Imagine Greater Tucson
Online Survey Data from December 1 - 10, 2010
| Survey: 1. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The outdoors | The mountains are beautiful reminders that an escape from the city is a short trip away, and the expanses of desert provide welcome relief from the urban sprawl. |
| The 'look' | When I first came to Tucson, I thought that the city was quite ugly and disharmonious. But now I sort of like the quirkiness of the city, with its hidden pockets of fun, old neighborhoods, and monuments. I think more could be done to beautify the city, but it's nice to explore it and discover what's already here. |
| The burgeoning arts scene | As a newcomer to Tucson, I'm excited about the references to the local music scene, the art galleries, museums, and performing arts. The Loft is a great resource, and I look forward to becoming familiar with the Fox and Rialto Theatres. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Center farmers' markets around food products | I have only gone to two farmers' markets, but both had a preponderance of craft items instead of fruits, vegetables, and other food products. I understand that local artisans want to sell their wares, but farmers' markets should be about the food. This is how it was in Rochester, NY, the city from which I moved to Tucson. |
| Mass transit system | As someone who would rather not drive, the fact that a car is necessary in Tucson is disheartening. There do not seem to be very good alternatives - there aren't enough bus routes, no light rail, etc. Tucson is not a small city anymore, although it likes to think it is. We need to take a good look at how we're developing and make smart investments in infrastructure, and I hope a good mass transit system is one of them (not just freeways). |
| The sprawl | Tucson is in danger of becoming as big and ungainly as Phoenix. The low-density development and sprawl wastes resources and threatens the natural beauty of our surroundings. I worry that the city planning will deter from the creation of a good mass transit system. |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Kolb & Escalante 85730 // Years here: 0 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 2. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Relative small size | Don't want to live is Phoenix or LA |
| Generally less crowded | Easier to get around most of the year |
| Generally good weather in the winter | Great outdoor activities |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Improve business climate | Need better paying jobs |
| To liberal politics | Can't get any real growth when everyone is living off the tax payers |
| Improve cross town highways | This town has not kept up with it's growth with any sort of freeway system |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Oracle and 1st 85737 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 3. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Natural surroundings | Dark skies, distant vistas, xeroscaping, summer evenings, winter days, knowing that a hike or camping opportunity is 30 minutes away |
| New beginnings | Many folks move here to start a new phase of their life (UA, DM, snowbirds; migrants). native residents can typically tell the tale of the new beginning that their ancestors were seeking. I believe this makes us more open, more understanding of others as long as we can still remember when we were new here. |
| The grit of downtown | The grill, the tap room, bicas, the little poca cosa, |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Solar capital of the world | Why aren't we the solar capital of the world? |
| Improve education | The state is killing our public eduction. we need to take a stand |
| Better job opportunities | We should be leading the world in solar innovation and water conservation. |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Broadway and Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 11 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 4. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| You can be exposed to a variety of cultures, religions, socioeconomics, etc without having to try very hard to do it | I'm mixed race, Jewish, female, and middle class, so not exactly the status quo. It's nice to know that I can be exposed to people who are both similar to me and also different. |
| Vibrant local businesses and programs | It's nice to know that there are family- and independently-owned businesses and restaurants, as well as local programs like the Fourth Avenue Street Fair that keep Tucson from looking like just any city |
| Social justice programs | There are lots of non-profits supporting low income families, immigrants, and other marginalized groups. it's sad that many of them are having to cut back, but I appreciate how many of them are out there. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The small town feel | One of the nice things about Tucson is that we all know each other. If we don't know a person, they are probably our brother's girlfriend's cousin's neighbor. But since Tucson is rather large, i think we suffer from thinking that we are still a small town, because this leads to not seeing the value in funding more public transportation, bigger museum exhibits/concerts/cultural events, etc. |
| Upper class attitudes about South Tucson | I went to private school on a scholarship, and while I'm certainly not low-income, I was poor compared to most of my classmates. Still, my parents are educated and liberal, and they exposed me to lots of parts of Tucson. I can't stand the rich kids and their parents I went to school with, who say things like, "OMG, I'm on 22nd Street! I'm so lost in the ghetto" or "You went to South Tucson? What, you want to get shot?" or "Why would you shop in a place where nobody even speaks English?" |
| Recycling and other green activities | I have heard that most of what gets sent to the recycling plant gets thrown away, because they don't get enough recycling to make it worth their while to use the recycling plant. Also, UA refuses to recycle glass, even though they sell food items packaged in glass, and in most places around town, there are only trash cans, not recycle bins. Attitudes don't change overnight, but making more of an effort to promote being green without making it a chore (a restaurant on campus now offers biodegradable lids, but you have to pay extra--it would be better if they only offered the biodegradable lids, not the option, and just upped the price of a salad by 10 cents) might encourage people to do it. |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Broadway and Alvernon 85711 // Years here: 22 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 5. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Beautiful scenery here | I moved here primarily because of it |
| Tucson�s a city, but small | Lived in several much bigger cities, tired of the complexity |
| More relaxed pace | Tired of big city "rat race" |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Bicyclists are a hazard to themselves and drivers | Don't want to kill one by accident as they are always in the way! |
| Airport flight connections are poor | Do some travel |
| Better crosstown traffic | Need to get across town |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Houghton/Drexel 85747 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 6. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson is a big, small town. Let's keep it that way, do not grow to 2 million! | It retains the ease of living in a smaller town, while still having many facilities/activities of a large city |
| The fabulous natural environment | The environment - desert, mountains, big sky is endlessly engaging |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Get cyclists along the road to realize they are a bicycle and not master of the asphalt domain | I don't want to hit one |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 0 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 7. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The environment | Preservation of views and of the night sky |
| The people | I appreciate the kindness of Tucsonans and their laid-back style |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| No answer | No answer |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 2 | |
| Survey: 8. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Mixture of cultures (anglo/hispanic/native) | Tucson is the result of several different cultures (and civilizations really) all of which play a part in who we are now |
| The UA | It has been the focal point of most of my life. It serves a central role in so much of what makes Tucson Tucson |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Repeal of SB1070 | It is completely counter to #1 above |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 40 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 9. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Local cultures and arts | Native American culture and worldview, Hispanic history and arts, local arts scene. The warmth of the people, the colors, the traditions. Sadly, the invasion of the beige has seriously threatened these traditions. |
| Sunshine and wild spaces | Personal health, psychological health |
| Sciences and science research | Career |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Revitalize local economy | Stop growth and generica taking over the unique cultures and community of the region. |
| Prohibit real estate development | Stop growth, stop beigevilles, live sustainably |
| Throw out the mayor & council & real estate special interests | Personally difficult to teach science to hungry children while watching millions of dollars wasted on Rio Niente and Rainbow Bridge and corruption. |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Pima & Alvernon 85712 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 10. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The Sonoran Desert and Desert Climate | I love the plant diversity, I spend most of my free time outside |
| Eclectic/Diverse community | More people=more ideas |
