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Tucson's City Council Race, Homes on the Market, and Local Biz Updates - Tucson Local Pulse for July 9, 2025

Tucson's City Council Race, Homes on the Market, and Local Biz Updates - Tucson Local Pulse for July 9, 2025

Published 9 months, 2 weeks ago
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Good morning, this is Tucson Local Pulse for Wednesday, July 9th, 2025.

We wake up today to partly cloudy skies, with a monsoon chance returning late this afternoon. Expect highs near 103, so let’s all take extra care with hydration and keep an eye on those afternoon storm clouds. Weather’s likely to impact evening outdoor plans, so double check event updates if you’re heading out.

Our top story this morning involves city leadership as early voting kicks off today for Tucson’s Ward 3 City Council primary. Housing and homelessness remain the key issues for candidates, with tough debates about how to fund police, roads, and essential services as Tucson faces a tighter budget. If you’re registered in Ward 3, ballots start arriving today, and city officials encourage everyone to get involved in budget and policy discussions. The last day to mail in those ballots is July 30, with Primary Day on August 5.

Turning to real estate and business, Tucson realtors report about 500 homes currently on the market, with prices steady but down slightly from this time last year. Demand for rentals is still strong, and short-term rental regulations are a hot topic in city hall, as council members debate new taxes and rules on AirBNB properties. There’s also a noticeable uptick in interest for vacant retail spaces along Broadway and Campbell, signaling possible new business activity by fall.

On the local scene, Main Gate Square is about to get even busier as HeeMee Coffee and Bakery prepares to open its second location at 800 East University Boulevard near the University of Arizona campus. Meanwhile, longtime favorite Tucson Coffee Cricket will close its doors at 5151 East Broadway on July 31, so fans still have a few weeks to enjoy their unique specialties. In August, Charro Steak del Rey is set to open a second outpost up at Casas Adobes Plaza on North Oracle, bringing even more mesquite-grilled goodness to the north side.

For the job market, local postings are holding steady, with healthcare, education, and hospitality actively hiring. Amphitheater Public Schools is seeking a new board member after the loss of Patricia Harris, and the district is welcoming applications from community members who want to serve.

A quick sports update: FC Tucson played a thriller at Kino North Stadium, edging out Ventura County Fusion 2-1 to maintain their spot at the top of the Southwest Division. Locally, several high school summer sports camps are underway, with Caitlin Morales from Tucson High named MVP of the Southwest softball showcase.

Crime news today includes a tragic update after a fatal midtown shooting and home invasion; the Tucson Police have arrested a suspect but are asking anyone with tips to come forward. There was also a midair collision involving two small planes near Tucson yesterday with at least one confirmed fatality, and authorities continue their investigation.

City planners invite everyone to join discussions about the revised Plan Tucson 2025, which will shape developments, transportation, and the future of our neighborhoods. It’s a good opportunity for residents to share what matters most as the city faces big decisions on growth and resources.

On a brighter note, we want to celebrate the new citizens who took their oath at Saguaro National Park on the Fourth of July, bringing fresh energy and diversity to our neighborhoods. And a special shoutout to the volunteers who spent yesterday repainting the St. Mary’s playground, making it safer and brighter for kids across the west side.

Thank you for tuning in, Tucson. Remember to subscribe and catch us every morning for what matters most in our city. This has been Tucson Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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