Public Policy Positions

Responsible Policy
We support regionalism and working towards long-term planning that connects our community and helps us grow in a responsible manner in the following areas:

REGIONAL & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

We support annexation and incorporation of unincorporated areas to bring state-shared revenue (HURF) dollars and increased voter representation to the municipalities located in Pima County.

Mining in Arizona, specifically copper mining, has been a major industry since the 19th century. It is one of the historic five C’s driving the Arizona economy: Copper, Cattle, Cotton, Citrus and Climate. Today, copper mine production continues to be a vital part of Arizona’s economy and sound public policy is essential to Arizona’s mining industry.

We recognize the significant contributions that DMAFB and the Air National Guard brings to our community, in addition to the private sector defense companies that support their mission; we support the men and women of our armed services. Long range land use planning for these operations and the surrounding areas should ensure flexibility for change and accommodate expansion.

We support the mission of Tucson International Airport and long range planning to encourage TIA’s economic contributions to the Tucson community as well as avoiding negative effects to major, neighboring employers (DMAFB, Arizona National Guard, Raytheon).

We believe there is no better taxpayer investment than public education. A strong, competitive school system builds strong communities and strong economy. Skilled workers attract and retain new businesses to our community.

REGULATED DEVELOPMENT COSTS

We recognize there is a cost associated with reviewing and approving plans and issuing building permits; we support the position that those who benefit from new growth should pay only their proportionate share of the public facilities necessary to serve new growth and development. MPA remains engaged with local governments in reviewing fees to ensure they are fair and reasonable.

We recognize that property and sales taxes are necessary for local governments to provide necessary services.  MPA strongly supports equitable taxation.

SUSTAINABILITY

We recognize the importance of sensitive land use planning and preservation of designated natural areas. We believe there must be a balance of these policies to encourage responsible development.

We support the creation of policies that encourage green building designs through incentive programs.

INFRASTRUCTURE

We encourage transportation planning and infrastructure investments to achieve safe and efficient sustainable transportation services. It is important for the region to have an integrated transportation system consisting of air, rail, freight and roads.

We support utility providers in their mission of providing quality service and ensuring public safety.  MPA recognizes the importance of encouraging conservation and utilizing renewable resources.

We believe that public transportation is a crucial service and supports the effort to improve our region’s infrastructure in place while adding new systems such as the modern streetcar and light rail systems to grow the downtown area and encourage development and increased economic activity. MPA encourages public investment in the transit system that is fiscally sustainable.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT

We encourage flexible and reasonable standards that allow a community to blend into its settings while being economically feasible for the builder and appropriate for the market and neighboring areas.

We actively work to streamline government processes required for development. MPA recognizes the importance of a properly staffed planning and building department and encourages its members to provide information on their experiences within this process.

We encourage downtown and infill development to revitalize our urban core and take advantage of existing roads and public transportation. MPA encourages incentives to balance the additional costs of developing within urban areas.

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