Living Desert Alliance
Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving
| | |
Election 2026:
LDA Candidate Questionnaire
On Tuesday the Living Desert Alliance shared a special newsletter featuring the results of our 2026 Candidate Survey.
The questionnaire focused on five issues shaping Arizona’s future — water management, land‑use planning, data‑center impacts, ICE detention proposals, and education and workforce development. All candidates running statewide, federal, and legislative offices that directly affect Pima County were invited to participate.
Click on the blue tab below to open the special edition newsletter and review each responding candidate’s perspective exactly as submitted — unedited and strictly nonpartisan.
| | |
SPECIAL NOTICE:
Attorney General Kris Mayes provided a detailed and thoughtful response to our candidate questionnaire, offering clear insight into her positions on the issues we raised. For those who would like to hear directly from her — and ask questions about her work, priorities, and other matters facing Arizona — she will be speaking, along with other candidates, at Coyote Trails Elementary School, 8000 N Silverbell Rd, Tucson, on Friday, October 9th from 6:00–8:00pm. It’s an opportunity to learn, listen, and engage in an open community conversation.
| | Wildlife Corridor Updates | |
Long‑running Community Science Study is Complete
The Coalition for Desert Protection has released its final project report for the long‑running community science study in Oro Valley. Over 13 years, volunteers and researchers tracked wildlife movement around Oracle Road north of Catalina State Park — including how patterns changed after the wildlife crossings were built in 2016.
By analyzing years of data, the team set out to answer a key question:
Are the crossings helping wildlife?
Their conclusion is clear: Yes, they are.
Learn more and read this exceptional report here.
| | |
New Wildlife Crossing Taking Shape
A new wildlife crossing may soon be developed in Pima County. Early last month, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an exception to the county’s Multi‑Species Conservation Plan, clearing the way for construction near I‑10 in Marana.
The first phase involves building a gentler ramp into the Santa Cruz River bed to replace the existing levee. According to Camille Hal, Community Engagement Manager for the Regional Flood Control District, the current slope is too steep for many species to navigate. The redesigned ramp will improve access for wildlife moving through the area.
This project is the opening step in a broader plan by Pima County Conservation Lands and Resources to create a functional wildlife corridor — connecting animals from the Tortolita Mountains to the Tucson Mountains with a safe passage over I‑10. Construction is expected to begin soon.
| |
Pima County Pauses Data Center Permits
Pause marks an important win for protecting residents and our desert environment.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on September 22 to enact a 120‑day moratorium, giving county staff time to modernize zoning rules. Leaders cited threats to water, energy, air quality, heat, and neighborhood well‑being.
Supporters, including Supervisor Andrés Cano and the No Desert Data Center Coalition, called it a crucial step toward stronger safeguards—and potentially a full ban. Updated rules will move through Planning and Zoning before returning to the board.
Condensed from a KGUN9 report by Vanessa Gongora (Sept. 23, 2026).
| |
Marana Planning Commission Advances Limited Data Center Updates
At last night’s meeting, the Marana Planning Commission voted 7–0 to recommend a narrow set of updates to the town’s data‑center regulations—prompting clear frustration from residents who felt the changes were far too limited. Several attendees left the meeting in anger, underscoring public dissatisfaction with the narrow scope of the town’s approach.
The proposed amendments focus on two issues: low‑frequency noise limits and the process for decommissioning data centers. The new rules would cap low‑frequency vibrations at 70 dBC during daytime or intermittent operations and 65 dBC at night or for 24/7 facilities. They also require data centers to complete decommissioning within 12 months, with financial assurances such as surety bonds or letters of credit to ensure compliance.
Councilmember‑elect Jackie McGuire attended the meeting and stressed that the update addresses only a small fraction of the community’s concerns, saying, “I think it (the code amendment) is meaningful in addressing two of the several dozen issues we are facing,” while noting she would like to see additional measures such as limits on how many hours backup generators can operate.
The proposed regulations now moves to the Marana Town Council, with a public scheduled for October 20.
You have a voice.
Reach out to Marana Town Council members and encourage them to send these recommendations back to the Planning Commission for a more complete review. Ask the council to consider additional regulations—like those proposed by Councilmember‑elect Jackie McGuire—to ensure the town, its residents, and our environment are fully protected.
We’ll keep you posted as this moves forward.
Click here for KVOA News Report.
| | |
Sustainable Tucson Presents:
An Afternoon of Music, Stories & Inspiration
Saturday, October 17 • 4–6 PM Small Business Center (Groundswell Capital) 600 S. Meyer Avenue, Tucson
Bring the whole family for a joyful, hands‑on celebration of sustainability in Tucson! Join Sustainable Tucson as they highlight recent accomplishments, share exciting new initiatives, and explore how everyone—kids included—can help shape a thriving future for the Tucson community.
Enjoy food, music, storytelling, and a closing community dance for anyone who wants to join in. It’s fun, free, and designed to spark curiosity and connection.
You’ll also hear from leaders of Renew Tucson, Sustainable Tucson’s ambitious new effort to scale up local sustainability through smart investment in people, infrastructure, energy, and water. Between festivities, speakers will share how this initiative is growing—and how you can be part of it.
Plus, learn about BaRN, their ongoing community‑building project focused on heat preparedness and strengthening neighbor‑to‑neighbor connections.
Register here
to celebrate, learn, dance, and imagine what Tucson can become.
| | |
Help Keep our Desert and Community
Livable and Thriving
Donate Today
Your tax-deductible gift helps us protect water resources, assist community partners, and empower members to advocate for our environment.
Donations also fund newsletters, speaker events, & public forums.
Every contribution makes a difference!
Thank you for your support.
| | | | |
