raised our children here. We would not encourage our well-educated children to relocate and raise their families here because the job opportunities are so limited; the public educational system is so ill-funded; the community is so fractured. This is a shame! We have three generations of history in and years of service to Tucson yet our children, who were born and raised in Tucson, must find their lives and careers elsewhere because the economy is so limited and the public educational system for their children is so poor. A community cannot flourish if its children must leave to make a life. In-migrants have a positive role, but when there is a constant bleed of the people who grew up in a place, something is lost! |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Broadway & Country Club 85716 // Years here: 60 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 69. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The desert | I used to love all the open space, desert and horses. We have been losing that over the years. Was one of our strongest features. |
The people | A great sense of community though we are highly dysfunctional and disconnected from being truly effective on high levels. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The Politics | To elect more even minded middle of the road politicians who are more intelligent. Have higher levels of education than most in office. |
Development | Stop the urban sprawl. There still is no true heart and center of town. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verder & Wentworth 85749 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 70. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town feel of this town | I like the sense of community. |
Weather | Weather lets us be outdoors often. |
Friendly people | Friendly people make this a happy place. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 | |
Survey: 71. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Family lives here, | I was born here |
Small town feel | Not a big city |
Weather | Great weather |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Leadership | My kids have no future here, if we stay on this same path. |
Schools | My high school kids will need to leave Tucson to get a higher paying job |
Employment opportunities | If your not in Govt. you can't find a good job, IE: local / county/ state Govt. UA Raytheon Davis Monthan all govt. jobs |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde/ Houghton 85749 // Years here: 52 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 72. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It's diversity | I've always felt accepted and included in Tucson. I've also loved the variety of cultures and the friendliness of the members of this community. |
I love the weather | I like warm days |
I like to vast artistic talent. | There are so many accomplished artists. So many are willing to share their knowledge. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More government funding for the arts | The arts are a critical economic driver. For every $1 invested in the arts, there are $7 in returns on that investment right back into the economy. And new businesses need quality of life activities for their employees. |
Less graffiti | It creates a scary image. |
More and better paying jobs | Tucson needs to recognize that things cost money and that people need to be paid reasonably for a job well done. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Ina and Silverbell 85743 // Years here: 14 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 73. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The natural environment | I grew up surrounded by the beautiful mountains and desert and although I've lived many other places, this unique environment is where I returned. It is my "place of the soul" |
The people | The diversity, the individuals not afraid to be different and their down to earth friendliness. |
The culture | The strong Mexican and Native American influence mixed with the many different cultures that citizens have brought with them. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Ability to stand apart from the Phoenix area | I don't like the power Maricopa Cty seems to have over Southern Arizona. I want us to hold on to our individuality and not get taken over by their values. (which often don't reflect mine) |
Improving the equality of all of our schools | Make sure that all schools in the Tucson area are equally strong and supported by all so that every child can have a good start in life |
Public transportation | More frequent access to more areas to help us give up our dependence on our automobiles. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Oracle & Magee 85718 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 74. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sonoran desert | It's in my blood |
Mix of cultures | I like diversity and history |
Literature and art abounds here | I like literature and art |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Dump sprawl | Who likes sprawl? It's resource inefficient and ugly. |
Lack of good transit | I don't want to have to drive everywhere |
Lack of a stellar downtown | Livable, enjoyable, magnetic downtowns help regional areas thrive, I think |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Houghton and Irvington 85747 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 75. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Casual living - Open Community | Not Phoenix |
Friendly | Not Phoenix |
Open Space | Not Phoenix |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Leadership | Losers continue to lead community |
Jobs | Become business friendly. Stop with excessive social welfare spending. Transfer to creating real jobs with real wages to really improve citizens lives. |
Improve Streets - Landscape (Just clear weeds and trash. | Third world appearance to companies wanting to relocate. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Ina/Oracle 85704 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 76. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
360 days of sunshine every year | At my age, I do not like cold weather or cloudy days |
Nice sized city, plenty of things to do | I like having choices in activities, With the University, lots of different churches and organizations, we have no reason to be bored with life. |
Great medical facilities and physicians | As a senior citizen, I like knowing there are people who know how to take care of me and excellent hospitals in which to do it. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Lower the homicide rate | Drugs, gangs, and unstable people pose a danger to all citizens. |
Improve our schools, esp. graduation rate | We need well educated young people to fill the jobs of the future. Drop outs cannot provide for themselves, let alone finance social security for their elders. |
Make the cities and county more friendly toward business and builders | Length of time involved in getting through the red tape of codes, other regulations can discourage the improvements we need in our community. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Twin Lakes and Mainsail 85739 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 77. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town 'feel' in a large city. | Everything from grocery stores to doctor's offices are all within a reasonable distance. |
Diverse population | There appears to be a mixture of cultures in our town, above and beyond our Hispanic brothers and sisters. We see persons of color, various age groups and political bents, as well as 'snowbirds' and tourists. |
Natural wonders, places to visit, etc. | We have the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert, the Petrified Forest, Monument Valley..need I go on? A weekend trip around our state provides so much nature, historical insights and relaxation! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
TRAFFIC | I don't want a tram, a train, a light rail...we need to improve the streets and routes and we need a bypass of some kind across east to west. Aviation Parkway helps, but it's just not enough. I don't know what the answer is, I just know that when I am in traffic, I fantasize about what it would be like to have traffic move at a normal pace. It feels like we are always having road construction, and with a few exceptions, the results don't seem to help much. |
GRAFFITI | I know it isn't high on our list of priorities, however, I can see the neighborhoods declining as the graffiti problem grows. I carry paints in my car and as soon as I see any vandalism, I cover it up, over and over again. I live in midtown, but the problem is everywhere. Why don't the neighborhoods take care of cleaning up their own areas? |
Public Schools | Since I had only 3 choices, I will discuss our schools. We have gone from TUSD being one of the biggest and best districts, to a district with failing schools, theft, vandalism, decay of infrastructures...I could go on, but I think you know what I'm talking about. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Rosemont & Speedway 85712 // Years here: 57 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 78. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The accessibility and variety of fun things to do | I don't have a huge amount of free time, so when I get a chance to do something for myself, I like to make the most of it. Tucson is loaded with great options that are affordable even on my tiny salary. From hiking in the mountains to checking out great restaurants to catching a movie at the Loft, it's hard to imagine being bored here. And with Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon and San Diego within driving distance, it's easy to get away for a few days to do something amazing without breaking the bank. |
The laid-back, friendly atmosphere | I grew up in the Northeast, where people are always in a rush and niceness isn't always on the top of everyone's list. Perhaps it's the warm weather and sunshine that puts everyone in such a good mood, but whatever it is, I'll take it. Tucson is a place that lets me relax without feeling like I'm getting in everyone's way. And to be honest, that's worth a whole lot. |
The low cost of living | Did I mention that I don't make very much money? It sure is nice being able to live a comfortable lifestyle on a tight budget, and Tucson helps to make that possible in so many ways. My rent is low, my food is cheap, and even my car insurance rates are a steal. When making ends meet is an active concern, it's pretty great to live in a place that seems to help you out at every turn. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The sprawl | For a city of about a million folks, Tucson sure does take up a whole lot of room. The effect seems to be a whole lot of driving, a whole lot of wasted space, and a whole lot of places that have been left to crumble because it was easier to just build something new on an empty lot. With Jane Jacobs' warnings in mind, I dutifully worry that a cure could be worse than the illness. But the illness is pretty bad; is there really nothing to be done? |
The lack of demand for public services | I am not in favor of foisting things on people who don't want them, and so if Tucsonans aren't worried about their public schools, public transportation, and local university budgets, then I guess it's their money and they have the right to keep it. But do they really not care? When I think about the kind of community I would most want to live in, it is one where investments have been made in education and social conveniences -- not because political entrepreneurs have externalized costs onto the general public, or because a small, left-leaning segment of the population has taken over the government purse strings, but rather because that's the sort of place we all want to call home. |
The aesthetic | I'm sorry to say it, but Tucson is kind of ugly! When folks get to choose what to build and how, it's all but certain that not everyone will end up happy. But somehow it seems like everyone agrees that Tucson is ugly! Regardless of who is responsible for all this ugliness, it would be nice if we could figure out a way to get things looking a little more appealing for a change. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Euclid and Campbell 85719 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 79. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | No ice & snow on the ground like the northern states |
Democratic liberal thinkers | Democrats have the edge in the registered voters in the City of Tucson and Pima County (for now) |
Diversity | Arizona is 30% Hispanic, with Native American tribes (21) and some Asian & Black populations |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Tone down the nasty rhetoric in politics | Speak out against people who spread hatred in this town |
Elect more competent politicians | Rio Nuevo fiasco hurt downtown redevelopment, |
Increase acceptance of minorities, especially Hispanics | Tired of the border discussions about illegal immigration & how bad it is for Arizona |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Tucson Blvd./Speedway 85719 // Years here: 22 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 80. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I am always surrounded by nature | I can see all sorts of wild life roaming wherever I am. Coyotes, javelina, bobcats, etc. along with a large variety of birds |
The weather | The comfortable temperatures in winter. Even the hot summers are tolerable as I can slow down, not rush around. |
The people | Friendly people - easy to strike up a conversation, smiles |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Stop building more houses | We are running out of water |
More emphasis on water conservation | We running out of water |
More solar power | We have an abundance of sun - get rid of mountain top mining, all coal mining as its polluting our environment |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde and Kolb 85749 // Years here: 27 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 81. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The blend of Mother Nature and the city | It's extremely important to me that as we grow we incorporate our natural desert beauty in our expansion of the city. I believe that we can co-exist with our natural resources in a fashion that will leave something of beauty behind to our descendants. |
The push into solar power | This shows us as being ahead of the curve, and embracing methods that give us the comforts of civilized society without destroying the desert around us to get it |
The diversity and its a like a small town | Diversity gives a depth to the city and a tolerance to others. Even though we are near a million inhabitants, the feel of Tucson is like that of a small town. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Public transportation | Creating and building efficient public transit is key to reducing the carbon footprint of Tucson. Improved public transportation can reduce the clog of traffic in our streets and reduce the consumption of oil. A light rail between here and Phoenix is a necessity to propel us into the future and help turn Arizona into the state to emulate. |
Illegal Immigrants | A change in the policy of granting illegal non-Americans medical, housing and food benefits must stop. Proof of citizenship for federal and state services must be required. No more free ride. It is a stupid and dangerous policy to continue. |
Our City Council | We need a complete change of our City Council. It has de-nuded Tucson of so much in resources and has completely fallen flat in it's responsibilities of Rio Nuevo. It appears that the council members are far more concerned with giving business and assistance to their cronies than they are in making Tucson a better place. I fear that their shortsightedness and antics will cost us the Gem Show. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Old Nogales Hwy & VAlencia Rd 85756 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 82. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cultural diversity | Coming from 2 hugely but different culturally diverse communities (San Francisco & Chicago) I particularly value Tucson's Hispanic and Native American as well as large communities from Asia - Diversity gives strength and flavor to our community |
The University of Arizona and Pima Community College | These 2 world class institutions are part of the fabric of the American dream - places where all can learn and expand the lives and their understanding of ourselves and each other and the world that we live in |
Access to nature | The well protected and easily accessible wild and wilderness areas close to such a large city allow all citizens to keep in touch with the plants, animals and environment from which we evolved and retain an appreciation for the fragility of our environment and the need to honor and protect it |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better acceptance of our diversity | Although I value Tucson's cultural diversity and am not alone in this regard, I have found that there is a deep seated sense of entitlement and almost imperialistic attitude on the part of some of my fellow citizens and others who have expressed overtly racist and disrespect of minorities |
I would improve public elementary and secondary education | By any ranking Arizona's and by extension Tucson schools in the bottom 10. It is only in school districts for the wealthy, i.e. Catalina Foothills that scores and graduation rates improve |
Improve care for the environment and living sustainably | Tucson's fragile relationship with nature is far from sustainable, there is too little recycling and conservation and far too much waste and destruction of our fragile ecosystem - Water conservation for example needs to be better implemented and supported through tax incentives and other measures |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Harrison and Speedway 85715 // Years here: 19 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 83. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Its many different spiritual & ethnic communities | Demonstrate the many paths to the divine as well as the amazing cultural offerings of music, dance, food, etc. |
Its ecology | There's beauty every day |
The University of Arizona | Arizona's best library & a stimulating intellectual environment of thinkers & speakers |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Get rid of the developers | Their ticky-tack houses eliminate desert, suck money out of our area, and add nothing to our unique lifestyle. |
Find ways to employ people in Tucson | When individuals prosper we all prosper |
Raise taxes on those who can afford it for schools | Education is the key to long-term advancement |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Grant & Alvernon 85712 // Years here: 38 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 84. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Home area's | Original home 1972, 7601 E. 35th St. Second home 11115 E. Melpomene Third home Copper Canyon, Mica St. Fourth home Rawhide Trail Fith home 7908 E. Sabino Sunrise Cir Sixth home 3346 S. Sun Splash Dr. |
All of the parks, canyons and community regions | Sabino Canyon, Saguaro Natl. Park, Soccer, baseball and football fields |
Access to all area's | Road availability, I-10, I-19, Oracle Rd., Speedway, Broadway, 22nd St., Ajo, etc. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More Parking | Hard to go to a UofA ballgame |
Downtown | Work with Rio Nuevo |
Schools and University | Increase access and improve all schools |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Ajo and Kenny 85713 // Years here: 39 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 85. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Friendliness of the people | I moved here 11 years ago, knowing only one person. In all those years, I have been able to attend any function or volunteer for many activities...and merely stick out my hand and introduce myself. Nearly everyone is universally friendly and willing to include someone they don't know already in that activity. |
Access to a university and many cultural activities | I take adult classes at U of A, Pima CC, attend the opera and ATC, attend sports events (U of A., Accenture matches) - all easily accessible within 30 minutes drive and affordable. |
The ability to be outdoors so many months a year | Summers ARE hot (in the middle of the day), but I am able to be outdoors, walking, playing tennis, golf, walking my dogs every day of the year. Try that in Boston! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Taxes are too low to support necessary education for our kids | I do not have children, but I believe that the future of our country depends upon the successful education of our youth. AZ. is at the bottom of the nation for education dollars - and the US is only in the middle of the international list of well-educated young people. Shame on us! We also need to increase adult literacy. |
Better integration of Mexican immigrants | Because of our location on the US border, it is reasonable to assume that we will continue to attract immigrants from Mexico. That is fine with me. However, I believe strongly that it is critical that they learn English and are able to function in our language. We should stop operating in multiple languages and provide the opportunity for recent immigrants to function in English. |
Expand the number of non-service jobs | We have to become more business-friendly in order to attract large and small industry to provide better wages to our residents. I am retired and live off my investments, but we need jobs here that are not only construction and/or hospitality industry-related. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Campbell at Skyline 85718 // Years here: 11 // 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? |
Desert | I love looking at the mountains and watching them change colors. I love this place! |
Still feels like a smaller town | The traffic is not bad and places are not overcrowded. I occasionally see people I know here and there around town, but Tucson is big enough to have things to do and great live music. |
Weather | I would rather live here than anywhere else. Our weather is perfect. Have you seen the forecast for back east? |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mortgage foreclosures | I hate driving around and seeing so many homes with foreclosure signs. These are people's lives that will never be the same. |
Arrogant drivers | People feel so entitled sometimes. They act like they are the only ones who are important. It's really the red light running that is a problem. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Alvernon 85711 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 87. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The environment, the desert beauty | I like to hike and be in nature. It soothes my soul. |
Arts and Culture | I like the Mexican influence on architecture and the arts. |
People | Good people work in various social and government jobs and make a difference in our community. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better education system | Children need high quality schools--the future of Tucson depends on it. |
More funding for Human Services | Many low-income individuals live in Tucson and need support to meet basic human needs. |
Better public transportation | More fast rail and other commute options are needed in Tucson |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Speedway & Camino Seco 85715 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 88. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Beauty of desert and mountains | I enjoy getting up each day and seeing the glorious mountains. Their proximity and beauty provide a grounding that stays with me during the day. The subtle beauty of the desert gives me a sense of place and an appreciation for nature's ability to adapt to challenges. |
Small town feel even though it is getting big | A sense of community that bigger cities don't have. |
The weather and healthy environment | The air is healthy to breathe most of the time and the weather allows one to be outside a lot and be active. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
What is region #1, #2, #3 ???? | What is region #1, #2, #3 ???? |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 | |
Survey: 89. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mountains | The beauty and ruggedness of our mountains against the background of the high desert. Also, having the opportunity to hike and walk the areas. |
Weather | Sunny weather positively affects my mood. |
People | Our people are friendly, open and very welcoming. There is little bias in this community. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The business environment | Our current reputation and government environment is very unfriendly to business and job creation in the private sector. |
Regulatory rules | Our government regulatory environment is unfriendly to business and commerce. Rules for land development and operation of business are vague, ambiguous and inconsistently applied. These unfunded mandates make the cost of doing business high. They also increase the cost of homes, commercial locations and to companies. This, in turn, increases prices and reduces jobs. |
Reduce and make regulations more consistent | This would reduce costs, encourage job creation, reduce retail prices and create not only higher wages, but, more tax and other revenue for social and other programs. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Campbell and River Roads 85718 // Years here: 57 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 90. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The mountains that surround and visually enclose our community | I watch as we create a sprawling, badly-designed, badly -planned and mostly ugly city, but like a big brother, the mountains always visually rescue us with their permanent and inspiring beauty. |
I like the fact that despite the fact that we are approaching a million people, we retain a small-town social structure. | In all the work we do, we can count on a closely-knit group of committed individuals to care and guide our community through difficult time and difficult decisions. |
It is the most diverse/least racist community in our nation. | Tucson is more of a meritocracy than other other place I know. We comfortably and un-self-consciously manage to integrate the wide spectrum of race, ethnicity, sexual preference/identity, and religion into our leadership structure. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Our reliance on the automobile as out sole viable means of transportation | The scale of the automobile is antithetical to the scale of human beings. As long as we design our city on an automobile scale, it will never be a comfortable place to be. |
Our educational system is an embarrassment, particularly at K-12, | We will never be an attractive or progressive community unless we invest our resources in the quality of the next generation. |
The Arizona Daily Star. It stinks. | We have no reliable source of information for our community that strengthens it. The Arizona Daily Star consistently undermines every effort at improvement and panders to the anger and ignorance of our population. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Highland and Broadway 85719 // Years here: 37 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 91. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The weather | You can be outdoors a lot. Offers lots of opportunities to do things inexpensively |
The pace | You can take time to balance life - not just work and family - but friends and play |
Diverse cultures | #NAME? |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Invest in maintaining existing architecture | So many buildings show us the beauty of the past - how Tucson came to be, the rich mix of cultures living in the same place. It's sad to have older buildings knocked down - it feels like it weakens the unique story of what Tucson is |
Focus on a common BIG VISION | If we had a big vision, it might make it easier for people to see how their individual needs and wants could fit into the vision, rather than breaking/dividing people into warring factions. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Swan & Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 92. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Living is a real city, but having a "town" feel | I don't want to live in a small town, but I don;t like the major metro areas like Phoenix and LA |
Diversity and links to Hispanic and Native cultures. | Diverse cultures make life more interesting than does monocultures |
Great beauty and natural environment | Living outdoors. Hiking, Swimming, outdoor social events. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Truly create a vibrant downtown. | I like urban experiences. I lived in Ann Arbor MI for many years. It has about the same "feel" as Tucson, but it has a lively downtown that is the cultural center of the city. We need that. |
We need to control sprawl. | We are going to have one and two story buildings from Nogales to Anthem if we don't figure out how to do thoughtful density planning. I think neighborhood councils have too much power to veto local development. I know that this idea is anathema to Tucson, but these groups block progress. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Ina & Pima Canyon 85718 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 93. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The Sonoran Desert | It's a unique feature on the planet. The climate related to the desert is wonderful. The monsoons and corresponding smells of the desert and wonderful sunsets are unparalleled elsewhere in the U.S |
The history of the area. | I love natural and human history and this place has it all. |
Its proximity to other neat places | Arizona is has a highly varied topography, all of which are easily accessible. It is also close to Mexico, the beaches of So. Cal, and the mountains of NM, CO, Utah. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversify our economic base. | Tucson is too reliant upon too few industries to stoke its economic engine. We need to attract a greater variety of businesses which supply high wages. |
Cross town freeway is needed. | This issue has been around since 1946 when it was first proposed. Tucson/Pima County need to take Houghton road and make it a limited access highway from I-10 to Snyder. Snyder needs to be upgraded and extended through the middle of Canyon Ranch so it can connect other parts of far east Tucson to the rest of the city, and link to River, and Sunrise roads. |
Streamline the departments within the City and County to be more business friendly | The bureaucracy surrounding business development in Tucson and Pima County desperately needs to be completely overhauled to make the process to start a business, or relocate a business much easier. Simply throwing tax money as incentives to companies does not work on a long term basis; it creates animosity across the business and residential communities. If we were to adopt models for attracting businesses that were similar to other successful cities (e.g., Atlanta, GA) then Tucson and Pima County would be much more successful. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Sabino Canyon and Tanque Verde 85715 // Years here: 23 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 94. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Despite a population of $1M, it feels like a small town | A sense of connectedness, 1 degree of separation , if you will. A feeling that we are all in this together, and that we are willing to help each other out, because we all know each other, or know someone who knows how to help |
Proximity to wilderness/hiking | The ability to drive 30 min in any direction from my home and be in the restorative beauty and solitude of nature - whether the desert, or in the Catalinas or Santa Ritas. |
Multi-cultural population | I like living somewhere where English isn't the only language spoken, where there are Mexican and Native American cultures with deep roots and traditions in the region, and where the UA attracts scholars and talent from all over the world. (And if I could pick a #4, it would be the UA!) |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City government | Current leadership appears feckless. Structural changes are needed in the way we choose our elected officials. Depending on the outcome of the pending court case, some of these problems could be addressed, but may be insufficient to address all structural changes. |
Decrease number of people living in poverty | Widespread poverty affects even those of us who are not poor in a myriad of ways |
Improve public education | We are doing our children and our community a disservice by not educating all children to their full potential, resulting in an untapped pool of skills, talents and, dare I say, genius. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Campbell Ave. & River Rd. 85718 // Years here: 31 // 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? |
Views of mountains and climate | Sunrises and sunsets don't get any better! And you can enjoy them in reasonable comfort. |
Smaller metro area | Everything that an urban area offers is offered here (music, plays, sports, some night life, etc.) or is a relatively short drive north Phoenix. |
Proximity & accessibility to forest and desert | I enjoy outdoor activities like camping, off roading and hunting |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Keep/improve public access to mountains and desert | It has become harder to access the surrounding mountains and desert for the fences and private ownership. It is harder now to get high up (especially in the foothills) and be able to park and see the sunsets. |
We could use more venues for all types of activities including outdoor off road tracks and various indoor shows. | Our family likes variety and having such varied activities and entertainment options makes for more fun. |
Improve access to mountains and desert areas. | You can't enjoy camping, hiking and riding in the surrounding mountains and desert as much if you can't get to them. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: I-19 and Duval Mine Road 85614 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 96. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Music scene | I love to see local live music |
Big town with a small town feel | I am from a small town and love running into people and feeling close to people |
Feeling of community | I like to feel like people in a community are connected and bonded |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Literacy | I work for a literacy org |
Run-down look in many parts of town | Aesthetics are important to me |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Glenn & Dodge 85716 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 97. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The desert/climate | It is wonderful to live in a climate where you wake up to blue skies and warm weather almost every day. I love the natural beauty of the desert and the mountains. |
It still feels, at times, like a small town of sorts. | Even though the population of Pima County is more than 750,000, I am often struck by what a "small town" Tucson can be. There have been so many times that I have met someone who is connected to someone else I know, or who taught my kids in school, etc. |
U of A | When I first came to Tucson (in my early 20s), I didn't like it at all. The first few days, I was already making plans to head somewhere else. Then I visited the UA campus and fell in love. More than 30 years later, I now live just a few blocks from the campus, and almost every time I walk down to the mall, I feel that same way. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I am still hoping that we will see a restoration of downtown in my lifetime. | The downtown area has so much potential and it would be so wonderful to recapture it as a vibrant city center. Although some progress has been made, it sometimes feel as though short sightedness will prevent it from ever happening. I am hopeful that the streetcar will improve things, but at times I just feel worn down by naysayers. |
The car-centric land use/transportation planning | I think that this community would benefit tremendously if we could bring a bit more balance to our transportation options and make the city more liveable/walkable/bikeable. It would not only make the geography more attractive, it would have tremendous health benefits. It makes me crazy that such an obvious win-win concept is met with such resistance by powerful interests that have such influence. |
More investment in the people of Tucson | For so many years, the focus has been on growth--often at the expense of the people who already live here. I would I like to see the community focus on how we might all work together to make life better for all of us in a way that doesn't depend upon attracting more people, selling more houses, destroying more desert. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Campbell & 6th St. 85719 // Years here: 32 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 98. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Friendly people | This makes for a good base of people willing to help others |
Mountains | I love the mountains and the fact that you can get away from the heat easily during summer and experience snow if you want during the winter! |
My hometown | I was born and raised here and all my family is here |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Traffic | Traffic has gotten worse in the last 15-20 years. We need better methods of moving traffic across town. Maybe more expressways versus highways. |
Improve homeless situation | There are so many homeless people on the streets year round. Perhaps providing more programs for them to get back on their feet. |
Better schools for all | There is such a discrepancy in the level of education our kids get. All kids should receive quality education no matter where they live or schools are located. We need motivated teachers! |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: speedway & silverbell 85745 // Years here: 63 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 99. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The sense of community | The people who live here are wonderful. I think the feelings of community are all around. I believe we take care of each other. |
The weather! | I know this is something we cannot change but it is a big reason why I have chosen Tucson as my home! |
We are a more liberal community. | I believe Pima County/Tucson keeps our state honest. We seem to be the most liberal county in the state! We do not "march" to the political drum the rest of the state does. I would hope we would never loose that! That keeps me proud of us! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Increase the tax on alcohol! | We seem to avoid this politically so often - this would be a great income source for us! |
More Bike trails! | More ability to move about the community safely! |
TUSD | It is way to large! |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Anklam and Greasewood 85745 // Years here: 32 // 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 desert beauty | I like to be in beautiful surroundings and I love the outdoors |
Casual lifestyle | |
The weather | You can do outdoor activities during most of the year |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Salaries and wages | Prices of goods and real estate seem to be on a par with much of the rest of the country; however, salaries do not. Therefore, things are not affordable. |
Political climate | I am not a member of the party in power locally and it is frustrating at times. Conservatives are misunderstood and vilified in this town. |
Primary/secondary education | I have a child in elementary school. My wish is that we would better prepare children for: - completing globally for jobs and innovation - practical life skills (decision-making, managing a household, etc.) |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Thornydale & Cortaro Farms Roads 85742 // Years here: 28 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 101. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town feeling, intimacy of people | I like connections. |
University & Pima College | Education is the key to lives. I used both of them in my career. |
Beauty and diversity | Our mountains, desert, and people |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Constant influx of east coast residents | The ideas they come with politically and culturally are often antithetical to our culture. |
K12 education | The future of our children and economy are seriously affected by the cuts in our funding (reference #1) |
Lower commercial rents on strip malls. | Way too many small businesses are driven out by constantly increasing rents and one-sided lease arrangements. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Golf Links & Kolb 85710 // Years here: 47 // 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? |
The people | The way they come together and are some of the most giving people I know anywhere. |
The weather | We have hot days and cold days. Overall the weather is great for being outside whenever you want and I think that makes for a healthier lifestyle. |
The size | Tucson is a big small town. Easy to get from place to place. Traffic, by comparison with most cities it's size and larger, is really easy to get around. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education | We have a choice to support and encourage education and all that goes with it or see our economy deteriorate along with the social fiber. |
Employment | We need to continue to look at ways to grow more jobs in the Tucson community. Looking to improve employment at all levels. |
Economy | Buy Tucson! Support local business and patronize local events and businesses. Attract more visitors and don't alienate those we have. All local events are important as they bring visitors to our city. Look at international interest sporting and collecting events. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Wilmot/I10 85756 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 103. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The Cultural Diversity | The United States is a melting pot. Tucson epitomizes this by warmly welcoming all who come here legally, and behave respectfully. Most who come here do just that, with a positive contribution. |
The environment of weather/location | Once again, DIVERSITY! We have the harshest, most inhospitable, yet beautiful native habitat. Yet within a short distance, a pine forest, coastal region etc. . . |
The opportunities that these things bring us | Who doesn't want to be here? It may not be the best economic fit for everyone, but that doesn't change their desire. Just their schedule! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Economic opportunities | There are a good many "clean industries" that can be lured here. As a "right to work" State, that gives us affordable labor. Unions have been instrumental in our economic difficulties in the past, ie; Copper, Auto industry, Garment etc. . . No longer an economic force globally! |
Management and decision making @ Public Sector | We don't know how to work as a team to improve the lives of all those who live and work here. Too many personal agendas!! |
Understand our identity | Who is Tucson, and why is Tucson? What brings these masses of people here? How do we understand and reasonably address this as a community instead of individual groups? |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell & Grant Rd. 85745 // Years here: 59 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 104. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The multicultural human environment | I am a Tucson native |
Commitment to environmental issues | I have seen the destruction of the natural world and feel that this needs to be controlled |
The climate | I have lived in the cold mountains and in the Mojave Desert. The climate here is best |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Too many zoning laws that prevent business infill | My neighborhood is economically depressed and I believe small businesses should be able to operate in homes |
Too many license fees, inspectors, rejectors | I feel that my tax $ is being used to prevent small business |
Lack of oversight of spending by city council | Our city is deep in debt and wasted millions of general funds and Rio Nuevo money. This skimming off of public money by a few individuals hurts all of us. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: I10 and Valencia 85756 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 105. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Friendly atmosphere | Makes you feel welcomed |
Laid back attitude | You can access everything from farmer's market to high end retail all in one spot |
Weather | Not too cold, not too hot (most times) and I love the mountain views |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The way the city government run | They can't get things accomplished and waste tons of money - I could live comfortable on what they waste |
Transportation | There needs to be an east-west corridor so you can get from one side of the city to the other without having to drive surface streets all the way |
Bus stops | Very irritating when you are stuck in traffic behind buses... there should be pull outs |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: First Ave and Roger Rd 85705 // Years here: 50 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 106. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversity | I believe it is so important for our culture to become more accepting of diversity -- or ethnicity -- or beliefs -- etc. |
The beauty of the area | It provides an opportunity for peace and solace. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
A more moderate form of leadership | Current elected leaders are causing pain -- in many ways to many people -- and that results of sadness for me. |
Better maintenance of infrastructure. | The roads in my neighborhood are falling apart -- just one example of infrastructure decay -- and it means we all become more sloppy and so forth. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Ina and Thornydale 85741 // Years here: 29 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 107. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Variety of people | Love to learn from all |
Weather and things to do | More options to be outdoors and quiet |
No real traffic problems relative to other places | Less stress |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better parking downtown and easier access from Northeast side | If you go downtown or to Phoenix it takes awhile to get across town |
Attitudes of some closed minded liberals | Most of us want the same things - to help others be the best they can be- Many Liberals have no faith that the community can accomplish this better than the government. |
More emphasis on our environment and recycling, buying local from the city | It is our city and we want it to remain clean and pretty and not waste money, resources, things, etc. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Catalina Hwy and Tanque Verde 85749 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 108. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Unpretentiousness | People, for the most part don't come to Tucson to "get ahead" at the expense of others. Generally, the community seems to be nonjudgmental with a live and let live attitude. |
Affordable | Jobs (professional included) in Tucson don't pay as much as they do other places, but the overall affordability in Tucson offsets that somewhat. |
Weather | 8 months out of the year are very nice and the four months of intense heat are more tolerable because the city empties out. It feels like I form a bond with the people who stick out the Tucson summers. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improved prosperity for everyone. | Tucson is a low-wage town and when such a large proportion of the community is basically poor, it inhibits the vibrancy of the community at large. |
I would improve transit options, including bike infrastructure | Increasing and improving transit options will make Tucson more competitive and improve livability. |