| University of AZ | It brings people from around the world to visit and study |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Local politics | They have lost the confidence of investors |
| Public Transportation/alternative transportation | Tucson is outgrowing the roadway structure |
| Blighted Roadways | Tucson has some of the ugliest streets I've ever seen |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 8 | |
| Survey: 11. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The beauty of the area and city | It makes it refreshing to my soul to live here |
| The climate | One can enjoy being outdoors most of the year |
| Friendliness of the people | People and community are important |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Public Transportation and roads | It would make it easier to get around the area - used to reduce dependence on cars |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Houghton/Irvington 85747 // Years here: 37 // 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? |
| Mountains and natural landscapes | Lived in Phoenix and am renewed here by nature |
| Cultural offerings | Allows us (me) to soar |
| Liberal/progressive attitudes | Community is essential and liberals do it better |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation | Car traffic is a waste of time and resources |
| Downtown | It is not a hub, UofA is hub of Tucson |
| Newspaper/City communication | Communication of opportunities is hard to root out |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 13. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| River Road and Campbell Ave | They require driving skills and have character |
| San Xavier Mission | The history of the area |
| University of Arizona | Lends multiple strengths to the community |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Downtown | It is not a place that is inviting, interesting, or a place to be proud of |
| City sprawl | We need a center, a heart of the town |
| More solar | Arizona needs to lead the way |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 14. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Desert landscape | Enjoy open spaces. Feels less congested |
| Weather | Warm is good |
| Slower pace | Slow down, enjoy life, less hectic |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Slow growth | Too much too fast leads to slow growth |
| Improve water conservation efforts | It's the desert - conserve, conserve, conserve |
| Improve water conservation efforts | It's the desert |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 15. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| My neighborhood Civano | I live here! It's a nice community that feels like a community. It is just a nice place to live |
| Small-town feel | I feel it's something we need to hold on to as we expand |
| Bike friendly! | I like to bike and it makes me feel safer |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Education | It's the most important thing! Smarter people are better people |
| The roads | They're pretty bad! And I do a lot of driving |
| Public Transportation | It would make the town more accessible and feel smaller. More sustainable |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Houghton/Irvington 85747 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 16. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Environmental Emphasis | Reducing our footprint - personally and collectively- is so important |
| Native arts community | I'm a drummer and have opportunities to perform as well as enjoy all of the arts/museums/events/etc. |
| Civano | Absolutely the best neighbors - and neighborhood- in the world |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Require all new development to follow Civano standards | It will allow the area to develop holistically - jobs, shopping, walking, biking, etc. |
| Merge Pima county and the City of Tucson (and others) | Eliminate duplication of services, positions, etc. |
| Better public transportation | As I age I would much prefer an option to ,y personal automobile |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 11 | |
| Survey: 17. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | I can ride my bike every day of the year |
| Cycling lanes university | Same reason |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Better bus system | Being able to get downtown without use of a car |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Houghton/Irvington 85747 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 18. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The desert and mountains | For escape - hiking and biking |
| All the things to do and get involved in. Museums/clubs/organizations/Senior Center/Pima College/UofA | I am constantly learning more and meeting new people |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Increase public transportation opportunities | No answer |
| Continue Pantanos Wash trail to Houghton/Irvington | I want to be able to ride my bike from Civano to Sunflower Market without going in the street |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Houghton/Irvington 85747 | |
| Survey: 19. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sunshine/environment | The entire environment needs to be considered and sustained so we will continue to have sunshine, desert environment, and not smog, congestion, etc. overcrowded |
| Willingness to take care of the business of growth, i.e. this survey | There are so many parts of Tucson that can be explored (Oro Valley) (other mountains) (Downtown) (the border) |
| The arts in this larger community | Creativity is encouraged through the arts from art museums, to classes, to art fairs |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation issues | Cross town and up and down the county need probably a light rail rail system for environmental as well as practical consideration |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 5 // 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? |
| Civano | Community involved as fact |
| Outgoing, people, diversity | Creates learning |
| Sunsets, mountains | Beauty of nature |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Communication | Need a better- more positive conduit for information- less negativity allowed |
| Shopping | Would like to us car less to get around |
| Youth facilities | Our kids need better facilities |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Drexel/Houghton 85747 // Years here: 5 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 21. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Mild weather | No answer |
| Laid-back lifestyle | Relaxed atmosphere |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Employment opportunities for young adults | Young professionals leave for better opportunities elsewhere |
| Pay rates for public employees e.g. teachers, state and city employees | Same as #1- pay does not encourage professors |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Houghton/Irvington 85747 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 22. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | No answer |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Employment for college - educated young adults | Brain drain |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Houghton/Irvington 85747 // Years here: 17 // 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? |
| Variety of concerned groups | Always need to improve |
| Small-town feel of a city | Friendly, accessible |
| Liberal vision of our congressional reps - District 7 | Focus on services and ways to help beyond Tucson |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Finances for agencies and groups | Making a wider population to participate |
| Transportation for disabled | Tucson needs to be accessible to everyone |
| Date of survey: Dec 01, 2010 // Home near: Houghton/Irvington 85747 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 24. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Warm winter weather | The winter's in Tucson are bright and sunny and generally warm. Even the coldest days in Tucson are better than the warmest winter days in the Midwest. |
| The University of Arizona | The campus is quite beautiful and safe. There are numerous activities, including sporting events, performances, and public lectures. It is also surrounded by interesting and fun places, like University Avenue and nearby 4th street. |
| Diversity | I like that there are foreign populations living in Tucson. There are even peoples from East Asia and the Middle East. Refugee centers such as TIARC are really great, as are organizations like the Tucson Chinese Community Center. There should be more ways to integrate foreign populations into city life in a productive manner. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Aesthetics | Tucson is a run-down and dirty city. You can't walk a block down the street without stepping over several piles of dog crap. People's yards are cluttered with brush and rubbish and run down fences or graffitied walls. Very few neighborhoods look taken care of. The city streets are really broken up and out-of-date. I generally don't think Tucsonans care much about their city, so they just don't bother to take care of it. It's really sad. I would create harsher penalties for defacing public property and use the funds for beautification. Certainly more emphasis and funding for beautification would be awesome, but I doubt that would ever happen. |
| Education | I find it really sad how low of a priority education is in Tucson and Arizona. I would raise taxes and make sure that schools are properly funded. There are some things that deserve proper funding, and education is definitely a worth-while investment in the future. I would never want to raise a family in Tucson, because I would be afraid of how far behind my children would fall relative to children growing up in places that make education a priority. Also funding cuts to the University of Arizona are terribly short-sighted. Short-selling Tucson's future is the last thing people should do. |
