Economic Development - Desarrollo Económico

Economic Development

A major contributor to a community’s standard of living and quality of life. “Standard of living” is typically measured by a series of indicators that include, but are not limited to, educational achievement, housing and neighborhood conditions, general health and safety, household income, employment opportunities, and wages. The ability to retain and attract businesses that employ the local workforce and raise the standard of living is essential to successful economic development of South 12th.

In 2016, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) assigned the National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB) as the Technical Assistance Provider to assist the City of Tucson in assessing economic and social conditions along South 12th Avenue, between 44th Street and Drexel Road, to:

  1. Find ways to support businesses and surrounding neighborhoods.
  2. Preserve cultural heritage and build upon the contribution of the area towards Tucson’s designation by UNESCO as City of Gastronomy.
  3. Provide guidance for infrastructure investment to create a safer and culturally-relevant corridor for all users.
  4. Address concerns about the potential for involuntary displacement.

Key Highlights

South 12th Avenue Corridor Redevelopment Strategy(PDF, 1MB)

Market Assessment

NALCAB prepared detailed evaluation of the South 12th Avenue Corridor outlining the existing conditions, corridor performance, and opportunities.

Final Market Assessment of the South 12th Avenue Corridor(PDF, 3MB)

Local Economic and Social Planning Goals(PDF, 296KB)

Report Outlining Preliminary Marketing Assessment Finding and Potential Projects(PDF, 443KB)

Commercial Redevelopment Feasibility Analysis

Study identifying strengths and challenges of possible conditions under which a project will be carried out and potential scenarios for project development before further prioritization and planning is conducted.

Feasibility Study(PDF, 159KB)

Community and Small Business Engagement

Community Engagement formats outline a suggested process by which input could solicited from S. 12th Avenue community members, including residents, business owners, non-profit service providers, faith leaders, students, and others, to conduct public outreach and determine community priorities and potential programs and initiatives.

Facilitation Guide for Public Input(PDF, 459KB)

Bilingual Small Business Survey Template (English)

Bilingual Small Business Survey Template (Spanish)(PDF, 133KB)

Equitable Commercial Revitalization(PDF, 550KB)

Review of Community Development Block Grant and Section 108 Loan Guarantee Programs

NALCAB and MDG Associates provided the City of Tucson with an overview of eligible activities under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program and Section 108 Loan Guarantee Programs.

Requirements, Regulations, Eligible Uses of CDBG and Section 108 Programs(PDF, 168KB)

Implementation Plan

Memorandum identifying the opportunities for strengthening the nonprofit community development sector in Tucson, Arizona.

Through engagement with the City of Tucson and conversations with local nonprofit small businesses and community development organizations, NALCAB has identified the following strategies that the City should pursue to strengthen the capacity of this sector to provide services along the South 12th Avenue corridor, and throughout Tucson.

Nonprofit Capacity Building(PDF, 319KB)

Sample Implementation Matrix(PDF, 168KB)

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area(PDF, 226KB)

Stay Informed

Maria Gayosso, Project Manager
E-mail: ladoce@tucsonaz.gov
Phone: (520) 837-6972
Mail: City of Tucson Planning & Development Services Department, Attn: Maria Gayosso, P.O. Box 27210, Tucson, AZ 85726