Create a vision and identity for Tucson | Tucson needs to create a brand/image for itself that it projects to the outside world and that creates something for those of us that live here to rally around. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: 22nd and Country Club 85716 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 109. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Clean air | I lived in Los Angeles for a while. Pretty happy that my lungs don't hurt here. |
Lack of natural disasters | Lived through some pretty major earthquakes and a major flood. The fact that there's no tornadoes, earthquakes, major floods- is a pretty nice redeeming quality of a place to put down roots. |
Reasonably priced | You can actually afford to buy a home here |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education | I'm fortunate enough to be able to send my child to a private school. It would pain me to have to put her into our public education system. |
Transportation | We are, by far, the largest city in the US without a cross town freeway or modern transportation system. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde and Wentworth 85749 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 110. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diverse mixture of ethnic communities | I enjoy living in a place with diverse people. It makes life more interesting and enjoyable. |
Friendly people | I would rather live life around friendly people. |
Natural beauty | It's wonderful to wake up to good weather, to see beautiful landscape and to be close to a variety of beautiful environments within a few hours. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 | |
Survey: 111. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Consistently warm. Don't like cold weather. |
Laid back atmosphere | I've lived in bigger cities. Tucson had city advantages with small town feel. |
Topography | Surrounding areas are very scenic accommodating for outdoor people. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Politics | The Tucson city council deems ineffective |
Regionalize EMS and Fire through auto-aid | It's a little publicized fact that the two closest stations to the Gabby Giffords shooting were never dispatched because it was another department's jurisdiction. Ego's and fire dept politics prevented paramedics who were 2 minutes from the scene to never be called. If 18 people laying dead and wounded in parking lot could not overcome fire department turf wars, this community will never be served appropriately like other communities who send the closest units regardless of jurisdiction. |
Media | The local media never gets the facts straight and is too soft on investigative inquiry. That is part of being a small community- they don't want to make waves and alienate themselves from getting the next big story. So, they act tough but put on the kid gloves. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Grant/Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 35 // 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? |
Weather | Helps arthritis |
Hunting friendly | Favored pastime |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better wages | Wages are low compared to property costs |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: 22nd and kolb 85710 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 113. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I like the open skies, mountains and wildlife. | It is possible to be in the city, with all it conveniences (and traffic) at one moment, and a short time later, be away from it all and in touch with nature in Sabino Canyon, or Mount Lemmon, or the Desert Museum. |
Until now, Tucson has had a thriving higher education environment. | U of A, PCC and schools such as Catalina High School, University High School, and the Vail school system, although they are all now being starved to death. How we are to invest in a strong economic future for the region without supporting them, I do not know. Where will new jobs and trained employees come from. |
Tucson is a real community where lots of people know and work together | The multiple cross connections among members of the community was sadly illustrated by the events of January 8, yet they also brought out and showed how closely so many of us are connected in a real community sense. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improve access to medical care. | So many more individuals and families, as well as businesses and governmental agencies would be better of it it were easier to access regular medical care for ear infections, strep throat, minor fractures, sprained ankles. Thank how much better of people would be if they could get treated and get medicines without hassles. AACCESS is a cruel hoax. People with no income, or $500 per month income are dropped regularly, denied care, and forced to reapply every couple of months, and that was before the current draconian measures were being discussed. |
Bite the bullet and build a freeway system circling the city from the Foothills to south of the airport. Build some of it underground where other means are not feasible. | The traffic congestion is ridiculous for a city our size. The pollution from long hours of stop-go traffic, as well as the human frustration of the many hours lost waiting through 4-5 light changes to make a left turn, reduce the quality of life, increase all travel costs, and regrade the environment. |
End the way Rio Nuevo has been functioning. | Rio Nuevo needs to be accountable to the voters through city council members, so they can be voted into office when they get things done and voted out of office when they don't. It has been as clear as mud so far and the coasts of doing virtually nothings for years has been astronomical. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Sabino Canyon/Kolb 85750 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 114. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Neighborly feelings | Neighbors get to know one another and help one another. |
Healthcare | Our doctors have excellent training and we have a good first class teaching hospital |
Beauty | We have the most beautiful surroundings, mountains, desert, readily accessible. And the weather is such that we can enjoy the outdoors year round. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Politics | I see no reason why the community cannot work together as one unit. Some projects are controlled by the county, some by the city, some by RTA, etc. etc. |
Politics | We should elect people who can make decisions. When a decision is unpopular then it is put on a ballot and campaigning is done to oppose it. If it is a valid need then it should be done. |
Politics | The mayor has no power to make decisions. Why was he elected? We pay a city manager to make decisions and he is not a resident, but a "hired gun" to make tough decisions. We should have someone in the community that is just as knowledgeable about what is good or best for the community. The city manager has a large budget and seems to be only a number cruncher. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Craycroft and River 85750 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 115. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Access to recreational and outdoor activities | My love of the outdoors and the natural world |
Access to the arts | Music, theater and the visual arts are enriching and enhance the quality of life for everyone |
Capacity for community members to come together to solve community issues | Diversity of opinion and life experience informs the quality of my decisions and my participation in public life |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improve educational opportunity | Reductions in education at all levels and the declining quality due to increases in class sizes, reductions in course offerings, reductions in arts education, loss of qualified faculty at all levels creates a gap for our community which will be difficult to fill. Not investing in the future means we have no future. I have lived in AZ for 36 years. I want to remain but may follow my adult children to leave and never return because the short-sightedness of the priorities in our community may leave me no choice. |
Improve understanding and policies related to immigration | Public discussion on the immigration issue is filled with rancor, disrespect and lack of understanding of the demographic reality in our community and how tied we are to immigration. These attitudes are racist in nature and do not reflect the true spirit and diversity in our community. I want to live in a community where policy is informed by fact and people are treated with dignity and respect. |
Improve understanding in the community about the nature of government and the role in creating a livable community | We need government that is effective and well funded. Good government creates a good community. Government is not the "problem" nor is it the enemy. Community is not a collection of independent individuals living in isolation and avoiding bumping into each other. Community is individuals working WITH and FOR each other. We need civic institutions standing along side our religious institutions to make a community not only survive but thrive. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Ina and Oracle 4 // Years here: 36 // 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? |
Close-knit community of genuine, positive people | Strangers smile at you at the grocery store, and move their cart to the side so you can get through the aisle. What's not to love about a place where people are like that? |
Support for and appreciation of local arts | I'm a performing artist, and it's wonderful to be able to make a living teaching and creating. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Restore TPAC to full funding | There's little financial support locally for the arts, with all of the cuts to TPAC. Arts education makes kids smarter and better students, yet it's getting harder for me to provide my arts education programs because of funding cuts. This is a huge quality of life issue that won't hit the radar of the general public until it's too late-- until the money has completely dried up, and people like me have moved away. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 31 // 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? |
Highly involved people | People volunteer to make this a better place |
Beauty of area | The easy access of desert and mountain trails |
More liberal than the rest of the State | Most of AZ is embarrassing to me. Far right wing and often reactionary rather than rational. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improved literacy/education | A community cannot thrive with low literacy and education levels. To maintain high levels of employment, tax revenues and to decrease crime and poverty. |
Better elected city leadership or system of government | Even good people don't seem to have much impact, so maybe it is the system. Need to stop the crazy decide one thing this week and something else next week routine. |
More direct flights from Tucson | I want to support our local airport, but the lack of flights makes it difficult to do so. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: River and 1st 85718 // Years here: 10 // 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? |
The weather | More active lifestyle |
The beautiful natural landscape | Aesthetics |
Not Phoenix | Smaller hometown feel |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More better paying jobs | So I and my family and our neighbors can sustain living here |
Improving traffic movements across and around the area | Too much time wasted traveling across town or downtown so I avoid it as much as possible. |
Set up a metropolitan form of government that encompasses all local governments | Eliminate redundancies in services and provide better service coordination that may ultimately (if one can dream) lead to lower property taxes. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Speedway/Harrison 85748 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 119. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Physical beauty and climate | I have lived and worked in cold weather and it's hard to have a good quality of life in it! |
Friendly people | The "midwest in the southwest" friendliness always makes it feel like home. |
Spread out | It is important that everything is not clustered in one or two places - too many eggs in one basket. For example, can watch performance downtown or UA or Loft |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make local governments more medium and long term oriented | General lack of planning for medium and long term make Tucson less competitive and harder to stay here to earn living |
Make local governments heed advice of local businesses and business leaders | It seems there is a disregard by governments of business leaders whose success depends on area's infrastructure, K-12 education, tax incentives, etc. |
Invest in K-12 Education | Poor education structure makes it more difficult for younger people to be successful. If the "fail," then promotes "bad" cycles and more crime. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Swan & Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 120. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The climate | I've lived in cold and wet climates several times and find them difficult to tolerate. I've also lived in hot and humid climates and find those equally problematic. |
Size of the community | Tucson is big enough to provide options for shopping, entertainment, etc., but small enough to allow reasonable access without excessive traffic delays |
Educational and entertainment options | I like the intellectual aspect of the university, particularly the emphasis on the sciences and discoveries that can support economic development and improvement of the human condition. I like having access to live music and theater as well as enough movie theaters to provide a reasonable variety. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Condition of the streets and roads | I find it problematic to drive on streets that are poorly maintained - potential for damage to vehicles or accidents because of others avoiding potholes, etc. |
Waste less money on Rio Nuevo, public art, and subsidies for artists | I voted for Rio Nuevo a number of years ago and find the actual implementation to be an absolute disaster - Tucson just hasn't gotten its act together at all. I prefer to support the arts through my direct purchases of items or participation in events or through personal contributions. |
Better use of urban space such as more infill | We have numerous empty, dilapidated, neglected buildings and spaces which give the city a generally run-down unattractive look. I dislike the sprawl that is taking place on the outskirts of Tucson with cookie cutter shopping centers and housing developments. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Swan and Camp Lowell 85712 // Years here: 23 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 121. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Friendly people | People in Tucson are open and welcoming to newcomers, which is not always the case in other cities. The made me feel "at home" when I came to Tucson 15 years ago. |
Environment | Our climate is wonderful. I've even become used to the hot summers. And, the desert scenery and wildlife couldn't be better. It is great to be able to spend so much of the year outside. |
The Arts | For a relatively small city, Tucson has a highly developed cultural community. Lots of artists and arts venues. Top notch |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City of Tucson downtown | A downtown area should be the hub of the economic and cultural activity for a community. Tucson's downtown is an embarrassment. And, when given a chance to fix it with Rio Nuevo money, the City has blown it. |
City of Tucson Post WWII architecture | What was the City of Tucson zoning and development review process thinking. Our post-WWII architecture is ugly and disorganized. |
Bike Freeways | Maybe it is too costly and too late to build a cross town freeway for cars, but why can't we build a cross town system of freeways for bicycles and walkers. Other cities have this and it really helps give the city class. We have the weather for bike transportation, now let's get the infrastructure. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Craycroft and Sunrise 85750 // Years here: 14 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 122. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Local events | Sporting events at the University of Arizona |
Local businesses | Keeping the economy local |
Restaurants | Variety |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
School system | There are not enough teachers and class sizes are too large. Teachers are under paid and their salaries need to be competitive to attract new people to the profession. |
Traffic System | There needs to be a better infrastructure |
Professional Sports team | The city should have a professional sports team |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Houghton and Valencia 85747 // Years here: 29 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 123. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Open and diverse community | People are not pretentious. Open and friendly with a wide variety of backgrounds and interests. People accept you for who you are, not for what you do or how much money you have. |
Ease of living | Tucson is easy to live in. Modest cost of living. Great weather and many cultural and recreational options exist and are easy to get to. Culture is laid back. |
Wide variety of cultural activities | Tucson has a very wide assortment of art and cultural activities and options that are generally reasonably priced and accessible to everyone |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better pubic transportation | Allow people to move about the community more easily for both work and cultural activities and ease traffic congestion for everyone. Lack of transit makes too many people car dependent and is isolating and harmful to the natural beauty of the area. |
Improve our schools and increase parental involvement | The public perception of our public schools is very negative. Public neighborhood schools are an important factor in community cohesiveness and civic involvement. We treat our public education poorly and it is reflected in low student achievement and lack of community cohesiveness |
Alter political boundaries | The current school district boundaries need to be redrawn to maximize resources. I'd cut TUSD down in size and distribute the fringes to other districts. I would also annex the unincorporated areas or encourage them to incorporate to minimize the tax burden placed on City residents. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Broadway Alvernon 85711 // Years here: 55 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 124. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The tone of our community | We are actually a community. We care about each other in general, know each other and are close. The non-profits play well together and collaborate in ways that does not exist in the rest of this state. |
The great restaurants | Love the Mexican food! |
The natural beauty and limits of building | I appreciate the fact that we have not built on every piece of land, like they have in Sedona. If we did that I would not want to be here as the natural beauty is part of its charm for me. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Roads | It is SO hard to get from one part of this town to another! Takes forever! |
Fees | I cant imagine why we have not increased the garbage fee! It is ridiculously low and we need the revenue. |
Business | I wish we had some more corporations here. It is so limiting that we do not have hardly any big business here |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: river, la canada 85704 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 125. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sunshine | Folks stay pretty upbeat and happy -- can't beat that anywhere. |
Environment (scenery) | One of the most beautiful places on the planet. |
Interesting people and culture. | The depths of the Hispanic influence makes this a robust, multi-cultural, positive city. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Being more open to outside ideas. | Even living here almost 20 years, we remain too insulated to the other perspectives that new people bring to Tucson. |
Business climate. | Extraordinarily value what a robust business climate can do to maintain all that is positive about Tucson. |
Get the bigots out of Phoenix. | I am Anglo, but I am so saddened by what Arizona is becoming and deeply concerned it will have an outsized impact on Tucson. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Craycroft and Sunrise 85750 // Years here: 19 // 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? |
See other side | I would like to see Tucson and Az. have, in memory of those on Jan8, a Mental Health CPR. see www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Implement Mental Health CPR | Go to www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Country Club 85716 // Years here: 36 | |
Survey: 127. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The culture | Small town feel, ethnic influences and events, natural beauty |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Freeway system | Difficult/timely to navigate across town |
Education | More funding needs to be put into education |
Job opportunities | More industry would increase job opportunities, especially in professional industries where the tax base is higher |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 128. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Though it gets plenty hot during the summer months, the other 7 mos. are tolerable to great |
Demographics | City is what every growing city ought to be; though i live in the county, i do business and work within the city; convenient enough for necessities, yet removed enough to forget about the hustle and bustle |
Ethnic food varieties | Enough eateries with diverse ethnic foods |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City government | There is still a lot of waste and misappropriations going on in spite of the city's "financial crisis". the city, as with all levels of government needs to rethink its policies regarding spending |
Crime rates | Crime seems to be rising, but as with all levels of government, those who commit violent crimes should be forever banished from society without a trial |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: cmo. de oeste/ironwood hills 85745 // Years here: 47 // 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? |
Great Diversity in culture, faith, and perspective | As a member of the Baha'i Community of Tucson diversity is incredibly important to me as it is a great source of community strength. |
Relaxed social climate | The relaxed social climate, great restaurants, and theatre available are important to my family's social development. |
Wonderful weather | Can't beat it, makes outdoor activities enjoyable. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improve funding for education | More of a state issue, but continuing to rank 49th or 50th each year is getting old... |
Roadways/infrastructure | Roads seem to be in poor condition. Across town travel difficult. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: camino seco/speedway 85710 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 130. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The weather | I recently moved from Seattle, and I love the sunshine and gorgeous weather. |
Mexican Cuisine | The food is amazing and a wonderful way to introduce people to a new culture - especially if you've never lived in a region that has access to these types of foods and cooking methods. |
University of Arizona | I think the U of A brings diversity, art, and culture to Tucson. Universities generally do tend to attract a more progressive thinking subset of the population; I like that. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Rudeness | People here have a tendency to be very closed off and unfriendly. It is not easy to become part of an established group, as most groups here tend to be "closed" - even ones that taut themselves as "progressive." |
Racism | It is very common to hear racial slurs directed at people of Latino and Caucasian origin. It's horrible, and need to stop! |
Close-minded approach to politics and society | It is frustrating to hear political views that tend to skew left described as "socialist" and trying to take rights away from Americans. This kind of sensationalism is bad for city morale; and totally false. It encourages people to think in extremes rather than rationally. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Houghton and I-10 85641 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 131. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The awareness of the environment. | The Tucson community is very aware of the environment and very cautious to do damage to it. I love the Catalinas and the care that has been taken to allow us to hike, camp, explore, etc. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Freeway system | It is so frustrating that it takes forever to get to places across the city. |
Downtown | It would be nice to have a place with more variety of shops and restaurants with convenient parking so it was appealing to be downtown. |
Family Friendly | We need more parks, museums, places to explore, and healthy places to eat where children are welcome. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: rita and houghton 85747 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 132. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate/environment | Do things I enjoy almost any time of the year, i.e. walking-hiking, visit Tohono Chul Park, play with Grandchildren when they're in town, swim, with the availability of the mountains when I desire. We can have a garden most always. |
People | The diverse population provides many interesting activities and experiences and friendships. It also is a very caring, responsive community. |
Arts | Whether it's theatre, ceramics, jewelry, paintings or sculpture, there are opportunities/galleries to enjoy. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Job situation | I am almost retired but too many people need a living wage-paying job. |
Increase solar usage | We have had solar water heating for years but to do more is so expensive! There must be a way to get off the grid without getting off our budget. |
Education | My children are grown and did well in the 80s with public education...and my staying involved, but we are not doing as well now I hear. My one granddaughter is ok but her parents stay tuned in. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Magee & Oracle 85704 // Years here: 31 // 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? |
I love the beauty of the desert. | I like the location of the city surrounded by mountains. |
I like the opportunities provided for seniors, | Education, arts, personal development. Because of a large population of retired people; Tucson offers a lot of choices in the above mentioned areas. |
I like working with Latinos. | I feel at home when I am in the south areas. I grew up in Tucson. Latino cultural is very much a part of me. On the other hand, I miss not having Asian, African-American friends. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 | |
Survey: 134. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather/Climate/Scenery | I don't like snow, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes. I don't like cold, I don't like the "urban jungle" and pollution. I like it sunny and warm, I like the occasional thunderstorm, wide open desert, clear skies, high mountains and spectacular sunrises and sunsets. |
The Citizens/Culture | Tucson has a wide cultural heritage and arts scene, has roots. It is a laid back and friendly culture, concerned for its well being and health, more liberal/tolerant. Tucson is not high strung, self absorbed, or "Type A". We aren't Phoenix and we don't want to be. |
Not sure | I think 1 and 2 wrap it up nicely. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Citizen/Government leadership | Tucson has its moments, but like most of the country we seem divided, unsure of our future, where our common interests lie. There does not appear to be a lot of interest in voting - a lot of political apathy. |
Downtown | Despite all the positives listed on the first part of this survey, Tucson still lacks a cohesive "center". We tend to live, work and play in three different places. |
Transportation | It is getting better, much improvement thanks to RTA and Sun Tran. But ridership still seems low and RTA appears headed for a slowdown. Big Tucson employers, including public government, need to openly support alternate work schedules and telecommuting. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Sahuarita Road/I-19 85629 // Years here: 36 // 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? |
Small town feel with many benefits of bigger city. | Access to resources that can be accessed in a bigger city, but still retains a smaller community feel. |
Weather | The weather of Fall, Winter and Spring are great. Summer is horrific. |
Having a major university | UA helps bring diversity, focus on learning and knowledge increase to our community. This is important to a community's ability to develop... not that we've effectively tapped into this yet, but... |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Knowledge retention | I'd work a lot harder to retain knowledge.. retain UA grads from leaving. We have one of the highest ranked business schools in the country, yet very little business development is occurring. More efforts to stimulate, and retain, young business leaders through local efforts to "grow" businesses of the future. |
Raise appreciation for diversity | While having a small town feel can be good, what strikes me as odd is that we have diversity in Tucson, but not an appreciation for that diversity. Increasing understanding of other cultures/languages between all ethnic groups would surely create a more vibrant community AND more importantly would position Tucson to engage at a higher level in the interdependent global economy. |
Parks and athletics access | While there are some great parks for kids around Tucson, when looking at field usage for sports (which can be vital to youth development in a variety of areas), Tucson is lacking. The costs to use the fields goes up and makes participating in healthy outdoor activities/sports for youth more challenging which in turn depletes these programs and makes Tucson less appealing... |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: I-19 and Pima Mine Road 85629 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 136. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural beauty. | Just looking at the mountains is a constant inspiration. |
Cultural diversity and acceptance | A comfortable place that all I have to worry about is being the best me I can be. A large GLBT community, ethnic culturals, a live and let live attitude. |
The Food | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Economic development | We seem to have an "eat your own" mentality. To much money going to too many conflicting organizations, all just fighting for the money. No solid plan and everyone out to protect their own interests. How many strategic plans do we need if we don't have the guts to do anything once we get them? Oh I know, let's visit Portland again! |
Education | Lack of education is going to bury us. I've had high school interns that couldn't file alphabetically, use a computer or find Canada on a map. |
Political climate | Tucson has on of the most vicious, mean spirited political climates I have ever seen. Incestuous and seemingly locked into special interests. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Cardinal/Valencia 85746 // Years here: 20 // 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? |
Is the friendly people | I am a native and have interacted with Tucsonans who are mostly wonderful people. |
Is the environment | I love everything about the Sonoran Desert, except poisonous critters. |
Is the weather | I love our climate, except when it gets over 110 degrees or below 40 degrees. I really love it when it rains and brings life to the desert! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation systems | I spend too long waiting at stop lights. We need better highways/expressways/freeways - whatever we choose to call them. |
Support for public education | Today's children represent Tucson's future and we need to support the public school system so that they will be better prepared to become Tucson's leaders. |
More respect for diversity | We are blessed with a richly diverse population, but not everyone seems to value the differences. We need to take advantage of this opportunity rather than try to fit everyone into the same mold. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: 22nd Street and Kolb Road 85710 // Years here: 52 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 138. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Blue skies and clean air | Our sky and air is cleaner than polluted Phoenix, making a more beautiful place to live and work. |
Diversity of cultures. | I enjoy the many cultures who have decided to call Tucson home, because it teaches us all to live peacefully together. There are many things we can learn from other cultures. |
The terrific Mexican restaurants! | I like the traditional to the modern Mexican Restaurants here in Tucson. From Miniditos to Blanca! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 | |
Survey: 139. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
A sense of community | In spite of various divisions (educational, racial, political, economic) it seems that many people have a sense of shared community and are willing to invest themselves and engage occasionally for the good of the community at large. |
I like Tucson's feel of connectivity to it's environs. | I find it personally essential to be connected to my natural environment, and there is ample opportunity for that to happen on a daily basis. |
I appreciate the easy-going culture of the area. | I do a lot of business with people on a handshake basis, and feel completely secure in this. There are plenty of people around who are willing to be part of this. This town also has the "small town" feel to it, in that it is easy to make personal connections with people. I like the Hispanic influence on the culture, with an emphasis on extended family and human relationships. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It would be nice to have better public transportation. | I think that it is a shame that we are so addicted to our private cars for personal transportation, and unwilling to relax our grip on the steering wheel. |
I think that we should secede from Maricopa county. Name of the new state? Gadsden. | I think that Tucson is politically under-represented in the state legislature. Our state politics seem to be pushed by the wing-nuts and we as a community have to suffer with their decisions and neglect. |
I have to say that our schools, are a little sketchy. | TUSD in particular seems unreliable in providing quality education. With my two kids, we sent one to private school and the other to a district with open-enrollment. I know this is partly a state funding issue, but other districts seem to do better than TUSD with the same funding. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: tucson/ft.lowell 85719 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 140. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Vibrant intellectual and cultural life | I am a research scientist and my spouse is an artist. Good career opportunities and a stimulating creative environment are important to me. |
Year round outdoor recreation activities | I enjoy hiking, camping, and kayaking--can indulge these passions 12 months out of the year. |
Relatively small town feel for a large urban area. | Grew up in a small town; lived in South San Francisco Bay area before moving here. Best of both worlds here. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Reduce reliance on cars for personal transport in core areas. | Air pollution, noise, and traffic congestion will increasingly impact livability in the urban cores as population grows, if we don't change the transport model. This pushes higher income residents and employment to the periphery and leads to core blight. Reducing petroleum energy use is a national need. |
Incentivize infill for housing and for industries that provide technical employment. | I see leapfrogging over vacant land and buildup of exurbs. This isn't growth, it's sprawl. Negative impacts on living environment and sense of communities within a community. |
Break up TUSD into smaller units. | A well educated population makes for a more livable city. Smaller districts in metro area seem to be doing better at delivery of K-12 education. As a parent I never felt like I was part of a community of education with TUSD; just either beating my head against a wall, or gaming the system. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Prince / Country Club 85716 // Years here: 27 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 141. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
People | I like that the people of Tucson rally to support each other in time of crisis. Examples are the Food Bank, the YWCA, YMCA, and a variety of education support groups in Tucson |
Diversity | I like that people from many different backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicity can work together in a productive way. |
Location | I love the Sonoran desert region we live in. I love waking up every morning and seeing the Catalina Mountain rise from the desert valley. The sunsets, fauna, flora, and even the city itself hold much beauty. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Hatred | Recently, our community has often showed that there are small pockets of hatred that often spurs crime. I would like the hatred and crime to disappear. |
Legislature | The Arizona State Legislature has become self-centered and intent on hurting public education and people who have so little. I would like to see a more positive, problem solving legislature. |
Downtown | I would like to see a revitalized downtown and light rail installed along several corridors: Broadway into the city center from Vail, and Oracle from Catalina to City Center to Green Valley. People could then transit central Tucson using buses or shuttles. This would improve traffic and pollution levels. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Orange Grove and La Canada 85704 // Years here: 43 // 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? |
Sabino Canyon | This is an outstanding park. It supports our desire for long hikes and wildlife. |
Tucson Symphony, plays, musicals | It is so important to support the arts here in our own town. I drove all the way to Phoenix to see an opera - plays are important to me - cultural events are important to me. try to attend them every week. |
Multicultural nature of our society | We are a blended people who support diversity. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Get more volunteers into our schools | We are losing out children because our schools can�t take care of their many needs. Either we put our money where our heart is, or we will lose. |
Lower taxes for businesses | By attracting business, our city will grow as well as our families. We have lost too many businesses and it is impacting our safety and our way of life. |
Assign volunteer librarians to public schools | Too many school boards have eliminated librarians and teachers are trying to cover the school's library one day a week in order to keep it open. Every member of out city council should volunteer somewhere every week. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Sabino and Craycroft 85750 // Years here: 28 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 143. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Able to do things outside and in comfortably year around |
Town spreads out not up | Not a huge congestion of people in one place |
Easy to reach recreational areas | Able to do a variety of outdoor activities near to home. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Split up Tucson Unified School District | I think financial and student support issues get hidden in a large district. Smaller districts would be able to better serve the needs of their population. |
Complete Highway around north side of town | Ease in reaching northeast destinations |
Rescind RV trailer park tax | Encourage more winter visitors to stay inside Tucson city limits and spend money here |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Swan and Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 43 // 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? |
We have a small town feel in a metro area of 1 million | The more people you know the more the community means to you. |
Visually beautiful | I feel like I am on "vacation" whenever I look out side and the Catalina Mountains are so beautiful |
I can find most everything I need locally | Shopping locally is very important to me |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More activities inside for children and people in general | Although we have great weather, it still is cold in winter and hot in summer and activities inside are important. |
Make it easier for small businesses | I can be very challenging as a small business owner to be "seen and heard" in Tucson |
Traffic | This is just a pet peeve, I really dislike driving in this town. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: LaCanada and Moore 85755 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 145. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town atmosphere. | What makes the Tucson community unique is the combination of small town feel with a western flavor. |
The sense of community. | The January 8th tragedy is a good example of how the people of the Tucson region came together from diverse social economic areas to give support to the families of those killed and those injured. |
The people are friendly. | People tend to be more friendly because the Tucson area promotes a relaxed atmosphere |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The political scene. | The State of Arizona legislature does not work together as a a unit rather than party against party. The political attitude keeps businesses from located in our state. |
A strong support for education | The children are our future. Yet Arizona is ranked 50th in the funding of education. |
The economic future of the area. | Without jobs the people cannot afford to stay in our area. When they leave it means they are not spending money here affecting sales tax. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Camino Loma Alta and Old Spanish Trail 85747 // Years here: 71 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 146. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
People are here, for the most part, because they want to be. | Although we know a number of Tucson natives, many have returned to live here after living in other parts of the US-- and even the world. Others of us have chosen to relocate here because we like it or because it's an ideal spot in which to lead an active and intellectually stimulating life after retirement. It's great to live in this kind of congenial environment! |
People are incredibly welcoming and generous with their time, talent and wealth. | We like living in a community where people are actively involved and where those who are already plugged in welcome and facilitate the involvement of others--this is as opposed to many other communities where people remain on the "inside" or the "outside" forever. |
Proximity to Mexico adds an attractive dimension to our lives. | There is a rich international culture here that is deeply rooted in the past. It's what first attracted us to Tucson and one of the reasons it would be difficult to leave. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 | |
Survey: 147. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Arts and Culture | The presence of quality arts organizations and cultural institutions and the ability to attend performances and exhibitions is central to the life I want to lead. |
Natural Environment | The beauty of Tucson's mountains and desert provides a constant boost to me. |
Ease of getting around | The relative ease of getting places in Tucson makes participating in community an easier choice to make rather than the time, cost and trouble of getting around in other cities being a disincentive to take advantage of all that a city has to offer. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Downtown | Ultimately, the overall quality and desirability of Tucson will rise or fall on downtown being a vibrant magnet for all area residents to experience dining, shopping, arts & culture and the possibility of urban living in a variety of residential options. |
Public education | Tucson's overall success depends on business and economic growth. Without quality public education, that growth will be difficult if not impossible. I want to live in a city that has greater, not lesser, success in its foreseeable future. |
Government function | Better quality governing and leadership is essential to maintaining that which is good about Tucson and to making the dynamic change I'm looking for to persuade me that Tucson is the place in which I want to continue to live. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Orange Grove and Oracle 85704 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 148. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather in Winter | I don't like snow |
Setting | Mountains |
Arts | Symphony, Opera. Museums, ATC, etc. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Places to walk in communities | Very few walking places other than shopping centers |
Improve Cultural Relations | We are not like Phoenix |
More Airline connections | |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Skyline & Campbell 85718 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 149. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The mountains, vegetation, scenery | Unique beauty to anything in the world!! |
The diversity of the people. | Wide range of cultures visible in our community and we celebrate all of them throughout the year i.e. Tucson Meet Yourself, Native American activities throughout the year, Black History Month, Chinese New Year, Mariachi Festival, Rodeo etc... |
Wide variety of available arts & culture. | Always something to do that is available through the arts whether it is the theater, music, art shows or festivals, etc! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Politics | One government - merge duplicate departments with the city and county. This would save the area a lot of money and frustration! Yes it would reduce jobs yet more political positions then the jobs that are sacrifices could be paid more! |
Better compromising between neighborhoods and progress | A cross town freeway or parkway ie the Rillito Parkway was the solution if it had been done in the 70's when it was proposed! |
Tougher on crime | Make people more responsible for their actions - no tolerance, do the time for the crime, more community service options! |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Speedway & Craycroft 85712 // Years here: 49 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 150. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Residents | Residents in Tucson are caring, genuine and personable. The laid back atmosphere allows the region to be comfortable and unstressful. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Growth | I think we limit our growth potential with political agendas. |
Culture - Entertainment | I think Tucson would be the perfect place if we offered more cultural activities and entertainment. Downtown is not one that I would call a walkable or inviting ares in part of the lack of entertainment. |
Hospitality Business | I would promote Tucson more to groups, entertainment agents, etc to improve the viability and economic impact on our community. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Orange Grove/Thorneydale 85741 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 151. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I like that our community can pull together quickly when there is NEED for support. | The recent occurrence of the shooting. |
I like the support I get from families and community members nearest to our school. | When I do functions or events, always have strong support of TUSD Admin and Mayor Walk up, as well as surrounding schools in our community. |