| Public Revenue | Tucson has a lot of problems, but is unwilling to make investments in its infrastructure in order to fix problems and prepare for a good future. Taxes are way too low and too many funds are wasted on anti-immigration and "securing the border". Unless leaders take draconian measures to stop Mexicans coming to Tucson, their efforts aren't going to make a difference. Perhaps it is better to save money by cutting back on border security and have a few more people to work as dishwashers and gardeners. Furthermore, Tucson needs to stop urban sprawl. Delivering services to remote parts of the city are a waste. The city should learn how to build up, not build out. Outlying regions should be de-annexed. |
| Date of survey: Dec 02, 2010 // Home near: Fort Lowell and Mountain 85719 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 25. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Diversity of people | Diversity of restaurants, culture |
| Arts opportunities | Tucson Parks and Recreation, Pima Community College |
| Size | Not too big, not too small |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Noise Ordinance | The current noise ordinance allows auto repair shops to make as much noise as they want, regardless of their proximity to residents. My family has to put up with extremely loud noise and toxic fumes from an auto body shop located behind our house, Monday through Saturday. Tucson Police will not intervene. |
| Schools | More attention must be given to public schools, K-12 through college....increased funding, efficiency, etc. |
| Pollution/Graffiti | Too much littering and graffiti is present throughout the community |
| Date of survey: Dec 02, 2010 // Home near: Broadway/Swan 85711 // Years here: 3 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 26. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| People | Diverse population |
| History | Rich in history |
| Large--small community | Large and small community at the same time |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Merge city and county governments | Both waste monies--look at Rio Nuevo |
| City needs to annex a great part of the county | Larger tax base county res could make a positive impact on the City of Tucson |
| Date of survey: Dec 02, 2010 85719 // Years here: 27 | |
| Survey: 27. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Access to libraries and cultural opportunities | Lifelong learning and quality performances make for a richer environment and stronger community through services, programs and entertainment. |
| Environment/climate | We live in an environment and setting that allow for year round physical activities bringing the possibility of healthier populations |
| Small town atmosphere with big city amenities | It is nice to be in a community that is easy to navigate and "feels" less crowded but that offers a wide variety of educational, recreational and cultural opportunities |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Proximity of Health Care facilities | For folks in the outlying regions urgent care and emergency care continues to be a problem...having had children with asthma this has been an issue over the years |
| Higher paying jobs | There are many opportunities on the lower income scale but for mid to upper ranges there is a need for more opportunities so that families that move here can stay |
| Quality education | Although individual schools are working hard, there needs to be a more equitable way to provide excellent education for all of Arizona�s children if we are to continue to thrive as a state |
| Date of survey: Dec 02, 2010 // Home near: La Canada Dr and Sahuarita Rd 85629 // Years here: 22 // 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? |
| The community | Small town feel |
| The beauty | Tucson's majestic beauty and amazing outdoor spaces |
| Its uniqueness | Strong hispanic culture and the native tribes plus the vibrancy of the U of A |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Improve schools | The thrive we must educate the next generation. |
| Clean up the gang graffiti and other eye-sores (Grant Rd) | Out of town visitors are often greeted by unpleasant images that reflect violence and lots of gang activity. Many S. Az visitors only see Tucson from the car and what they see is many areas of town is horrific. We must clean it up! |
| Develop the downtown | All great cities have alluring downtowns. (Denver, San Antonio, OK City) We need reasons for people to gather downtown to attract resources to our community |
| Date of survey: Dec 02, 2010 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 29. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | I am old, and it warms my aching muscles. |
| Relaxed Lifestyle | It means less fancy clothes, just as much theatre, dining out casually, not far to go to get a good meal. |
| The sense that we are a "western' community | I like the cultural overtones of living in Tucson, the cowboy spirit, the Mexican people. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The lack of visionary leadership | A visionary leader (think Mayor Daley in Chicago) can put a town on his back - with the help of the town media - and move it forward. |
| Change the MTCVB's idea of selling our resorts first. | They should be creating an image of Tucson as the last great western town, instead of a city with lots of golf course and resorts for rich people. |
| The coming shortage of water needs to be addressed | If lake Mead KEEPS DROPPING, AND THE RAINFALL IN THE Colorado basin CONTINUES TO DECLINE, they say we will be out of water by 2021. Seems like the answer is to not invite more folks to live here. Our motto could be: Come, spend money, then go home. Probably can't be done, but if the population continues to grow, we will become a waterless ghost town like Pearce and Helvetia. |
| Date of survey: Dec 02, 2010 // Home near: Swan & Sunrise 85718 // Years here: 50 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 30. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| La Canada/Magee | Grew up in the Flowing Wells area and have always enjoyed the sense of community is certain areas. The neighborhood I grew up in still has is most valuable asset, it residents now many in the 80's and 70's. I am now living in Oro Valley and feel residents are their important asset. |
| Design | The Oro Valley area - and master plan is what attracts me to the area. I want clean, maintained and safe community. I want services for young and seniors. I want a community that believes in quality. |
| All you need | Everything you need is within a few miles drive and if you choose wisely - walk. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Schools | Class size are way too big. Schools are not producing and "children" are being left behind - due to class sizes. Get back to the basics kids are leaving schools without the ability to read, write and perform simple math. |
| Government accountability | Another sales tax (RTA) and spending is happening without accountability. Painted empty buses, new fare system - I didn't vote for aesthetic but additional functional base service. Why are government staff so large? COT - Pima County? |
| Walkability | Instead of focusing only on cars lets get people to live, play and work where they live. Let's improve our mobility through connectivity of sidewalks and other assets such as bike lanes. |
| Date of survey: Dec 02, 2010 // Home near: Oracle/1st Avenue 85737 // Years here: 61 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 31. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather | Nothing too unpredictable about the weather here so that's great for planning outdoor activities. Rarely any weather caused travel restrictions. |
| So close to nature | Don't have to travel hours to hike, picnic on the mountains, inhale the desert aroma after a rain. It isn't all concrete and steel. |
| History | Am able to enjoy and participate in traditions from other cultures - Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, Native American, African American and more |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Crime/gangs | I suppose crime and gang activity grows as the population does. I'm sorry to see murder and gang violence at such a high rate. I want my family to be safe. I live in midtown where there is a lot of drugs and all the nasty things that go with that. |
| Support for schools/education | My grandson is 8 and many programs/activities at his school have been cut. |
| Bring downtown back to life | Attending anything downtown feels like being a part of a community. |
| Date of survey: Dec 02, 2010 // Home near: Speedway/Alvernon 85716 // Years here: 33 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 32. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The environment | My work focuses on local natural resources |
| Local distinctiveness | Promotion of local businesses, distinctive areas of town with a sense of place |
| Diversity | Diversity of the environment, the people, the cultures, interests... |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Hot urban landscape - lack of green spaces | Need more trees, appropriate landscaping, etc to cool and shade right-of-ways as I bike/walk around town. |
| Increase alternative transportation | I would like to go car-less but need better modes and ease of access to bike boulevards, buses, rail, etc. |
| Restoration of natural areas in and around town | Celebrate the desert environment and fragile riparian ecosystems - this is what defines place |
| Date of survey: Dec 02, 2010 // Home near: Ft. Lowell and Country Club 85716 // Years here: 9 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 33. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The Energy | Gives off a good energy, feeling, spirituality. We |
| Sunshine | Number of days per year that contain sun. |
| Size | Still feels manageable despite the large geographic area it takes in. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation | Seriously, an East-West expressway over the Rillito! |
| Government | Seriously, with a population over 1 million do we not need a full time government?! Also, the separation of City to County Government in the voting process is frustrating if you live outside the city limits. |
