February 2026 Community Safety & Accountability Update

Friends of TCFC,

Let us start by saying we appreciate the many messages we’ve received asking, “Where is the newsletter?” That question is a reminder that TCFC’s strength comes from the engagement and commitment of our supporters. We thank you and appreciate all of you greatly.

Over the past few months, TCFC has focused on expanding our social media presence by creating content that captures the realities facing Tucson and why those of us who love this community must continue advocating for a safer and more prosperous city. Thanks to strong member engagement, our content is now reaching several millions of views across platforms.

If you are on social media and not currently following us, you can find TCFC here:
https://www.facebook.com/Tucsoncrimefree/
https://x.com/tucsoncrimefree
https://www.instagram.com/tucsoncrimefree/
https://www.tiktok.com/@tucsoncrimefreecoalition

Not a fan of social media? You can also view our content on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Tucsoncrimefreecoalition

 

TCFC Update: Student Interns

We are excited to share that TCFC now has four interns studying criminal justice at the University of Arizona. They will help keep our members informed about Tucson City Council meetings and Pima County Board of Supervisors meetings, ensuring timely updates on decisions that affect public safety and accountability.

Recent meetings of both bodies highlight a growing disconnect between public safety needs, fiscal reality, and policy direction. At a time of declining revenues and persistent staffing challenges, local leaders are advancing policies and financial commitments that weaken enforcement capacity and shift costs onto taxpayers, without clear plans or accountability.

Below is what residents and property owners need to know:

 

County Actions: Federal Enforcement Restrictions Without a Safety Plan

Pima County Board of Supervisors Meeting – February 3, 2026

At the February 3 meeting, the Board voted 4–1 to direct staff to draft ordinances that would:

•            Restrict federal immigration enforcement activity on county-owned property

•            Prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty and require visible identification

•            Oppose an ICE detention facility in Marana

These votes did not enact law, but they set policy direction. Draft ordinances will return for future votes and are likely to face legal challenges.

Federal partners are routinely involved in investigations related to human trafficking, violent gangs, and major narcotics cases. Restricting coordination without a clear plan to preserve enforcement capacity risks slowing investigations and weakening prosecutions.

Public safety policy must be guided by outcomes and enforcement reality, not symbolism.

 

City Council: Spending More While Taking In Less

Tucson City Council Meeting – February 3, 2026

At the same time, City leadership acknowledged a tightening financial picture while advancing new spending commitments.

The $7.3 Million Costco Sales Tax Incentive

Council approved a site-specific incentive valued at:

•            $7.3 million over five years

•            $1.46 million per year

•            Up to 45 percent of the City’s sales tax generated at the site

While described as a reimbursement rather than a direct payment, the outcome is the same: sales tax revenue that would normally support the General Fund will instead be redirected to a private development.

No analysis was presented regarding:

•            Increased calls for service

•            Public safety staffing impacts

•            Long-term enforcement or infrastructure costs

 

Budget Reality: Revenues Declining, Adjustments Ongoing

City staff confirmed that:

•            Local sales tax revenues are trending below prior-year levels

•            FY26 revenues came in below expectations

•            Spending adjustments are already underway

Despite these warnings, budgets remain unbalanced and additional service reductions are possible, even as new incentives and multi-year initiatives continue to move forward.

 

Public Safety: Prevention Emphasized, Enforcement Left Unclear

Council discussions on gun violence emphasized prevention and intervention strategies. However, no clear information was provided on:

•            Program costs

•            Enforcement benchmarks

•            Prosecution or repeat-offender accountability

•            How success will be measured against spending

Prevention matters, but without enforcement and accountability, public safety outcomes suffer and long-term costs increase. TCFC has documented numerous cases where gun violence occurs most often in the hands of prohibited possessors.

 

Homelessness Emergency: Faster Permits, Same Taxpayers

Council declared a housing and homelessness emergency to reduce permitting timelines and accelerate shelter development.