Strong support from my Administration at this school. | This makes my job a whole lot easier and more motivating for me, when I know my ideas and things I do matter. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Consistency w/ in schools in the district, on curriculum. | All the new programs we receive in different schools, would be nice if all schools were focused on the same thing. All schools got the same training etc. It can be frustrating for staff and parents to buy into. |
Technology not consistent in all schools. | We are a Math Science school and much of our technology is out dated. We need to represent what we are labeled as. This makes it very hard to keep up as Teachers when we do not have the access to things that are important for the classroom. Example Vail district laptops for all students..why do we not have this? |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Pantano 85715 // Years here: 30 // 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? |
Friendly people | I like feeling respected. |
University of Arizona | I like having a place where there is research going on a place to go to learn new information. The University increases the progress of the whole community. |
Parks/Recreation opportunities | These opportunities help keep the community healthy. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation opportunities | I wish we had a light rail system so that it would be easier to get around town and I would not have to rely on my car. |
Schools | We do not have an adequate public school system. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Columbis and Ft. Lowell 86712 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 153. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cycling | Because I like to ride my bike for recreation, to work, for exercise and it lessens my impact on the environment and the weather is usually nice enough to ride a bike. |
Downtown | Well, for one I live downtown. The history, the people, access to the freeway and the density of commercial and residential properties make my life more interesting and worthwhile. There's music, food and events (2nd Saturdays, Tucson Meet Yourself and TCC). |
The History | Tucson has a long and rich history and the communities/neighborhoods where I live in do not take this lightly. If we wanted to expand and sell our souls we can easily move to Phoenix or Mesa. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Land Development | We are destroying the outer lying areas of Tucson by inviting developers and home builders to construct suburban districts that have a long lasting impact on the environment and economy. With the plummeting house markets and open spaces within the confines of city limits (empty or abandoned spaces), we should be penalizing development on the fringe to promote growth within the city limits. |
Politics | I think our elected officials are doing a great job by volunteering to serve the citizens of Tucson. But often times they seem stifled by party lines, media, policies and procedures. I trust them, if they plan something, then follow through dammit. You can't make every body happy all the time, but you're going to piss off more people if you are indecisive. |
The Arizona Daily Star | Very negative, editorialized publication that does nothing to promote well being and public service. This paper is a blot on our existence and no body, not even there subscribers should take them serious. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Congress and Grande 85745 // Years here: 13 // 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? |
The lack of attitudinal change. | I have lived here since 1950. I am very comfortable with early 20th century thinking. |
The lack of political leadership. | Thing tend to stay the same, except for rougher roads. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The wage base. | The infrastructure has deteriorated. Without higher wages you can not get higher taxes for improvement. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Speedway & Tucson Blvd 85716 // Years here: 60 // 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? |
Scenic beauty and access to natural environment | Our mountains are beautiful and it is easy to get out of the city to hike and enjoy nature |
Lively arts community | The local arts scene is vibrant and interesting and there are lots of opportunities for community participation |
I can get most everywhere on my bike | Given Tucson's climate, it is possible to ride you bike most every day. I wish there were more off the street bike avenues/lanes/paths. This would really contribute to my quality of life. Biking is great you can meet many of your transportation needs in this climate and get good exercise and enjoyment at the same time. I ride my bike to work and to do many of my errands, but, the biggest obstacle to doing more is safety and and the availability of convenient, safe bike routes. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More lively and beautiful and safe downtown area | Ti would be nice to have a pedestrian friendly lively pretty downtown where people could walk in the evening fell safe and enjoy restaurants music arts and other fun events. would be nice to have a destination downtown to be proud of. i really think it is important to have a place to stroll like in European cities. nice outdoor performance spaces. |
Air quality | Because we do not get much rain, air pollution is a bad problem here. it is causing me health issues and cause trouble for my friends. it is also ugly to to see the reduced visibility when looking at our mountains. |
Better schools | I do not have children, but they are our future and having Tucson continually ranked near the bottom in education, the fact that we are cutting our universities and services to K-12 is appalling and can only have deleterious effects on the future of our region. Our school shave such potential for being community centers |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: mountain and speedway 85719 // Years here: 24 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 156. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The climate | The climate is mild enough for growing a garden year around. |
The culture | There are many opportunities for education (UA, Pima Community College, etc.), the arts (opera, theatre, music, museums, etc.), and appreciation of nature (Sonora Desert Museum, Mt. Lemmon, Sabino Canyon, etc.). |
The diversity | I can engage in community-building with people from all walks of life who speak many languages and see the world from different perspectives. The interfaith community, volunteer organizations (removing buffel grass & habitat for humanity), events (gem & mineral show, Tucson Meet Yourself, 4th Ave. Street Fair, etc.) and various organizations (4-H, miniatures club, etc.) give people many opportunities to work together with others to make a stronger community. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make the streets safe for bicyclists. | Many streets have no shoulders and the people have a "get out of my way" attitude towards bicyclists. Bicycling to work or to play should be honored to encourage a cleaner, healthier, environment and a slower pace. |
Expand volunteer opportunities. | Have neighborhoods, organizations, and individuals perform constructive activities to fill the voids left from budget cuts. We can weed areas, pick up trash, paint over graffiti, maintain properties, help with security, etc. I know that the problem is liability. |
Create and strive for community goals. | Have a series of public meetings to determine what the people want Tucson to become. (Establish community goals.) Challenge people to joins groups that work on reaching those goals, neighborhood by neighborhood. Recognize groups and people who support the goals. Put up a goal thermometer to show progress. For example: Tucson currently has x number of businesses that have survived more than 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years. Increase the number in each category by 5% each year. Another example: X number of people ride bicycles to work or school. Increase that number by 10% each year. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Houghton and Golflinks 85730 // Years here: 24 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 157. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather, environmental beauty | Ample support for hiking trails |
Support for Music and the Arts | There are always ways to support our local artist community; |
Warm and friendly people | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I would have central points of focus for key initiatives | Needs such as education, literacy, hunger, transportation, medical care, arts, the environment etc. are being addressed by so many different providers. A central site not only for accessing and disseminating information but for community discussions would enrich the community. |
Support a rational annexation of areas by the City of Tucson | The City/County government seems to work at odds as opposed to in alignment. All of us are impacted by City government, yet have no vote if we live outside of the City boundaries. A rational boundary to focus on urban/rural needs would assist in voices being heard. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: River/Craycroft 85750 // Years here: 35 // 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? |
I enjoy the climate and wearing casual clothing. | Fortunately, my job calls for only casual attire that is far less expensive than wardrobes required in big cities. No need to buy coats, boots, & many sweaters. Heating bills are lower than in colder areas. The dry climate helps my asthmatic condition. |
The beautiful mountains surrounding the region. | I've lived in places that are flat, with no mountains. Everywhere you turn are mountains befitting a picture postcard. |
It's cultural diversity. | I'm glad my child was able to grow up in a multi-cultural environment. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
We need to be very concerned about water sources. | I think we should limit water usage by not allowing certain trees & shrubs(and GRASS!) We should stay with indigenous plantings. Golf courses must only use reclaimed, non-potable water. |
More money has to be spent on public education. | We can't attract the best teachers with the low salaries offered. Once upon a time, teachers made a living wage! |
We need to secure the borders. | AZ taxpayers are footing the bill for needs of illegal aliens, and many people who have learned how to "work the system", rather than actually work. We need to be more careful in determining who really needs help. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Sunrise Dr. and Sabino Canyon Rd. 85750 // Years here: 36 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 159. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather and mountains | Love the outdoors |
University town | Great entertainment and sports |
Great restaurants | Like great food |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Invest in education | The schools don't produce graduates who can compete in the global work force |
Invest in solar energy | Keep the environment clean |
Invest in mass transit | Relieve congestion |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Kolb/Tanque Verde 85715 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 160. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversity within a welcoming community | The presence of diverse cultures and ages within a welcoming community makes people feel at home in the greater Tucson area. Frankly, this quality distinguishes us from most of Arizona. |
The variety of activities available year-round | With the year-round decent weather, one can engage in activities year-round from sporting events to social activities. |
Pima Council on Aging | PCOA has created so many ways for us all to interact with and help our neighbors -- the Neighbors Care Alliance, meals on wheels, RSVP and ambassador program have enriched our lives a we've grown older. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
County-wide single government--eliminate city government | Though we have made progress, we could cut costs and enhance services by going to a stronger and more influential county-wide government with county-wide services and decision-making. Lets get past these local municipalities and become Pima -- a great region to live in. The Canadians can teach us how to do it. |
Pima Council on Aging take over the Senior Citizen Centers | PCOA knows what older adults in our community need and want. It should be managing the senior citizen centers throughout the county. |
Develop the county realizing that the future of the county and the University of Arizona are one. | Whether it be the thousands of students and millions of dollars or the excellent public media or quality sporting events, Pima county and the University of Arizona are reliant upon each other. The University needs to become the vital center of a welcoming diverse community called Pima County. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 161. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The desert and the open skies | I live on acreage on Tucson's west side and I get up every morning and marvel at the beauty of the landscape and the peace it gives me. I walk in the Tucson Mountain Park every day. |
The old parts of central Tucson | My offices are close to downtown. like to drive and see many things that are the same since 1960 when I first came here to attend University of Arizona. I like to see 4the ave flourish and hope for the renewal of downtown. |
I like the community. I know many people here | I am in business so I know tons of people who I have had the pleasure to meet over the years. I like the fact that if you have been her long enough, Tucson is still small enough that you always meet someone you know where ever you are. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Slow growth and destruction of desert | I live in a place that has seen too much development and ugly houses being built close together. Wild life is becoming less common. |
Place more importance on education | I feel that people in general are fairly uneducated these days and learning is an important habit. Also, companies that could provide good jobs do not come here since Arizona is one step above Mississippi in education and they are last |
Build infill projects and do not rezone desert for housing | There is much land available to build on in the city. Many areas would benefit from thoughtful development to improve their neighborhoods |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Ajo/ Kinney 85735 // Years here: 40 // 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? |
The environment | I enjoy being outside, it is as close to perfect as you can get. |
The lifestyle | Casual, comfortable not full of "Airs" like East Coast can be. |
The people | Friendly, caring, down to earth |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The business climate | It can be difficult to conduct business here. |
Combine the County and City governments | I think it would be beneficial to to look at the region not separate cities |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Grant/Tanque Verde 85715 // Years here: 24 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 163. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Physical location | Ability to exercise outdoors, not too much air pollution, enjoy beauty in desert around us, I love the desert and the great weather we enjoy |
People's friendliness | Feeling that one is part of the community, sense of belonging, making friends &/or acquaintances easily |
Culture | Ability to go to opera, symphony, museums, multi-cultural events are frequent; roots of Tucson include other ethnic groups besides Anglo- Hispanic, Native American-gives Tucson a uniqueness |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Condition of roads | Too many potholes to keep tires, alignment in good order; also hard on shocks or struts- more expense for car drivers (and buses, trucks also, I imagine) |
Increase jobs | I want more adults to be gainfully employed- able to support families |
More funding for social services | Tucson is not necessarily that far off here-it's just that we could use more funding for non-profits that support the poor and hungry |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Grant & Country Club 85716 // Years here: 54 // 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? |
Weather | Ability to go outside and comfortably walk/hike 12 months/year (even if it is pretty early in the summer!) |
Diversity | Mexican, Native, cowboy influences along with the Anglo |
Views | The views of the Catalinas in particular are omnipresent and awe inspiring. Sunsets too |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Literacy levels | A literate community is a vibrant, fun, and economically viable place. Unfortunately the reverse is also true. |
Effectiveness of city and county government | Effective government (not size of government) makes the community work for all. We should be able to merge/consolidate some County and City services |
Widespread appreciation of diversity | I value Hispanic influences/culture, and wish there was more of this in the area. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: River & Campbell 85718 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 165. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The natural landscape and climate | The natural beauty, plants, mountains and desert |
The architecture and Spanish culture | I was born in New Orleans and grew up in a "Cajun" French culture. The Tucson culture reflects one of a types of cultures that reflects the ways in which I grew up. Rich in customs an food, architecture and ways of life. Respect for nature and customs. |
The cultural opportunities, music, art, architecture, natural beauty and climate, the University of Arizona | This is what I value most in life, and am very happy and fortunate to have retired here, since my five sons have been successful in their careers and in raising their families here. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Obtain and maintain stability and professionalism in our city government. | The city governing body, since I have been here in 1971, has been inconsistent and unreliable in it's decision making. Laws and policies are adopted in a "feel-good" atmosphere and then allowed to gather dust or go unenforced. There is little political will to get any thing done, especially if it becomes controversial. Too many parochial positions by the elected officials. |
Enforce the existing regulations and policies. | Regulation enforcement is key to making this a better and sustained community. |
Look to the historical and natural nature of the community and be very careful what is changed or proposed to be changed in the name of "progress" or "economic necessity". These are the easy mistakes made by the politicians to placate the public or those controlling the purse strings. | I've seen this before. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Golf Links and Harrison Rd. 85710 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 166. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It is my Home | I was born and raised here |
Access to a major university | Academics, and Home teams. |
The mountain ranges | They are just beautiful, bygummit. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More respect for our history | We seem bent on tearing down original and then rebuild fake. One case in point that I fear for is the zeal to try to tear down the Rillito Racetracks for one at the fairgrounds. There is so much history at that location, but we seem not to appreciate. |
More fan support for our home teams | We have lost sports teams, organizations , and events |
Aiswe Mayor & Council | For obvious reasons |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: 22nd / Tucson Blvd 85713 // Years here: 38 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 167. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Community Events | I love the annual/weekly Events in the Tucson community including the All Souls Procession, The Tucson Rodeo, Tuesday Night Bike Rides, $3 Movie nights at Gallagher Theater at the U of A, Pops Under the Stars, and others. I feel very proud that these events are in my community and I often have visitors come from out of town specifically to attend these events. They are a great opportunity to connect with the community and the city offers great transportation (shuttles/buses etc) to these events. |
Landscape | Having grown up in Massachusetts, it is a pleasure to me to be able to wake up and see the mountains. The sunsets and sunrises here are unforgettable and incomparable to those elsewhere in the country. Hikes and trails are easy to locate and access. |
Landmarks | Landmarks like the Desert Museum, DeGracia Gallery in the Sun, A Mountain, Tucson Museum of Art, Miniatures Museum, Sahuaro National Forest, and the observatories and museums on the U of A campus are great places for citizens and visitors of this city to experience. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Safety | I do not feel safe in this city, or in my neighborhood. Lack of police and other safety enforcement is a huge problem. Transportation systems are dangerous. I have had my residence broken into many times and often officers do not respond to the call until hours, or even days, after the incident. I have had friends who were students innocently shot as passers by. I have had friends be mugged, raped, or threatened by strangers. Yet I recently had an officer spend 40 minutes issuing me a speeding ticket for going 4 miles over the speed limit. There is little rational in the justice system and its financial distribution in this city. I do not feel that I will continue my residence here much longer if the city safety is not improved. |
Education | The education system in this community is a disaster. We have the least funding for education as a state than anywhere else in the country and it shows. Our students are being passed along into the next grade for which they are not prepared. Good teachers are being fired due to lack of funds and therefor classes are immensely too big. I will for sure not be raising my children here. Once I have children and they are at the age to enter school I will move to another state, if I haven't already. |
Community acceptance of differences | I feel the too many citizens of Tucson have very closed minds when it comes to people of different backgrounds, races, religion, sexual orientation, education level, language etc. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: 1st Avenue and Prince Road 85705 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 168. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diverse cultural qualities of the community | The diversity provides lots of options for lifestyle choices-recreation, entertainment etc |
Close community network-feels like a small town | Allows for superior lifestyle and work environs. great place to raise children and to live. |
Environment | Allows us to enjoy the outdoors 365 days a yr |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Lack of cohesive & effective community leadership | Political leaders lack willingness to lead-too preoccupied with being liked rather than leading and remaining committed. You have to be willing to lose your job in order to do your job. |
Education- public | TUSD needs to be broken into several smaller districts that would be easier to manage and be more responsive to the areas that they serve. Larger has not proved to be either better or more effective |
Private/public community organizations are ineffective | Too many community organizations not working in a collaborative manner. Great waste of resources with confused directions |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde & Soldiers Trail 85749 // Years here: 60 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 169. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural beauty | Walking, hiking, and other outdoor activities are crucial to my well being. Getting out into unspoiled areas nearby restores my soul. The beauty of the mountains, sky, native plants and animals are a very valuable asset for the community and a necessary part of living for me personally. |
Strong, historic neighborhoods | The history and culture of this area is rich and I treasure it. This is a unique, wonderful place with strong connections in the past and also in the present. The people are complex, interesting and committed to a healthy, sustainable way of life. For me, it is a gift to be able to live among them. |
The University of Arizona | Rational, reasoned people, educated and committed to keeping this place special help make Tucson what it is. We must learn to live within the constraints of a challenging environment and protect this precious place. The UA is our wellspring for answers to sustainability and perhaps the most valuable partner we have. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Create an effective mass transit system | Traffic, especially one person per car travel, is destroying the beauty that is Tucson. More roads are built, but it just seems to make congestion worse. We need to stop -- and shift to a new paradigm for moving people from one place to another. We need a strong, interconnected network of mass transit options. |
Strengthen existing neighborhoods | Our strength is in the neighborhoods and the people in them. We need dynamic, healthy neighborhoods. The loss of funding for neighborhoods (mailing costs for newsletters, DNS support) is crippling the efforts to keep neighborhood identity alive. |
Preserve open spaces | Please, let's not turn into LA or Las Vegas; build on healthy, sustainable living. The thing that makes Tucson special for me is the natural beauty, the easy access to open spaces. People are important, but so are the native plants and animals that have called this basin home long before we arrived. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: North 1st Avenue and East Fort Lowell Road 85719 // Years here: 44 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 170. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Are the mountains and vistas | The beauty of Tucson is its mountains and its green desert |
Warm weather and lots of sun | Warm weather & sunshine, what more can you say! |
Business people are personable and approachable | I come from a corporate world, I like that heavy hitters are approachable |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better freeway system | There is no reason why Tucson cannot be progressive in its road systems, we desperately need connections going east and west thru town, etc.... Look at Albuquerque! |
Why can't city of Tucson and Pima County be integrated? | Why does there have to be two entities that are stupid! We desperately need progressive forward thinking people who can and will make decisions to move us into the future! |
A better/more people friendly dog pound! | WOW, what a horrible experience to have to go the dog pound. The stench is horrible, why don't we build the structure to be more like a barn with open air at the top (no one will be able to escape!) and the whole process needs to be simplified to be people friendly. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell/Orangegrove 85743 // Years here: 27 // 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? |
Community feeling | Important to know with whom we are working and also who is able to help get things done. |
Diversity and culture | Multi-cultural city for such a smallish size. |
Giving nature | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Duplication of services | Costly duplications prevent efficient and effective use of limited resources. |
Streamlined communication | Just to locate daily activities individuals must check 15 different locations. |
Responsiveness | It is important to be able to get responses from organizations and government officials. Culturally Tucson has a casual outlook that often limits urgency. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Catalina Hwy and Prince 85749 // Years here: 32 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 172. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town feel with benefits | I came from NYC and wanted to feel as though I knew my neighbors, and that they knew me. Tucson does that. It also has arts, culture, great outdoor activities, and is close enough to a large metropolis to drive there for a day trip. |
A lot of art is happening here | I have been meeting a lot of creative people here. The Art scene is growing, and is quite diverse. I love that! |
The Great Outdoors | Tucson is proud of its outdoor heritage. We live in a natural environment, and most of us become stewards of our own little piece of it. No grass and fountains.... |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Development planning | Development has proceeded in a haphazard, non-planned manner for too long. This is a really nice place to live, but unless we plan for population growth in a holistic manner, Tucson will no longer be a nice place to live. |
Sustainability initiatives | Per the idea about development planning - we need to maintain our sense of alliance with our natural environment. We need to incorporate more solar power and water harvesting, and gray water projects at commercial scale as well as residential scale. These need to become integrated in both new and remodel development. |
Community aid | We need better communication and integration for community aid for those who have fallen on hard times. |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: River and Via Entrada 85718 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 173. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversity | Has most all needs for anyone's taste |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | Not enough accommodations (roads, bypasses etc) for automobile transportation |
Date of survey: Jan 24, 2011 // Home near: Exit 275 I 10 85650 // Years here: 0 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 174. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Like heat; don't like cold |
Slow pace of life | |
Still feels like a small town | I've lived here for 45 years and still run into people from when I first moved here. I do stay away from the big city suburbs outside of town. People in the city are mostly old-timers. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Break up TUSD into smaller districts | Too much bureaucracy in TUSD. They only listen to each other. |
Require people to take a driving test for a license | Drivers don't seem to know the laws as in other times when a test was required. |
Privatize some govt agencies | Privatizing Parks & Rec, Street Maint., Water & Sewer and Bldg Plan & Permit to name a few would lower the taxes we have to pay. Privatization would force them to be more responsible and stop huge retirement costs. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: 22nd & Alvernon 85713 // Years here: 46 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 175. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Pima Community College | Best continued education opportunity for our people whether they complete high school or not. |
Parks and Recreation | Provides recreational/leisure activities for all residents regardless of SES. |
Reid Park Zoo | Another great leisure activity and educational opportunity for all. Again, regardless of SES. In my opinion, these three operations place Tucson in the top echelon of any place to live. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better traffic management | Future planning has not been effective with the continued expansion of the valley. |
Non-party affiliation elections to city/county leadership positions. Then voters will provide appropriate compensation to encourage those with the experience/knowledge/skills to lead/manage community's future challenges. | Due to Tucson small-thinking/petty politics, Marana annexed a large business/population area. |
One single government for Pima County/Tucson. | To achieve better leadership in connection with item 2 above. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Golf Links/Wilmot 85710 // Years here: 55 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 176. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Low-key pace of the city. | It has the many benefits of a city--research university, fine arts, convention center, museums, etc. without the big city pressure of traffic, congestion and pollution |
Hispanic culture/heritage | Mexican food, music, culture, holidays. The "Old Pueblo" identity |
Relatively free of pollution | Our city has a relatively clean environment, and I like that we are improving bicycle lanes and public transportation to keep it that way. I like the focus on solar energy and water conservation. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better zoning. | We need more sidewalks and less hodge-podge when it comes to neighborhoods. Keep residential areas nice and don't allow junky cheap apartments to intrude. |
Road improvement | Where we have improved roads, the difference is marked. I like the improvements made to Speedway Blvd and Campbell Avenue, for example |
Re-develop closed public schools | Keep the public schools in use for community parks, wellness centers, recreations and adult education. Don't lose those important properties! |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Grant/Campbell 85719 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 177. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Size | Tucson is big enough to offer a variety of experiences with its university and cultural centers and variety of ethnic backgrounds. It is not so big that traffic and distances has become frustrating like Phoenix and Los Angeles. |
Climate and Mountains | I need mountains. The climate is excellent with many superb months for outdoor living every year. Even early mornings in summer are good outdoor weather. |
Openness | Our city is very open to the non-heterosexual elements of society. It is fairly inclusive of minority views and willing to celebrate our diverse background. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | Tucson is in dire need of building the transportation of the future. We need bicycling facilities for more cautious bicycle riders. We have fairly good facilities for assertive riders but almost nothing for the people who would not bicycle on major streets. Also, we need to start building our mass transit of the future which could be (first choice) rapid bus transit or (second choice) light rail. |
Water | We need to start seriously harvesting rainwater at all levels. Many residences have it. Some businesses have done it. We need to put deliberate holes and retention basins in our hard scape and/or replace it with permeable hardscape. This needs to be done to reduce runoff. |
We need metropolitan regional government. | I would very much like to see PAG and RTA morph into regional elected government with authority to control and direct growth with well planned transportation, water and sewer networked systems. This largely uncontrolled and haphazard development we have now is going to turn us into another Phoenix or LA. Now is our chance to change this. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Broadway/4th Ave 85701 // Years here: 27 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 178. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The Mission San Xavier Del Bac | No matter what the history books say, this land belonged to the native Americans! I'm proud to have native blood running in my veins. |
Arizona became a state in 1912. Tucson was part of Mexico. | My family came to settle here in 1910. A few years back a group of Anglos yelled at me on camera MEXICAN GO HOME!! The police chief at the time was my cousin!!!! |
The Saguaro National Monuments | I live next to the monument and I enjoy the wildlife in my back yard. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Schools | It seems to me some charter schools are much better. The kids either do the work or they're out. The parents either agree or they're out too! Kids are our future. |
Get rid of all Gangs | Kids are our future. Send them to Fort Grant like in the olden days. No second chances!! If you belong to a gang your outta here. |
Poverty housing | I want to drive to the south side of Tucson and not see so many shacks. Pueblo Garden area, South Tucson area. That's where all the blacks and Mexicans live, refugees. They deserve better !! |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Ina/Silverbell 85743 // Years here: 60 // 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? |
The children | They are the future |
The people | Most of them are caring, compassionate, honor God, etc. |
The suburbs | Quieter, safer, cleaner, etc. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
T.U.S.D. | As the largest school district, it makes the most impact and it is FAILING to educate the largest population in Tucson |
Over 140 Gangs | They are dangerous, threaten the peace and welfare of others and prey on young children. |
Graffiti, trash, crime | The city is run down, trashy, and filled with thugs. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Years here: 44 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 180. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Not having to shovel snow! |
Casual atmosphere | I generally dislike dressing up. |
Lively arts scene | I love going to the theater, & appreciate all the free lectures & even concerts available. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More support for education | I support TUSD's ethnic studies program |
We need better transportation | While I'm currently able to drive, I can envision a time when I'd be dependent on public transportation, which is negligible in the area |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Ft. Lowell & Columbus 85712 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 181. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Friendly people | I live here |
Less expensive then similar sized regions | I live here |
Small town feel big city | I live here |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Community action to create jobs and improve the economy | Businesses closing left and right and people leaving Tucson |
Community action to create jobs and improve the economy | Businesses closing left and right and people leaving Tucson |
Community action to create jobs and improve the economy | Businesses closing left and right and people leaving Tucson |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 | |
Survey: 182. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Tucson has a small town feel | When there are community issues or even global issues, Tucson always comes together to do what we can to help. |
I like the diversity of our community | I have always loved the fact that within close range of where we live we have diverse climates that offer something for everyone, but I have also always enjoyed feeling like the community is accepting of all faiths and races and beliefs. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 | |
Survey: 183. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It's unique, not a large carbon copy of other cities | It's funky, it's small but has a university. It has great restaurants and great outdoor living. |
It has a diverse population | It's not bland. it has colorful history and unique blends of culture |
It's close to a big city if I want it | It's close to Phoenix if I want it and it's close to Mexico if I want it. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City council and Mayor | Not wise use of available funds...No available funds and tax-payers will never support anything even if it's worthy. They've had it. |
Education districts and funding | Too many districts, poor instruction, low test scores. Difficult to get people to move here. |
Protect the environment, use the solar power available | The sun and great outdoors are what make other things passable here in Tucson. We're not taking advantage of what we have. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde and Catalina Highway 85749 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 184. 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 |
Local businesses | I enjoy feeding the local economy |
Scenery | I enjoy doing things outside (hiking, camping, biking, etc.) |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More public transportation | I am an environmentalist. |
More activities in the downtown area | It would make Tucson nightlife more exciting. |
Stricter employment laws | Illegal immigration/employment of illegals is a huge problem in Tucson. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Swan and Grant 85716 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 185. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Outdoor activities year-round available |
People/cultures | Diversity of those who live in valley-natives, newbies, International, professionals,etc. help to make our community a melting pot of talent and interest |
University | Anchor for this community that shows excellent research and programs in serving to prepare future citizens and leaders for the world |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | Increase bicycle friendly, green /alternative transport options and especially improve options like light rail and alternative/21st century mass transit options that are strategic to growing the city in a healthy way |
Growing city in smart way | No more urban sprawl and expansion with strip malls - concentrate on developing healthy neighborhoods |
Develop functional vibrant downtown | Need a place that is reflective of our city that shows smart growth and development and attracts economic benefits- businesses, investments, etc.-to our community |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Tucson Blvd and Ft. Lowell 85716 // Years here: 46 // 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? |
Climate/scenery | We wanted to live in a warm year-round climate in a beautiful area. Eliminating things like dealing with harsh weather conditions has made it very comfortable for us in retirement age. |
Size of community | We wanted to live in a community large enough to have services, amenities, access to sports, entertainment, etc. - but not so big that it becomes hard to navigate the city. |
Univ. of Arizona | We have lived in university towns for the past 40 years and enjoy the atmosphere created by sports and arts offerings. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Create a more metropolitan attitude | All the "raw" materials are in Tucson to create a successful big city attitude - we seem to limp along when decisions need to be made. |
Make it attractive for business to come here | Tucson has lost opportunities to bring revenue to the city (which leads to higher income) by not responding to issues like the baseball spring training, golf tournaments, the needs of the gem show, etc. |
STOP foolish projects that are costly | The hugely expensive trolley to the U of A is unnecessary. Rio Nuevo is an embarrassment. Concentrate on real needs within the community to encourage business growth. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Colossal Cave Road & Mary Cleveland Way 85641 // Years here: 11 // 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? |
Proximity of mountains and desert | The view is fantastic and the desert is unique |
Weather | I like it hot |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Traffic/ ease of getting across town | You cant get across town in a decent time frame and it inhibits me from going to certain parts of town to patronize businesses and events because it is a pain in the butt. |
The way we preserve ugly intersections and property | Aesthetics |
City council | Even though i live in the county, the anti-business attitude, endlessly mismanaging and wasting taxpayer money, and boneheaded decisions affect me |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: sunrise/sabino canyon 85750 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 188. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The diversity of everything--cultures, opinions, regional climates, heritages, races, regional topography | I am from a diverse background; growing up in the military brought me in touch with so many different countries, cultures, people and their politics, levels of education and power educated me far beyond the college degrees which I also acquired. I have so much in common with so many different people here. |
The potential for greatness. | In spite of my years fighting for the arts in downtown largely being ignored by the City Council, I feel an energy beginning again that could just remake that place into the vibrant place it was years ago. |
Sense of community | This is a town that can pull together when needed. I want to retire here, and not only want to put myself to work helping out, but well may need that help myself. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City Council must learn to do, not consider. | I need to have a sense of accomplishment--not a leadership which interminably studies a problem; just solve it! Get a backbone an make a decision. |
We need public transportation. | I car pool when I can, but I'd prefer my city had clean, efficient, admired and utilized public transportation, even up in the major streets of the foothills and most certainly out to the airport.. |
Pour money into downtown. | Our downtown is right on the highway--what an incredible waste of tourist accessibility to have nothing to pull them off that road a block or two to some great attractions. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Campbell and River 85718 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 189. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Waking up each day and viewing our mtns without haze and pollution-truly enjoying the beauty of nature | This great city can model the Act of Kindness and our commitment to our service members through our daily living. |
We come together and hold true to life-as seen in the horrific event with Gabby Gifford and Tucson citizens-we hold each other up-regardless of knowing the person. | As a community of 1-500 we can make a difference in the way we reach out to others in our community or across the nation |
I can make a difference in the community | Each day I can share a smile-do you know the impact of a smile-there are no words express just the gentle smile-that says a thousand words. The smile brings me back to the days of Brownies Song-" I have something in my pocket that belongs to you and me-it is a great big Brownie smile" for the past 50+ years I've sent millions of smiles-and WOW-that makes life brighter for me. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More community involvement with IMAGINE Campaign and Bens Bells | Tucson as a role model of kindness-with Ben's Bells we should hang bells across America-a very simple solution to promoting kindness. |
N/A | |
N/A | |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Brodway/Kolb 85710 // Years here: 18 // 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? |
Diversity of our culture | Exposure to different cultures |
Climate | The ability to engage in so many outdoor activities |
Small big town atmosphere | We are a small town at heart |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 | |
Survey: 191. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sense of community | Makes me feel as if I belong and as if there are opportunities for me to contribute |
Outdoor friendly | Being able to cycle, do things outdoors=fulfilling life |
Beginning of a local movement | Local food and businesses=better for our economy and better for our earth |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
How spread out it is | Long time to get everywhere, doesn't feel as if the city has a heart |
A more thriving downtown | It makes me sad to go downtown on the weekends and feel like it is empty |
Cyclovia=more frequent | Larger effort to make Tucson a bike/ped town through no-car events |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: snyder & catalina 85749 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 192. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural beauty. | Outdoor lifestyle; hiking within minutes; love the view. |
Not too big - not too small. | Most of the resources big cities offer - with strong sense of community. Not too much traffic - yet. |
