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PUBLIC POLICY MISSION: In trying to serve its membership and promote responsible community planning and development, Metropolitan Pima Alliance remains active in public policies throughout the region. MPA’s Public Policy Committee and Technical Advisory Committee works with the Executive Director and Governmental Relations Director in responding to local policies that impact land development. Our members directly help shape public policy because staff depends on the experiences and expertise of its members when negotiating the terms of policies and ordinances due to the complexity of many issues. We encourage members to contact staff or Board Members when there is an issue of concern that MPA should become involved in. LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT Annexation & Incorporation MPA supports annexation and incorporation of unincorporated areas because it is important to bring State revenue to the municipalities located in Pima County in order to make infrastructure investments. Conservation/ Endangered Species/Habitat MPA recognizes the importance of sensitive land use planning and preservation of designated natural areas. Design Standards MPA encourages 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. Development Fees MPA recognizes there is a cost associated with reviewing and approving plans and issuing building permits. MPA remains engaged with local governments in reviewing fees to insure they are fair and reasonable. Development Administrative Policies MPA actively works 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. Downtown, Infill Development & Revitalization MPA encourages 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. Financing MPA supports the ability to use a variety of funding mechanisms in order to feasibly develop projects. Green Building MPA supports the creation of policies that encourage green building designs through incentive programs. Impact Fees MPA supports 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. Transportation MPA advocates for transportation planning and infrastructure to achieve safe and efficient sustainable transportation services. Utilities MPA supports utility provider
s in their mission of providing quality service and e
nsuring public safety. MPA recognizes the importance of encouraging conservation and utilizing renewable resources.
MPA recognizes that a strong economy requires a balance between business, neighborhoods and the environment. We believe that we must create a beautiful built and natural environment that promotes sustainable living. Secondarily, we must support commerce and growth and create a business and political environment that encourages business retention and recruitment. In trying to maintain this balance and foster a robust economy, we hold the following positions:
Mining 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. Property And Sales Tax MPA recognizes that property and sales taxes are necessary for municipalities to provide necessary services. MPA strongly supports equitable taxation. DMAFB MPA recognizes the significant contributions that DMAFB brings to our community and supports the men and women of our armed services. Long range land use planning for DMAFB and the surrounding areas should ensure flexibility for change and accommodate expansion. Education MPA believes 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. Hospitals And Trauma Centers MPA recognizes the importance of hospitals and trauma centers as regional resources for providing medical care and emergency medicine as well as education and community outreach. These resources are necessary for a viable and growing community. Tucson International Airport MPA supports 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 affects to major, neighboring employers (DMAFB, Arizona National Guard, Raytheon).
 CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS MPA is a non-partisan organization that believes compromise and collaboration should be used in creating all public policies. For this reason, MPA does not endorse candidates because our mission is to find common ground- regardless of political affiliation.
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