As a Ward 3 resident who attended the recent community meeting on the proposed safe sleeping site, I am deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and public engagement in the process. The meeting’s format, which restricted questions to written submissions that were selectively addressed, stifled open dialogue. The mediator’s condescending tone further alienated attendees. While some disruptions occurred, they appeared driven by frustration over limited opportunities for input.
A specific question I raised about the ratio of services provided by Primavera and Old Pueblo relative to their revenue went unanswered. Research from ProPublica.org reveals troubling disparities: Primavera allocates 40.8% of its revenue to salaries while Old Pueblo directs 48.3% to salaries, not including executive compensation. This raises serious concerns about the prioritization of funds, particularly when the estimated cost per occupant at the safe sleeping site is $18,000, compared to $10,500 for a full-hookup tent camping site.
The city’s decision to pilot a 25-person “women and nonbinary” safe sleeping site, managed by two nonprofit organizations alongside city employees and resources, further underscores the need for scrutiny. While the City of Tucson’s charter and election process grants the Mayor and Council authority to make such decisions, many residents likely did not anticipate the allocation of millions of dollars to homelessness initiatives without clear, measurable outcomes. Indeed, persistent challenges indicate that these efforts have often fallen short of effectively addressing the crisis.
Residents raised concerns about the selection of Ward 3 for the site, receiving only a vague explanation citing “infrastructure” without clarifying why Ward 3 was chosen over other wards with comparable capabilities. This lack of transparency has led to speculation that the decision may be driven by efforts to avoid costly legal challenges under Proposition 312, as referenced by the city attorney, related to potential property value declines in our community. The financial impact of property devaluation and associated lawsuits would likely be significantly higher if the safe sleep site were located in neighborhoods like Hughes or Broadmoor-Broadway.
The City of Tucson must commit to greater transparency, accountability, and public involvement in decisions about resource allocation. With the Ward 3 City Council seat up for election, residents have an opportunity to influence our community’s future. Early ballots will be mailed on October 8, 2025, and must be returned by Election Day, November 4, 2025, either by mail or in person at designated polling locations. Voting is a critical way to demand accountability and ensure our tax dollars are spent effectively. I urge all Ward 3 residents to participate and make their voices heard.
Janet “JL” Wittenbraker is running for election to the Tucson City Council to represent Ward 3 in Arizona. She is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025. She advanced from the Republican primary on August 5, 2025.
Why would you expect anything different in the dirty “T”? SSDD in the wanna be city of Portland. Who needs information? Not our idiot voters, they are so stupid they keep voting us in and we simply spend their money how we want. They can’t get any more stupid can they? Yea, let’s put the homeless in neighborhoods with no information and we don’t care…..what they gonna do? Vote us out? Not a chance is there.
We can buy the finest equipment, produce the highest quality programs — but if God doesn’t supply His part, it will all be to no avail. Consider Psalm 127:1, which states: “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.”
and this answers in short – how did you end up wanting to live here as well ?
The financial impact of property devaluation and associated lawsuits would likely be significantly higher if the safe sleep site were located in neighborhoods like Hughes or Broadmoor-Broadway…
Hey city council and mayor – put this next to YOUR HOUSE – in fact that’s the only place it should be. Oh Sam Hughes and Broadmoor – next to Linda’s old house 🙂 que linda! I’d suggest near the Biden Federal immigration facility – next to the dump (south of 1-10 / Al Vernon’s house) – where ‘inter-nationals’ were housed – lovely facility – white no windows with ‘Warning Signs’ really threats! Don’t park here or we’ll confiscate you.