| Business incentives | Glad we have Treo, now we need the Government to get in the act with incentives to draw more manufacturing and service jobs to the region. |
| Date of survey: Dec 03, 2010 // Home near: Sunrise and Craycroft 85750 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 34. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Local parks and recreation | In all the local parks I've visited, all have been well laid out, clean and provide what I feel to be a safe place for me to exercise outdoors. The people I encounter also add to the experience. |
| Emphasis on Art and local business | The 4th street Street Fair is a good example, and is something I look forward to attending each year. It provides a experience to get out in what I feel to be a safe venue, which allows me to shop, see the new products that local business has to offer, and add money into the local economy. Again, the people I encounter add to the experience. |
| Bike paths and sidewalks | Barring the high temperature and blazing sun in the summer months, the availability of clean and safe bike paths and sidewalks allows me and my family to get out and exercise. These designated paths are well traveled, and so it feels safe to use them. Also, I often encounter the same people while I'm out and about, which allows me to get to know my neighbors. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Safety | There are events and businesses that I don't visit simply because I do not feel the adequate presence of police/security personnel. I don't have a solution for this, however, I can say that I'd participate more and surely add more money into the local economy if I felt safe venturing into certain parts of town by myself. |
| Availability to the downtown area | Everyone I know that doesn't live downtown doesn't bother to get downtown. It's a pain to drive, find parking and then pay for parking. It would be nice to have an effective "park and ride" system tied in with mass transit to make traveling into the downtown area more accessible. If this is readily available, making this information available would be helpful. |
| Ability to get across town | Living on the East side, I find it a pain to get to the West side to buy things and attend events. If there were a more effective way to get across town that didn't force me to use my car, and didn't force me to sit in traffic for 45 minutes, I would do it more often. |
| Date of survey: Dec 03, 2010 // Home near: Sabino Canyon & Tanque Verde 85715 // Years here: 1 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 35. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The mountains & beautiful desert | I like beautiful places |
| The weather | I don't like extreme cold weather |
| The community | Some nice people |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Clean it up | Our neighborhoods are a mess |
| Competent and honest city government | 2 words-- Rio Nuevo |
| Register bicycles and license their riders | Bicyclists use the same streets that cars use, but only automobiles have to pay registration. Also bicyclists should have to get a bike version of a driver's license, pass a "driving" test, etc. Bicyclists are getting a free ride! |
| Date of survey: Dec 03, 2010 // Home near: Pantano/ 22nd. 10 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 36. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Natural beauty of the region | I find solace and spiritual uplift from nature as well as a feeling of health and well-being. |
| Climate of the region | I like the warm climate, but also like the proximity of cooler areas to escape to if the heat becomes too oppressive. This climate allows activity year-round. |
| Community spirit of residents | I feel a sense of place here, with many friends and kindred spirits. There is a lot of community involvement of residents. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| I would assign a priority to mass transit and gradually allow the importance of automobiles to diminish. | We are moving into a future of diminishing fossil fuel resources and it is imperative that we begin to plan for and actively move toward that future while there is still time. |
| I would freeze the boundaries of the Tucson active water management area and issue no further development permits. | Our groundwater is a very finite resource and the future of CAP water as a dependable resource is not assured--being totally dependent upon Nature, which is being affected by climate change. |
| I would begin a strong movement to relocalize all activities within the Tucson region. | The coming age of fossil fuel scarcity/high cost will affect our food supplies and the ready availability of all other goods upon which we rely. We are a very food-insecure area. We need to encourage and support a huge increase in food farming in this region if we want to be able to feed ourselves in the future. We will need to prioritize water usage for food crops. This requires a good lead time of advance planning in order to be food secure before hard times set in. This idea applies to other goods besides food. We need to encourage and support local business and manufacturing of essential goods instead of relying on the import of most of our goods from long distances and other countries. We need to begin planning for relocalization NOW, while there is still time. |
| Date of survey: Dec 03, 2010 // Home near: Broadway & Houghton 85748 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 37. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Non-rainy warm weather. | I enjoy outdoor activities: playing sports, biking, running, & strolling. It's nicer to do those when it's not cold and rainy. |
| Clean air, mountain views, gorgeous sky. | An attractive natural environment makes me feel safer and happy. |
| The preservation of natural vegetation & wildlife so close to city life. | See #'s 1 and 2 above. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Put more resources into education. | Young people are our future and we need to educate them better so that they learn how to evaluate, analyze, and solve community, national, and world problems. |
| Increase the development density of central neighborhoods.. | Denser central development will make it easier and more attractive for more people (including me) to walk, bike, or take public transportation to shopping, entertainment, and recreation. |
| Create a system of walking paths and bike routes, separated from roads, that interconnect the entire region. | I wish that I could drive my car much less. |
| Date of survey: Dec 04, 2010 // Home near: Campbell & Skyline 85718 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 38. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| I like the mountains and the desert. | Tucson is surrounded by mountains and desert. People come from around the world to visit them. Building projects that disassociate Tucsonans and visitor from them only benefit a few. Specifically Pima Canyon and Cherrystone are examples to learn from. To that end, protect wildlife corridors. |
| Stars | Imagine a large city where you can see the starts at night; that is Tucson. The dark skies initiative is a great idea, and should be a part of any permitting process in the county or the city. Even Tucson Electric Ballpark and the U of A should be a solution to, not a source of light pollution. |
| The Mexican/Spanish influence. | Our rich cultural heritage is more Latin than English and we should acknowledge that. I think the the most recent building to reflect and embrace that heritage is the new Fire Station near the TCC. I hat to bring up Latin Studies, but if Latin topics aren't talked about in school, they won't be implemented. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Rapid transit | Every road widening, bus pullout, resurfacing and striping project should in the early stages ask the question will this project streamline transportation and increase the quality of life of Tucsonans and visitors. |
| Bike lanes | Maybe the city fathers (and mothers) should commute by bike to downtown for a week; but certainly one day. A day isn't enough time to start to think of the problems that need to be addressed. GOOD JOB on the re-striping on Congress downtown to Silverbell. |
| Synchronize traffic lights, or use traffic cops daily | Many big cities have traffic cops to streamline traffic flow during rush hour. Especially with budget cuts, it is a good opportunity to see a cop out of a vehicle, and certainly it couldn't hurt our traffic flow. Maybe parking meters rates should increase, but so should biking incentives (showers). |
| Date of survey: Dec 04, 2010 // Home near: congress/grande 85745 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 39. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Welcoming, friendly community | Tucson is a place where people care about people, no matter who you are, what you do or where you come from. I want to live and be in a place where I can be comfortable, loved and respected for who I am AND be in a place where I can practice the same. |
| Beauty of the Surroundings | After 15 years, I still find the mountains awe-inspiring. Our natural surroundings are beautiful and should be protected. I love to hike and I love to bike. |
| Creativity & Culture | Tucson is blessed with many creative people in the arts - music, dance, visual arts, architecture, theater and more. UAs strong colleges help support and nurture that creativity. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Continue to revitalize downtown redevelopment | I believe a vibrant downtown is vital to a vibrant city. The west side museum projects and mission gardens, nice hotels in the city center, affordable housing, nurturing small businesses, adding the light rail will enhance the recent successes of downtown. |
| Progressive, forward-thinking | Alternative transportation - more light rail, electric cars, platinum status as a cycling community. Lots of pedestrian space downtown, arts warehouse district full of artists, nurturing our successes in optics and other industries, being aggressive about bringing high paying jobs to town, supportive of arts and small businesses, green economies. |
