Biden Administration Official and Tucson Mayor Discuss Investments During Visit
As part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Tour, a member of the Biden administration visited the city of Tucson to highlight President Biden’s investments in lowering family costs, creating good-paying jobs, and advancing opportunities for all Americans.
On February 20, 2024, Tom Perez, Senior Advisor to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, met with Tucson Mayor Regina Romero to discuss several investments that have benefited Tucsonans. These investments were funded through programs like the Inflation Reduction Act.
“We have this opportunity. We are not going to squander that opportunity,” Perez emphasized.
One of the notable investments is the $25 million RAISE grant for the 22nd Street Revitalization Project. Additionally, the TARP Facility, which aims to remove PFAS from Tucson’s water supply, has also received funding. Other investments include the Tucson Million Trees Initiative and innovative upgrades to the city’s storm to shade infrastructure.
Perez highlighted that these investments are part of a broader initiative to create clean communities. “It’s part of a wide-ranging initiative to make sure we are delivering on this unprecedented commitment to build clean communities,” Perez explained.
The goal, according to Perez, is to reconnect communities and provide equal access to opportunities. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to build Arizona, to build an America where everybody has access to good middle-class jobs. Where high-speed, affordable internet is a reality. If you have a behavioral or mental health issue, you can do telemedicine,” Perez emphasized.
Mayor Regina Romero expressed her satisfaction with the investments but acknowledged that there is still work to be done. She emphasized that federal resources through the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have been leveraged to reduce Tucson’s carbon footprint, improve air quality, mitigate the effects of heat, and enhance the quality of life for Tucsonans, particularly those who have faced social, economic, and environmental inequities.
However, Romero stated that she will continue to advocate for the city of Tucson at the national level to secure the necessary funds to address the community’s climate and infrastructure challenges.
Analyst comment
This news can be seen as positive as it highlights the Biden administration’s commitment to investing in America and creating opportunities for all Americans. The investments mentioned, such as the RAISE grant and funding for removing PFAS from the water supply, indicate a focus on infrastructure and environmental improvements. The market is likely to respond positively to these initiatives, especially in sectors related to clean technology and infrastructure development. The ongoing advocacy from Tucson’s mayor suggests that further investments and funding may be secured in the future, which can continue to drive market growth.
