Tucson Overwhelmingly Rejects Proposition 414: A Call for Transparency and Accountability

In a decisive rejection, Proposition 414 was voted down by a staggering 70% to 30% margin, a stark contrast to an earlier City poll that suggested widespread support, with 414 passing by 69%. The overwhelming defeat has TCFC and many other voices calling for a forensic audit of the city’s budget, arguing that without full financial transparency, solutions lack credibility. Over the years, Tucson’s budget has become increasingly opaque, making it difficult for residents to see where funds are being allocated—a key factor in the skepticism surrounding Prop 414. The bottom line is people feel they are not getting what they are paying for. 

The Campaign That Led to 414’s Defeat

A combination of strategic messaging and policy concerns played a crucial role in the rejection of Prop 414. The NO414 campaign, spearheaded by the Tucson Metro Chamber, several other advocacy groups and key volunteers in the business community,  focused on the flaws within the measure itself. Utilizing the City’s own Truth in Taxation document, NO414 highlighted that the measure lacked oversight, functioned as a potential slush fund, and could be easily reallocated by a simple majority vote in the mayor and council.

The argument against Prop 414 also pointed to its regressive nature—a sales tax that would disproportionately impact working families, seniors, and small businesses. While Mayor Regina Romero and the City Council blamed the state’s flat tax for Tucson’s supposed budget struggles, the economic data tells a different story. The business community investigated these claims and found them weak at best. Sales tax revenue has increased by 7.38%, and state-shared revenue is expected to be over 3% higher than projected, leading to a $22.9 million budget surplus. Even Mayor Romero acknowledged in a February city meeting that Tucson had successfully navigated worse financial situations in the past.

The Role of Politics and the Media

The late endorsement of Prop 414 by the Pima County Democrats and Mayor Romero’s increasingly partisan rhetoric lacked the traction needed to make the points stick. While certain media outlets echoed her talking points, the Pima County GOP took a different approach, avoiding partisan attacks and instead focusing solely on policy implications.

This strategy may have been an important factor in the measure’s defeat. Had the opposition turned this into a partisan battle, the outcome might have been different. The takeaway for conservatives in Tucson? Stay focused on local policy and issues that truly affect Tucsonans, avoid distractions, and maintain message discipline.

Where Was the Media?

Throughout the campaign, many media outlets failed to critically analyze Prop 414 or the budget concerns raised by the opposition. Rather than investigating the legitimacy of the city’s financial claims, the media attempted to create division between the business community and first responders. However, history shows that Tucson’s business sector has been a consistent supporter of law enforcement and social services, particularly programs that address addiction, homelessness, and recidivism.

What Comes Next?

With the measure defeated, Mayor Romero has responded, stating:

“The No campaign believes they have a better solution. I say, let’s see it.”

Opponents of Proposition 414 are prepared to take action. Throughout the campaign, the business community consistently expressed a willingness to collaborate with city leaders on sustainable budget solutions. However, an interesting development followed the defeat of Prop 414—the City of Tucson quietly released its 2024 Financial Report. Even more notably, the audit is dated December 27, 2024, raising the question: Why wasn’t it released sooner for public review? Unlike previous years' audits, this report is not available alongside past financial statements. Instead, it can only be accessed at the following link:

🔗 City of Tucson Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (2024)

A Closer Look at the Budget

Surge in Community Enrichment & Development Spending

A quick review of the report reveals a substantial increase in Community Enrichment and Development expenditures, which surged by approximately $127.3 million compared to FY2023. This dramatic jump made it the city’s largest single expense category, surpassing Public Safety for the first time. The primary driver of this increase appears to be grant-funded projects, including federal funds for transportation infrastructure, housing programs, and parks.

What Needs to Happen Next?

Before any solutions can be discussed, the budget must undergo a forensic analysis to account for all grant and federal funding sources. It is critical to determine which funding sources were one-time allocations versus those that the city has structured to remain permanent obligations. Based on this financial picture, it now appears that the Mayor and City Council pushed for Prop 414 largely because these external funding sources are expiring.