Diversity and U of A. | I appreciate the strong Mexican influence and the opportunities provided by University of Arizona. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make Tucson a solar industry hub | Give our city a stronger identity. It just makes sense. |
Update or new Performing Arts complex downtown. | The arts are critical to the success of downtown and we need a regional hub - a beautiful complex that can accommodate theater, symphony, dance, concerts and opera. Like a smaller version of Lincoln Center. There's nothing like this in Arizona. Wouldn't it be great if Tucson took the lead? |
Better (and improved) short and long-term transportation plans. | Easier/faster/better links to east and west - north and south - downtown and rest of town. It's necessary if we are to thrive. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Oracle and Ina 85704 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 193. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Overall climate is great for pursuing most outdoor activities that I enjoy. |
Close proximity to so many public lands. | Numerous parks, preserves and other open areas to enjoy. |
Small feel of the city. | Tucson usually feels like a much smaller town than it is. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Community leadership. | City council is very partisan. Desperately need differing views and opinions. City manager has proven to be totally unqualified for the job. Need fiscal accountability and responsibility and smart growth decisions. |
Re- emphasize English language use. | Over 20 plus yeas of living here the growth of Spanish in public conversation, documents, billboards, and government publications is shocking. Many resources are used to support this that could be used elsewhere to improve the community. I completely respect Mexico and their culture. I expect the same. Be good neighbors, not foolish ones. |
Beautification of the city. | When I travel to other cities I often notice how nice their common/public areas are. We don't need large expensive projects necessarily. Landscaping improvements and simply providing good maintenance on what we have would go a long way. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell/El Camino Del Cerro 85745 // Years here: 23 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 194. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The mountains | I feel the mountains surrounding Tucson represent stability and strength for our city. It's a feeling that God is watching over our city and, like the mountains, cannot be moved. I like the beauty of the mountains, especially when they are covered with snow after a snowfall. When I walk outside or drive down the road, I often look to the north and gaze upon the beauty of our largest mountains. |
Relaxed community | I lived in Phoenix for a few years back in the 1980s. It is a fast-paced city. Tucson runs on a slower, more relaxed speed. People's driving is kinder and slower and their mood does not tend to be as stressed. Tucson has a small-town feel when talking with people and shopping throughout the city. Tucson is friendlier. |
Home-grown restaurants | I appreciate all the local restaurants that are not chains. I may eat at chain restaurants on occasion, but I also love to be able to eat authentic Mexican food from our city. I enjoy Eeegees and knowing that some of my family want me to have an Eegee with me when I meet them at the airport. I like to take visiting friends and family out for a Sonoran hotdog or steak at locally owned restaurants. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Freeway system | Tucson now has over 1 million citizens and will continue to grow larger. We need a freeway system that encircles the entire city, stretching across the northeast to northwest and southeast. We also need to build freeways that go through the center of town. |
Downtown improvement | I've appreciated the new buildings going up downtown and want to see that area continue to be renovated. The art district was an idea that didn't work. Visitors would mention to me that it looked like a slum because the buildings were in disrepair. I'd like to see businesses in the downtown area that would draw families. In the past I've witnessed city sponsored events that only drew the strange edges of society. For instance, the night people could travel from bar to bar to hear bands. Tax paying citizens weren't participating. Even Downtown Saturday Nights was attended by mostly people on the fringe of society. |
Spring training and minor league baseball | Being a city of over 1 million, we should be able to support sports franchises of different kinds. One of the biggest losses to our community recently is minor league baseball and spring training. I would like to see spring training brought back. The minimum drive a team in Florida must make during Spring training is around 6 hours to a game. Tucson is only 2 hours to a game and would look very nice to teams in Florida. This, along with minor league baseball, have been part of what make Tucson special. Losing these negatively effects our culture of who we are. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Ruthrauff and La Cholla 85705 // Years here: 20 // 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 people. | I grew up here and I am a native. I have deep rooted contacts and enjoy the diversity of our city. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make it easier to defend yourself with the photo vehicle system | I felt I didn't have a chance and it was to hard to explain what happened. . . . .there are exceptions to situations. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Grant/Craycroft 85712 // Years here: 53 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 196. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Lack of wide spread discrimination | I |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 | |
Survey: 197. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The diversity | It is important to me to raise my children in an area of the country that is diverse, and accepting of varying cultures. |
The weather | I love being able to wear sandals in December. |
The ability to see cactus, yet drive 4 hrs and see snow | Again, I like variety. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 | |
Survey: 198. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It is my home | My families have been here since early 1900's. It is my home. It is in my blood. It has its problems, but this is where I choose to live. |
Location/geography | This is a unique place. The mountains, the flora and fauna of this place is like no other. This goes along with its weather and blue skies. |
It's old pueblo flavor | This is my home and while it has grown a lot over my lifetime, it still attempts to feel like a small town. Most people are friendly, caring, allow others to live as they see fit. Let's not forget about its diversity. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Increase low wages | Tucson pays its workers low wages. Unfortunately, utilities, food, gas, etc. are not equally low. |
Water | We need to remember we live in a desert. We are using water, squandering water, as if it were going to run for ever. |
Transportation | Traffic jams in Tucson are getting to be horrible. Let's put in a subway! People not knowing the rules of the road do not help with the transportation problem either. The condition of the streets are appalling. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Irvington/Midvale Park Road 85746 // Years here: 59 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 199. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
My entire family lives here | Family |
Weather | Not too cold |
Friends | Best friends here |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Our court system | Students and people are serving time and spending much money when there has to be a better way to help students |
Homeless | More shelters |
Schools/more involvement with families/teachers/admin | Communicate more have a genuine caring for one another |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: speedway/alvernon 85711 // Years here: 55 // 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 diverse cultural heritage | The potential is here to value and preserve the cultural roots of the area that make it unique and special (e.g. Hispanic, Native American, native Anglo/Western) |
The natural environment | The wide open spaces that can be accessible for a variety of uses for all, including wildlife as well as human use |
The core value of inclusivity and respect | As a native and being of Hispanic heritage, for most of my life I experienced inclusivity and respect here. (I fear that this is changing/being lost in recent times.) |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Negative tone of public discourse | Tucson has a self-esteem problem. The default position when discussing public matters is to put down, be negative (e.g. the local newspaper.) This is at the core of community deterioration and is self-perpetuating. Commit to focus on assets and not just deficits |
More respect for local ideas/knowledge vs. outside experts | Many people have come or been brought in from outside Tucson to key positions to save us from ourselves. Valuing and respecting local knowledge and experience is needed |
Collaboration vs. competition in local government efforts and resources | One-upmanship in local government matters and focusing on who has what power is detrimental. Taxpayers need the best return for what they contribute. Local services that address neighborhood level needs are important. One great big government is NOT the answer. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Grant and Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 56 // 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? |
Weather | Enjoy being outside. |
Mountains and foothills | Beauty, diversity |
Place I was raised. | History, sense of place, memories |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Government Leadership | Shortsighted, lack of common goals, petty bickering, poorly qualified, |
Transportation system | See #1 above. |
Manage/Balance Growth | Sprawl of the last 30 years. The ongoing nightmare of downtown redevelopment and neglect of other areas and issues in the community. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: River Rd./ Oracle 85704 // Years here: 56 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 202. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The ecology/landscape | Our family enjoys being outdoors and exploring the desert |
Smaller urban community | |
The arts | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education | I am an educator and a parent and education should be funded/supported to ensure success for EVERY student |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: silverbell and speedway 85745 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 203. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Its Home | Family |
Job | Enjoy my job and the environment. |
Weather | Not so good in summer but other than that, its good. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Hire local University grads | Give preference to local graduates. Usual policy is to hire from outside AZ -- that is not good to local Arizonians. |
Political climate to be less volatile | Too much attack on personalities or accusations of not being enough of a Patriot. Too much emphasis on illegals. |
Get rid of traffic cameras | Too much of Big Brother watching you. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Ina/Oracle 85741 // Years here: 17 // 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? |
Feels like a small community | I love it that I know many people and run into them all over town. You'll meet someone at an event down town, and then see them 2 months later at a local coffee shop! I also like it that I know small business owners and really enjoy visiting their restaurants and stores rather than going to big box places. Tucson feels connected to me. |
The outdoor appeal | The views are amazing here. We have such beautiful sunsets every night, and the mountains are gorgeous. I love it that I can spend time outside year round and that there are many parks and trails. For example, the Rillito River Trail is one of my all time favorite things about my neighborhood. I know if I ever live anywhere else, I will miss that trail. I think Tucson needs to preserve our environmental treasures and really endorse it. |
Political Climate | I specifically like it that we are college town with a powerful university that draws intellectuals. I think this is a huge part of the political climate here. I like it that over all Tucsonans respect education and in general are fairly open-minded. Although there are many many exceptions to this, I do feel like I fit in with attitudes in this city. I like to think it is a bit of a Liberal town, but what I like most is the diversity of thoughts and the way we all share common likes regardless of our political beliefs. Again, this comes back to the sense of community that I love about Tucson. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Drugs and Safety | There are some areas in town that have a lot of drugs and safety issues. I think Tucson needs to focus on these issues because it will help the greater part of our community. For example, I live at Alvernon and Grant. This intersection is AWFUL. It's full of big box stores and there are many drug arrests in the area. However, I love the location. I am 5 minutes from the Rillito, 10 from St. Philips plaza, 5 mins from Trader Joes, 2 mins from the Botanical Gardens, etc. This is such a great area of town, but the crime is holding it back. I am certain there are other areas with this concern as well. |
Outdated School Buildings | I am an educator and I've taught in 2 different high schools. The buildings are SO OUTDATED. Both Pueblo High School and Catalina High School need serious updates. Bathrooms must be adequate, pests and insects should NOT be acceptable. White boards, Smart boards, mounted projectors, and DECENT student desks are a MUST. Some students sit in small, cramped, vandalized desks all day. This is bad for our young community. It should be a top priority to nourish our schools and the youth - the future of this city! |
Beautification of some areas | I know a lot of work has been done to the downtown area, and the I-10 also, which I think is awesome! I would like to see some areas central though. Some places look run down and I know there are a lot of privately owned homes and so forth that can't be controlled. I think Tucson has the potential to be a beautiful place with out surroundings and artistic community. I'm not sure the solution, but our town looks run down in some areas, and rich in others. It should be beautiful everywhere. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Grant and Alvernon 85712 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 205. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Generous community | So many individuals generously give of their time, talents and funds. Participation with these efforts creates genuine, deep commitment to the overall community--a terrific asset for us all. |
Natural beauty | There are so many opportunities to participate in and enjoy the natural beauty all around us. Whether Sabino Canyon, trail hiking, charity runs, walking the neighborhood, etc.--and of course our lovely, year-round weather--we are so blessed. |
U of A | Having a significant university in our community brings so much to our lives. Educational opportunities, sports, culture, diversity of ideas, expertise, variety. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Enhanced education--at all levels | Excellence in educating our youth (and beyond) is a pre-cursor to all aspects of future prosperity, success and positive development. An educated population ensures that the future will be bright and meaningful (and compassionate). If additional funding is needed--what better way to spend our dollars. |
Government participation/action | True visionary long-range thinking and planning has never been a Tucson asset since I have lived here. Too many decisions are short-term, and interest-driven...too few (if any) are foundational for decades-long success. Those in governmental positions of influence have not resisted the urge to appease the most vocal minority while leaving the tough, long-range dialogue and implementation to another day. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: River/Swan 85718 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 206. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Dark skies | I work for the International Dark-Sky Association. |
The sense of community | I am a volunteer manager and so many people want to volunteer their free time for so many reasons. It's wonderful to be a part of this giving. |
The weather | I know this is not something that we can control, but I am originally from Michigan and I love living in the desert. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better local government | Again, I know this is a tough one, but it is so disheartening to see our local government incapable of making a decision about a downtown hotel. It shadows everything. And I don't even want to get started on Rio Nuevo. |
More outreach between agencies | When two agencies combined to create Emerge and when Traveler�s Aid combined with Primavera, these were good uses of resources coming together. More of this needs to be done. Too much duplication. |
U of A and DM need to be a part of IGT | Sometimes we think these two organizations are transient because the service members come and go and so do the students. However, a liaison needs to be there to show how students and service people can be an integral part of our community. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Rita Rd and Houghton 85747 // Years here: 23 // 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? |
Nature: the mountains, the vegetation, the open spaces | At the end of the day, I find peace within the beautiful environment. |
Resources: The University, medical centers, cultural activities, athletic events | The resources provide the possibility me fulfill the mental stimulation, the cultural satisfaction, the assurance of health services if needed, and the enjoyment of entertaining events. |
People: Those who have made a commitment to making this a community of caring and have a futuristic vision. | I want to more than "just live". I want an environment of togetherness. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | I believe as Tucson grows, we are unprepared to move people effectively around this community. Those in positions of "leadership" have not had the ability to get beyond the talk. We are staggeringly behind. |
Rio Nuevo: Get rid of it, them, who or whatever. | What an embarrassment. NOTHING has happened. Don't try selling the Fox Theatre; it has become an economic burden, not a self sustaining improvement. |
Economic Development Group | We keep LOSING business, not increasing. The Gem Show will be next. Accept your premise that we are going to double in population; losing baseball, gem shows, etc. is not going to support a growing population. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Sunrise and Kolb 85750 // Years here: 45 | |
Survey: 208. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Southside | The culture, I grew up there. Great food, now finally after all these years, there is more this and venues to do things. More stores, movie theaters. |
Northwest side | It's where I live. |
Downtown | The culture, there are more things to do on the weekends, music, and theatre. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Northside (both west and east) | Too sterile, must everything be colored tan and turquoise? Aesthetically the colors and sterile atmosphere makes me not want to go there? More locally owned businesses. |
Downtown | More available parking, low cost or free |
All | Better public transportation, especially something that goes east to west. Light rail, something like that. Also low cost or free. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: La Cholla and Wetmore 85705 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 209. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Its history and culture; | History is such a big part of who we are, and the culture is such a major part of our history |
Weather | Provides wonderful lifestyle |
Community feel | Gives such a feeling of connectiveness. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Gun controls in place | Gang activity, drug corridor, violence in Mexico |
City/county government | I have been here 41 years, and our local governments are not lean and mean, too much waste, too many politicians ill-prepared for managing government, etc. |
Education | Emphasis must be on turning our kids with high scores to lead to higher paying jobs |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Years here: 41 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 210. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Unique environment | Desert beauty with accessible regions unmarred by development. |
Diverse community | Cultural, age, lifestyle, arts, educational options. Generally (used to be more) a more inclusive and tolerant community than others in the state. |
Affordability | While it used to be more affordable, and quite a bit of its previous affordability was due to a bubble that ultimately burst, the Tucson area still has a cost of living that is much better than many cities its size and with its amenities. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
We can't seem to get anything done | Inner circles and siloed cliques control what happens here. The same people do the same things with and for the same people, expecting the same quid pro quos from those in their circles, yet we expect different results. Why can Phoenix, Austin, Portland, etc. manage to create a lively city center, for example, yet we can't? I was born and raised here and can't figure it out. |
Brain drain and youth-drain | We continue to lose the intellectual leaders at our university because of the pay and lack of support from the legislature. We're also losing the youth who do not see Tucson as a place to stay for their careers. |
Job opportunities at most levels | Service-sector base does not make for jobs that make families economically self-sufficient. Lack of middle-class jobs, as well. Hi-tech is great, but doesn't accommodate many of our residents' career abilities. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Years here: 42 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 211. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Location/weather | I love the scenery and warm weather. I appreciate that we have no major problems with hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, ice storms, etc. I like being close to the border and CA and NM. |
Multicultural City | I like our mix of residents from all over the world and all cultures. Our Mexican/Native American roots are also great to be a part of. |
The U of A | How fortunate we are to have a world class/Division I university in our area. What the University adds to the intellectual,cultural, educational and economic factors in Tucson is significant. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The upkeep of the city | Every time we have a major event in town, like the GEM SHOW, I am very embarrassed by the pot holes and general condition of the streets. A well kept, tidy city speaks volumes. This includes what people see as they drive in form the airport. |
Show more respect for our heritage | I love Santa Fe--look at what it did with its historic area! Look at what we did with ours (TCC). We keep missing a valuable addition to Tucson by not bringing development to the Barrio Historico area. Bring in more shops and restaurants. Make more of it and tie it in with Armory Park. Too much attention is concentrated on the East end of downtown. There needs to be a balance and it's time to give attention to the south and west ends. Look at all the money spent on Scott street! |
How we spend our money | Rio Nuevo from onset to now is stupidly mismanaged. Millions of dollars gone to waste with little to show for it (again,all east end of downtown and no balance of effort). Then, a decision is made to take road repair money and instead use it on a bridge to take Cushing to across the Santa Cruz....not the right decision for Tucson at this time. The Mercado developer gets breaks for leaving a dirt yard, Bourn gets breaks for leaving holes all over town---not right, not fair to this struggling community. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Grant and Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 58 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 212. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | I can be outdoors and enjoy our wonderful weather practically 12 months a year |
People | Most people who reside here in Tucson are friendly down to earth folks. |
Family | My entire nuclear family as well as some extended family reside here. We then pass that family type of atmosphere to friends and neighbors. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The amount of money that is being spent on educating our youth. | I work in education and have for years. Snap out of it, like it or not our youth are our future, we need to do something about being 50th in the nation! |
Entitlement. | To many folks think that "It's owed to them" or they give that impression. Time to step up to the plate and make what you want to happen, happen with perseverance, dedication and drive! |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Kinny /Ajo 85757 // Years here: 42 // 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? |
Weather/ outdoor activities | I am an avid dog walker and bike commuter. I appreciate our warm dry weather. Our mountains are beautiful. |
Arts scene | It seems that our art and music scene is vibrant and that new artists are nurtured. As an arts patron, I love how accessible and low cost many of our art activities are. |
We are not Phoenix | Tucson feels very small town - even though we are 1 million strong. Case in point is our community's response to the horrific events of Jan. 8th. Our community feels like an island in a sea of scary right wing predators. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Clean it up | I HATE graffiti. Although we have a fairly aggressive graffiti abatement program, they could use more money. Plus, we need to stop the taggers. Our medians are looking bad |
Better transportation infrastructure | As a bike commuter, I would like to see more bike lanes and safer bike routes. Also, more place to lock up bikes at public buildings. A rail line would be jiffy. |
Positive infill developments and no mini dorms | I live in midtown - about a mile from the UA. I love my area but notice that even in the middle of town, there are vacant lots. It would be great to develop these lots into community gardens or responsible single family homes. I am disappointed in the mini dorm blight in neighborhoods around campus. These structures are ugly and not in accordance with the neighborhood. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Country Club and Speedway 85716 // Years here: 38 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 214. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The weather | I need sunshine and I don't need snow. |
The desert plants and animals | I think it's great that Tucson has retained so much of its natural "look" and hasn't been over planted with non native greenery. I like seeing the javalinas, jackrabbits, and coyotes. What would become of Tucson if it looked like Phoenix? |
The university and arts communities | It's important to foster the arts and keep up the variety and availability of shows and exhibits for Tucsonans. The university adds to the diversity of our population and our discourse. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education (public elementary-high school) | The educational system in Tucson is lacking, in funding and in expectations. I want my children to be encouraged to pursue courses of study beyond the bare minimum. I'm disgusted by the prevailing attitude that "You only need _____ to get into college." |
The transportation | Traffic in Tucson is disproportionately bad. For a city this size, it should not take a lifetime to get across town. |
N/a | N/a |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Houghton/Drexel 85747 // Years here: 16 // 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? |
The weather. | The warmth, the dry, the sunshine. |
It's easy to get around town. | To navigate around a small town is essential in these times. |
The smallness of the town. | I personally like the common interaction that the residents of Tucson apply to daily living. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I would wish that we could get younger officials. | I think we would be better off with younger mayor, council, and other city officials. The ones we have are all tooooo old. |
See # 1 | See #1 |
Make more one-way streets. | I think we should make speedway go east. Make Grant or Broadway go west. Make Campbell go north. Make Swan go south, etc. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Alvernon/5th 85716 // Years here: 60 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 216. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I like the size of Tucson. | I used to live in South. Calif.; the pace was very fast. Too crowded. Would never go back. |
I love the weather. | I work outdoors sometimes, and I love the temperatures. |
The views and sunsets. | I love to take photographs. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Clean streets | I hate seeing garbage on the ground. I would reinforce the no litter laws. Site people that litter. |
Fix the roads. | Lots of pot holes. |
Aggressively go after speeders. | I see a lot of speeding/road rage/drag racing throughout town. Police need to aggressively go after speeders. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Kinney Rd. and Ajo Way 85713 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 217. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It's a very easygoing place to live. | The pace of life here is casual, as is the dress. People spend a lot of times with their families, and it is very multicultural and seems therefore to be very tolerant of differences. |
Sunshine! | Lots of sunshine! |
The cost of living is low. | My family of five can survive on a teacher's salary. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More mass transportation & bike only streets. | The traffic is pretty bad during the school year. |
More controls on water waste. | We're running out of water and I don't want to have to leave. |
Split up TUSD into smaller districts. | I think TUSD is too huge to be competitive with all the smaller charters and smaller, more flexible districts around. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Craycroft/Pima 85712 // Years here: 14 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 218. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Feeling of community among people | Friendliness of people and having a feeling of belonging. |
Spectacular natural surroundings & weather | It lifts my mood to see the mountains and the sky and I enjoy being able to enjoy activities outside almost year-round. |
Diversity of cultures | Appreciation of people and cultures different from us makes us more tolerant. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Greater public/private cooperation | Other cities (Austin, Portland) are able to accomplish large civic improvement projects with a mix of public and private support. That does not seem to happen here. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde/Sabino Canyon 85750 // Years here: 27 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 219. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cultural diversity | I like that residents of Tucson respect and celebrate differences in various cultures |
Small town feeling | As a native Tucsonan, I like that when I attend an event, gathering, I will know someone who knows someone....6th degree of separation |
Weather!!! | It makes me happy to see sunlight year round. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Roads | I can't get from north Tucson to east Tucson easily |
Education | I volunteer w/ Literacy Volunteers of Tucson and see the need to increase literacy rates in Tucson |
Jobs | We need to attract new companies to Tucson that hire educated, local people. I want children to have the opportunity to work locally in a high paying company. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Oracle/Magee 85704 // Years here: 60 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 220. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
My family that lives here. | To have my children know their family and to provide support to one another. |
The environment. | Includes the landscape, mountains, access to the out of doors, hiking, walking etc. |
Diverse culture | To raise my family and be surrounded by a culturally diverse and rich environment |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Slow down the traffic | Safety of others |
Support public schools | I want everyone, including those who are retired to invest in our future |
A greater awareness of our native American and Hispanic cultures | Will help us to respect others different from ourselves |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Fort Lowell and Craycroft 85716 // Years here: 39 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 221. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Our beautiful desert | I love to look at the mountains, they support and sustain my spirit |
Casual approach | I can go anywhere and feel comfortable |
It's involved citizens | I'm proud to live here |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better gun control | Jan 8. . . |
Better school support | Our future depends on it |
Can we raise taxes to support our schools? | We need a new dialogue |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: 1st and Orange Grove 85718 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 222. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The beauty of the desert | Because the natural beauty is what makes Tucson Tucson |
Diversity of things to do | Makes it a great place to live and work and visit |
Variety of restaurants and places to go | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better traffic flow | It takes so long to travel anywhere in the city |
Appearance of landscape | So many undeveloped plots of land, within developed areas, look scrubby, unkempt, and dirty |
Graffiti removal | |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Sandario and Mile Wide Roads 85743 // Years here: 52 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 223. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Beauty of our environment | Sabino Canyon and the desert |
Diversity of our citizens | Working with ethnic cultures |
Creativity of our citizens | Music/Art |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Downtown | I remember downtown in the 1950's |
Education | I work in education and we are really struggling to see our youth get a good education. |
Jobs with a living wage | I see people with degrees working at low skill jobs. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Swan/Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 45 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 224. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Still small town feel | Know so many people and they enjoy living here |
Weather | Extremes are no too severe but more rainfall would be nice to build up water tables |
Recreation available | UA games, golf, swimming, bike paths |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Supt. of Ed picking on TUSD | Tired of teachers getting picked on as if we are the source of the education problems. Parents need to expect more of the kids in the classroom both behavior wise and academically. Did they ever read to them? |
Remove electronic devices from kids at school. | Too many distractions for them and many never READ a book. Their self-gratification toys get in the way of their education and our State's improvement as future job sites and national ranking' |
Require English as the main language | I am damned if I say it but many refuse to work on their English abilities and get accommodated by schools and businesses. If parents don't push mastery in English why should the kids? |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Broadway and Tucson Blvd 85716 // Years here: 58 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 225. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The climate | I like the amount of sun that we get and the mild winters. I don't even mind the hot summers. |
The laid back attitude | People pretty much let you do what you want here. Nobody cares if you're not wearing the latest fashions or if you've got pink hair. |
The Gem Show | I just think it's so fun to see so many people and so many stones from all over the world. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I would improve the relationship between Tucson and Phoenix. | Normally, I would feel that this rivalry was nothing terribly important or unusual (like Dallas and Houston and DC and Baltimore), but since our seat of power is in Phoenix, it would be nice if we were treated as equals. |
Better funding and respect for public schools. | The schools are being asked to do so much with ever dwindling resources. It's neither fair nor wise. |
Politics | I'm just really sick of stupid AZ politics and that Tucson really doesn't seem to have a say. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 226. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Large town with small town feel | My family lives here |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Another college for students | My daughter may go out of state for school!!! |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell El Camino del Cerro 85745 // Years here: 50 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 227. 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 and dampness |
Activities | We take advantage of the symphony, theatre, desert museum, nature, variety of restaurants, U of A events, golf courses |
Cultural diversity due to people | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Press coverage of politicians | Pols make ridiculous statements and the press let them get away with it, no accountability. |
Rail system to phoenix | Expand the linkage between the 2 biggest communities in AZ |
Combine much of Pima City and Tucson | A more powerful combined govt. could stand up to some of the nonsense coming out of our state leg. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: ina,1st ave 85718 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 228. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Family all lives here. | Can visit with family any time. |
Number of restaurants | I eat out frequently due to work schedule. There is a variety of restaurants here in the Old Pueblo. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Roadways | The traffic is very congested due to poor roads and improvements being delayed. |
More money for education | School need businesses and sponsors to help them with improving the schools by donating or working with schools for improvement. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Pima-Alvernon 85716 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 229. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Bus system | We need it to get to work. |
The community pools | We use them with our children. |
The bike lanes | It seems to make for safer travel. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Schools | I work in the schools. |
The child care | It's very expensive to work and pay for child care. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Speedway/Grant and Alvernon 85716 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 230. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The closeness of a small town and the heart of a big city | I came back from a recent trip, you get here and its felt like going to your moms or gandmoms house. You just feel welcomed and a part of the community |
Diversity of different cultures | The closeness to the border, the snow birds, and DM brings a lot of different people here. |
Best Weather hands down | Sunny and nice 300 plus days out the year |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 | |
Survey: 231. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The people are friendly | Recently moving to Tucson from the Pacific Northwest has been a challenge, so having a friendly community has helped with the adjustment |
Cheap Parking | I moved from an area that had 4.5 dollar an hour parking, so the days i cant ride the bus i feel i can stay downtown a little longer after work and experience the businesses |
I can easily walk around downtown | I enjoy the foot bridges that allow me to get from where i am going without having to worry about vehicle traffic |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More express roadways | Its difficult to go east to west anywhere within Tucson so I spend a lot of time in my vehicle to only go 10 miles |
I would like to have more sidewalk food vendors downtown | I moved from an area where i had a variety choices for a quick meal, i really enjoyed the street vendors it was always fun and fast to have such choices |
The panhandlers | When walking to or from work i get asked everyday for money, I think there should be designated non panhandling areas and sleeping areas. Yesterday i got off the bus downtown and was welcomed by a homeless person sleeping on the bench with a garbage can spread all over the sidewalk, it was a sore sight. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: houghton / Old Vail 85747 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 232. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I think people are more friendly and accept differences more. | I'm Asian, but I don't feel I stand out when I go out. I see different people everywhere, so I feel more comfortable living here. |
I think the diversity in Tucson. | As explained in #1, I see different ethnic people and I think people accept them and I don't feel discriminated. We have many cultural events and different ethnic restaurants. It's really nice to have so many different options. |
Tucson is not too big like Phoenix. It's a nice size city. | Driving in Tucson is not so hard. Tucson is spread a lot, but most of the things are in the central area, so it's easy to access. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Safety in South Tucson | I don't feel save in South Tucson. I'm not sure if it's possible to improve this area... |
More cultural events | I know we have some cultural events, but I think we can have more events with all the different people who live in Tucson. There might be events I don't know, so it will be nice if there is a homepage or something which lists all the events in Tucson. |
Education | We need more teachers and counselors at school. I can't believe that we keep losing educators. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Camp Lowell and Swan 85712 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 233. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | The weather is so nice that you can be outside almost 365 days a year. |
Places to visit | We have a wonderful area to visit our history. |
Volunteering | There are so many chances to volunteer in our community and the children are welcome to volunteer in many areas. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City government | There seems so much fighting or disagreement that nothing gets accomplished except to spend money and get nothing to show for it. |
Greyhound bus station | Finally decide where to put the new Greyhound station. I would be convenient for the passenger if the new station was located close to the train station and the downtown local bus transfer station. |
Road conditions | Our vehicles get a real beating because of the road conditions. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Valencia & 6 Ave. 85756 // Years here: 45 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 234. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Friendliness of Tucsonans | I enjoy living in a community where I can talk to anyone. People are rarely surly unless they are driving. |
The mountain views, the beauty of the desert. | Tucsonans value the desert and the environment in general. They recycle, pick up trash, adopt streets, and use the public parks, especially Mount Lemmon. |
The weather | This allows Tucsonans to be more active, which results in a healthier community. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More attention to the public schools, especially better funding. | Our public schools are seriously underfunded, and we are betraying our public responsibility to younger generation who depend on public education to develop marketable skills. Ultimately, this undermines the entire economy of the region. |
The traffic | I leave early for work so I don't have to spend more time in traffic, but traffic delays do subtract from my general quality of life. |
More support for small business, less for big box superstores like Walmart. | I am not a small business owner, but I appreciate the diversity of Tucson. We do not need to look like every suburb in the nation, with chain restaurants and large retailers. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Sunrise/Swan 85718 // Years here: 38 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 235. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | I am outside a great deal. |
I feel safe. | My children and aging parents are in a safe environment. |
It still feels like a small town. | Having lived here over 40 years. Our community has many links and somehow we all know each other. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City government | I feel our city leaders hold back our community. |
Our community resources should be developed to a greater extent | The City of Tucson does not support competitive programing for youth. Pools are not built to support competitive teams fields do not compare to the facilities in the Phx area. |
The baseball park TEP should have been built downtown. | Raul Grijalva should RESIGN! Instead of looking at the impact a facility like that could have had on our entire community. He pushed to serve his district that did not reciprocate the support; no restaurants, entertainment or any other facilities to support the community investment. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Soldier Trail Limberlost 85749 // Years here: 42 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 236. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Sunshine 300 plus days a year. Nothing wrong with that. |
The People | Since moving to to AZ in 1973 I have met so many wonderful people from so many places around the world. What a nice diversity |
Open Space | There is so many places you can visit. The concrete giant is up North and it can stay there. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Water laws | You do not know the value of your water until your well runs dry. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Nogales Hwy / Abrego 85614 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 237. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
100s of Hiking trails only 15 to 60 minutes from my front door | I love the outdoors and nature. To live in a city of this size and have it all so accessible and close to us is amazing and special. I seriously wouldn't live here if they weren't here. Seriously! |
It feels like a small town. | Tucson is friendly. People live here and work here and therefore know each other. No freeways criss crossing us. We are so diverse and we all live together, well except those who live in the foothills. |
Culture, Arts, entertainment, great food | There are so many great cultural events to go to year round. We have festivals, the Botanical Gardens, museums, Second (?) Saturday, 4th avenue, private and public venues. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Get the trails along the rivers connected and completed. | So many people use the river trail system for recreation, but also for commuting. so much has been done, but more needs to be done. |
More neighborhood parks and gardens. | We shouldn't have to drive to a park or community garden. People can walk in their own neighborhoods and meet and greet and get to know each other better if there is a neighborhood meeting place. |