| Improving our outdated city charter | City government seems broken and often doesn't function well. Great ideas have been bantered around for a long time, but we seem slow to progress. |
| Date of survey: Dec 04, 2010 // Home near: Ft. Lowell & Campbell 85719 // Years here: 15 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 40. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Diverse landscape surrounding Tucson | We have a ski resort to the immediate north. We also have Redington Pass and Sabino Canyon, the Saguaro National Park, and all the other attractions or favorite places that people will visit, well known or well kept secrets. |
| Size | At present, the city feels just right. It isn't overwhelming like the Phoenix area. |
| Willingness to encourage public art | I will have a minor in Fine Art when I graduate. I feel that artwork is important and I appreciate the element that it adds to new construction. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| SWEETWATER! | This is the one thing that anyone traveling through Tucson on I-10 smells. I do not want people identifying that smell with my community. |
| Incentives and encouragement to harvest rain water and grey water. | The groundwater is being used at an astronomical rate. I would like to know that we as a community are doing EVERYTHING in our power to preserve and conserve it. |
| More bike friendly streets and paths. | I like to ride my bicycle as much as possible. sometimes my route takes me to some hazardous crossings and streets. |
| Date of survey: Dec 05, 2010 // Home near: Sierrita Mountain Road and Ajo Way 85736 // Years here: 16 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 41. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The weather in fall | I like to walk outside and to not have to use my car |
| The perimeter desert | The beauty and wildlife setting for where I live |
| Affordability | I am retired so money saved is helpful for a secure lifestyle |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Portions of the built environment | I hate the roads and driving everywhere here and the urban sprawl |
| Redevelop Campbell Ave and Broadway | This would make it easier for me to experience Tucson |
| Develop linked greenways | This would enable me to go shop, visit friends, and go to cultural attractions on my bike in an attractive setting |
| Date of survey: Dec 05, 2010 // Home near: Campbell/Ina 85718 // Years here: 2 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 42. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| I like the most is the change of weather change throughout the state. | The weather supports my warm health; Driving throughout the state affords me to witness the different climate change at any given time. |
| I appreciate the beautifully diversity of our landscape | The cactus, saguaro, mountain range, the distinctive animals passing through my neighborhoods, no need to cut grass and shovel snow in Tucson. |
| Community Diversity | I appreciate the diverse of the faith community, different races living together. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Community Future growth | Lack of public transportation, signage in public way, east side freeway |
| Safe places for Youth | Park & rec & schools districts lack of shelter outdoors activities during the summer |
| Honoring Faith Based Representatives Diversity | Such as alternating; Faith leaders, more inclusive with individual Faith community within a larger group. Welcome those individuals who are working from the grass roots level. |
| Date of survey: Dec 05, 2010 // Home near: Grant & Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 43. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Character | Southwest feel, diversity |
| Weather | I'm from Mn |
| Topography | Love the desert and mtns. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The downtown | It has deteriorated and not an attraction |
| Littering | The whole area needs to be cleaned up |
| Fix the border | The problem is destabilizing and hurting our economy/tourism/safety |
| Date of survey: Dec 06, 2010 // Home near: ina and oracle 85737 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 44. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The way the community comes together in disasters | We respond as a one |
| The openness of Tucson society, many circles cross | You never know who you will meet or where |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Dec 06, 2010 | |
| Survey: 45. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The mountains of Tucson | The mountains are close by & you can get away from the city easily. |
| The "little" patches of landscape you can see | There are little patches of nature around that have not been put there by anyone. They are there because people have left them alone. |
| The varied living creatures you can find | There are a lot of different types of critters around Tucson & the surrounding mountains. It is a shame that we have lost our claim to having big horn sheep here though. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Date of survey: Dec 06, 2010 | |
| Survey: 46. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Finding people of the same interests as mine. | Having association with people of like interests to share and learn. |
| Weather | Allows me to be outside most any time. |
| Reasonable prices on many necessary items. | Tucson has much more reasonable prices than many places I have lived in the US and allows me to get more bang for the buck. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Change to Ward elections in the city of Tucson | Tucson city government has proved to be incompetent and money wasters. This stems from a severe lack of leadership in the city council. The main reason for the election of these incompetents is the at large election of them. I know that this is about to change but it can't come soon enough. |
| Most of the region is unfriendly to business and development. | You grow or you die! Make all the entities in Pima county more receptive to business and development. Establish necessary controls but eliminate the abuse of these controls. Allow for more regional planning, ie PAG, RTA, to have a greater say in these matters. As a business man, I am constantly being dinged or harassed by some rule or official that has nothing better to do. |
| Establish a 10 year plan and stick to it. | Plan what is to be done in Pima County and the other entities and stick to the plan. Get it done! No more Rio Nuevos! |
| Date of survey: Dec 06, 2010 // Home near: Wrightstown and Pantano 89715 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 47. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Arts & Entertainment | There is always something to do in Tucson whether it's the arts, community events, or out in nature, there is always something for everyone in Tucson. |
| Public Transportation | We may not have an extensive system, but SunTran and Van Tran are very efficient services. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| How we spend money | Good ideas to expand and grow our city but very poor implementation. Get rid of the politics and run our city like a business trying to grow in a tight economy. Plan and implement, don't be wishy-washy. We waste too much money. |
| High business property taxes | These high taxes in Tucson limit manufacturing growth in Tucson and our ability to bring more employment options to the community. |
| Date of survey: Dec 06, 2010 // Home near: St. Marys and Silverbell 85745 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 48. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Small city benefits with close proximity to rural living | Want to live and contribute to sustaining the health and vigor of a smaller city that is surrounded by open land and rural type living; want to ensure sprawl does not destroy the rural western feel |
| Diversity | The University population, the golf/resort population, the high tech industry, and the hispanic & native american blend in an interesting cultural mix |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Lack of a vision for a planned focused future for the area | Balanced sustainable economic growth (perhaps in light clean industry/high tech/research) with jobs that pay a living wage |
| The high density/poorly planned urban sprawl in certain areas | Land use not thoughtfully planned and managed--left unchecked the appeal of Tucson from 15 years ago will be lost |
| Governance model and management, fiscal responsibility | The smart growth, health and viability of the region |
| Date of survey: Dec 06, 2010 // Home near: Melpomene and Prince 85749 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 49. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The region is conducive to being physically fit | Great places to cycle, swimming available year round, paths available for running, etc. |
| Vibrant arts community for a region this size | The visual and performing arts are visible everywhere from public art (such as the bridges, bus shelters) to theater groups such as Live Theatre Workshop and Dance (Ballet Tucson) |
| Weather and natural beauty | Weather is nice most of the year - can do lots of things outdoors The scenery is just gorgeous in the region, lifts your spirits |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Improve public education | I have a school age child that went to public school, but we removed her and put her in private school because the quality of education in this region is simply awful. |
| Recreation opportunities | The very thing that makes Tucson special to me - the availability of recreation is the thing that is being cut because of the budget. I and others have seen our recreation options dwindle (closing of swimming pools, etc.) and that along with other issues, makes me wonder why I stay in this area. |
| Media coverage | The Arizona Daily Star has devolved so badly I don't even consult it anymore - there's a huge void in balanced journalism - I find it difficult to get unbiased news |