What this declaration does not include:

•            New dedicated funding

•            Federal leverage opportunities

•            Clear cost containment measures

Increased demands will fall on existing City resources, including police, parks, sanitation, and code enforcement.

Business and property owners are routinely caught in time-consuming and expensive permitting processes. The City has not explained why these same standards suddenly no longer apply.

 

A Pattern Residents Should Watch Closely

At meetings where leaders acknowledged declining revenues and fiscal strain, they also approved:

•            A $7.3 million tax incentive

•            Expanded City responsibilities without funding clarity

•            Policies that complicate law enforcement coordination

Tucson does not lack plans. It lacks prioritization and enforcement-centered accountability.

 

Tool for Property Owners: Trespass Letter of Consent

One immediate step property owners can take to protect their properties is submitting a City of Tucson Trespass Letter of Consent, which authorizes Tucson Police to act on your behalf to remove or arrest trespassers, even when you are not present.

•            Valid for one year

•            Must be renewed annually

•            Allows immediate enforcement without contacting the owner first

Submit or renew your Trespass Letter online:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/24bc435c10eb4d748c2dc434db5ab20b

 

Proposition 312: Property Tax Relief for Non-Enforcement

Proposition 312 allows property owners to apply for a property tax reimbursement when public nuisance laws are not enforced.

We are gauging interest in hosting an informational meeting. Please email monica@tucsoncrimefree.com and let us know:

•            Do you understand Proposition 312?

•            Would you like more information?

•            Would you attend an informational session?

 

RTA Next Ballot: Important Dates

Beginning February 11, 2026, all Pima County registered voters will receive a mail-in ballot asking whether to continue funding a half-cent transportation sales tax.

•            Propositions: 418 and 419

•            Total cost: $2.67 billion over 20 years

•            Ballots due: March 10, 2026, received by 7:00 p.m.

Please return your ballot on time.

Our Position

Tucson Crime Free Coalition will continue to advocate for:

•            Adequate law enforcement staffing and resources

•            Cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies

•            Accountability for violent and repeat offenders

•            Fiscal responsibility that protects neighborhoods and taxpayers

Public safety policy must be grounded in results, not rhetoric.

— Tucson Crime Free Coalition

 

Opinion Piece by a TCFC Intern who is a University of Arizona Senior

Recent Immigration Protests in Tucson: What Students and Families Should Know

In recent weeks, there have been numerous protests across the United States, including here in Tucson, particularly downtown. These demonstrations have focused on federal immigration enforcement, specifically the agency ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).

Thousands of residents, students, educators, and community members gathered in downtown Tucson and near the University of Arizona for nationwide protests and walkouts on January 30, 2026. Many university and high school students across Arizona participated to express their concerns.

How These Protests Affect the Community and College Students

While peaceful protests are a long-standing part of civic engagement, large-scale demonstrations can have real-world impacts on students and the surrounding community. As a senior at the University of Arizona, I have observed several concerns:

•            Academic disruption: Walkouts and protests can lead to missed classes, altered schedules, and campus confusion.

•            Emotional and family stress: Many students and community members come from mixed-status families, and news surrounding these demonstrations can create anxiety and uncertainty.

•            Campus climate: Political tension can affect how safe and welcome students feel on and around campus.

•            Transportation and access issues: Street closures near downtown and the university have caused delays, disrupted work schedules, and impacted local businesses.

•            Opportunities for crime: Large crowds, street closures, and stretched law enforcement resources can create conditions where crime is more likely to occur.

A Community Safety Perspective

It is important to support the right to peaceful expression while also emphasizing lawful, non-violent demonstrations that protect the safety of participants, students, community members, and businesses.

College Students Are Encouraged To:

•            Stay aware of campus alerts and local advisories

•            Avoid confrontations or unsafe circumstances

•            Respect laws, curfews, and campus policies

•            Look out for one another