Tucson Mayor and City Council Meetings May 19, 2026

The City of Tucson Mayor and City Council held a meeting on May 19, 2026, focusing extensively on transportation infrastructure projects, budget adoption, and public safety initiatives. Key procurement-related discussions included updates on the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) Next plan, with plans to streamline intergovernmental agreements and the initiation of construction on major road projects such as Silverbell and Irvington Roads. The council approved programming the entire 20-year RTA Next funding allocation for pavement rehabilitation and discussed the establishment of an advanced delivery team through an RFP to address project challenges early. Additionally, the council adopted multiple fee increases related to planning, development, water, and environmental services, with motions to provide fee relief for affordable housing development and to conduct a one-year review of the impact of these fees. The tentative budget for fiscal year 2027 was adopted, including an $18.1 million investment in city employee compensation and funding for public safety and community services. The council also addressed opioid public health crisis initiatives, directing staff to renegotiate the intergovernmental agreement with Pima County to better allocate opioid settlement funds. Motions passed included increasing the downtown employee allowance and formally opposing the annual rate adjustment mechanism proposed by Tucson Electric Power. Several lease agreements, intergovernmental agreements, and capital improvement projects were approved on the consent agenda, including a lease amendment with the USDA Forest Service and agreements for public right-of-way use. Overall, the meeting emphasized advancing infrastructure projects, supporting affordable housing, enhancing public safety, and ensuring fiscal responsibility through budget and fee adjustments.