| Date of survey: Dec 06, 2010 // Home near: 22nd Street and Fourth Ave. 85701 // Years here: 17 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 50. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Being in the southwest | Affinity with the desert and the mountains |
| Casual lifestyle | I appreciate that a casual lifestyle is emphasized in the workplace and not an emphasis on formal dress etc. |
| University of AZ and PCC | I think it is beneficial to be in a town that offers educational opportunities as well as enriches the cultural life of residents. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Prioritize green living | Important to everyone - increase recycling, encourage composting, there is much more Tucson can do. |
| Make it more walkable/bikeable | I hate the way this town pays homage to the automobile. It is increasingly unpleasant to walk or bike. We need to prioritize mixed use. |
| Less focus on growth outward | I think building Tucson from the inside would be a better approach than expanding and expanding in unsustainable ways. |
| Date of survey: Dec 06, 2010 // Home near: Speedway and Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 30 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 51. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The desert landscape | The combination of mountains and desert are important to me - I need to see the horizon |
| Wildlife | I like that I can find a rattler in the backyard, a tarantula in my atrium, and a finch outside the door. |
| Accessibility | Accessibility to people, connections |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sense of urgency and implementation | Is it because 25,000 people a year travel thru Tucson? Is it because of a large snowbird and visitor contingency? I would like some implementation of all this visioning stuff to happen. |
| Integrated transportation system | One that is heavily bent to my likes - environment and landscape. So that means a system that relies on alt modes where you can enjoy the environment: specifically walkability, bicycles, and the streetcar. (must be complemented with desert landscaping, water harvesting, etc) |
| Creative class, flexible jobs | I want to work and play in a flexible and creative environment. Tucson's business community and public sector are by in large old school and don't make accommodations - flex time, telecommuting, job sharing, etc -for the changing demographics. |
| Date of survey: Dec 06, 2010 // Home near: oracle and ina 85704 // Years here: 29 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 52. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Proximity to natural areas;small town feel;climate | I'm a biologist- important to be around native forests, wildlife. |
| Small town feel | Like the small,university town feel of Tucson- intellectually stimulating. |
| Warm climate | Like warm winters- able to get out to natural areas almost year-round |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Downtown is an eyesore | I work downtown- it's like a ghost town after 5 pm weekdays and almost all weekends. Need a reason to come downtown. Also visitors are used to a "real" downtown in other parts of the country. |
| Public transportation options | Bus system and other public transport doesn't serve the largest geographic areas affected by population expansion (north, northwest Pima County, southeast (Vail), Sahuartia, Green Valley |
| �Fast transit� along major street corridors | Broadway, Speedway, 22nd, Oracle- some rapid transit going to major employment and entertainment/tourist centers (UA, Downtown, Ratheon, airport, malls). Think San Francisco, Washington D.C. area... |
| Date of survey: Dec 07, 2010 // Home near: Skyline, Orange Grove 85718 // Years here: 10 // 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? |
| The friends and relationships that I�ve formed | My business is built upon relationships |
| The geographical setting and climate | The Sonoran Desert environment |
| Tucson's casual and informal nature | People care less about who you than what you are... |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Leadership | Tucson seems to lack a desire to move forward with the future |
| Better planning for transportation system | There will be another 500,000 people in this valley in about 30 years. |
| Elect people who can get things done | Without effective elected officials, we stagnate |
| Date of survey: Dec 07, 2010 // Home near: Tanque Verde & Sabino Canyon 85749 // Years here: 37 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 54. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Our arts and culture: small art studios, Arizona Theatre Company, many community theaters, southwest artisans | I have acted, directed, worked in most aspects of the entertainment industry since my childhood here. My mother drove teams of horses in many old westerns and I was there on location with her. I'm an active member of the Old Pueblo Playwrights. I also indulge in multi-media artwork, as an artist and supporter. These arts are all available to anyone who wants to jump in and develop their own artistry. |
| Our festivals and street fairs | I love our southwest cultural diversity, and I love shopping for unusual things. |
| Our weather and outdoor beauty. | The older I get, the more I appreciate our beautiful weather most of the year. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Bring back the film industry! | Not just my personal involvement, but the economic advantages, the tourism, the community involvement, enjoyment, employment, romance. |
| Less hate-filled politics! | My word! Where did these nasty people come from?! Disagree, but take your hatefulness, racism and other prejudices elsewhere. We need to fund education, support all diversity, support the arts and culture. |
| More business support of the arts. | As above. Business, pick a theater, an art studio, a charity, and give them your support. |
| Date of survey: Dec 07, 2010 // Home near: 22nd Street and Craycroft 85711 // Years here: 25 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 55. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Relaxed, friendly, simple | I like the lack of formality, particularly in the dress code, but also in social interaction. I like the lack of pretension, that we don't take ourselves too seriously. Or maybe instead of the negative (lack), I like the groundedness, the realness. I like going out in the winter without the coat and window-scraping production. Actually, I just like going out in the winter, the winter sun always makes me smile. I like the traffic flow, which seems easier than other places. |
| The most beautiful desert in the world | Sunsets, blue skies, great bird population, wonderful variety of growing things, fascinating and unusual critters. If I drive an hour north, west, or east of here, the desert loses it's color and diversity. I love living on an urban lot that's occasionally visited by javelina, a roadrunner, a coyote, a great horned owl, and more birds than I can look up in my bird book. |
| There are more good things to do than I can possibly do | Farmer's markets and quilt classes, free concerts in beautiful parks and a glorious old cathedral, symphony and bluegrass, gem show shopping, street fair, college sports, baseball du jour, great places to walk. Randolph/Reid Park, including Parks & Rec classes, and Sabino Canyon. A neighborhood without lights or sidewalks where I can admire the stars and feel like I'm in a small town. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| City government, and maybe county too | I'm frustrated by the waste of fancy plans that don't happen. I'm frustrated by the loss of our best political leaders to bigger offices farther away. I'd pay more taxes for the services we need or want, but not for a planner from far away with a grandiose notion. I continue to hear unbelievable stories about bureaucracy�s opposition to business and development. |
| Interaction between the university and the community | The U of A is such a fabulous resource, but I feel like I'm missing most of it. When my daughter was at ASU, in the school of fine arts, I got a weekly email about all the arts presentations on campus. I asked at U of A if they had such a thing, and they didn't. It seems like it would be good for students to connect their work to the "real" world, and for Tucson to connect to the students. |
| Arts as important and well supported as sports | I'd like to see music, art, and theater in the parks rise to the level of soccer, baseball, and softball. I love Tucson's parks, and there is a great diversity of activities available in them. But I'd like to see the concept of replacing an athletic field with a performance space, or even open space, be just as appealing as the opposite. |
| Date of survey: Dec 07, 2010 // Home near: Wrightstown and Pantano 85715 // Years here: 21 // 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? |
| It is a small town feel in a community that is widely spread out! | I like the fact that I have a feeling in this community that I am not just a "number" and that I will never see anyone I know because of the size of the community. I work in the tourism industry and feel a sense of family with many of them and I see them outside of work too!! |
| Being able to enjoy the sun 360+ days a year--outside | The weather here year-round is so fantastic that I don't feel cabin-fever and can usually play during the day in my shorts!! |
| Almost everything is available by public transit. | After moving here, I didn't have a car available to me and was able to get just about anywhere I wanted to go by bus--rode Sun Tran for 12 years and made super friends!! I know this will only improve with the vision of transportation in the future. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Improve the roads (in-town and freeway) | Many in-town roads need a facelift and I do see that happening on a small scale. The I-10 improvement was amazing!! |
| Better City/County Governmental Representation | I have been here 26 years and the last few years have been a travesty with the city council (and the County B.O.S.). Nothing seems to get resolved and it is a game of "pass the buck!" |
