Tucson Mayor and City Council Meetings Mar 03, 2026

The City of Tucson Mayor and City Council held a meeting on March 3, 2026, which included a detailed discussion on the possibility of establishing public power in Tucson. The council reviewed various municipal utility options, including forming a small city-run utility for city-owned properties, new developments, or full municipalization, which would require significant capital investment and voter approval. The discussion highlighted the complexity, costs (estimated between $3 to $4 billion for full municipalization), legal challenges, and potential benefits such as rate stability and alignment with climate goals. Council members expressed the need for a thoughtful, phased approach and emphasized affordability and accountability for residents. A motion was passed to have the Commission on Climate, Energy, and Sustainability lead further exploration of public power options with regular reporting to the council. Additionally, the meeting covered the fiscal year 2027 employee health benefits package, including plan design changes and premium adjustments, with a motion to proceed with the recommended health benefits plan approved unanimously. The council also received updates on joint city-county initiatives addressing public safety, homelessness, behavioral health, and substance use disorder, including the Safe City Initiative and the Safer Sobering Center pilot program. Other agenda items included proclamations, liquor license approvals, and a notice of intent to enter into a site-specific sales tax development agreement with Costco Wholesale. The meeting concluded with a vote to adopt the annual comprehensive financial report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, recognizing the city's 42 consecutive years of excellence in financial reporting.