Local opinion: Rio Nuevo’s check engine light is on

Rio Nuevo would be wise to consider the community’s strong reaction to its recent decision to allocate $2.1 million in support of a Live Nation-backed comedy club. The backlash is more than a flicker on the dashboard; it’s a check engine light. Sure, you can keep driving for a while with that light on. But keep ignoring the warning signs, and you may end up with a bill that’s impossible to pay.

To understand authentic revitalization, we might look to someone like Jane Jacobs, whose birthday was just celebrated on May 4th. She once said, “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” Her vision was one of cities built with the people, not just for them.

So, what could a truly revitalized downtown Tucson look like? It would be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds find belonging and purpose, where creativity, connection, collaboration, and shared ownership are the foundation from which all other elements flow and not a retrofit to things such as commerce or a fun night out downtown.

Take Playformance as a prime example. This “children’s activity center” is more than just a space for play. It’s a place where young people learn to manage conflict, collaborate, and work toward shared goals, even amid disagreement. They are welcomed into a community and utilize the streets of downtown as the backdrop for their development. That’s exactly the kind of human development we need more of in Tucson. Imagine if our city’s leaders modeled the same values: empathy, curiosity, and cooperation — even when challenged. Especially when challenged.

It’s time to reimagine what revitalization can be. It must be rooted in transparency, open-hearted leadership, and genuine collaboration. When residents and local business owners raise concerns about fairness in development and real estate practices, we should be listening. Why would we ignore those who have firsthand experience and stories to share? Discernment with sales tax dollars should come with accountability. If we want good stories to come out of Tucson, we should be open to feedback on how to shape the future of our city. The bridges we need can only be built together, and yes, they should include families and children who live here, not just U of A students we hope to woo.

If Rio Nuevo is serious about revitalizing downtown, it needs to be in touch with the local entrepreneurs and everyday citizens who have poured their time, money, and lifeblood into creating the culture and community that make Tucson special.

Personally, I want to see Tucson and its downtown thrive. We all do. But we risk everything when we reduce complex challenges to simple, binary arguments. The frustration people feel about importing “success” from outside is a recognition that we already have the ingredients here. We already have the talent. And apparently, we even have the funding.

History has shown us what happens when we ignore community voices for the sake of urban renewal and revitalization. The wise won’t repeat those mistakes.

So here’s my appeal to decision-makers and those in positions of power: listen deeply, engage humbly, and make room at the table. Let’s build a downtown and a city that people can truly rejoice in.