Be Kind, Nice, and Considerate campaign | For example, when I drive in Oregon, I notice people drive the speed limit, they don't cut other drivers off, they don't run red lights, they let people in who need to get on the road or switch lanes to turn. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Pima and Dodge 85716 // Years here: 22 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 238. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The climate and environment | I can be out doors every day. The desert environment is very attractive to me |
Southwestern Art and Culture | The opportunity to meet and purchase art directly from the artists |
Access to quality medical care | As one gets older, having good physicians is important. Having a medical school in the community helps assure quality medical care |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City government | I find the city government ineffective and generally incompetent - just look at the Rio Nuevo fiasco |
Find some way to get major league baseball back | One reason why we chose Tucson as a place to live was the access to major league spring training games |
Fix the traffic bottlenecks downtown | Ever try to go on Broadway or Congress in rush hour? |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Houghton and Tanque Verde 85749 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 239. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The geography - our wonderful Sonoran Desert | I live in Catalina to be close to nature. |
Diversity | I enjoy working with people from many different ethnic backgrounds. |
Willingness to pull together | I like the way we sometimes respond to events like a small town by pulling together. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mass transit | I drive all the way in from Catalina to downtown every day and would love to take light rail down Oracle. |
Protection of our water | Developers are not being held accountable for future water use. |
Investment in education | It is ok to raise taxes to finance education. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Golder Ranch and Swan 85739 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 240. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Public schools | The variety in choices, the magnet programs and the diversity among the student population is great for me as a parent & teacher |
Streets, parks & neighborhoods | Great for raising children - the width of the streets allows for easier passing in your lanes, more sidewalks allow easier access to parks to & quiet small, unique neighborhoods! |
Weather | Pretty moderate temps most of the time. Makes it easy to be outdoors - wish there were more things to do - festivals, concerts etc that had covered seating in the summer though! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Greater funding for public education | The very things I love most about our schools are getting shut down while experienced teachers are being laid off to cut expenses. There doesn't seem to be any thinking toward the future and the benefits of having top rated school districts - they bring in higher paying jobs and more educated adults while reducing crime rates. |
Light rail! - east to west | Our streets are becoming more crowded causing more potholes, accidents, etc. With a rail system in place that the PUBLIC could use (not just UofA students/staff) more people could get to & from work/school safely & we could keep Tucson smaller than Phoenix by NOT expanding the roads. |
More museums | We need more public art, science, etc museums to continue the education that our children are getting & to gain more tourism dollars. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Alvernon & Speedway 85711 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 241. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town feel | Tucson is the world's biggest small town! Those of us that have lived here all of our lives, can run into someone we know anywhere we go. It gives the "big city" a small town feel. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Professional hockey | Tucson is missing out! We need a professional hockey team! |
Baseball | I grew up watching the Toros... then the Sidewinders... then the Toros... and now some Portland team is going to be here? We NEED the Toros! |
Less golf courses | This is the DESERT! Why is so much water being wasted on grass that doesn't belong here??? |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Kolb/Escalante 85730 // Years here: 41 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 242. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Being a university town | Colleagues from the UA, what it's presence adds to our educational community |
Small-town feel | Neighborhood clusters with their own shops/restaurants/etc. |
It's my home town | I love Tucson, and am proud to be a native. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Public schools | Public ed funding cuts and the continued funding of unsuccessful charter schools are decimating our childrens' futures. |
Public transportation | If we had more frequent and more efficient (solar? electric?) public transit, I would use it daily. |
Road improvements | There are HUGE potholes all over my neighborhood (Blenman-Elm). They are an eyesore and a safety hazard. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Tucson Blvd/Grant Road 85716 // Years here: 46 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 243. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Big city amenities, small town community feeling | If I wanted to live in a big city, Phoenix has more going on. Prescott and Flagstaff both have small town mentalities and facilities. Tucson is a nice blend of the two. |
I have a great job. | The job I have here isn't replicable in any other Arizona city. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education/ the size of TUSD | TUSD is too big a school district. It is so large and requires so much district level administration that money is diverted from the classrooms. |
Safety | I've been mugged at gunpoint, and been burgled at least 3 times (home, work, and auto). I don't feel that I nor my belongings are safe here. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Pima/Columbus 85712 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 244. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
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What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City leadership | Tucson has been lacking leadership for some time now. We need folks with a vision and the skills and tools to implement that vision. |
Roads | City streets are terribly maintained. |
Funding | Given the two items above, it seems funding of some sort would be necessary. Although, it's always possible that better City management could improve funding available for the above. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Broadway and Columbus 85711 // Years here: 12 | |
Survey: 245. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
We are not all just concrete. | In our lives we work from sun up and sundown at times, it is nice to walk out the door and see something other then steel and concrete. |
Temperatures | I do not like the cold. |
Mountains | I like living surrounded by mountains, I always know where I am and when I want to escape the heat or city life, I do not have to go too far. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Entertainment | When I was young, there were many things to do. It seems with the passage of time, there are fewer and fewer things for our children to do. Children need things interesting they will want to do and can afford to do besides sitting in front of a TV or game boy all day. And for some, that includes a way to get there as they have parents who cannot afford it, don't have the time due to work or just cannot be bothered. |
Cultural recognition | People see Tucsonans Hispanic side and tend to forget other aspects. I would enjoy having a Celtic weekend, a Native American weekend, etc. If we celebrate one, we should celebrate the others, besides, it is fun. And yes, there are events out there, but I never see or hear about them and when I do, it is often too late. So with this, let us advertise these events, make them more. |
Road improvement. | Why does it take years for projects to get done here? In other places, I know they do not take so long. It ties up traffic and makes people frustrated. Add to that areas that need improvement but only get it when it becomes dangerous. And who keeps putting all these stop lights up for side streets? In other words, while our traffic is no where near as bad as Phoenix and other areas, they are still very frustration. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Valencia/Cardinal 85746 // Years here: 42 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 246. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cultural richness and diversity | I love the historic and current Native American, Latino, Chinese and other influences, as well as the diversity of the U of A and gem shows. |
Proximity to a variety of natural open spaces | I love the Sonoran desert - from the lower Coloradan scrub to the saguaro/ironwood forests to the multiple ecotomes available in the Sky Islands such as along the Mt Lemon highway, Madera canyon, Sabino canyon, etc. |
The community's conservation ethic | From the successful open space bonds to water harvesting and restoring riparian and inner city areas with native vegetation - this is what makes Tucson different from Phoenix and unique and garners tremendous public support |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Border/immigration policies | Border and immigration policies are negatively impacting the habitats throughout southern Az - without reform in areas exacerbating these issues, the situation will likely worsen. Decriminalization and taxation of marijuana and reform of immigration policies could decrease the amount of violence and crime in southern Az. |
Recent increased negative rhetoric by some politicians | I am increasingly disturbed by the vandalism and threats directed toward duly elected congressional Representatives and other elected officials - I support Sheriff Dupnik's voiced concerns |
Increase awareness of need for water, biologic & cultural conservation | I was raised here - we are in denial about the need for more sophisticated and comprehensive water harvesting. The county has made progress toward biologic and cultural preservation but their is not sufficient emphasis on complimenting riparian protection & restoration or connectivity throughout the other jurisdictions, including Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley, etc. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Cortaro & Thornydale 85742 // Years here: 59 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 247. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The impact that Christian Churches have | Extremely successful transition houses for people released from prison. Low income housing development. Scholarships for students to attend private schools. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 | |
Survey: 248. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Saguaros and other native plants | I am a vegetation ecologist and when I graduated from college I moved here specifically because I like the natural plants that grow here. I think it is critical to preserve Tucson's unique sense of place through landscaping with native plants and preservation of natural open space. |
It's not Phoenix | Tucson has a special "over-grown small town" feel. It is at once cozy and has all the culture of a larger city. |
Art | I love the public art on bridges and along the river parks, the galleries, and funky music scene. Second Saturdays has been a wonderful new tradition that I hope lasts! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Increased socioeconomic integration | I live mid-town, and I love that there are people from all walks of life and socioeconomic realities co-mingled. Gated "exclusive" communities are not my vision of what is great about Tucson. |
Better landscape maintenance | Our city landscapes should be our pride and joy, maintained by trained professionals. Pruning needs to be supervised by certified arborists and not conducted by prisoners on work-release. Include more native plants and cherish healthy, mature plants with appropriate maintenance. |
Better mass transit | I hate that I have to drive my car to work. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Broadway & Columbus 85711 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 249. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Comfortable year round |
Desert and mountains | Beauty of God's handiwork |
Culture | Mexican food, Mexican -American people |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Traffic - at the very least, coordinate the lights | Waste time commuting |
Increase number of parks | Encourage kids and families to spend time together enjoying God's great outdoors |
Increase bike lanes | Reduce traffic congestion, pollution |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Magee and Oracle 85704 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 250. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The positive impact Christians have on our city | Extremely successful transition houses for people released from prison. Low income housing development. Scholarships for children to attend private schools. |
Pima County providing shooting ranges | As a recreational shooter it is very nice to have a safe, controlled and accurate shooting range. |
Small businesses | Provide that corner mom and pop feel that I enjoy when shopping |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More firearm friendly businesses | This irrational anti-firearm hysteria leaves me cold. Over 161,000 Arizonans have concealed weapons permits without the "blood in the streets" predicted by the anti-gun pundits. |
Promote small business development | I prefer that mom & pop stores to the big box ones. |
Improve education | Frankly our public schools are broken. Good charter schools are the future |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde & Sabino Canyon 85750 // Years here: 19 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 251. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I live in Pima County. | I don't have to deal with either Tucson or Marana city governments. Both are a joke when it comes to operations and rules. |
I can use I-10 and I-19 to get to most places I want to. | Since the installation of the speed cameras I have tried to avoid those intersections. If I can't, I try to avoid left turns. In any case if the light is about to turn yellow I do not enter the intersection and will let the guy behind me run into the rear of my vehicle to avoid getting a ticket from those cameras. Law states he is at fault. |
I can do most of my shopping within five miles of my home. | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Get at least two East/West Belt loops. | Face it, Tucson needs it. |
Make Downtown easier to get in to/out off. | Traffic is bad in the mornings and evenings. |
Along the eastside, get a beltloop. | See #1. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Cortero/I-10 85742 // Years here: 28 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 252. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | I feel that my health is better here and that the warmer winters contribute to a lower cost of living in Tucson than other places in the U.S. |
Beauty of the environment | The desert and surrounding mountains have a beauty that is specific to this area. |
Opportunities of a larger city | I appreciate all of the choices that are offered to residents of Tucson. The area has numerous educational, social, service and cultural opportunities that are not available in smaller cities. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improve safety of citizens | Gangs, drugs, sexual assaults and murders make you think twice about going out at night. |
Reduce traffic congestion | It is difficult to get to work when you are detoured to a road and the detoured road also had road construction reducing it to one lane (In January - Ajo Hwy to Mission and Mission has road work). Expanding mass transit would help. |
Improve education system | Our children will not be able to compete for college slots or jobs because the funding for schools is continually being cut and the newspaper reports shortening the school year to save money. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Ajo/Taylor 85736 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 253. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It's cultural diversity and appreciation of it's history | I think we have a greater appreciation of the past perhaps because of the proximity of the Mexican border the interconnected relationships we have we each other. |
Weather | The mild climate year round. The escapes we have. Mt. Lemon, San Diego, TX New Mexico, Rocky Point, or Colorado. Tucson is the gateway to other places if you choose to travel. |
Food | Best Mexican, and mom and pop restaurants around. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Street and building planning/Street maintenance | The constant road and building construction that delays traffic. Needing to beautify the downtown area with things to do. |
Lack of a major downtown attraction | San Antonio has the river walk. San Diego has old town. We have...???? We really need to build on our strength Gem shoe, Desert Museum, Old Tucson and some how tie it together. We need minor league professional team such as the ufl or some like that. |
Tax structure | The mines still have the tax structure rig in their favor. That thinking will destroy our public school system. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Ajo Kinney 85735 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 254. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The beautiful natural landscape | The feeling of peace, tranquility, harmony it engenders in me and in our community |
The friendly and open people | Our community is welcoming |
The small town feel | I feel like I know everyone and if I don't, then I can easily get to know them... we also have the chance to really make a difference in a town like ours |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education system | Raise the bar, raise the pay, raise the community support and hopefully raise the outcomes |
Transportation | Make it easier to get places easily and quickly |
Government | Change the structure and temperament to be able to get things accomplished |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Swan/Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 22 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 255. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
All of the unique community events during the year | All Souls parade, Tucson Meet Yourself, Greek Festival, Irish/Scottish Festival, Post-Christmas Freecycle, etc. |
Excellent cultural offerings for this size of community | Opera, Symphony, Chamber Music, Jazz, good rock groups, Loft Cinema art films, outdoor music. |
Surrounded by the beautiful Sonoran Desert | I love the Sonoran Desert and am glad there are natural areas that are preserved from development. The AZ-Sonora Desert Museum, Tohono Chul, and the Tucson Botanical Gardens are great. I love the hiking! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Create stronger planning boundaries for growth to preserve natural open space | It is very sad to see the Sonoran Desert destroyed by development when in-filling opportunities and re-use of previously disturbed land is available. Tucson is spreading like Phoenix and we will lose our attraction to tourists and our own quality of life if we loose too much desert. |
Make the area along I-10 look nicer. Also make Stone Ave. look nicer. | Add more drought-tolerant trees and shrubs along the freeway, and walls with some art to mask the industrial look from I-10. It is not attractive to people passing through Tucson. Stone Ave. really needs some upgrading also, by painting buildings, planting trees, picking up trash, and removing graffiti. |
Make the downtown Tucson area look more attractive | There is a very small few-block area in downtown Tucson that looks nice and would attract people to events. When one ventures beyond that small, nice-looking area (which includes the Presidio and the barrio just south of TCC), there are vacant run-down looking buildings, and the area is not inviting at all - in fact it looks a bit scarey. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Overton and Shannon 85742 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 256. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Coming from Canada I appreciate the warm winters and the sunshine and being able to be outside almost all year long. Phoenix is too big and too hot and Tucson is a more comfortable size and has all the amenities and quick access to the outdoors. |
Fabulous scenery | The mountains and sunsets on the Catalinas are gorgeous. |
Native flora and fauna | The Sonoran desert has amazing plants and animals and is far more rich and diverse than I thought the desert would be. We can see native species even with such a large urban population. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Encourage and/or enforce infill | There are too many vacant lots that are very dusty and unattractive and take away from the appeal of the city. |
Somehow strengthen the downtown | We rarely go downtown or take visitors there. It's important in a city this size filled with strip malls and plazas to have a strong core. |
Speed up road construction projects | Transportation corridors seem to be maxed out and these lengthy road projects make people spend even more time sitting in traffic. Longer term mass transport or other solutions needed. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: First and Orange Grove 85718 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 257. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | I hate to be cold. As a competitive athlete it also allows me to train outdoors year round |
The availability of a multitude of golf courses | I enjoy playing golf at a variety of courses, Tucson offers dozens of options |
The strong influence that the Mexican culture has on our city | Diversity fuels understanding and encourages peace. The predominant culture is Mexican, and that is refreshing to me because I was raised in an area with less diversity. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | Come on, do I really have to explain! Tucson MUST create better ways to get around this sprawling city. |
City leadership | The Rio Nuevo fiasco keeps getting worse. There is no excuse, at this point we should focus on holding those responsible, accountable for this debacle. |
Education | AZ education is terribly underfunded compared to other states. As a city or county we should allocate more dollars to make up for our state's failure to properly educate our youth. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Fifth and Swan 85711 // Years here: 14 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 258. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversity | Lots to do culturally, good restaurants, yoga, environment - desert to forests on top of mt lemmon, relatively liberal mindset |
Climate | Nice winters! close summer escape to mt. lemmon |
Cost of living | Reasonable |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Too much pavement-sprawl/too many cars/not livable | Tucson needs to be more livable - more mass transit, pedestrian corridors, bike lanes. there is too much sprawl that destroys the environment/ecosystems that make Tucson unique. need more connectivity through multi-modal transportation to help local economy/businesses. |
Government is not responsive to people/existing neighborhoods | The City blew millions on Rio Nuevo - we have little to show for it. This money could have been used in our neighborhoods. We need to use tax money to take care of what we have instead of subsidizing more unsustainable growth. |
Education/apathetic | The state does not invest in education - many people are unaware of issues. an uneducated population creates problems. many Tucsonans are apathetic and do not get involved. government is run by special interests. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Glenn/Mountain 85719 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 259. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural Environment | The Sonoran Desert is an irreplaceable resource providing both wildlife habitat to numerous rare species as well as recreation to people in the region. Protecting the fragile balance between habitat and human occupation should take primacy in any discussion of future development. Without a healthy and diverse environment, healthy human civilization cannot exist. |
Diverse Population | Not unlike the natural environment, diversity in the human environment fosters thriving community growth. A plurality of ideas and culture provides a contrast that constantly pushes us to grow as individuals and as a society. Multiculturalism is something Tucson is famous for, and promoting all of the cultures that create the fabric of our region should be a high priority. This also leads to great local restaurants! |
Bicycle Friendly | Alternative forms of transportation are on the minds of many planners these days, but few are as quick, practical, and healthy as bicycle commuting. Tucson already does more than most cities I've visited to promote bicycle awareness and accessibility. I want to see as much if not more effort in this area in the future. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation Options | I realize that the current infrastructure of both housing and roads in the Tucson region makes many alternative transportation options difficult if not impossible for many. However, over time as redevelopment occurs, mixed-use development, densification, and transportation oriented development could help alleviate some of our current traffic conundrum. Please make it a priority to move us away from the automobile in as many ways as possible. |
Diversified Economy | Jobs and education are linked closely to the quantity and quality of business and industry available to a region. More knowledge workers and cutting edge industries in Tucson could help to protect the region from construction slumps and poor tax revenues. A diverse local economy also means less people out of work as the national economy cycles. I know that the quality of our schools can be an obstacle to attracting knowledge workers, which leads me to my next point. |
Quality of Education | Of course everyone wants better education. Schools produce our most valuable resource, talented, knowledgeable workers. I realize that school funding is often a state level obstacle, and that more money alone isn't the answer anyway. Communities that truly value education can be hard to replicate, but I believe we need to do everything we can at the local and regional level to bring quality education to our children. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: 1st and Ina 85718 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 260. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
A friendly and diverse community | Most people are helpful and friendly, willing to help and just stop along the way and chat |
Clean air and water | I can see our beautiful mountains from anywhere in town. |
Arts and culture | I can go to a free concert in the park. come downtown once year and eat paella while listening to Scottish bag pipes for free that is fantastic. No other city does these things it is amazing!!!! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More things for teenagers to do | Keep teens out of trouble, even simple things like midnight basketball and teen theatre/arts groups help |
Fund/improve performing art facilities and parks | Turn the TEP ball park in to an outdoor performance center. Turn one of the golf courses at Reid Park into park |
Improve our technology infrastructure | Invest in the electronics/computer/digital whatever advances that move our city both physically and intellectually |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Broadway and Swan 85712 // Years here: 45 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 261. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town feel | I like feeling connected to others whether it's through work or social interactions. It's fun to say "do you know so and so" and they do! |
Feeling like you can go a short distance and be in a rural area | I don't like the concrete jungle that Phoenix has become. |
We have not been totally overrun by "Generica" yet | There isn't an Applebee's or Chili's on every corner...yet. I like the mom and pop stores, restaurants and businesses. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More Graffiti Abatement | I know the budget has been cut...but this is a huge problem and makes the city look bad. |
A real plan for downtown | Quit bickering and do something! I love downtown and go often....but it could be so GREAT! |
More parks and people friendly places to walk/run/bike | I love the Rillito parkway, and cant wait until the Arcadia parkway is underway. We need more of these areas. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: Pima and Swan 85712 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 262. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The people | The people in Tucson are friendly and have a great attitude. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better/faster way to get across town. | It is hard at times to get across town using only surface streets. It would be nice to have loops (like Loops 101 and 202 in Phoenix) for easy access to anywhere in the city. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: 5th and Swan 85711 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 263. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Environmental ethic | I work in the field of water quality |
Community character | I have previously lived in communities where I did not feel part of the community. Tucson is not that way. |
Landscape | I love the Sonoran desert and I would like to see it maintained. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Restrict growth | I am concerned about continued growth |
Water management | Concern with future allocations |
Transportation | Future growth = more people= more traffic |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 | |
Survey: 264. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The Sonoran Desert | The unique plants and animals, hiking, outdoors activities. |
The proximity of the mountains | Can be in completely different environments in a matter of minutes. I love the contrast. I don't have to travel far to have wonderful mini-vacations. |
Friendly people | It is easy to become involved in so many groups and activities. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Limit further growth | No place on earth can accommodate unlimited growth indefinitely. I want to have open spaces to enjoy. I have experienced the way developments restrict access to places I used to enjoy hiking and I find this unacceptable. |
Change attitudes to high density housing | I would love to see us live closely in and urban environment where we walk to the store and see our neighbors on a regular and informal basis and leave the outdoors "OUT THERE". Instead of people thinking they need 4+ acres for a single family dwelling. |
Get real about what it means to live in a water limited environment | We talk about sustainability without really thinking about what that means for the change our current expectations for an American 'standard of living'. I want to live among people who are wiling to be realistic and make hard decisions about how we continue to live in this environment, especially with global warming. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Prince and Tucson 85716 // Years here: 42 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 265. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Ethnic diversity | The mix of ethnicity and cultures enriches the community and is intriguing to visitors. |
Views and environment | Mountains, sunsets, Sonoran desert flora-fauna make Tucson a special space to live. I like living where other people vacation. |
College town | I have always lived in a college town. Sporting events, entertainment, cultural events, and college students and faculty result in a comfortable scale and life-style. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Lack of political leadership. | Current government structure creates road-blocks to positive changes in the community. |
Cost of doing business. | Tucson and Pima County policies create limitations on business development and employment opportunities. |
Nimbyism | It takes only a few vocal individuals to halt progress and development. Politicians will not take a leadership role in doing what is best for the overall community when they believe it will cost them votes. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Cortaro-Shannon-Magee 85741 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 266. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Community encourages and values diversity in all areas | More than anything I want my children to grow up to be accepted and valued no matter their strengths and beliefs and I want them to accept and value others. |
Weather | My family and I are able to spend more time outdoors. |
University of AZ | I like the wide variety of people who value education the university brings to the area. My children can benefit from it's many resources (special programs, hospital, course work, etc.) |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Value the people here and stop promoting new subdivisions | The more a town sprawls and grows, the more diluted it gets in terms of culture. I love the downtown and central areas of town because of the history and culture it harbors. Miles and miles of subdivisions brings in more "sameness." |
Build a freeway | Tucson must have a better way to get from one side of town to the other. Too many rich people are allowed to protect their interests while the majority of us suffer in long lines of traffic. Phoenix may have too many but at least you can get around town. |
Fewer charter/private schools | As a teacher I value education greatly. The huge system of charter, parochial, and private schools are pulling good kids from the public system. If public schools are going to work, the govt. must stop enticing people to leave them. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: broadway/rosemont 85711 // Years here: 27 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 267. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I love the desert climate and scenery. | The warm dry climate, beautiful desert and mountains, and clean air. |
Bicycle friendliness | I appreciate all the bike routes and paths, the fact that lots of people ride so most drivers know to look out for us, and that I can ride all year long. |
The small college town feel | I like the central part of town and being bicycle close to all the attractions the UA has to offer. I like to meet my friends at Raging Sage. I like the old homes in the central part of town. I love the desert and Mexican influence on homes and landscaping. I love the Mexican food! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More and safer bike routes | I ride my bike a lot. I commute on it nearly every day. As nice as Tucson is for biking, it could be better with more underpasses like the ones that go under Speedway near UA and more routes with better separation from car traffic. |
Get more people out of cars. | Traffic congestion is getting worse every year. This wastes time and gas, pollutes the air, and makes bicycling less safe. Please put a $2/gallon (well ok, maybe less) city tax on gas as an incentive to get people out of their cars. |
Move Davis-Monthan AFB to Ajo | Tucson doesn't need the noise of these jets and Ajo would appreciate the income. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Grant and Country Club 85716 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 268. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | We - children, grandchildren - can spend more time outdoors |
Bike friendly | I am an active member of the cycling community & serve on an advisory committee |
Culture | Tucson has such a diverse blend of cultures; we can celebrate as we choose. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Really improve downtown | A vibrant city center offers so many opportunities to take advantage of what nature gives us. |
Improve schools | We have 5 grandchildren; 3 in elementary and 1 in middle school. We must be able to educate the future generations. |
Bicycle connectivity | I would like to commute to work, but there is no really good way to get from my "point A to Point B" |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 | |
Survey: 269. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Tucson feels like the home because my family has been here for generations. I like running into people that I grew up with and share a rich history with. | Even though Urban Renewal tried to erase the deep cultural roots of the Old Pueblo by demolishing downtown businesses and neighborhoods the human connection wasn't destroyed. It is the people and history that maintains Tucson. |
The weather is great. | Most days the weather is pleasant enough to take advantage of the outdoors. |
I like the airport. | The size and structure of the airport makes it easy to travel. I wish there were more non stop flights. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I would stop the demolishing of neighborhoods. | There should be incentives and grants to fill in the blanks in neighborhoods. In the neighbor that I grew up in there are now many empty lots. Empty lots drive down property values and chase families and their spendable incomes out of neighborhoods causing blight. We need an urban plan that would reduced the continued building in new areas on the outer edged of the valley. The new master plan should be designed to encourage the repopulation of neighbors. Encourage the cleanup of Tucson. Tucson is filled with trash, broken down cars, homes in poor repair, weeds, poor street lighting. It appears that there is little or no uniformity in the design of buildings or neighborhoods. Much more needs to be done to save water and harness solar energy uniformly among business and homes is a must. The city has the appearance of a hodge podge that nobody has give much thought about. It is as if there has never been the development of a comprehensive, careful, considerate plan for our city. |
I would like to improve transportation by adding express-ways, light rail, improved bus systems. Improve the infrastructure too. | It is incredible that the city of Tucson exists without freeways, expressways or without a worthwhile mass transit plan. This is not something to boast about. Poor planning leads to more air pollution because citizens cannot get from point A to point B without being able to take efficient environmentally friendly transportation. Not to mention the amount of time that is wasted by Tucsonans struggling in traffic or waiting for too few buses and no light rail. The roads are in poor condition. It takes far too long to make repairs or improvements to roads and infrastructure in Tucson. |
Build more parks, more community centers, more cultural/arts centers and more sport centers. | Get people out of their homes to mix together people of all ages and cultures. Work on changing negative attitudes that have been around for generations that pit one side of town against another. Some folks are afraid to go to the South or West sides of town even though they have never even been in those neighborhoods. Opening the culture avenues will to entice citizens to care about all of Tucson not just their home turf. Open the minds of the citizens to invest in their city and neighbors. Make a concerted effort to encourage all Tucsonans to embrace the UofA and Pima. Create a plan to help citizens to embrace culture, arts and sports to help them join with all other Tucsonans in enjoying the company and contribution of everyone in Tucson. A comprehensive cultural impact plan can be designed and implemented even with limited resources. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Congress/Freeway 85745 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 270. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The opportunity to met and get to know people from various ethnic groups, particularly Mexican and Native American | It gives me a chance to understand better who makes up this country. |
The open space. | A sense of personal freedom along with others. |
The opportunity to help shape and understanding for others of what this areas history is. | It is so very important for all of us to truly understand how this area developed and who all developed it. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More awareness in Tucson of the rest of Pima County | There is so much here that needs to be saved and appreciated, not just turn this area into another Phoenix. |
An intelligent look at gun types and number of rounds | I feel we need to work to make this safer (not by every one carrying a gun) and for not to be a laughing stock for the rest of the country as still the WILD west. |
More attention to keeping and maintaining our historical areas and stories. | These are a big part of what makes this area a great in which to live and for others to visit. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: La Canada and Duval Mine Road 85614 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 271. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversity | Diversity should be important to everyone. as you are exposed to more people, ethnic groups, attitudes you can be more understanding and accepting. |
Small-town feel and slow pace in a city | The feeling of living in a small town creates a tighter community - it's easy to be involved. |
Proximity to nature | We can't survive without it. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Too many strip malls and poor city planning | Didn't we learn our lesson with the destruction of the Barrio and the TCC that replaced it? Strip malls are not attractive nor inviting - we can do much better as a city. |
Schools | I have two children who will enter the education system soon. |
Toss up between: Social services and Water management | Lack of social services: We have a large transient population - people need resources in order to be helped. Our parks are a good example. Water management: we are a desert and I see many, many golf courses. Need I say more? |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: 22nd St. and 6th Ave. 85701 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 272. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
We are a small big city. | No matter where I go, I always run into people I know. The Tragedy that happened Jan. 8 -- if you did not know someone directly involved, you knew someone who knew someone who was directly involved. |
Nature | A brief drive takes you into the mountains or the saguaro filled desert. I hate that we have construction crawling up the sides of our beautiful mountains, but at least we are not as bad as Phoenix yet. |
Casual lifestyle and friendly people | The last few weeks I have been even prouder to be a Tucsonan. The response of my fellow Tucsonans was amazing. The heroes that day. The response of the town. The caring everyone has demonstrated. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Crime | I live in central Tucson. Because of our proximity to major streets, because of the number of ill-maintained cheap rentals, we have so much crime. |
Ill-maintained property | SO many people do not maintain their yards. Weeds, junked vehicles, mattresses, garbage. ARGH! Why do so many people take not pride in their property. Why do so many landlords (slumlords) get away with not maintaining their property? Why are there not really any consequences to all those code violations we turn in? |
Litter | I cannot believe how filthy this city is. I live near Columbus and Pima and go out weekly to pick up trash. By the next day, garbage is everywhere again. Wherever you go, regardless of the area of the City there is litter, litter, litter! Palo Verde on the way into the City from the airport is an embarrassment. And, now the medians are not being maintained, we are even uglier! |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Grant and Alvernon 85712 // Years here: 42 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 273. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town feel | More connections |
Weather | Great winters, summers, and monsoons |
Environmentally sensitive | Caring for Earth |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Streets are ugly | I want Tucson to look as good as it feels |
City/county government | Doesn�t function as well as it should |
Divide between the rich and poor | I value diversity but also equality |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: grant swan 85712 // Years here: 30 | |
Survey: 274. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The flavor of our blended cultures, rich in tradition, color and spice | I love living among people with traditional purpose and customs. |
The beautiful, delicate Sonoran desert. | I feel close to the earth, connected to my environment. I appreciate the beauty of our Zen-like desert, the quiet, wide clean open landscape that gives me space to think and clear my head, the majesty of the mountains and the dramatic skies to keep me connected to my God. |
Having a sense that Tucson is a small community | I love going places and seeing faces that I know. I feel that even the movers and shakers are accessible and just regular folk. I love having the feeling that I just might have an impact or influence on where I live and the people in it. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Please strengthen the protections for our desert, mountains, open spaces, skyline, air, water, land. | I see the delicacy of what we have. I feel the pressures of growth, economics, fast-paced living, progress --all robbing the preciousness of what makes this such a special place. |
I want us to preserve the diversity of our Native American, Hispanic, Western Lifestyle, not force it to go by the wayside. | Variety in my life. True histories and cultures. Nothing plastic or manufactured about who we are as a community. |
Stricter gun laws. More civility in our politics. | I wish to limit the violence in my world. I have a desire to leave my children a better, kinder place to call home. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell/Cortaro 85743 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 275. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The warm and friendly community. | It's really important for me to live in a community that is strongly inclusive and diverse. While Arizona has a reputation for not being receptive to racial and cultural, Tucson represents the best of Arizona in this area. |
It's a large city but yet a university town. | The University of Arizona is the center of intellectual and technological prowess in Tucson. The university excels in so many areas and is a real asset when recruiting talented and diverse professionals to Tucson. As a UA alum, I'm proud of the role that the UA plays in this community from academics to arts and culture. |
The climate, beautiful mountains and desert terrain. | What an awesome environment to live in. I love the beauty of the mountains, great parks and recreation areas such as Sabino Canyon and not to mention the awesome sunsets. I've lived across the U.S. but nothing beats Tucson. There's nothing better than walking Sabino Canyon and watching the four seasons of cacti. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Revitalizing Downtown. | Downtown Tucson has significantly improved but it's one of the eyesores of this community. Many of the buildings need the bulldozer. It's great to see the current effort, led by business leaders, versus neighborhood associations. |
Sports Arena in South Tucson. | Not sure who came up with that hair brained idea. The TEP sports complex should have been located downtown and would have achieved much greater success. |
The infrastructure, traveling across town is a bear. | We needs thoroughfares/expressways to move through the city. The travel across town grows worse each year. City leaders did not have the foresight to realize that infrastructure is very important element of city growth, along with mass transit such as commuter rails. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde and Houghton Road 85749 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 276. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