Once the budget is fully understood, the city’s obligations under the City Charter must be aligned with actual expenditures.                              

What Are Citizens Saying?

Across the political spectrum, Tucson residents have voiced a clear message:
✅ Prioritize core services—such as roads and public safety.
❌ Don’t raise taxes to do it.

A Missed Opportunity for Fiscal Transparency

Instead of spending over $1 million on a special election, Tucson could have been better served by hiring a consultancy firm to conduct a full budget analysis. Audits can be complex, but they are essential for ensuring financial accountability and efficiency.

Will City Leaders Take Action?

Time will tell whether the Mayor and City Council are truly willing to engage in a transparent community dialogue about spending priorities—and whether they are prepared to make the tough financial decisions necessary to ensure a sustainable budget.

Signs of Leadership?

One notable exception in the City Council is Councilman Paul Cunningham, who has begun discussing alternative solutions in the wake of Prop 414’s defeat. Will he and Councilwoman Nikki Lee speak up and take the necessary steps toward financial transparency and reform?

As Tucson moves forward, it’s clear that residents are demanding new leadership and fresh perspectives in city government.

TCFC encourages our members to read and share this newsletter from the Arizona Tax Research Association in regard to the state flat tax. https://docs.google.com/viewerng/viewer?url=https://www.arizonatax.org/sites/default/files/publications/newsletters/file/ATRA+October+2024+Newsletter_0.pdf

The City Wants Us to Clean Up Their Mess—Again and Again

These photos were taken on Sunday, March 16th, under a bridge on Grant Road. What they don’t fully capture is the reality of what’s happening there. At least 15 people were seen moving up and down the hill, carrying plywood, bicycles, and bags of miscellaneous items. Makeshift structures were being built, and open drug use was taking place right in public view.

On the other side of the bridge, piles of garbage have washed out, adding to the growing mess. Instead of addressing the root causes, the city expects volunteers—everyday citizens—to repeatedly clean up what it continues to allow. They are asking the public to donate time and effort so they can continue funding free transportation, cleaning services, food, water, tents, and housing—without implementing real solutions.

Meanwhile, we are left to pick up the trash, hazardous drug paraphernalia, and even human waste. The city provides trash bags, gloves, and grabbers. They even station a park patrol nearby for “protection.” But is this really a sustainable solution?

A Never-Ending Cycle

The city organizes frequent community cleanup events, encouraging residents to help manage a crisis that continues to spiral. (See for yourself: City Cleanup Events). But cleaning up after the problem, rather than addressing it, is not helping those living in these desperate conditions—it’s prolonging their suffering.

There Must Be Accountability

Tucson leaders insist that "we cannot arrest our way out of this problem." But when crimes such as open drug use, drug dealing, shoplifting, and trespassing occur repeatedly with no consequences, what message does that send?

Yes, homelessness is a complex issue, but lawlessness should not be ignored. There must be accountability for criminal behavior, just as there are social services available for those who truly seek help. Enforcement can be used as a tool to direct people toward treatment and lifestyle changes.

Help Is Available

There are numerous organizations dedicated to supporting individuals who are ready to change their circumstances:

•            Transition Center

•            Gospel Rescue Mission

•            La Frontera

•            Gap Ministries

•            VA Medical Center

•            CRC

•            Other Local Nonprofits

These organizations provide shelter, job training, addiction recovery services, and mental health support. Help is available for those willing to accept it.

Our Stand

The Tucson Crime Free Coalition is not against homeless individuals. We are against the crimes that are taking over our parks, bus stops, private properties, bridges, and washes—places where we all have a right to feel safe.

Compassion and accountability can coexist. If city officials are serious about addressing this crisis, they must implement policies that prioritize both. Until then, asking residents to clean up the same mess over and over is not a solution—it’s just enabling the problem.  Let's embrace real solutions that address the problem and get people real help.

SEE VIDEO: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=tucson%20crime%20free%20coalition