Building Community: Empowering people around the construction of Small-Scale Housing for a Sustainable Tucson

Hello, Neighbor!

Welcome to our long-awaited "Building Community" newsletter, your source for all things urban infill in Tucson! At UIP we believe in the power of community. Through this newsletter, we share ideas and opportunities for creating a more connected and sustainable Tucson. We'll explore inspiring projects, share practical tips for homeowners, and hear from local experts who are making a difference. Join in as we change the world, one neighborly action at a time!

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The Urban Infill Project is making a real difference in Tucson! Since our launch in March 2023, we've sold 20 pre-permitted plan sets, helping in the completion of 4 new homes, with 7 more currently under construction. This is huge!

 

What's UIP all about? We're making it easier than ever to build new homes in existing neighborhoods. Think pre-approved designs, zoning and permitting guidance, and a team dedicated to finding the perfect infill lots. We can even help you find the right builders and site planners to bring your vision to life!

 

Want to learn more? Check out our updated website with a brand new project portfolio, courtesy of Lisa! You can see the progress our clients are making on their infill homes.

• Presentations: We're sharing the ins and outs of infill development with real estate pros, small scale investors, and builders. To schedule a presentation for your team, click here and shoot us a request with a date.

• Got land? Valerie, our co-founder and licensed realtor is always looking for prime infill opportunities. If you know anyone looking for or ready to unload property that has potential, reach out to her here.

• Need help with permitting? Lisa, our other co-founder, handles the most complex of projects through Sonoran Development Consulting and is available to support anyone in need of permit management.

• Advocacy: Valerie has recently been appointed to the Planning Commission for both Pima County and the City of Tucson. She's a strong advocate for residential development as new zoning changes are implemented (thanks to that new AZ House Bill!).

Lumen 1 Bedroom

Roost 1 Bedroom

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Arizona takes statewide action to increase housing options.

 

At UIP, we're excited about Arizona's new housing laws and the potential they hold for our community. Building casitas and small multi-family homes is a community-focused solution to our housing needs. These laws empower homeowners and local builders to create these types of housing, bringing more opportunity to our city. This levels the playing field for small developers, allowing them to compete with larger companies and build a thriving local housing market.

Power Outage Camping Ban $300k for Rip Rap

Shining a Light on Important Issues:   Our friends over at Luminaria are doing incredible work. Their reporting on homelessness and poverty in Tucson is shedding light on critical issues facing our community. At UIP, we believe that understanding housing supply challenges and the experiences of people facing housing issues is the first step towards finding solutions. Thanks to Yana Kunichoff and Luminaria for their dedication to impactful journalism and to their efforts spent capturing real experiences and viewpoints of people in our community. Shedding light on the path so we can take action!!

Fall is knocking:  Cooler weather is just around the corner, here is a short home maintenance list to get you ready: Inspect your roof for any damage or cracks from monsoon season or sun exposure. Many roof companies offer inspections and estimates for free! Our favorite is Encantada Roof Works. While you're at it - clean any gutters or downspouts. Seal any cracks around windows and doors with new caulk or weather stripping. Trim the yard and clean up debris. Keep trees off the roof and all plants a few feet away from exterior walls to help keep rodents away. Inspect for pest infestations and if you see evidence of intrusion, call your local pest company - I don't have a great recommendation but I will stress that establishing an account with someone is highly recommended. Clean any debris or dust away from interior and exterior HVAC equipment and have systems inspected, cleaned and tuned-up for winter. Make sure to change your air filters! We especially like the folks at Eco-Clima. Have your water heater inspected and flushed. Some plumbing companies have a seasonal discount for this service; like Code Blue Plumbing.

Call to Action:

Investing in your well-being is an investment in your community. Here are a few ideas that can add value and wellness to your life:

• Go for a 20 minute walk in the morning and smile and wave at other morning walkers - try this every day for a week.

• Visit one of Tucson's many Farmer's Markets - bring a friend and then cook a meal together using food you buy at the market.

• Journal question: What does 'community' mean to me, and what kind of community do I want to be a part of? What are some ways I can step outside my comfort zone to connect with people different from myself and build bridges within my community?

Originally published as email marketing 10/17/24