University of Arizona | I'm proud that it's a place of higher learning, that a cornerstone of our community is based on education. Please forgive my bias, but personally I also like the slightly "liberal" outlook that all universities tend to bring to a community, particularly the "liberal" slant on social issues. |
So many great outdoor activities | I love the chance to spend time with friends outside, exercising and taking in sweeping panoramic vistas |
At traffic lights, cars will voluntarily leave space for other cars to sneak through | This, coupled with the fact that around here cars pull over for emergency vehicles, speaks volumes to me about just how much our community values mutual respect and politeness! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make it easier/faster to get to the East side | We live near the corner of Silverbell Rd. and Grant, which is West of the Interstate. Come June my wife will be giving birth at TMC. God forbid she goes into labor any time between 6:00am and 6:00pm because it will takes us 30-40 minutes just to get to the hospital. |
Make it easier/faster to get to the East side | I know I'm just repeating myself and I apologize for that, but gosh I would really love for transportation around this city to improve. And it's not like better infrastructure is going to make us become like Phoenix... our traffic congestion doesn't determine who we are as a community. |
Move it into another state? | I'm being flippant of course, but I'm in the UA's Masters Degree program in Education. I'm going to be a High School Science teacher, and when I think about my career it's very hard to see a future for me here what with AZ being among the bottom 5 in the country in terms of spending per student. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Grant Rd & Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 277. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sense of history | This region is so very different than other parts of the country in that we still retain the tri-cultural heritage of our past. The influence of Native, Spanish colonials and European immigrants is still keenly felt and celebrated. |
Geographical landmarks and features | Every time I leave, to go on vacation or to a conference for example, I miss the feeling of being surrounded by our mountain cradle. Sometimes the sense of claustrophobia of dense trees or the complete lack of land features rising to block the horizon in other parts of our country is overwhelming. I can feel my body relax as the plane flies into the valley over the pass or across Sentinel Peak when I know that I am back home. |
We are a big city but a small town | I can stand in line for anything, anywhere and find the one or two degrees of separation between the person ahead or behind and me. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The propensity to abandon the middle for the outskirts. | We risk inner city blight (already have inner city blight) when we allow residents to continue to abandon the old for the new. I see formerly beautiful neighborhoods rundown by landlords who do not take care of their rental properties with any sense of pride. The older, larger lots become parking lots of excess recreational vehicles, clunkers and the cars of multiple adults renting. It makes "older" Tucson look unattractive and not worthy of the investment of business. |
Transportation | I live between or near three of the worst intersections on the east side of Tucson. Making an intersection 10 lanes wide on each side in both directions (6 lanes of thru, two left, and a right turn/bus bay on each side) is madness. Folks drive too fast, the roads are not exactly straight as you approach the intersection and having a red-light camera only catches one type of infraction. No wonder people don't walk, ride bikes, etc. |
Education support and funding | We can't eat our young any longer without risking everything that makes us strong. Teachers aren't the problem, parents aren't the problem, funding isn't the problem. EVERYTHING is a part of the problem. We need to work together and stop the finger pointing. I have two baby granddaughters. How are they going to be able to go to college? |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: 22nd and Wilmot 85710 // Years here: 51 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 278. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The way it feels like a community instead of a huge city. | Everything feels more personal, and connected. |
University of Arizona | Whether it is athletic events, or open lectures, the University gives Tucson a University town vibe. |
Access to excellent hiking in surrounding mountains | It's nice to go hiking and not have to drive very far |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education funding | I know this falls to the state to decide funding, but Tucson schools need more to work with. Students are missing out on opportunities just because of a lack of money, and educators work 70 hours weeks for a salary less than low level retail management. |
Public transportation | So many people complain about the traffic here, and wish there were a freeway system. Those problems would be alleviated if we had a more effective public transport system. When I travel, I am always amazed at the convenience of hopping on the train/subway/bus. I have lived in Tucson for 26 years, and have yet to attempt riding the buses here. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Camp Lowell and Swan 85712 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 279. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Clean air ... | Diminished lung capacity from 50 years of L.A. smog ... |
Warm weather ... | Diagnosed with arthritis throughout my body more than 20 years ago ... Worse with age ... |
Few freeways ... | Had TMJ from driving L.A. freeways ... Happy to drive city streets to get me where I want to go ... |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Traffic planning ... | Tucson really NEEDS and OVERALL PLAN to alleviate the rapidly growing traffic problems ... |
More police ... | I've lived in my current apartment in Tucson for more than 9 years ... most of my neighbors are alcoholics and drug users ... I can't tell you how many times it's taken MONTHS to get some action on people OBVIOUSLY using and selling drugs in my units. I believe that MORE POLICE would mean a SAFER TUCSON for me as I continue to age ... I'm already a Senior Citizen ... |
Greater awareness of age discrimination ... | I have found that Tucson is happy to welcome RETIRED Seniors, but does NOT want to HIRE Senior workers. I had a HORRIBLE experience with the U of A when I first got here and applied for a clerical position. I am SURE it was age discrimination. I've also applied for 40 clerical jobs in the last 5 years, only been interviewed 4 or 5 times, and never offered a position. I'm LUCKY to have my current clerical job, as I was hired by a person who is no longer here, but who hired me because she thought we would work well together. God Bless Her! |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: 5th & Swan 85711 // Years here: 9 | |
Survey: 280. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The people. | People and their personalities make the region |
The environment. | This includes weather, geography, topography, and biology. |
Big town, small town personality | Everybody knows what is going on and there are inter-connections everywhere. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
We need to envision our future. | We need to paint a picture of what we want to look like in 10 years and then determine the day to day, week top week, month to month steps to get there. |
Agree to disagree on small, medium and large issues | Be civil and learn to compromise |
Recruit a younger work force. | Youth is the future |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Stone/River 85704 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 281. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The mountains that surround the city | It is a calming environment throughout the day. It makes it great to hike and not have to travel far before you can start hiking. |
Large in population but people are personable | No matter where you go the atmosphere is friendly. Going into the same stores every week and how I am greeted. |
Within the community there are small communities | I have lived at the same place for 11 years and within the neighborhood you have a unity. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Something to help the flow of traffic | During the week it would take me almost twice as long to get to work as it does on weekends because there is no flow to the traffic and roads are antique |
Road conditions-there is pot holes everywhere | This causes problems with driving trying to avoid them and then hitting some of them really wrecks the car. |
Better street signs � some neighborhoods have good signs for the streets | With the new neighborhoods going up the street signs are great but this needs to be consistent throughout the town. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Oracle/Ina 85704 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 282. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Locally owned quality restaurants | I enjoy good food in a nice setting. Also affordable |
Outdoor activities close to home | I like to access hiking in canyons without having to drive too far |
Fabulous weather, though the summers are hot and that can't be changed | I love being able to have doors and windows open to allow fresh air in and to be able to go anywhere at anytime and not have weather be a limiting factor |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Get downtown Tucson up and running | While it's improving, until we get people living in downtown Tucson, we won't have all of the activities of a vibrant downtown. |
Manage the City budget better to ensure that streets are well maintained | Why is so much money going to putting sidewalks on Broadway which east of downtown which is not an area conducive to walking from shop to shop when potholes on residential streets in this area are downright dangerous and getting more expensive to fill the more time goes by. |
Improve the quality of education in public schools | The children of today are the workforce of tomorrow. With high drop out rates and low attainment levels, we are shooting ourselves in the foot when it comes to improving our economy in the future. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Broadway/Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 283. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
My neighborhood | Within our neighborhood we work towards community. We help one another by having fund raising events to promote the businesses and raise money for different needs within that community. With the conjunction of Barrio Hollywood Neighborhood Association, and Fiesta Grande, a 501c3 non-profit, members of the community work towards achieving a good climate which nourishes the community and allows for great things to happen. This is important to me because I want to live in a good community which allows for the success of all its members. |
The climate | Tucson is a great place to live. We do not have to worry about extreme weather conditions. Personally, I believe it is a great place to live and recreate. |
The national park areas | The national park areas allow for people to be active. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Political groups working together instead of apart. | Tucson's number one problem has been the lack of affective communication among political parties. They continue to be so destructive with their issues that they tear the community apart. They act like angry children and go for the kill when others disagree. This breeds hate and causes those already mentally unstable to react in violent manners. |
Get people to support education | Education is the driving tool for survival. One needs to develop life-long skills that allow for an individual to be productive in the work force. Regardless of the field an individual chooses to follow, these resources must be available to allow each member of society to be successful. This is not a priority in Tucson. This must change in order to obtain a smooth running economy. Unemployment breeds crime, violence and poverty--Tucson is heading in that direction in a very rapid speed. |
Community input | So much is done by the steering of lobbyist that our community is left without the input of its citizens. We must take back control of our city and state monies and make services available that are needed by its citizens. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Grande 85745 // Years here: 52 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 284. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
University of Arizona | Many great classes to take, sponsored activities to participate in, and interesting jobs. |
Things to do | Plenty of concerts, shows, restaurants, special events |
Climate/environment | Beautiful scenery and weather |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Schools | My kids are grown, but I hate to see kids with no opportunities - or unequal opportunities. Tucson - and Arizona - need to make schools a priority. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 | |
Survey: 285. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Hiking | Nature is rejuvenating to the soul |
Weather | I don't like to bundle up in the winter |
Close to Phoenix | Ability to go see a real football, or hockey game when I want to....or a real broadway show....or a real concert, not the little things that are shown here, years after they are popular. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Accessibility | If you are on the east side it takes FOREVER to get to the highway to get anywhere. Our transportation system sucks. |
Get rid of the streetcar - change it to a real people mover system | The streetcar program does not really address transportation issues. It is not fast enough, and never will be with those hair pin turns. It does not go far enough, and does not include facilities needed to properly use it, like parking. |
Get rid of the small town atmosphere | We are a big city. this place acts like a small town, quibbles over little things. We need to become a real city. Mayor and Council need to be full time positions. voting needs to be done by wards. Urban sprawl needs to be stopped/controlled, not like it is now by the developers. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Ina/Oracle 85741 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 286. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The Sonoran desert | I love being outdoors and there are plenty of places to go and numerous types of activities available. (I especially enjoy hiking and bicycling). The warm dry climate is beautiful, the air is generally excellent, and the desert mountains are a source of spiritual renewal for me. |
The people / the diversity | There is a fabulous mixture of culture groups here in Tucson and I enjoy learning about them and sharing in various festivals and celebrations that honor each of them. I also enjoy the "crossover" events (such as Tucson Meet Yourself and the Gem & Mineral Show, for example). We also have a strong and varied musical community that adds to this mix and to the overall quality of life here. |
Pima Community College & the U of AZ | Education is especially important to me, both for the improvement of our community and for my own personal growth and "lifelong learning". These 2 institutions offer many programs and opportunities for both. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation options | Building new freeways is NOT the answer. Light rail is a far better option. I have traveled to other cities that use light rail transport and it WORKS. We need to reduce the congestion and number of cars on the roads, not sell more cars. A light rail transit system, with satellite parking lots and connections to existing bus lines is very important for our air quality and our future. |
Immigration issues | While I am aware that this needs to be addressed at the Federal level first, it also needs to be addressed here in Tucson and southern AZ. It is important to me because it affects the entire quality of life here: working citizens make lower wages than in comparable positions elsewhere, we spend too much on health and other care for non-citizens, and the quality of our outdoor places on the borders is degraded and dangerous because of the illegal activities there. |
Health care costs | Since managed care arrived in southern AZ a while ago, the cost of health care has become almost unaffordable to working people. I would like to see a health care system that REWARDS people for staying healthy and taking better care of themselves by decreasing premiums costs. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Alvernon and 5th Street 85716 // Years here: 32 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 287. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | I don't like the cold! |
Beauty (mountains, sunsets, etc.) | The great variety of terrain, landscape, plants, etc., makes just being here more enjoyable. |
It is the astronomy capital of the world. | As an amateur astronomer, I appreciate the dark skies, U of A, and proximity to Kitt Peak. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The roadway system. | To get almost anywhere takes at least 20-30 minutes. Somehow we need to divert funds from Phoenix to Tucson and improve this absurd situation. |
Removal/control of transients. | When I worked downtown, I was constantly accosted by panhandlers. We must implement some laws to control this situation. They are every bit as human as we are, but we can't let them just roam free, sleep in parks, etc. |
Removal/control of weeds & trash. | I would suggest imposing fines on property owners who fail to keep their yards free of debris. They should get the message soon enough. And the $ from fines could be used to improve the roadway system! |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Swan/Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 288. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The weather | The sunsets are stunning |
The Landscape | Easy access to wildlife areas |
Diversity | People from all over the world make Tucson a home or place to work. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
School System | Teacher's are supposed to inspire the American Dream when that very dream is now out of reach to them, especially new teachers. No pay raise in what looks to be a decade has taken the profession and turned it into a dead end job but hey... Tucson Values Teachers. |
The Politics | Most of the governed are not active or trusting in the US government. I would like to make it mandatory for students in public schools to learn and recite, or at least stand and respect, the Pledge of Allegiance each day. |
Infrastructure | The roads are a continuous mess and it is difficult to get quickly across town with all the constant construction projects. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Ajo & Kenny Road 85746 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 289. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mountain Views | I am inspired by the natural beauty that I can see even when trapped in an urban environment. |
Outdoor Activities | It's easy to access the outdoors with hiking trails, sports facilities, parks. |
Medical Facilities | High quality medical care is available when needed. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Pay Scales | For my occupation, Tucson is about the lowest paying area of the country. While I appreciate the low cost of living in Tucson, the income differential between Tucson and other areas creates is more than might be justified by this factor. Government salaries in particular are very low. |
Improve Mass Transit | Buses don't serve well people living in the foothills. Also, we need high speed rail service to Phoenix. |
Schools | Our schools are declining in quality. Good teachers are not respected and paid what they should be. Class sizes are unwieldy, dropout rates are too high, and student behavior inside and out of the classroom is getting out of control. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Orange Grove & Skyline 85718 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 290. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The weather. | Bicycle riding, hiking, hunting, being outdoors. |
The surrounding area. | Bicycling, hiking, hunting, being outdoors. |
Better and better bike routes | Safer to ride. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Bike routes around the city separate from cars. | Loops around the city for bikes that have no cars and no stop signs. No walkers on the bike paths. |
Some of the school districts. | Better community opinion by improving our schools. |
Nicer people while driving | Do unto others as I would have them do unto me. Be nicer on the road and others will be nicer. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Swan 85712 // Years here: 36 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 291. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diverse population and acceptance of the diversity | Multi cultural and racial regions means access to understanding the cultures, access to unique celebrations and access to diverse food preferences |
Access to outdoors | One of the best aspects of Tucson is great winter weather.... build those bike paths, trails and they will come. Preserve vegetation, care for animals and the environment and the region will always be cherished. |
Disability access for many areas | Many family members and friends want to enjoy the area, disability access translates into universal accessibility... this adds to our diversity, making things accessible to families with strollers and the elderly. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mass transit | A metro train would really increase the livability of the area and enhance walking, decrease pollution |
More alternative living | Solar, wind, geothermal energy, intentional communities, co-housing all make this a more viable, sustainable community |
Attention to accessibility | There are many access issues for the disabled which are not enforced locally. Engage the disabled community in discussions about improvements to parks, recreation, transit etc. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 85704 // Years here: 30 | |
Survey: 292. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural beauty | Backpacking and hiking. |
Weather | Warm winters, tennis all year 'round. |
Culture | Traditional music opportunities, Tucson Folk Festival, Tucson Friends of traditional Music, Contra dancing, AZ Theater Co. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More land set aside for public use. | I want to preserve the area's natural beauty. |
Cross-town transportation corridors need improvement | Traffic tie-ups a nuisance at rush hours |
Better maintained and lighted public sport facilities | I love tennis, but courts are not well maintained, specifically Pima West |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell-Camino Del Cerro 85745 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 293. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The Desert Museum | The beautiful scenery and animals. |
Desert Wildlife Museum | It's very beautiful because of the butterflies. |
Reid Park Zoo | The animals are awesome and the employees really go out of their way to make sure you have a memorable time. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The Heat | We need more water parks |
The School Administration | We need to rethink about who is in charge of our children everyday. The gangs and drugs |
Discipline in the schools | It seems that due to the administrators in some schools the students are very disrespectful and get away with way too much. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: 22nd street and Starr Pass 85713 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 294. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Integration of natural environment and city living | It is important to keep the natural environment which brings most people to Tucson. The outdoors is very much the character of Tucson. |
Diverse community | The different cultures only enrich a community. We love the "meet Tucson" event. |
Keeping a small town feel yet have big city activities | As large as Tucson is you never run out of things to do. It's a big city feel by giving many opportunities of diverse happenings to attend, Yet you'll always meet someone you know or have a person in common you both know always giving connections like a small community. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Change how we build here | It baffles me that we injure our environment with cookie cutter home developments. We also don't make conscience choices when building and remodeling in older communities and how the new modify building fits. Neighbors aren't asked about the effects to them. |
Driving in Tucson is always dangerous. Phones and speed are a bad combo. | Tucson should outlaw the use of phones while driving. Driving here is a challenge to begin with phones just compound the problem. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: 1st & River 85718 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 295. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Desert | The desert is beautiful and it teaches us about the power of nature and economy of resources. |
The people | Everyone says that Tucson is a big city that feels like a small town. |
The weather | Enough said. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better public transportation | Only people with no choice use the bus. |
More money for schools | Cuts to education funding are the cause of a myriad of social problems. Charter schools have no oversight. |
Better social services | I work with kids in CPS. The main reason for their involvement is parental drug use. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: 22nd St and 6th Ave 85701 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 296. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Access to nature and outdoor recreation | Saguaro National Park, Coronado National Forest, county and city natural parks, recreational access and importance of nature preservation |
Diversity of the community | Strong Hispanic and American Indian cultural components, as well as many others |
Cultural activities and the arts | Arizona Theater Company, UA Presents, Broadway in Tucson, TSO, opera, traditional music groups, jazz, photography, Madaras and other visual artists, DeGrazia gallery, KXCI community radio |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better public transit and community feeling | We are too spread out. Development needs to be more dense and we need more smart infill to improve sustainability - less water use, less air pollution, more preserved natural land |
Better schools | Vail USD is a great model to follow. TUSD, Sunnyside and others need strong leadership and direction. I'm not an education expert, but surely there is someone who can help in this area. |
Date of survey: Jan 25, 2011 // Home near: 22nd and Harrison 85710 // Years here: 19 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 297. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cultural opportunities | There is always something going on |
Surrounding open space | |
Food possibilities | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Traffic | The individuals who drive poorly and never seem to be caught for their mistakes |
Quality of educational opportunities | |
Public transportation | |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: grant/country club 85716 // Years here: 60 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 298. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cultural Diversity | Tucson is a great mix of cultures. There is always something interesting going on whether is involves music, food, art, or theater. |
Desert Southwest | I love the desert environment. We live in such a special place with unique flora and fauna. I hate to see the californication of our region taking place. Homes are all looking the same, the uniqueness of the desert plants seems to be giving way to greenification and the introduction of more and more foreign plants. Let's keep our desert unique. |
Still has a small town feeling even though it gets bigger every year. I live the University town atmosphere and the recognition of the unique neighborhoods and communities that make up Tucson. | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Stop urban sprawl | Seems to be unnecessary building of homes. if homes are built, they need to be eco-friendly and energy efficient to protect our limited desert resources. |
Support local businesses | More effort needs to be put into supporting local business unique to Tucson. We have some wonderful shops, restaurants, and galleries. Let's continue to promote them. |
Save the desert | I arrived here in 1977. I fell in love with the desert. Now, I have to look really hard to see the desert town I fell in love with. Let's encourage preserving the southwestern flair of Tucson. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell and Grant 85745 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 299. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Hispanic Culture | I have always enjoyed Hispanic culture, food and people although not of Hispanic origin myself. |
Sense of community in central Tucson | Having a large University in close proximity to downtown, University (3rd St) and 4th Ave creates a wonderful sense of community in Tucson. That is our strength! Let's value it, use it and not exploit it. |
Extensive network of bicycle paths and trails. | Tucson has a great network of trails and bike paths with more being added all the time thanks to the RTA. This makes Tucson a place about people, not just more cars. The next big challenge is how to make this a more pedestrian friendly community. Six and eight lane city streets are not pedestrian friendly and are downright dangerous. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Embrace our different cultures | The demonization of the Mexican people needs to stop at all levels. |
The City needs to be more pedestrian friendly | Any great community is pedestrian friendly. The extensive roadway growth particularly in the inner city needs to end. Automobiles should be last priority after transit, bikes and peds. If motorists don't like it then they can change modes or move to a car crazy city like Phoenix of Las Vegas. |
Regional Transit | The region must find a way to remove the various transit systems from the authority of individual jurisdictions and put them under a single regional authority that looks out for all the citizens, not just a few. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Broadway Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 300. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | I hate snow! the weather here is priceless! |
Culture | The blend of the Mexican history and flavors, the mariachi Conference |
U of A | Our TEAM! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | Cross town "spoke" so people can use ALL of the stores and businesses |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: 22nd/Pantano 85710 // Years here: 52 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 301. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural beauty. Variety of mountain ranges. Big sky. | Reminds me daily of why I CHOSE to live here. |
Not too big - not too small. | Most of the amenities available in a big city - with a smaller town feel. |
University of Arizona. | Culture, choice, focus on education, creative thinkers, variety - all the fringe benefits of living near a major state University. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make Tucson a solar industry hub and economic development in general. | We need an identity - something that sets us apart - something that draws the best and the brightest. This is an obvious choice. |
Focus on K-12 Education. | Goes hand in hand with economic development. |
Better (and improved) transportation. | Join east and west. NW and downtown and all in between. Make |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Oracle and Ina 85704 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 302. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Ease of Travel | Whether I travel on bike, foot, personal or public transportation, it is easy to get around. Having a local airport with international travel is also nice. |
Size | It is nice being a "smaller" city with a University campus. It makes a difference having a different population throughout the year. |
Entertainment | Having a downtown, university and the art area on fourth ave. gives us many different options, not to mention the foothills and outer areas of town. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Zoning | Fix the zoning! It looks terrible having businesses in between houses and trailer parks. |
City Planning | Stop building houses in front of houses. Get a city planner with a vision. A vision for the whole city, not just here and there like rio nuevo |
Small business planning | Help fill all of the empty business locations. Instead of building new, help fix what is here now. Stop spreading outward. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: columbus/ speedway 85712 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 303. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
People | The sense of community, connectedness, and the positive attitude of the people in Tucson make this a uniquely positive place to live. |
Weather | Really, do I need to say more? |
The support for shopping locally | I think our community gets it... the focus on shopping locally, supporting our local businesses and entertainment venues, and the restaurants. It's a small town feel with large city opportunities. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Our City Council's lack of support for local businesses | We need to improve incentives for new clean businesses in our city. We need to be competitive enticing companies to relocate here. We need to support our existing small businesses. |
Secure our border | Secure our border...secure our border...secure our border... |
Support K-12 education | No child left behind? We need to support education and our ability to prepare our graduates to compete in the job market |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Houghton/Tanque Verde 85749 // Years here: 32 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 304. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town feeling | Knowing the people who live near and around you. Knowing the people attending events. Knowing the people representing you in politics etc. Knowing the people in our community improves communication and thru that helps shape our community. |
Active downtown and University | Closer sphere of people living and meeting near me. Including music, kids events, restaurants, arts, summer camps for kids. All help build community and help us know each other more |
Access to outdoors | Ability to walk and bike easily. Ability to access parks, national parks, hiking and biking trails. Safe trails for us and our children etc |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 | |
Survey: 305. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The proximity to open spaces and mountains | I enjoy being able to leave the city and developed areas and spend time outdoors. Places like Tucson Mountain Park, Saguaro National Park, and the mountain ranges surrounding the city (Catalinas, Santa Ritas, etc.) |
The Sonoran Desert landscape | I love the basin and range surroundings, and the plants and wildlife in this area. |
The weather | I love the long summers, early springs, late falls, and short winters. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The city character | It seems that the City of Tucson has no common character, the various parts of the city have very different architecture, landscape, and traffic/pedestrian flow. It would be nice to have some integration and bring more of the Sonoran Desert into the urban areas. |
Landscape | It seems that we have forgotten that we live in one of the most amazing deserts in the world, our city landscaping does not often reflect the plants and character of the surrounding Sonoran Desert (far too many non-native species and lawns). |
Improve downtown | Our downtown is a wonderful area that could be made to reflect the cities history and connection to the Sonoran Desert. More revitalization is needed. Cities like Albuquerque have done a great job with their downtowns, we have yet to do much. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Irvington and Mission 85757 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 306. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Library | Free books! |
University | Smart people! |
Street fairs/concerts | Cultured community! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More programs for students with disabilities after they graduate high school | I teach in a public high school and students with severe disabilities need programs to transition to from high school |
Secede from the rest of Arizona | I am disgusted with the state legislature and what they have done to put Tucson in the news. From Healthcare to immigration we have a very negative reputation |
Better healthcare | Oops I realize this is a national issue but what will happen to me when I retire? I am still too young for medicare and cant afford insurance without working |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: River Road 85718 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 307. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversity of people here | I like being exposed to and interacting with people of different cultures and experiences and ages in my life. |
Beauty of the environment | I love looking at the mountains, taking walks in the desert, going up into the mountains. |
Quality of life | It is a good thing for me to live in a city where I am comfortable and have many friends. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Get a grip on growth | We have a limited supply of water here and we cannot continue to g row without bounds |
More education about the environment | Many do not appreciate the beauty of our desert environment, its diversity, the plants, the birds and animals. |
Cultivate respect for other cultures | We make presumptions about Native Americans, Hispanics and others without truly knowing these people |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: First Avnue and Roger Road 85705 // Years here: 37 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 308. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sunshine | Sunshine keeps me happy |
Friendly people | Wouldn't want to live in a place where people don't respect each other |
Lots of nature/desert around | I like to look out and see the mountains and desert creatures |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Lack of vision | Study after study and nothing is/has been done. Get a plan and stick with it |
Kick me attitude | I have always felt that Tucson has an inferiority complex in regards to Phoenix. We are not Phoenix and that is a good thing build on it |
Transportation | We are a spread out community as are most of the western states cities. If we want some sort of urban center light rail would be a great way to connect the dots in town. High speed train between here & Phoenix would be good |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: tanque verde & houghton 85749 // Years here: 9 | |
Survey: 309. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The weather | I am an outdoor fanatic, whether I am landscaping, biking or taking a walk, the weather in Tucson is wonderful. |
The people | The people are very friendly here. It has the feel of a small town. As a military dependent, we move quite frequently. Having a town and people that make you feel welcome is the key for us to stay here after my husband retires. |
DMAFB | My husband is active duty military and we appreciate that there is a military base in Tucson. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education System | As an educator, it is extremely important to know that both my needs in the classroom and the student needs are a priority in Tucson. |
Roads and streets | I commute to work everyday and it seems the roads are always torn up. If there is a bond project going on it feels like it is not getting done. I can drive down the street and it is a rarity to see city workers on the torn up project. |
TMC Emergency Room | I rarely use the emergency room at TMC, but when I do the wait is too long. One time, my husband had to go to the bathroom because he was bleeding through his bandage onto the floor. There was blood everywhere- yet we still had to wait. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Houghton and Tanque Verde 85749 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 310. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The mountains | Beautiful |
The community | Accepting, embracing, diverse |
The politics | Liberal |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Get the downtown fixed | Tucson has so much potential and to some degree I think it is being wasted |
Need to be doing more conservation & using more alternative energy | Supplies are not unlimited |
Put in a loop around the city | I drive 25 miles each way down Oracle every day. Would be nice to skip all the lights. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Tangerine and Oracle 85739 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 311. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
People | The people are so friendly. |
Big city with small city feel | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education | We are way behind in our education. It is just not a priority and our kids are suffering. |
City government | Our city government has been very wasteful in the past and we are paying for it now. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Ina and Thornydale 85742 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 312. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mexican/Hispanic Culture | Family has been here 5 generations. Lots of Mexican influence here, history, old families, fiestas, food, influential politicians and educators. |
Beautiful Natural Desert surrounding | We have saved and treasure our natural beauties surrounding our area. There are a lot of people who live here who are committed to saving the land from cement and houses. I love being able to drive 15-20 minutes and I am in the beautiful dessert taking a hike. |
Plethora of Arts and Culture available | The University of Arizona is a treasure. It has contributed to the immense intellectual and spiritual base of the Tucson attitude: respect for all cultures, art and theatre and music for all interests |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Add/annex foothills, surrounding areas. | Tucson needs to annex areas that would have a positive financial and social impact. Too much of city has low income. This would add to city coffers and add important educational attainment average. More people would be interested in contributing their ideas to the city. I live in the foothills. |
Need to coordinate park development with schools. | I see this happening in Phoenix area. Schools are adjacent to parks so that there is not a duplication of water resources. Schools can use facilities during school year. I am very worried about water in our desert. I see also that Phoenix area requires large construction projects to have areas for water to drain into the soil. Every apartment , housing project, mall has large green drainage areas to offset the concrete paving and buildings. |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: First and River Campbell and River 85718 // Years here: 65 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 313. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Setting | Mountains, Sonoran desert, climate |
History, culture, tradition | Ancient homeland of native Americans; Among earliest European settlements in what is now the USA; Wonderful Mexican and Anglo heritage/combination. |
University of Arizona | College town' atmosphere-vibrant, enriching, elevating. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Lack of common/shared vision | Weary of divisiveness...Let's find a way to work together! Define some goals and relentlessly push toward them. |
Deteriorating infrastructure and urban form | Would like to see: improved livability of urban center; reinvestment in housing stock; revitalized downtown. |
Stop the interjurisdictional bickering/competition | Would like to see 'public policy' viewed and developed holistically..no more 'tale of 2 cities'! |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Broadway and Alvernon 85711 // Years here: 56 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 314. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Large city/small town feeling | The "unexpected" |
Natural beauty | The ability to take two hours "vacations" |
Cultural diversity | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sustainability | Water - so we can enjoy life here in the future |
Sustainability | Solar energy - it just makes sense |
Zoning/rezoning | 1. More residential buildings downtown = safety 2. higher density, w/out destroying old neighborhoods 3. more people friendly vs car friendly |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: Golf Links/Houghton 85730 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 315. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
History of Tucson | Like the old west history, the buildings downtown...want to make is like Ft Worth, TX |
Foothills shops and eat establishments | Class places to eat and drink... people dress nice, i like to take guest to those places |
Mountains outdoor hikes, hunting... | Sabino Canyon, hunting in Willow Springs |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Safe and fun downtown.... | Fix up the downtown to be more like Ft Worth, safe and it is alive downtown at nights.... have the foothills customers travel and spend their money downtown |
Shuttle | Make a shuttle from the foothills to downtown |
Nothing | Keep the hiking and hunting |
Date of survey: Jan 26, 2011 // Home near: first and orange grove 85718 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 316. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversity | I like living in a diverse community where most people are accepting of the views and traditions of others. |
Weather | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Focus on education | As a teacher for TUSD, I see daily how limited resources and lack of community involvement negatively impact our children. |
Public transportation | We need a transit system with longer hours to provide better service. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Broadway and Campbell 85719 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 317. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Geography: I Love the views, the mountains, and the wild life that roams free. | I enjoy the openness of our city and the balance of a city in the desert with the opportunities to see and enjoy nature. We are not a concrete jungle in the desert but a city integrated into the desert. |
Diversity: Each neighborhood is unique and diverse. Our city contains great creative neighborhoods that are unique and have their own personality. | The unique personalities of neighborhoods which includes the architecture creates an exciting and diverse culture in our city. This makes Tucson a more interesting place to live. |
The people: The attitude and diversity of the people in Tucson. | The fact that so many people of different beliefs, different ethnicity, different educations, and different interests live, work and play in our city adds to the uniqueness of our city. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation and Streets: Repair the potholes and stop investing in different forms of public transportation | We live in the West, not the East, this is a wide open city and mass transit is a waste of money. We love our independence and we love our cars. Yes, there are some who cannot afford cars, but that is a socio-economic problem not a mass transit problem. Limit bus routes and people without cars can move to those areas. The conditions of our streets communicates the attention and care we have for our city, or apparent lack there of. |