| Date of survey: Dec 07, 2010 // Home near: Valencia & Camino Verde 85757 // Years here: 26 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 57. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Closeness of the mountains to town | I like to hike and camp. The temperatures in the mountains are more conducive to activity than the desert floor! |
| It feels like a "big small town" | I run into people I know. That makes Tucson feel smaller, more friendly. |
| The arts | We have season tickets to AZ Theater Co. Consistently great performances, and now the downtown is becoming more lively. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Restaurants and attractions open later | Places to go |
| More downtown merchants/activities | Things to do |
| Safe streets for cycling and walking | I like to exercise outdoors I'd like to see more kids out being active and not having to fear for their safety |
| Date of survey: Dec 07, 2010 // Home near: ina/oracle 85718 // Years here: 18 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 58. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Access to things that improve the lifestyle such as golf, restaurants, arts and overall good weather. | In many other communities, activities that improve the quality of life are not accessible or not affordable. Tucson has a lot to offer from a lifestyle/quality of life perspective. |
| Friendliness of people | I am an outgoing person and prefer to be around nice people. |
| Quality Health Care facilities | My family has health issues that make access to quality health care very important to us. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| One government for the region | I live in unincorporated Pima County and own a business in the City. I can't vote in City elections. There is no cohesion among the components of the region and therefore nothing can effectively be done for the good of the entire region. In addition, the liberal impact of the University(one of our greatest assets) on the City government is detrimental to positive growth. |
| Roads and transportation | Inadequate roads and transportation cause air pollution which reduces the quality of life. Inadequate air transportation impedes economic development and ability of Tucson based businesses to operate effectively and economically. |
| Business culture | Tucson has a business culture which fosters a win/lose attitude in business transactions/relationships. It is difficult to make a living when the culture fosters beating the other side bloody. |
| Date of survey: Dec 08, 2010 // Home near: Tanque Verde/Grant 85715 // Years here: 34 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 59. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| It's more like a bedroom community than urban | Slower pace |
| Lack of a downtown | Downtowns can be congested; overly busy; difficult to get around, and dangerous in some areas. |
| Lack of "exceptionalism" | An ordinary look, behavior and quality means more of a live;and let live attitude; less of an interest to compete; to be like some other place; to be something other than what we are. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Alternative sources of water | Dependence upon C.A.P is unrealistic per studies showing less reliability of the Colorado River |
| Performing Arts venue | A professional place for talent to perform in a comfortable and suitable environment would add opportunities for major entertainment that by passes Tucson now. |
| Invest in Education | Schools at all levels need improvement if we are to continue to hold on to families choosing to raise kids in Tucson. |
| Date of survey: Dec 08, 2010 // Home near: Tangerine & LaCholla 85737 // Years here: 20 // Born in the: 30s | |
| Survey: 60. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Cultural History | Tucson has an amazing array of prehistoric and historic sites, as well as a diverse range of ethnicities and races. It is a place unlike any other in the United States. |
| Architecture | Tucson has unique architectural traditions related to adobe architecture and Spanish colonial architecture, as well as modernist and green-build architecture. |
| Environment | The Sonoran Desert is unlike any other place in the United States and features many unique plants and animals, as well as interesting geological formations. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Historic Preservation | We have many unique prehistoric, historic, and cultural sites, and as such we need to be better stewards of the past. If we protect the places of our shared past, we can encourage heritage tourism and bring additional tourist dollars into the state. |
| Congested roadways | Improved public transit, better ride/walk to work options, etc. We need to get more people off the roads and make Tucson a more pedestrian friendly environment. Hopefully the modern streetcar project will go towards achieving these goals. |
| Date of survey: Dec 08, 2010 // Home near: Broadway Blvd and Alvernon Way 85711 // Years here: 12 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 61. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Recreation | Personal health - i value hiking/biking opportunities in and near urban core |
| Weather | Nice fall-winter-spring allows me to stay active when rest of country is cloistered indoors |
| Scenery | Mountain views and desert vegetation is inspiring |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Ugly streetscape | I often do not go to local events as travel across town can be depressing due to the unattractive urban forms |
| Lack of leadership | Local government seems a combination of corrupt and incompetent |
| Public transit | I would like to see more buses along with alternate modes of transit |
| Date of survey: Dec 08, 2010 // Home near: speedway and silverbell 85745 // Years here: 13 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 62. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Weather is good 6 -8months of the year | I do not like snow and constant overcast skies, love the mountains and open vistas and hiking trails available so much of the year |
| Politically progressive | Love the thoughtful dialogs on Arizona Illustrated about policy and the open minded politicos here, who are not committed to corporations above all, it translates into a community which works for all levels of income and for many faiths and beliefs |
| Progressive approach to medicine | Its wonderful to find acupuncturists and herbalists that are knowledgeable and even regular doctors seem able to talk about alternative solutions besides drugs |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Less fighter jet traffic around Davis Monthan | The fighters are noisy and disturb the peace but we have to put up with them because the base has so much money invested here. Also the interstate and traffic is totally built around the AF base , making it more difficult to travel on the east side. |
| Improve traffic flow east-west in Tucson | It takes 45 mins to an hour to cross the city and there is no real alternative |
| City council needs to work to keep gem show | I do wonder if council members value the international gem show, it does not seem to be a burning issue to keep them here by finding a way to get an affordable hotel for them and other conferences |
| Date of survey: Dec 09, 2010 // Home near: Houghton and Suhuarita Rd 85641 // Years here: 4 // Born in the: 40s | |
| Survey: 63. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Climate | It allows you to participate in far more outside activities that other geographic locations |
| Cost of Living | In general,you will spend less for necessities here than in many parts of the country. |
| Western tradition | Less govt interference in daily life. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson | The greatest drawback to the Metro growth is the City of Tucson itself and it's governance...or lack thereof |
| Surface traffic | We need to build a better surface transportation network. |
| Pima County | Same as #1 but insert Pima County. |
| Date of survey: Dec 09, 2010 // Home near: LaCanada/Naranja 85737 // Years here: 14 // 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? |
| The beauty | We are not a concrete city. There is green space and plants. The mountains are visible from all parts of town. |
| The access to outdoor activities | There are outdoor recreation areas available in all directions. I can hike, bike and horse back ride. I have lived in East Tucson and West Tucson. Both have easy access to lots of outdoor recreation. |
| The UA | The UA provides so many varied events and activities. I can walk the campus and enjoy it's beauty (the arboretum is amazing!). I can attend a high quality, nationally renowned performance (i.e. Wicked!). I can visit the State Museum. I can see student productions. So much is there!! |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Make it a model green community | So much could be done to make Tucson a model. We currently seem to have no foresight when it comes to use of resources. Our recycling is spotty and limited. Our public transportation is lacking. Our use of green energy is practically non-existent. Our water use is outrageous. There is so much potential and we've barely scratched the surface. |
| Public Transportation | I presently ride an express bus. It's good, but limits me to a couple of times each week day and no weekend trips. A lot can be done to improve public transportation. |
| Support education | Rather than accept the current state of education we need to be outraged and act. I'm speaking K- graduate school. We do not need to be at the bottom nationally. We can do better and we should. As a community we can set higher standards and look at alternative methods of funding. |
| Date of survey: Dec 09, 2010 // Home near: Tanque Verde and Houghton 85749 // Years here: 15 // 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? |
| The people | People here are kind, generous, and welcoming. |
| The diverse cultures | I appreciate our diverse cultures because it creates such an interesting place to live. |