Freeway: Make building a loop around the North and East sides of our city a priority | If we had a freeway loop, we would decrease the amount of truck traffic on city streets and increase the length of life of our streets. This would also allow us to have better, quicker access to businesses and services that are all over our city. |
Add Entertainment venues: Why we don't have a huge water park in the middle of our city I just don't understand. | Our teens have little to do all summer except escape the heat by going to the mall. Providing healthy outdoor entertainment venues should be a huge priority for our city. Help our kids be successful by providing good quality entertainment. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Houghton and Speedway 85748 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 318. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
There are a lot of areas where I can engage in outdoor activities | I enjoy riding my bike with my husband and hiking with my kids. |
I like the desert environment | I grew up in the Southwest and i like the desert environment here but I also like being able to go up Mt. Lemmon to be in different climates as well. |
I like the variety of activities available | I can go to a movie, or a play, or a concert, or play sports, or do whatever I desire. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Fewer casinos | I don't like the type of crowd that it attracts. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Golf Links and Harrison 85710 // Years here: 22 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 319. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Willingness of Tucsonans to volunteer time and talent | I work for a non-profit organization, and collaborate with a broad base of government, business, nonprofit and individual community members. Because people living in Tucson are from all over the country and world, the Tucson community supports a host of innovative non-profit organizations, blending some of the best ideas found elsewhere to create locally based solutions. People are also willing to contribute their own time and expertise (in addition to dollars) to move things forward that they are passionate about seeing occur. |
Environment and natural beauty | I have always been an outdoors person, and it is great to have open, natural space on the periphery of the urban areas visible from virtually anywhere in town as well as seeing threads of natural environment still existing in town. There are many challenges as well as opportunities to improving the Tucson area's environment and quality of life but policies are gradually changing and people are taking action voluntarily toward this goal. |
Large city with pockets of small-town feel | It is nice to be able to have balanced access to national/international brands in our community and also being able to dine and shop at a variety of locally-owned restaurants and small businesses that provide unique and regional items. I hope that this mix remains, rather than large out of town businesses overrunning our community to extract profit, or at the same time completely ignoring our area. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
FRAGMENTATION of resources and programs | There is a divide - sometimes artificial - that separates similarly functioning/similarly minded government and nonprofit entities, and it uses more money and human energy than necessary to move certain processes along. Competition, especially fair competition, is good in business because it makes everyone work smarter; in government and nonprofit sectors, turf battles and empire-building are inappropriate if it doesn't actually make for better results. Efficient cooperation between jurisdictions, whether formal and approved by elected officials or just positive pooling of resources toward shared goals at the department/agency level, is better especially in lean times when sharing can make everyone's resources stretch further. |
Too much "planning", not enough firm decision making and action. | Our community does not need more master planning, more visioning, more talk. We need to dust off old plans, see what progress has been made/level of completion, and either agree to move forward by fine tuning existing plans or agree to permanently end certain pursuits. We need to do things. Gathering community input to help guide decisions is also a good thing, but round after round of it in a process just bogs things down. If a jurisdiction has a policy, it needs to run with that policy or adjust it instead of every new project needing a special exception. Elected officials need to be fair, but firm, in what their residents and business constituents expect out of the process. Sometimes politicians need to take the risk to say, no we're not making an exception to the rules when it doesn't serve more than a narrow interest. |
Attitude of "we don't have the resources to do that right now", "we can't afford it" | Too often government departments as well as nonprofits adopt an unhelpful "it's not my job" or "we're not funded to do that" attitude and even policy. Instead of reacting to every new situation that comes up, our programs need to be proactive in terms of how they serve the community, relying less on a "complaint" driven activity system, to one where staff identify community needs and design a process that continues to make progress toward a goal. If, for example, our goal is to keep the community cleaner and that involves requiring private property owners to keep their land clean, there should be a routine for at least a brief visual inspection of the entire city (on a rotating basis whether this takes a year, two years, or five). Get away from waiting for citizens to call and report or complain about things (or get discouraged because they don't know where to call) and simply focus on the task at hand and keep working on it. It's not exciting, but the results will show themselves. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Camino Seco 85710 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 320. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The love and acceptance displayed by its citizens. | Being an ex-felon who wanted to rebuild a life, and become a productive and contributing member of society,Tucson has been the environment in which that was possible not only for myself but many others like me. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
A larger Christian community/leadership | More of a role of Christian value and ethics in our city's leadership roles. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Camino seco 85710 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 321. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The variety of outdoor activities | I enjoy bicycling, hiking, camping, fishing, site seeing. Lots of new bike paths have been paved and many more on the way! Sabino Canyon, Madera Canyon, Redington Pass, Mt. Lemmon, Pima Canyon, Catalina State Park, Biosphere, San Xavier Mission, and all the other historical landmarks in downtown. El Tour de Tucson, Tour of the Tucson Mts. |
The variety of festivals | Tucson Meet Yourself, Tucson Firefighters Chili Cookoff, Mariachi Festival, Dia De Los Muertos, Zombie Walk, Club Crawl, 4th Ave Street Fair, Cyclovia, Bike Fest, Gem Show |
Baseball | Tucson Padres, Tucson Toros...we need to get Spring Training back in Tucson!! |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Spring Training | I miss going to games at TEP Ball Park and Hi Corbett Field. Huge economic impact on our community also. We are still paying for the cost of TEP, we need to get professional MLB teams to use our facilities here in Tucson!! |
More bicycle races | We only have two major bicycle races. We need to take advantages of our beautiful weather and the huge amount of cyclist that live in our community. More races will bring more economic stimulus to our region. |
Promote public transportation | Not enough people using public transportation to get around town. We need more bus routes and longer hours so people don�t have to drive their cars everywhere. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Valencia/Kolb 85756 // Years here: 22 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 322. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Feeling of community | Even as we grow, Tucson is still a place you can run into someone you know wherever you go. I've been here since 1977 and that part of Tucson hasn't changed. |
The weather | I really like the fact that I don't have to deal with winter.......and the summer heat doesn't bother me at all. |
Cost of living | Compared to other cities, Tucson's cost of living is reasonable. Property tax is fair. I have season tickets at some venues and here I can afford to do that. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Unchecked growth | Even before the economic downtown, Tucson has been over-building for years. We need to pay much more attention to preserving what's special about our city. |
Water usage | I live in Green Valley, so I know the mines use a huge amount of water, and I know there is some sort of form builders have to fill out to show there will be enough water for the amount of people they are building for. We're taking more out of the aquifer than goes in. Someone with a background in say hydrology should be put in charge and have the authority to say no to builders if their concerns can't be satisfied. |
Rail system from Nogales to Flagstaff | This is my pipe dream wish!!! |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: I-19 85614 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 323. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The number of City of Tucson Swimming Pools. | The City of Tucson needs to open more year round pools in different parts of the city. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Add more year round swimming pools in Tucson. | Accessibility to swimming pools. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Grant/Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 47 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 324. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The people | This is a small town, disguised as a growing city because of the generous, caring nature of the people here. |
The natural beauty and clean air | Our environment ... and easy access to trails and mountains ... is what sets us apart from our neighbor to the North. We must protect this beauty to preserve that which makes us special. |
The multicultural diversity of the people and the arts | Our wealth and beauty as a region are not just the Catalina Mountains, but also the rich ethnic diversity of our people and the strength of our arts scene, which also draws its strength from our people. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improve the nature of the dialogue | We've been held back by 'sides'. Everything is clear cut/black or white. If you're not part of this group/label/whatever, you must be my enemy. That mindset is really holding us back. |
Take a positive, consensus-driven stand on immigration issues | Critical issue that is polarizing the region and our nation. We live it daily. We must not let negative stereotypes/racism/xenophobia stop us from coming together to find a workable local solution that acknowledges families' longevity/history/contribution, instead of simplistic attachment of labels/shunning/etc. |
Strengthen our economy | Too dependent for too long on construction industry. We've seen what can happen if the golden goose goes down [pardon the pun]. And Downtown revitalization is essential to attracting new healthy business. It's happening, but the naysayers are still trying to undermine efforts. [See #1!] |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Country Club/Broadway 85716 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 325. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Extraordinary Setting | Forest covered mountain at 9,000 ft+ within an hour from town. Range from desert to mountains. Wonderful weather. |
Availability of excellent university/medical center | Quality medical care, a variety of university functions----educational, entertainment |
Size--population | Don't let it get any bigger |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mining | Acknowledge and accept that southern Arizona produces 60-80% of the nation's copper and is one of the greatest copper districts in the world. Critical mineral deposits can only be mined where they occur. Society as we know it today could not exist without copper. |
Land Development/Use | Land developers must be required to inform themselves and their clients about areas with potential production of the most critical metal (copper) used by all mankind. Developing new areas should be strongly discouraged when there are empty sites located within currently functioning neighborhoods. |
Sustainable Employment | We should improve solar development as well as conservation of water. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Craycroft/River Rd. 85750 // Years here: 45 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 326. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diverse Community | The diverse nature of our community provides adolescents and young adults become familiar with the global market place before have to answer the challenges of said environment |
The potential to be a very green community | We have an opportunity to be a leader in renewable energy but no one has stepped up. For god's sake, New Jersey is the nation's #1 producer of solar energy products; they have 100 days less sunshine a year. What is wrong with this picture. |
Potential to be a great place to raise children | If we can get the community to extend extra support to public education K-12, imagine the positive growth we can experience if we can get on the cutting-edge of our needed new techno-industrial economy. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Make it more education friendly | No one supports public education except public educators and public education built this great country/ |
Proactive in recruiting new renewable industries | ECONOMIC GROWTH AND THE ABILITY TO GET A BIGGER SHARE OF THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Gran and Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 31 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 327. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Its wholeness, friendly people, wonderful weather, cultural richness,open society | Community is a place, but more importantly it is where people live together. When a community can embrace a wide range of incomes, interests, and activities it is truly a rich community. Where else could I go to watch horses race where quarter horse racing began and then to hear the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Tucson, I hope, will always keep one foot firmly in the horse/chicken/desert world and the other in classic culture, art theatre, music, all underpinned by an excellent educational system for all. |
Size, big enough to have all I need, small enough to be accessible | AS energy and water management increase in importance easy access will be important. I bicycle, did the 69 mile El Tour, plan on the 109 for next year, find the network of bike paths a critical plus |
An active non-profit community | Community Food Bank, Youth on their own, the presence of support for those who can use, need, it is part of Tucson�s' strength |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The image of the elementary education system | AZ does poorly in rankings of its educational system. Having a competent population, no matter what the economic level is key to a sustainable future |
Water management | Growth is probably not the best strategy for this region. A better strategy would be to measure sustainability and modal economic growth on a per capita basis. Don't worry about the total, just the people within it. |
Focus on neighborhood identity and togetherness | The internet enables people to talk only with those who agree with them, facilitating anti-social behavior. Community starts with the individual, next circle is the family, the the neighborhood. When people are open and happy with those they can welcome others that are different. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: River an Campbell 85718 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 328. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Clean safe apartment complex that is affordable | I have a 14 year old son. It is essential to our overall health to feel safe, secure, and live in well-maintained housing that is affordable |
Close to shopping | I can access what I need easily |
Number 2 bus routes | I don't drive and use Sun Tran to get to and from work |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Shut down the Palm Court Inn | It is an unsafe, unhealthy property that is attracting crime |
Add a 99 cents only store | This will create jobs and enable low-income families to obtain the basics to survive |
Add a bus route on Columbus Blvd | Ease of transportation, mobility for residents and school children alike |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: 29th/Swan 85711 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 329. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The clean sunny mountains and the natural environment | For inspiration, relaxation, and exercise |
The cultural diversity | For events and food choices, different points of view |
The progressive environmental community | Tucson seems to be poised to take on the environmental and cultural challenges ahead |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Awareness of environmental issues | Without appropriate education, we will not develop a political will based on fact |
Restore the historic aquifer | Tucson's environmental natural capital has as its foundation an aquifer that supports local species diversity and health |
Solve the conundrum of global warming and climate change | The problem is the elephant not yet in the room. It is plausible that civilization will be stressed beyond stability |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Park/Grant 85719 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 330. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mexican & Native American culture | Learning about my own heritage |
Big town feel | Don't want to live in a faceless urban jungle |
Laid back attitudes | Don't want to be in the rat race |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More mass transit/dependable public transport. | Not have to depend on my car so much |
Cohesive plan for linking UA/4th ave /downtown/Stone/PCC downtown | This is one of the most vibrant parts of town |
Region-wide, standardized, clearly marked & enforced bike lanes! | |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: University & 4th Ave 85705 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 331. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Desert | Comfort |
Weather | Comfort |
People | Beauty |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Poverty | I see it always |
Community | I see lack in unity |
Water use | I like water |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: 6th Ave/Ajo 85714 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 332. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural World | Connects me to the wonder of earth |
People | Community |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Water conservation | It's precious |
Solar energy | Why use anything else? We've got plenty of sunshine, it's clean, and creates a new industry |
More local farms/food | Fresher, local economy, not trucked 1200 miles |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: La Canada/River 85705 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 333. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
People - caring, or at least cordial | Always feel welcome |
Air, climate, nature | Be able to enjoy it - always able to get out into the mountains |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Air quality from pollution | Asthma |
Water quality/light pollution | Fresh water/astronomy |
Public transportation limited | Movement -needed to get away from cars and reduce pollution |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Broadway/Campbell 85719 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 334. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Easy to get out for a quick hike | For me it is important to have places relatively close to get out of the city in the the desert |
A high density of environmental non-profits | I belong to several and run one environmental non-profit myself. These, I think, have a positive effect on Tucson |
The fairly laid-back feel of the community | It's not the east coast or Phoenix |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Stronger say on what types of construction can occur in a neighborhood | A neighborhood and its residents often times don't have a direct say in what types of structures can be built - mini-dorms, businesses, etc. |
More mass transit options in place of auto transport | We can't build our way out of traffic congestion and cars have many negative and adverse effects on city residents |
More emphasis on local alternatives to exports | Having local alternatives - from food to light manufacturing - makes for a stronger resilient city. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Grant/6th Ave 85705 // Years here: 26 | |
Survey: 335. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate/geography | Beauty, ease of living |
Diversity | Multi-culturalism is engaging/stimulating |
Cultural activities | Empowering, engaging, enjoyable |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Governance | Need leadership to create a strong economic base |
Politics of existing organizations | Competition and closed doors to newcomers |
Dirty, trash | Cleanliness and order is beautiful and pleasing |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: 5th Ave/Dodge 85716 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 336. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Presence of a University | Brings an environment of education and progress to the community. Supports an attitude of youthfulness and open mindedness |
Presence of "old school" ranching and farming community | Brings an environment of connection to the land, independence and a commitment to maintaining history |
The open spaces and the wonderful climate | Our Sonoran desert is like no other place on earth. We are blessed to live here and should each embrace a responsibility to steward this land to preserve it |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Unchecked growth | The Sonoran Desert is unique and irreplaceable. The unrestrained destruction of the desert for buildings and roads causes damage that can't be undone |
Unsustainable housing | Vast tracts of tightly packed houses that are not designed for sustainability or environmental conservation is not supportable in this climate |
Political machine leans too far to the conservative side | More middle of the road or liberal direction would the rape of our desert that is taking place in the name of making money and irresponsible capitalism |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 | |
Survey: 337. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small-city living | I absolutely hate freeways. I actually wish Tucson would not grow anymore. |
The view of the Catalina Mountains. | Every time I leave the house I look at the Catalina Mountains and enjoy their beauty. I don't have much of a view of them from my home, so I definitely enjoy them when I am driving somewhere. |
Lots of community activities with friendly people. | This item encompasses a lot of territory. I can make friends anywhere I go and in any organization I join. Tucson has been my home for 60 years. I pretty much grew up here. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
City government | We have a do-nothing Mayor and Council. All they want to do is give everything a "further study" to the detriment of progress--and I don't necessarily mean growth. Build more hotels and a really bigger convention/event center. |
Get rid of the modern trolley project. | Most of the people I have mentioned this to actually think that the trolleys will look like the old-fashioned ones in San Francisco. They are shocked to learn that they will be a modern design. We could certainly use all the millions of dollars allocated for this project on projects that are needed to improve the infrastructure of the City. |
Build more new hotels and a convention center that can handle a lot more people. | Bottom line, tourism is Tucson's major business. Phoenix has all the industry. We should do more to improve our financial situation by creating the premier tourist destination of Arizona in Tucson. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Oracle and Wetmore 85705 // Years here: 60 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 338. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Southwest beauty | Inspiration from the landscape, improves quality of life |
Intellectually vibrant | The number and quality of creative people - artists, scientists, public interest improves quality of life |
Culturally diverse | Different cultural traditions make for a rich life experience |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Economic development strategies | Population growth as an industry will no longer serve our future needs on a sustainable basis |
Many people young, middle-aged, and older have too much underutilized time | We need better ways to employ the region's human resources |
We are very vulnerable to the top three sustainability crises | We could face very serious and negative futures if we are not prepared |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Tucson Blvd 85716 // Years here: 50 | |
Survey: 339. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Tucson is a cosmopolitan city that retains a small town atmosphere or ambiance | I like the of feeling of belonging and having a sense of community. You can go to another part of the city and there's a likelihood of seeing someone you know |
The climate is fairly welcoming and livable with the exception of summer heat | I prefer to live in an environment where you can live both in and out of doors most of the year and do not have to rely on artificial climate control (again, with the exception of the summer heat) |
Tucson is surrounded by a great deal of open space and natural beauty and mountains | I love having the ability of being close to nature |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The way it is governed | There is still much unethical and unwise dealing in favor of a few people or firms with wealth and power when the city and county make it very difficult for smaller businesses to start up and survive |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 | |
Survey: 340. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Ethnic diversity | Because many cultures have value in changing our sometimes outdated structures - creativity, integrity - non-cooperative goals |
University | Put Tucson on the map with science... so important now |
Natural beauty and environment | Which will shape our future economically, socially, and dollar wise |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Racism has divided the community | Economically, Leadership=sustainability |
City is dirty and rundown, landlords are not responsive | Elect a new mayor - very poor leadership for many years, people have to vote |
Education and health in jeopardy | Have so many issues now and are now shut out by brutal corporate legislature |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Limberlost 85719 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 341. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The diversity of our citizens and community events | Interacting with many cultures and learning about others. Enjoying all the events |
The beautiful Sonoran desert and parks | Tourism brings in visitors and new residents. Quality of life - enjoying the parks and nature |
Access to farmers markets and healthy food | Eating good local food |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More infill homes- less sprawl | To protect the desert that remains. Keeps transportation costs down |
More access of local food for everyone | Everyone should have better access to local, healthy food |
More and better jobs for citizens | Green jobs would be a great future for our community |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 342. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Like minded people | Implementation becomes reality |
People ready to seek out solutions | Greater vision and direction |
An opportunity to make a difference | The need to change direction is now |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Quality of life is changing and not for the better | If we do not change course the reality will be harsh |
People's attitudes about our direction | Without more people's involvement, changing course will be difficult |
Education of the reality is a must | Placing more importance on the solution |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 343. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The desert landscape | Nature is beautiful |
The mix of Latino culture | I value the new ideas that come in |
The number of communities available to be a part of | Because people should be engaged in their community and talk about what their and help each other |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The parts of Tucson that aren't bike friendly | So people would be able to bike anywhere and encouraged to do so |
The ban of TUSD ethnic studies | It is important to be aware of all histories/ideas/cultures; not just the one you are in |
Downtown, so that it would be more lively like 4th Ave | |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Ft. Lowell/Campbell 85719 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 90s | |
Survey: 344. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Cold hurts and heating bills are climbing in northern states |
Access to nature | Steel and concrete are deadening - we can still connect with mother nature here |
Community | Intelligent, diverse, compassionate humans make life interesting, fun and fulfilling |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Remove military | Industry is built on greed and destruction |
Legalize marijuana | Savings from doing so (economically, socially, and environmentally) are tremendous |
Limit growth | Infinite growth on a finite planet is lunacy |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Prince/Mountain 85719 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 345. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural beauty of our region and the ease of accessing it | Quality of life, identity of place |
Friendly atmosphere | Quality of life, ability to work together |
Relatively progressive in regard to sustainability | We have very limited resources in Tucson, especially water and transportation. Sustainable actions will determine not only what kind of future we have, but if we have a future at all |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
A very small but powerful few control our region | We can not move forward in a reasonable direction in improving our community for all, when a greedy few have more representation on boards, committees, etc |
Move Tucson metro area from day-to-day mentality for economic, growth, sustainability | Without a wide vision projected far into our future, we will continue to make decisions based on short-term gain for the few at the expense of the long-term gain for all of the community |
We need a comprehensive mass transit system that is inexpensive and far reaching | This will improve sustainability, reduce traffic congestion, facilitate economic growth, and improve quality of life. Also, brings business to Tucson |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Greasewood/Star Pass 85713 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 346. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The open spaces around Tucson | It's important to get out into nature to remember my self spiritually and physically. I also value it as a place for other beings i.e. animals to live |
The fact that its large enough to be a stopping over place for interesting musical and other cultural groups | I enjoy partaking in such cultural presentations |
That it's small enough to regularly run into people I've known over the years in different settings | It makes me feel at home in the city in which I live |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Ever growing (sub)urban sprawl destroying the desert | It is destroying the aesthetics of our area, the habitat of the animals, and the areas I enjoy hiking |
The growing traffic | Makes for a less pleasant living experience |
The control of local politics by the growth lobby and business community | I think they are destroying the natural environment of our community to make short-term profits |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Years here: 39 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 347. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Having lived in less hospitable climates |
Preservation of unique open spaces | Opportunity to immerse oneself in fascinating undisturbed habitats |
Vibrant arts community | Orchestras (professional and amateur), numerous venues, university arts series, theater companies, public installations) |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better public transport systems | Improve commute times |
Expand downtown revitalization efforts | The area between downtown and university is an underutilized underdeveloped resource |
More rational road improvement schedules | Space major construction projects such that they are not in close proximity to each other at the same time. sic east west speedway at camino seco and east west Tanque Verde at Houghton |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Grant Campbell 85719 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 348. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
That natural vegetation is maintained around suburban development | Because it is important to allow ecosystems to maintain under the pressures of habitat loss |
Virtually no high-rise buildings | Do not approve of visual pollution |
Lack of air pollution | Provides for a healthier living environment |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better or more efficient transportation system | I would use my vehicle less and reduce my carbon footprint |
I would like a moratorium on building on the slopes of the Catalinas | Because we are destroying habitat and tapping our resources to get water and sewage to remote places that should not be occupied |
We need a stronger metropolitan open space system | We need green corridors which in the long run are suppliers of ecosystem services which saves the municipalities money i.e. flood control |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Kolb/Broadway 85710 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 349. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Open, beautiful cactus vegetation and mountains | It makes my heart sing. |
The population mix of native, Hispanic and Anglo. | Rich variety of customs, styles and cuisine. |
Chiriguerresque Church architecture and colonial style. | Church architecture, paintings, statues explain much about people. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Pave all the roads. | My falling-apart car. |
Respect the rights of native populations to live and work here. | I regret the hostility and scapegoating of any group and am angry with all the bias. We need a fair and good immigration plan. We especially must give a way for yooung people to find a path to citizenship. |
Sensible mass transportation!!!! | The roads in Arizona are dismal and an efficient train system would be good in Arizona and throughout the continent. |
Date of survey: Jan 27, 2011 // Home near: Grant/Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 46 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 350. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The weather. | Isn't just hot or cold, always an in between. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Freeway system. | Get around town faster. |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: Tangerine Road and 1st Ave. 85737 // Years here: 53 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 351. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The people | Most people are friendly and considerate and pull together in a time of need, like the Gabby Giffords tragedy. |
The amount of outdoor activities available | Given our great weather for most of the year, there are a number of outdoor activities that available. From ultimate frisbee, soccer, and softball, to hiking, climbing, cycling and running. It's all right here at our fingertips. |
It's home. | Tucson is home to my family and I. And they are growing while remembering home qualities. Like the Broadway underpass, they took photos from Tucson locals, and made tile posters of these natives and now every time I drive by, I can see my great uncle there. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The roads and freeways | There is no reason it should take an hour to drive across Tucson, yet with the lack of good freeways, we Tucsonan's are stuck driving down Grant and Speedway which are filled with daytime traffic. Also, there are potholes everywhere. For example, Avenida Largo has been patched three times in the last year for it's horrendous potholes and the road is still horrid. Why not spend the money to repave it, and then it wouldn't have to be repatched for years at least. |
More local activities | We already have a good number of local activities, like Meet me at Maynards, Bike Swap, etc. Just continue these and add to them! |
Better parks and fields | There is constantly a demand for lighted soccer/ultimate frisbee fields that Tucson cannot meet. We are trying to stay active as a community, but it's hard when you have to drive to two different fields in one night, for two games. |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell & Sunset 85745 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 352. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It's quiet, inexpensive and has a "small town" feeling. | I left Southern California's busyness, over-regulation and obnoxious competitiveness. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Less Crime/Drugs/Poverty | I don't always feel safe because of the amount of crime. |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: Alvernon/Grant 85712 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 353. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small town feel | I have lived in small towns my entire life and was nervous about moving to a 'big city' especially after having visited relatives in the greater Phoenix area. But Tucson is different, each neighborhood is its own little community and despite the large sprawl, Tucson still has a small town feel. |
Bicycle friendly | I love to ride by bicycle to work and in Tucson I can, without needing to fear for my life, thanks to wide streets, bike lanes, bike paths and a general acceptance of cycling. |
The University and Community College | I am a lifetime learner and the fact that I can sign up for an evening class to learn a new skill or broaden my horizons is amazing. These institutions are top notch. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Graffiti | It is everywhere in Tucson, even in some of the nicest areas. It makes our beautiful city look trashy. |
Downtown | This is one of the biggest failures in Tucson, I avoid it at all costs, it is too much like Phoenix, and that is not the style of Tucson, it should be more like hometown than downtown. |
Schools | Our public schools suffer. I have direct contact with what goes on in schools and it is sad sad sad. |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: Grant and Swan 85712 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 80s | |
Survey: 354. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small Town Feel | Friendliness of all the residents. People seem to care about others and take the time to smile and say hello |
Good medical care | Seems to be adequate medical care - even if you have to drive 30 miles to the city to receive it |
Lack of traffic problems | Even in the city - traffic moves very well |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Don't let growth overtake infrastructure | Having lived in Albuquerque and DC Metro area - I've seen rapid growth overtake infrastructure. Ensure that developers pay their share in making road and infrastructure improvements. It is easy to be sucked in with the gleam of new tax dollars - but remember that services are required to pay for that growth |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: Old Nogales/Quail Creek Crossing 85614 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 355. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I have lived here 50+ years | I know the streets, the neighborhood, the shops, the doctors, it's my town. |
We don't have any freeways running through town. | Our daughter in San Antonio can't get anywhere without going on a freeway. I can go months at a time without putting tread to freeway. I love the surface streets - it makes Tucson feel like a community not a huge city. |
The University | I was associated with the UofA as a student or employee for nearly 30 years. Even though Tucson is growing way too fast, it still feels to me like a college town. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Way too much sprawl, too much growth | Sadly, this can't be undone. As Tucson grows it loses it's community feel. I've lived here long enough to mourn the days when Tucson was a much smaller town. |
Crime rate is rising | Linked to the growth of the town. I like to feel safe here, I want my children and grandchildren to feel like this is a safe place to live. |
Too many big box stores | We are losing our identity when we incorporate too many chain stores and lose the local businessmen. Hate that Walmart at El Con. Well, hate Walmart in general, but that's off-topic. It's things like that that make us feel like just a cheap imitation of every other big city in America. |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: Swan/Grant 85712 // Years here: 52 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 356. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | I love not having to bundle up and deal with snow and ice. |
The people | There are people here from all over the world. It's so great to learn of all the other cultures. |
Diversity of food | We have the most amazing variety of restaurants here with the most delicious food. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The roads | I do a lot of driving and the roads are in awful shape - they're bumpy, rutted and potholes everywhere. There is just too much traffic and not enough roads. |
The quality of education | I think we need to provide our students with a better education but with the budgets being cut all the time, schools are trying to do so much with too little. |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: Del Cerro/Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 357. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I love living in the foothills | I get lost in the scenery and peace that comes from the Catalinas |
People | My neighbors are from all over this country and I love the blend of many cultures |
For a big city I feel safe. | Our police and fire departments are so very efficient |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Dupnik | What a disgrace after the incredible work our police, emt's and firemen did on January 8th and then for the world to hear this "man in charge" blaming other people. It was sooo embarrassing!! |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: river and craycroft 85750 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 358. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mountain Views | We have some of the most beautiful mountain views that I have seen in the desert. |
We have some safe and beautiful communities | The far east side has beautiful neighborhoods, low crime rates and a great community mentality. People look after each other in this community. |
Not Phoenix's look-a-like communities. | I like the different types of homes Tucson has. We have a melting pot of home designs that help make us unique to other areas. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better across town routes. | We need an across town (east - west) parkway/freeway. So much time is wasted in commuting across town (22 miles one way). Nothing on the RTA's agenda addresses this. |
Recruit non-government funded/supported higher paying jobs to Tucson. | We need to have higher paying blue collar jobs in Tucson. As taxpayers we cant afford subsidizing business for start up or who do R & D. We need business that produce a product that consumers want and will flourish without handouts. |
Allow bike lanes only on roads that are engineered with them. | I see too many of the white ghost bikes around town. Often the reason is because the road is just not engineered to have both bikes and cars occupying the same space. It isn't right for cyclists to hold up traffic or cause traffic to do dangerous moves to pass them, but cyclists should have safe places for commuting or pleasure. |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde/Houghton 85749 // Years here: 48 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 359. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Sustainable environment principles | I see my own values reflected in efforts to use renewable energy and use less water and I think it makes Tucson more authentic |
Safety downtown and in neighborhoods | I really don't worry about being downtown or anywhere |
Healthy lifestyles | It's easier to be healthy when this value is reflected in the community. Everyone does yoga, cycles or hikes and healthy food is easily available. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Increase health, engineering, solar sectors - decrease military/defense sectors | Much of the lack of cohesion is - I believe - due to the number of military and defense people that began arriving in the 50's. The values of those involved in military and defense are very different from the values of those other dominant economic sectors and I find them to be anti-social which I think is unsustainable. An economy that is 15% based in defense/military isn't a problem. But one that is 50% is. |
Focus on neighborhoods | Community starts at the neighborhood level and our neighborhoods lack the "place" so critical to developing communities. Very few neighborhoods have a business district, park facility or even a pub where people can interact and become acquainted. The result is it feels like suburbia even in central Tucson. |
Change tax structure | Over reliance on sales tax has created a revenue stream contingent on growth and retail and reduces emphasis on creating jobs and maintaining neighborhoods. It's unsustainable. |
Date of survey: Jan 28, 2011 // Home near: Craycroft and 5th 85711 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 360. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It still has the character of a community. | I like the range of arts and other amenities that Tucson offers but also like the sense that the people here care about the community and even each other. |
The range of arts and other amenities that Tucson offers. | Something is always going on and things like The Loft, the University, the Tibetan monk who does the mandala the last couple years, the Festival of Books, and all of it being in reasonable reach are wonderful |
Traffic is still manageable and rush hour is not a threat to your life. | Having a lot available isn't worth nearly as much if getting there and parking takes the fun out of it. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Either more direct air routes or faster, easier access to Sky Harbor. | We'd like to do more short trips without eating up so much time to and from. It can make a three-day trip from a one-day event. |
More and safer bike lanes including riverside paths out to Sabino Canyon road. | I live in an area where the best route out for recreation is through the Sabino Canyon and Tanque Verde intersection--a heart stopper on a bike--and the route to the UA and points west is via River to Craycroft--a heart stopper generally but especially during rush hour. |