| The desert environment | I I love the weather, and the plants and animals unique to the Tucson region. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Transportation | I hate to think that we could "become like Phoenix," but we have to face the fact that we need freeways or some type of limited access roads for driving across town. |
| Greater protection of the environment | We live in such a unique environment, and it's important that we protect it from over development. |
| Limit political campaign signage | The extensive signage that pops up with each election is beyond an eyesore. It's bad enough that the airwaves are inundated with this, but allowing these signs to pollute our environment is worse. If we can't eliminate them completely, placement areas should at least be severely limited. |
| Date of survey: Dec 09, 2010 // Home near: Ft Lowell Rd/Tucson Blvd 85716 // Years here: 10 // Born in the: 60s | |
| Survey: 66. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| U of A events | My husband and I are avid sports fans and this is the biggest "game" in town - both football and basketball |
| The winter weather | Coming from Ohio and the lake effect cold makes living in Tucson in the winter wonderful |
| Golfing | This is a great area to be retired in and just starting to play golf here has been great |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Roads and commute | Living in the far west of Tucson and traveling to the east side is not pleasant at all. Having only one freeway system with over a million people is just not satisfactory. I am not a Phoenix lover as it is way to big for me, but at least they did it right with their infrastructure. |
| Date of survey: Dec 09, 2010 // Home near: El Camino del Cerro & Tortolita 85745 // Years here: 36 // Born in the: 50s | |
| Survey: 67. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Culture | Seems to have a unique feeling about everything here. |
| Smaller than huge places | Not too crowded or too busy in my opinion, at least compared to L.A. |
| Winter weather | Not freezing |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Better freeway system | I like driving on the one we have here. |
| Downtown area | Make it like other cities where more people go out to there for fun. modern streetcar seems to have this in mind |
| Make housing areas around the university better quality | Cause i live over there |
| Date of survey: Dec 10, 2010 // Home near: fort lowell and mountain 85719 // Years here: 21 // Born in the: 80s | |
| Survey: 68. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Sense of community | I grew up here and I like the small town feel even though we are a city of 1,000,000. It seems like it is easy to connect with people. Someone knows someone who knows someone, etc. |
| Proximity to outdoor activities | As an example, I like being able to go to Mt Lemmon and play in the snow and then drive down and play golf. Lots of hiking and outdoor activities. |
| Beauty of the area | I like having the beauty of the desert meld with the beauty of the surrounding mountains. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| People's belief that we can stop growth | Because of the "no growth" coalition, our planned growth and quality of growth has been bad at best. We also miss out on good job growth. |
| Quality of Education/ Poor school district administration | The future is our children and education is critical for their future success. It is also critical to the quality of growth in our region as it impacts attracting quality jobs to our area. I do not understand why we put such a low priority on K-12 education. |
| Consolidation of government | There are too many duplicated services. |
| Date of survey: Dec 10, 2010 // Home near: La Canada and Orange Grove 85704 // Years here: 55 // 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? |
| Natural landscape | I enjoy the desert plants and animals |
| Easy access to natural areas | I like the fact that I can walk from my home to a natural area such as a wash or natural open space area without having to get in a car. |
| Close access to mountain regions | I enjoy spending time at the higher elevations with different plants, climate, and animals. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Better economy | An improved economy will raise the income of Tucsonans and provide us with a higher standard of living. |
| More walkable built areas | I like to be able to move about the community without having to drive -- in neighborhoods and between neighborhoods, in retail areas, along streets. |
| An improved downtown | Tucson needs to have an active downtown as the cultural and entertainment center of the region. |
| Date of survey: Dec 10, 2010 // Home near: Tanque Verde/Catalina Highway 85749 // Years here: 34 // 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? |
| Beautiful outdoors/Sonoran Desert | It's important to me to live in a place that is naturally beautiful and that has access to outdoor activities (e.g., hiking) |
| Cultural diversity/Mexican culture | I really love the Mexican culture - and the festivals, food, celebrations, architectural influences, art, etc. that it brings with it. |
| Small town feel | I like that Tucson feels like a small town, but is large enough to have lots of options for shopping, food, entertainment, etc. The small town feel makes everyone seem a little more approachable and friendly. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Make Tucson fall in love with itself | It seems like we're our own worst enemy as a community and on a whole - everything is complain complain complain. We need something positive to rally around as a community. Something to look forward to and reminds us of how great Tucson really is. |
| More mixed use communities | Having people work, play, shop close to where they live helps build community and a stronger tie to where they live. Just improves the quality of life! |
| Clean up the run-down areas | Some areas/pockets of midtown are getting run-down and scary. I'd rather see the thriving neighborhoods expanding their reach outward to improve the areas around them, than the run-down neighborhoods expanding. Seems like the "bad" pockets are growing. |
| Date of survey: Dec 10, 2010 // Home near: Tanque Verde Rd & Pantano Rd 85715 // Years here: 14 // Born in the: 70s | |
| Survey: 71. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert | I like to hike, bird watch, and enjoy the far-reaching vistas in the Tucson area. |
| Fall and spring weather | This moderate, temperate weather of the Tucson fall and spring seems just about ideal. Summers do get too hot and humid, monsoon storms can be terrifying, and winters can be a little too cool. |
| The University of Arizona | The opportunities to attend and/or participate in cultural, sport, and educational events are abundant at the University. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| Tucson lacks a vibrancy and an ambition to get things done in a timely and well-done way. | Many tasks/projects/events are done in a small way, if at all. The Rio Nuevo project seems to have lacked forward movement and appears to have collapsed into itself. I've seen an attitude in non-profit organizations and homeowners associations that is lacking in curiosity, ambition, cooperation, and accountability. This attitude makes it difficult to move forward with anything in Tucson. |
| Restaurants | So many area restaurants are disappointingly mediocre, and lacking in good service and consistency of quality. We certainly eat at home (best restaurant in town) far more than we used to for this reason. |
| Tucson needs to look less downtrodden in its downtown and many neighborhood areas. | I do not find the downtown inviting or a place where I want to spend any time. The neighborhoods would look safer and look as if people cared about their homes and city if they were neat and tidy and cared for. |
| Date of survey: Dec 10, 2010 | |
| Survey: 72. What do you LIKE the most about our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| The terrain, the geography, the mountains and creeks, and the way foothills homes are required to keep the desert intact | I love the desert wildlife and the ability to sit in my backyard and watch birds of all kinds, and watch the wide open skies and weather moving in |
| The hiking and biking trails/paths | I like to get exercise this way; I prefer getting my exercise in the open air rather than in a gym |
| All the opportunities to attend cultural events or learn in museums, etc. | I enjoy ATC and the symphony; I enjoy the Desert Museum and all the museums. I attend plays and concerts and take my grandchildren to the museums, parks and other cultural events or attractions. |
| What would you most like to CHANGE in our community/region? | Why is this important? How does this affect you? |
| No more building up the sides of the mountains! | There should be a limit as to high people can build. At night when I'm enjoying the stars from my home in the foothills, it's irritating to see lights from homes up the side of the Catalinas when the rest of the area is dark. I'm specifically talking about some homes that appear to be above Ventana Canyon resort. |
| Traffic patterns; traffic flow; maybe synchronize lights on major roads; maybe improve some roads | A long line of cars at 5:30 on many major roads just causes more pollution. We have fairly clean air now; let's keep it that way |
| Make commercial and residential areas more visually more appealing | This is a beautiful city with beautiful people. It hurts me personally to see so many run-down buildings along major streets -- like Speedway, Grant, etc. Our city needs to go on a major beautification project. We need improved signs on businesses, better landscaping. Zoning (Speedway) years ago was bad. I'm not sure how that can change, but it sure would be nice to get a bunch of money to improve how our city looks! My husband resisted moving here for a long time because he thought it looked "junky". Is this our strategy for keeping others out??? |
| Date of survey: Dec 10, 2010 // Home near: Sunrise Drive and Sabino Canyon Rd. 85750 // Years here: 23 // Born in the: 40s | |
Some editing has been done, to remove obvious typos, reversed letters, junk entries and some misspellings.