See 1 and 2 above. | |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: Sabino Canyon and River 85750 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 361. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The scenery,climate and friendliness | Seems to me self explanatory |
Has good shopping , restaurants, arts, culture | It has many arts venues that I particularly like - it attracts national groups./individuals. |
Right now it has shown great togetherness in the Jan 8 tragedy | I have always preferred Tucson�s politics to the phx area..I think that Tucson could show the state and U>S> a way to bring some kind of sense back to the political climate and how to turn something terrible into good... |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Discourage political raving, hate, etc. | We don't need it it leads to same type of actions rather than compassionate understandings |
Do more for the poor and mentally ill... | The mentally ill do not belong wandering the streets or living in homes where the sane don't know what to do with them |
Can't think of more | |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: kolb and I-10 85602 // Years here: 47 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 362. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Clean air most of the year | Moved here because of allergies back in 1977 and clean air is important for health reasons |
Weather October through March/April - mild winters | I like casual living and mild weather invites that. Summer heat is too hot for me now. |
Having UofA here and what it offers our community in programs and of course education | I am a life long student and it is wonderful to have the UofA in Tucson and its offerings to the community in the arts, continuing education, science and humanity programs. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Improve bike lanes throughout city and county | Build bike lanes away from car traffic and extend from east to west and north to south for biking to work, to UofA, for pleasure. It is dangerous to ride bikes in Tucson because the current bike lanes are too narrow, next to car traffic. And the bike lanes need to be maintained. |
More real condo development for active adults, near shops, restaurants, coffee shops | We want to downsize from a large home to a condo or patio home development with no outside maintenance responsibility, but Tucson does not have this yet. We baby boomers want our living space, but not tied down with maintenance, especially yard maintenance. |
Decrease allergy producing plants with laws that forbid their plantings | We moved here in 1977 due to allergies and did well for years, but in 2004-2005 began having allergy symptoms again... |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 | |
Survey: 363. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural beauty & desert environment | Tucson is such a spectacularly beautiful place. The desert and mountains, canyons, stream beds and endless trails to explore. The variety of flora and fauna. The sunsets and wide open vistas. |
The people. | I love the friendly people. Most everywhere you are greeted with a smile and hello. Sometimes not but most of the time you are. I like the mix of people and different cultures. |
The historic architecture, or what's left of it. | I like the architecture that makes a place. Tucson is a mix of styles that has many influences. I appreciate the past and hope to keep the fabric that binds us together intact. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
We need visionary leadership. | We need people to inspire us with forward thinking. Leadership that can move us beyond the lackluster grind of city council. We seem to spend too much time and money on plans and studies and not enough time on implementation. That says to me we do not have the leadership in place to move us forward. |
Better education for all. | We've heard it over and over...a better educated populace will make a better city. What will unite us in our quest for a better place to live? Educate everyone and instill the power of knowledge in all our citizens. This can lead to more proactive debates and a more compassionate constituency. |
More sensitive development. | Our city is filled with parking lots and too much asphalt and I know that is mostly because of poor planning strategies from the past. Even still new developments, both commercial and residential, seem to take the cheapest and easiest route with too much blade and grade and not enough revegetation. Even the ugliest architecture/development can look beautiful with enough planting of native vegetation. |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: 1st Avenue & Ina Road 85704 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 364. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Great weather the majority of the time, with the exception of June, July and August (too hot during the summer months) |
People | Very friendly people from all walks of life, a real melting pot |
Opportunities | U of A and Pima Community College, I have lived here for 32 years and I have had great success in my chosen field |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Transportation | We need to realize that we are no longer a little pueblo and move to have an overhaul of our transportation needs. We at a minimum need a rail system like Phoenix as well as a freeway through town |
City Government | Antiquated at best, dysfunctional, anti-business |
Schools | Lets get real about our educational system, ranks as one of the lowest in the nation, no GED program for adult education, the only state in the union with this distinction, increase salaries for our teachers in order to attract and retain |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: oracle and first avenue 85755 // Years here: 32 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 365. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Freedom to pursue activities out of doors, except in summer. |
Outdoor activities | Bike lanes and safety for cyclists. |
St. St. Philips in the Hills | Community |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Infrastructure | Too many roads with potholes and rough surfaces. |
Better public transportation throughout. | I like to ride on the bus or train and would prefer to do that other than driving. |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: Campbell and Skyline 85718 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 366. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The weather | I enjoy the climate all year round even in the summer |
The beauty of the region | This is an amazing area, the plants that have adapted, the mountains, the desert makes for a great mix |
The culture | Tucson has big city opportunity yet still a small town feel |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Business climate | The area needs to realize the small businesses are essential to the health of the community and cut the costs and red tape associated with trying to build and grow |
We need true leaders and thinkers on the City Council | We are constantly cut off our noses to spite our face |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: 1st and river 85704 // Years here: 29 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 367. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Downtown's Potential | Tucson needs a walkable accessible core, with the basic services that exist but are currently lacking. |
Climate | Love the weather! |
People | Generally friendly |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Traffic Mitigation | We need someone to head the DOT that's a professional. Jim Glock is incompetent. |
City Government | Rude and entitled city employees, City employees need to be reminded who they work for and it should be easier to fire bad city employees |
Insider corruption | I'm tired of the same Insiders having access to information before the general public and business community. Scott Avenue is a perfect example of public money being directed to benefit insiders business interests. Why was Scott Avenue given such priority? An insider owned property on Scott Ave. |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: Speedway and Euclid 85705 | |
Survey: 368. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Year-around sunshine | Grew up in cold, cloudy climate! |
Open skies, desert and mtns | The openness and connection to nature and the sky, sunsets and sunrises |
Diversity of cultures, university town, horse activities | The number of outdoor activities available |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Crime | Safety |
Schools | The education we offer is enormously lacking |
Improve many of our crime ridden neighborhoods | Affects quality of life, crime, property values, indirectly affects schools too |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: river and hacienda del sol 85718 // Years here: 39 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 369. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The beauty of the land + nature + weather | It fuels my passion, creativity, and life. It inspires and physically impacts my sense of self and relationship to the planet. So many different birds! Having just moved down 1 year ago from Seattle, the amount of sunshine we get here is abundantly joyful. Love being able to savor the outdoors 365 days of the year. |
The creative, spiritual, giving and broad-thinking nature of most of the people who live here | I like associating with people who are approachable, helpful, and warm. And their creative, spiritual nature is intriguing and energizing. |
Only one major highway | It's more relaxing driving on side roads. It's not as "asphalty" as the beautiful cities of Seattle and Bellevue are. There's more land and open space between the roads in Tucson. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Have a common vision for the future of the region. | A common vision unifies people; it excites them and propels them into action. A common vision would significantly reduce the # of complaints from residents about how things aren't working here. It would generate more pride among the citizens and be better for business overall. |
Better public transportation system. | It's hard to get around Tucson unless you have a car. Small businesses need customers to succeed. And the retired, older crowd isn't big on driving...particularly at night. It would be awesome to have some type of solar-powered local, light-rail system...like Portland, Or has. |
Have all the gun-loving, die-hard Republicans who cannot debate in a civil manner move to Phoenix! | This would promote longevity and a more peaceful type of life in this beautiful region. And if not that...then my #3 item would be to develop a REAL downtown. This would bring more business to this community from both locals and visitors. |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: LaCholla + Ina 85704 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 370. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | You can't beat it. The climate also provides us with opportunities to explore alternative energy sources. |
Large city with a small-town feel | With a large city, more cultural and political opportunities exist. Because Tucson has a small-town feel, I get to know people at a deeper level and feel like I belong to the community. |
The University of Arizona | Being in a college town provides continuing education opportunities as well as a heightened awareness of the value of education. I feel like people in college town are also more enlightened. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better hospitality toward the diversity of residents. | We can do a much better job of welcoming and including and empowering the rich variety of people in our community. |
More businesses | We need to be attracting more businesses to Tucson, and we need to support better our local, family-owned businesses. |
Public transportation | We MUST have this. I think it's inexcusable that a city the size of Tucson does not have adequate public transportation. We need a variety of it, too, not just buses. |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: N 6th Avenue and University Blvd 85705 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 371. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | I suffer from Reynauds Syndrome, and the warm weather is the only treatment known that will relieve those symptoms |
Friendliness | Its a friendly city, with small town attitude, yet sophisticated, cosmopolitan, with a nice touch of class. |
Amenities | I think you could live here a lifetime, take advantage of every amenity the area has to offer, and still not take advantage of all there is to see and do in and around Tucson. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
A closer working relationship between city and county. | Combining forces would certainly lead to a more economical condition for both entities. It works in other communities, but until the petty jealousies that exist within and among the two governing bodies are put aside, a cooperative attitude/climate will not exist. |
A stronger role for the mayor and city wide elections to the City Council. | I think the city council members are more focused on doing things that benefit their local area constituents, versus the city as a whole. A stronger mayor, with more powers, could mitigate that situation |
Get the state legislature out of our business | Big Sister Phoenix can easily hold their numbers over our smaller state contingent. I think Tucson gets shorted as a result of that inequity. |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: Ajo Highway and Kinney Road 85713 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 372. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Year round outdoor activities. |
University of Arizona | Arts, culture, intellectual stimulation |
Progressive. | An oasis of progressive thinking in a sea of conservative denial. Look at water usage, Phoenix vs. Tucson. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Connect all the bike paths | So I can commute on my bike without having to ride on the streets. Rillito - Santa Cruz - Aviation Bikeway |
Tax the hell out of gasoline | Reduce automobile traffic, fund road improvements like bike lanes, fund functional public transportation |
Functional public transportation | I don't have hours to commute by public transportation. Public transportation in Tucson is impractical. |
Date of survey: Jan 29, 2011 // Home near: Silverbell, El Camino del Cerro 85745 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 373. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
WEATHER | SUNSHINE, MILD WINTER, GREAT FALL AND SPRING AND COUPLE OF MONTHS OF HEAT. |
NO STREET LIGHTS IN THE FOOTHILLS | AND THE LOW DENSITY OF MOST OF THE FOOTHILLS |
GOOD RESTUARANTS | LOCALLY OWNED AND DEVELOPED |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
CITY COUNCIL NEEDS TO BE CHANGED | THE CITY IS RUN BY A BUNCH OF LEFTIE CLOWNS THAT BURNED THRU MILLIONS WITHOUT BUILDING ONE THING DOWNTOWN |
GET SPRING TRAINING BACK | THERE ARE TEAMS IN FLORIDA THAT WE COULD ATTRACT - AND BUILD A STADIUM NEAR 10 AND THE U OF A AND MAKE IT A JOINT USE FACILITY WITH MINOR LEAGE BASEBALL POST SPRING TRAINING. WE PROBABLY NEED TO GET 3 OR 4 TEAMS |
Date of survey: Jan 30, 2011 // Home near: SWAN AND RIVER 85718 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 374. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mountains and close location to outdoor activities | I find that outdoor activities are vital to my life. However, I am so busy I cannot do anything close to what I would like to. The views, mountains, and desert around Tucson remind me that its all right there in my back yard waiting. |
Relatively close location of all areas in town | I work all over town. I can make it to the east side, west side, and even Oro Valley in relatively short time. The commute here is never really as bad as I think it is. This helps greatly with my packed schedule and diverse work locations. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 30, 2011 | |
Survey: 375. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Downtown | TOD with walkable city |
History | Spanish and Mexican Influence |
Streetcar | TOD |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Downtown | Housing |
Links project | Downtown |
Leadership | International |
Date of survey: Jan 30, 2011 85701 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 376. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | Encourages outdoor activities, more socializing, volunteerism, involvements in civic outlets |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Traffic congestion | Leads to a profusion of irresponsible driving tactics |
Street maps with inadequate explanation re name changes | Newcomers wander about needlessly |
Schools/ property taxes | Low national ranking/ property taxes high |
Date of survey: Jan 30, 2011 // Home near: Ina Rd./La Cholla 85742 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 377. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The outdoor recreational Opportunities | It gives me the ability to stay in shape while enjoying the weather and the scenery |
The bicycling Community | I get to do the thing I like to do with friends. |
The artist Community | I enjoy the arts. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
More walkable community activity centers | It gives me a feeling of community when I can walk from place to place. A more social life |
More Festivals | They bring the community together to interact and get to know each other. |
More vibrant downtown. | Every successful city needs to have a strong downtown hub to be the economic engine for the city. |
Date of survey: Jan 30, 2011 // Home near: Kolb and Sunrise 85750 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 378. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Climate | The climate is great 8 months of the year, and tolerable the other four. |
Affordable | Cost of living, from the cost housing, food, gasoline |
Size | Nothing is more than 30 minutes drive. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Stop growth | Stop encouraging growth. More people require more services, more infrastructure and more jobs. What's the advantage to the current residents. This city is basically retirement and UofA and snowbirds ... and unfortunately the distribution center for drugs and undocumented immigrants. Get rid of the gun and the gem show as they mean little to the majority of residents. Having the gun show is an embarrassment. |
Combine the county and city governments | Improve cost effectiveness |
Get rid of the mayor and the present city council | |
Date of survey: Jan 30, 2011 // Home near: Alvernon and Speedway 85712 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 379. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Mountains all around | I enjoy beautiful scenery so naturally I'd like to live near a beautiful area. I also like the idea that you can be in the desert and then, while driving up to Mount Lemmon, drive through several other life communities. |
The University of Arizona | It is a cultural and learning center. (I just wish I could go to more public lectures on campus....but hate to have to find a place to park.) I've enjoyed many classes as an undergraduate and graduate. |
The spirit of the community....the people | As evidenced from the community reaction to the tragedy of January 8th, we can be a sympathetic caring community. (Completely different from the political campaign atmosphere) |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
It would be nice if we had a vibrant downtown area | Recently we were downtown. Although there seemed to be many people, many stores and shops were empty. The area itself does not have the special character of some other urban centers. More strictly pedestrian areas would be nice, with trees, benches, fountains. |
I would like a good bus system to cover the whole valley. | It would be nice to be able to walk to a near bus stop and ride to almost anywhere in the valley. I live in the county. If I have help, I have to pick them up a long ways away. |
We need to continue to work on communications between city, county, all firemen, all police, state and federal agencies. | After reading the AZ Star Sunday 1-30-11, I worry that, although the Safeway tragedy was handled well, it could have been handled much better if there was a regional coordination center for emergencies which would include public and private companies. |
Date of survey: Jan 30, 2011 // Home near: Skyline and Campbell 85718 // Years here: 44 // Born in the: 30s | |
Survey: 380. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Like most the weather | This is obvious |
Friendly people | Because it is true |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Politically unfriendly to business for the most part | Unfortunately It is an attitude that permeates the landscape. |
Pima County property taxes. | The county just spends to much money and are not held accountable by the voters as they just keep voting the same ones in. |
Date of survey: Jan 30, 2011 // Home near: Campbell and Sunrise 18 // Years here: 37 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 381. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | I moved from a very cold climate and never want to scrape a windshield again! Sunshine makes me happy! |
Hiking | Hiking is one of my favorite things to do and we have so many trails to choose from. |
University/military | I like living in a college town. There is so much here---diversity with the military and college students and snowbirds. Perfect mix of people. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Education | I have young children and know that if we don't put money in education we will just pay out the difference, and then some, to prisons and welfare programs. Let's educate people please! |
Economy | We need more high level jobs. I have a great job but we need more professionals. |
Government | Tucson/Pima County could certainly improve the way it runs its governments. |
Date of survey: Jan 30, 2011 // Home near: Shannon/Magee 85742 // Years here: 6 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 382. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Downtown's culture like Meet Me at Maynard's | The energy and feel of gathering together to do something active. I am a bike cyclist and generally try to commute my 10 mile distance to work. People who are advocating for more community and accessibility and public space are the ones who also push for safer and better bike use. Also, with events like Maynard's, there is a shared effort by the business community to support and grow the use and enjoyment of downtown. |
Easy access to so many trails and places to ride our bikes | This choice may actually trump the downtown because this is really the reason I live in Tucson. There is a great bike community, many of whom take great advantage of the mostly-friendly streets with fairly safe shoulders or bike lanes (but the really do need to be swept more often), but my crew, in addition to road biking, use the trails all the time and love that unlike Phoenix or NYC, we rarely have to travel more than 40 minutes (if going from N.E. side to 50 yr trail in Catalina) to be in the wonderful scenic expanse of house/building-free areas. During the winter and much of the fall and spring, the weather is ideal! |
Bike community & active groups that often advocate | It is easy to find people who like to do things and appreciate the desert's beauty. This is a repeat, but I really appreciate how many areas I can get to on my bike and still have a bike lane. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Cleaner roads for more bikes | Some of the greatest danger and biggest inconvenience is the glass and gravel in the roads. Imagine coming down Mt. Lemmon, hitting a patch of broken glass, and trying to hang on at 30-40 mph while riding on your bike's rims. |
Light rail or some efficient public transport systems around town with Zip cars at the ends of the lanes --fast transport on rails to Phoenix | Tucson's layout makes this a hard one to figure out, I know, but it would make all the difference. I have enjoyed just such a difference in Denver and Phoenix. This type of transport interferes with regular traffic much less and is much faster than the buses. It truly is in the city's interest and the transportation departments need to have more foresight in anticipating the needs of the city according to the way we are growing. They need 10 & 20 year plans. |
More paths to schools - paved paths off the side of the road, not just a shoulder (like in much of Europe) | While working in elementary schools, I was blown away that much more than half of the parents drove their children to school. It is ridiculous and makes for a dangerous & congested parking lot. If parents could be convinced that their child could safely arrive at school on a bike, they would be much more likely to allow and trust their child to arrive by their own power. --Maybe the parents would go too! We all know about the awful health of many students. Just think how much better it could be if we could create more ways to encourage kids to be active, like telling them they can be independent and get themselves where they need/want to be on their own. It's almost as good as driving because you are totally in charge, even if you are only 8. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Catalina Hwy & Tanque Verde 85749 // Years here: 29 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 383. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Easy living | Things are convenient, dress is casual, it's easy to get outdoors, people are friendly and open. |
Natural beauty | I value the environment and aesthetics. I love seeing the mountains every day, the sunsets and the stars. |
Small town feel | I like to feel that I have connections. I like running into people I know at restaurants and the gym. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Employment opportunities/industry | There is a lack of young professionals in their 20s and 30s here because of the very limited jobs environments. This region needs to attract more industry to become more vibrant and less of a retirement community. |
Education system | The schools are dismal. Teachers are poorly paid, not enough resources are invested and standards are too low. The norm should be what they are teaching in the G.A.T.E. program. The other children are being shortchanged. Arts, music and PE need to be daily activities. |
Better transit | Light rail needs to expand as well as bike boulevards. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Speedway/Campbell 85716 // Years here: 28 // Born in the: 70s | |
Survey: 384. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Art | I am a local Tucson artist and I think making Tucson an art destination would be very helpful for Tucson's image and for bringing money into the local community. |
Culture | Tucson has a rich culture and an unique one. I really appreciate our commitment to cultural events and the blending of cultures in our community. I think the arts play a vital role in creating that culture. |
Community | Our focus on community and our commitment to each other across economic, and ethnic lines makes us a stronger community and makes Tucson great place to live. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Commitment to the artists' community | I think Tucson's rich artists' community is unfortunately under valued as a 'selling' point to bringing people here. We have great grass roots music, art, and theater communities here that we could exploit for making Tucson a very appealing place to spend time as a tourist. Sante Fe did it, why can't we? |
Culture | See above. |
Community | I would work to bring together our local artists' communities to celebrate all we have to offer each other and others outside our community. We need to build bridges that allow all our local 'talent' to showcase and create a better place for all Tucsonans to live. Example, a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi- discipline arts festival. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: 4th Ave. and University Blvd. 85705 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 385. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Small large city | All the amenities, still have small community atmosphere. Tucson is the collaboration of many people from different worlds and culture. many friends with good hearts and ambitious attitudes but still down to earth. |
I like golf and weather | Beautiful courses that I can play all year long. |
Good community for business and near short getaways | In the desert but a short distances away if Show Loww, white mountains, mount lemmon, lake powell....beautiful getaways |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better and easier travel from west to east | Time. frustration on traveling from west of Tucson to east Tucson |
Better leadership for community | Smarter decisions, take politics out of power positions |
Easier for small business to survive | Like seeing new entrepreneurs and have chance to make it |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: La Cholla and Tangerine 85755 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 386. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Diversity | Tucson's diverse and tolerant community allows for a greater expression in the arts and cultural aspects of city living |
The region | The climate and landscape are beautiful and inspire my life |
Smallness | It isn't small, but feels that way, and that is a plus |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The energy | There is a shortage of leaders working toward common goals for the community. |
The politics | For a city our size, the political arena is too much talk and positioning, too little action. |
Transportation | We have to solve issues regarding transportation, both too decrease travel time - which will increase productive time, and parking, which is an obstacle for many areas of town. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: McGee and Oracle 85704 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 387. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The climate | Without a nice climate, there is no good reason to live in Tucson. Doing business in this town is full of complicated/contradictory bureaucracy and is expensive. The public schools have become a detrimental environment for our youth. Compensation for the employed has not kept up with the inflation of housing, health care, food, etc. |
Sabino Canyon and the Rillito River Park | Tucson has peaceful places to exercise outdoors, which make up for the lousy customer service everywhere else. If you stop eating in restaurants because of poor service, you will soon not be dining out of your home. Retail more often than not, makes you feel bad for spending money in their stores. |
There are a lot of friendly people | It takes effort, but you can find a network of like-minded individuals. Tucson is very diverse. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Demand our schools provide for our children | Every child is entitled to a nurturing environment, but Tucson and Arizona don't seem to want to provide. How do we expect thriving individuals with gifts to offer our community to arise out of nothing? |
Help small business, not hinder it | I know a small business owner who has the City demanding he have 9 parking spaces, but the Fire Department insisting he can't have more than 6 parking spaces and he shouldn't be spending all his time on this one issue, let alone all the other fees, permits, expenses that are going to prevent him from being successful. |
Demand accountability from corporations | If we are going to continue to allow billionaires to take money from our region, then we must get better compensation for our workers. That includes health and retirement, especially since we are expected to turn around and give the money back for inflated goods and services. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: 5th and Columbus 85711 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 388. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The abundant biodiversity | The Sonoran Desert and changing landscapes going from valley floor to top of Mt Lemmon gives Tucson area the most complete |
Abundant hiking and biking trails | The ability to access trails quickly and easily. |
Proximity to Oceans, Mountains and Deserts | The ability to access these areas within a short duration to maximize weekend and vacation visits. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better transportation to access sites in the community | Improve mass transit and car pooling opportunities |
Air and Water Quality and quantity | Provide more incentives to users such as subsidies for car pooling increase parking costs in downtown areas, and clean burning fuels. provide more incentives for recycling and use of water. |
Improve quality of public education | Pay teachers more and reward them for quality teaching. Provide incentives for children to learn. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Cortaro and Silverbell 85743 // Years here: 56 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 389. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Natural Beauty (I hike for exercise, health, and fun almost every weekend) | Like living in a National Park |
Wonderful, friendly people who are open minded and accepting | There are some amazing people here at the UA and who have chosen Tucson, whether working or retired. There is a sense of community and pride. |
Easy city to live in and get around in | The city does a great job with landscaping new roads with limited access and beautiful man-made cliffs. Commuting isn't difficult and always beautiful. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Tucson needs a vibrant Downtown. While it seems to be improving slowly, it's pretty sad as cites go. | Downtown needs retail stores and a twenty screen movie theatre besides housing, a supermarket, and a sports arena. Denver's LoDo happened after building Coors Stadium. People will go out to eat after a movie or a game. |
Pedestrian friendly places besides shopping malls | I hate going to malls. Right now I couldn't even buy a shirt Downtown. |
There needs to be more on Fourth Avenue than tattoo parlors, bars, and head shops. | Yes, it should be funky but please come into the 21st century. It's not 1970. I hope that the slum lords will finally sell when we get the modern streetcar and property values increase. We could use someone with real vision to do Something Great for the street. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Euclid and Speedway 85705 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 390. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The natural environment | The Sonoran desert is a beautiful place that is unique to this part of the country. The concept of living in harmony with our environment is an an important one and the only way for us to reach long-term sustainability. |
The mixture of cultures | When the President spoke at our recent University of Arizona memorial for the shooting victims, the diversity of the speakers was uplifting. Mixing of cultures leads to innovation and a sensitivity to the needs of others. |
The weather | What more do I need to say? |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Crime | The homicides and home invasions in Tucson occur on an all too frequent basis. Finding ways to combat violence would be a great contribution to our society. |
Education | Particularly given our state legislatures refusal to maintain educational support, even given our current dismal situation, we need to find innovative ways of improving our local schools with a special focus on K-12 education. |
Alternative transportation | For long-term sustainability, we should be focusing on development close in to Tucson rather than increasing traffic by developing on the margins of the metropolitan area. Alternately, we need to find ways to serve the transportation needs of individuals living on the periphery that don't require personal automobiles. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: River and Campbell 85718 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 391. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The natural landscape, scenery and weather | I enjoy being outside and appreciating my surroundings, which I do by hiking, picnics, watching the sunsets and participating in other outdoor activities. |
Having the University of Arizona here | I'm a UA graduate and I enjoy supporting my school, running into old classmates and attending sporting events. |
The range of artistic offerings and cultural history | Music is a big part of my life and Tucson always has something going on - concerts, festivals and musicians entertaining at events and restaurants. Exposure to a diverse culture enriches one's life and makes one more accepting of different types of people. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The inability of our leaders to attract and keep businesses, organizations and industries here | This is very important in growing our economy, which should be a big factor in everyone's life. It's a terrible shame that we've lost spring training, the film industry and now at possible risk are the golf tournament and gem show. How can it be that our population is many times what it was when those events first came to Tucson and now we can't support them? |
Downtown/UA parking | There has been such a big push in the last several years to support downtown merchants and events, but when my husband and I try to do so, it's a nightmare trying to park. To some extent, the same has become true at UA in the past year. Many times we've gone to events only to turn around and go home because there was no parking available. |
Roads and drivers | Who wants to drive on cracked, bumpy, pot-holed roads and roads that are too crowded because they were not built for so many drivers? We passed bonds in the 1980s for road projects that still have not been done. And I don't understand why drivers are so rude and feel entitled to speeding and driving recklessly. That attitude needs to be changed. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Orange Grove & Skyline 85718 // Years here: 35 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 392. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Access to outdoor activities | Most of our leisure activities are related to the outdoors -- hiking, camping, boating, etc. |
Weather | |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Better public schools | Education is very important to the economy and to overall social well-being. |
Better governance | It isn't clear to me that the local government reflects the will of the people -- that it values what we value and it has a comprehensive plan for improving society. |
More high-tech industry | Tucson is relatively low-tech and the local economy reflects that. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Oracle and Ina 85704 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 393. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
University | I am an academic and the UA provides an optimal environment to perform my work (research) and teach. |
Accessibility | For a city, Tucson provides and atmosphere that is accessible both with respect to cost of entertainment and ability to get to and into most venues. |
Environment | If you like to do things out of doors (I do), then few places can match Tucson. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 | |
Survey: 394. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | You can do almost anything you want outside almost year round. |
People | People in Tucson are casual and more laid back compared to other cities I have lived in. |
Activities | With a short radius of Tucson you can go to anything from the Opera, beach or snow skiing. It really has everything you want. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Road system | There is no easy east/west commute in Tucson along with all the other road issues going north and south. Traffic is a nightmare! |
Delete new light rail system and support fire and police | Why does Tucson need a rail system over supporting police and fire. They are spending over 63 million dollars on the rail system and police and fire are short handed and not getting pay increases???? |
More community support on the border issues | By making the border more secure it would help with crime in Tucson. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Houghtong/Tanque Verde 85749 // Years here: 28 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 395. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Weather | Weather is important in so many ways; it affects how and when we can work and how we can spend our time off. I believe Tucson's weather is the best in the entire country and should be promoted as such. |
Mountains, desert, and wildlife | Tucson has some beautiful mountain ranges, and the most beautiful desert you can imagine. I love the natural desert vegetation and the creatures found around here |
Business people and University | I like the fact that people in Tucson are very creative and business oriented. I love that the University of Arizona is here - I would REALLY love to see the UofA get more involved with the small businesses SPECIFICALLY here in Tucson and do more to promote those businesses here than importing larger businesses from elsewhere. But on the same note, I am not against businesses moving here, as a matter of fact I would love to see more businesses move here and have specific areas or locations that those businesses could move to - kind of like San Diego.. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Bring more businesses here - remove red tape | No community can grow without businesses, and ours continues to grow while jobs continue to become more scarce and less well-paid. Our community can't live on restaurants and service work, we need manufacturing and high tech support, and we are a great city for both of those. What is stopping those companies from coming here? This needs to be looked at and corrected. |
Develop and Protect and promote our wildlife | There are lots of ways to continue to develop while protecting our natural desert and wildlife. When we build roads, we should build wildlife crossings, and when we build houses we should include trees, plants and even bird and bat "housing" for the native species. It is this "all or nothing" mentality that is causing so many problems. As a builder, I have no problem paying more to protect cactus, plants and trees on the project site, after all I would have to buy these to put back on the site in order to improve its resale value. However, when environmental rules become so "cost-prohibitive" that they restrain building, then everyone in the community loses as people move elsewhere (including further out where laws are less stringent) |
Promote our desert and mountains!! | We have some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, so why don't we see any movies being made here anymore? Are our taxes too high? Are our fees too much? I don't know, but I do know that movies bring people here, and once they see this place they are more likely to love it like I do! Let's get some pictures rolling! |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Interstate 10 and Twin Peaks 85742 // Years here: 45 // Born in the: 60s | |
Survey: 396. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
The weather | I do not like cold weather, rain for extended periods, snow that lingers, dampness, fog, darkness, etc. I love to see the sun most days. |
I love the friendliness of the people. | It makes me feel good to have people speak to me, show interest in what I do and say, to show caring when there is a problem in the community as the recent shooting at Gabby Giffords neighborhood meeting. |
I love the beauty of the mountains that surround the city. | There are so many places to go and things to do to stay active and enjoy the beauty of the area. So many knowledgeable volunteers who share their expertise with residents and visitors alike. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
I would make automatic clips for guns illegal and unavailable except in the hands of law enforcement officers and military personnel who are in the business of protecting citizens. | I see no reason for ordinary citizens to have such weapons. I do not want to have to fear for myself, family, friends and fellow citizens going out in public places for fear someone who is unstable will open fire with one of these weapons. |
I would put more emphasis, money and resources in educating children and young adults. Offer programs for those who are not succeeding it in the schools. Problem solve with other school systems in the U.S. to learn what works and implement new programs. | I believe that we are not doing what is needed for the children of Tucson who fall out of the norm. I saw three of my grandsons who were eagerly pushed out of the public school system into the charter schools, instead of being encouraged and provided special help to keep them in the traditional school. It ostracized them and they did not receive the kind of education that would inspire a desire for further education. |
I provide controls over the tax money taken in and make sure that it was being spent for the necessities of all in the community and not for pet projects of the few who have access to the governing board. | I see the city wasting money on projects that are not needed at this time when people are laid off and unable to provide necessities. Campaigns for raising taxes put pressure on the voters by threatening if the raises are not voted in, there will be a serious decrease in law officers, firefighters, safety personnel and services. Shameful tactics like these should cease. There is enough stress in the lives of people today, we do not need to be pressured when deciding how we will vote on issues. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Sabino Canyon and Cloud Rds. 85750 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 40s | |
Survey: 397. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Big sky | Tucson is a place where you can see for 50 miles - openness makes you feel good. |
Sonoran Desert | We are living in a landscape that exists nowhere else in the world. |
Cultural Activities | The Hispanic influence makes for a diverse and interesting city. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Regional government | Time to act as one and stop Tucson, OV & Marana, and Pima County duplicating and/or competing on everything. |
One message | Time and again companies by-pass Arizona/Tucson because they get different answers from everyone they meet. |
Promote the UofA | Students leave because there are no jobs, companies don't come because the students leave. This Catch-22 has to be broken. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Swan/Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 8 // Born in the: 50s | |
Survey: 398. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
Geography/natural setting. | Tucson has natural beauty and there are a lot of places to go hiking. |
It is the right size - not too big, not too small. | I don't want to fight the hassle of a big city, with traffic, expense, and congestion, but I want to live in a place big enough to have a university and some variety in your life. |
Low cost of living. | What can I say - I'm on a fixed income and I couldn't afford to live in California even if I wanted to. |
What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
GOVERNMENT!!!!! | Tucson is run by imbeciles. Rio Nada, the Rainbow Bridge to Nowhere, you name it and the city government and its ancillary bodies have screwed it up. |
Improve education. | The local schools in general, and TUSD in particular, are way behind the curve. It's not just lack of money/support from the Legislature - the scandalous handling of information systems shows that there has been a history of incompetence at the top. |
More interaction between the Anglo and Latino communities. | It was disappointing to move to Tucson and realize that it is not one bilingual community, but two communities speaking different languages and suspicious of each other. I'm Anglo, bilingual, and I used to live in Mexico, so I wish there was more overlap. |
Date of survey: Jan 31, 2011 // Home near: Tanque Verde and Catalina Highway 85749 // Years here: 7 // Born in the: 40s |
Some editing has been done, to remove obvious typos, reversed letters, junk entries and some misspellings.