There are some conversations that are bigger than one classroom, one campus or even one generation of students.
Proposition 430 is one of those conversations.
On November 3, voters in Pima County will have the opportunity to consider a $250 million General Obligation Bond for Pima Community College. The proposed bond would provide funding to modernize aging facilities, address deferred maintenance and expand training capacity in areas connected to high-demand careers. It would be the first time in more than 30 years that Pima Community College has sought taxpayer-supported debt for capital needs.
For Pima Foundation, this conversation is closely connected to the work we do every day: supporting Pima students and helping create opportunities for them to build their futures.
The Foundation is supporting Proposition 430 and is hosting a series of community information sessions designed to give people an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and better understand the proposed bond and its potential impact on students, workforce development and Southern Arizona.
Why This Conversation Matters
Pima Community College plays an important role in preparing people for the workforce, whether they are earning a degree, learning a new skill or preparing for a career in an industry where employers need qualified workers.
The proposed bond includes projects focused on expanding training capacity in areas such as Information Technology, First Responders and Teacher Education, as well as addressing aging facilities and more than $56 million in deferred maintenance identified by the College.
The College says that state funding for capital needs ended in 2009, while regular operational funding was reduced to zero in 2015. According to the College, this has resulted in a cumulative loss of $221 million in capital and operating aid.
A bond of this size deserves thoughtful questions and a community conversation, which is why these information sessions are important.
They offer an opportunity to hear directly about the proposal, learn about projects being considered across Pima’s campuses and understand how the College says the funding could affect students and the broader community.
Join the Conversation
The Pima Foundation’s information sessions begin today, September 21, at West Campus and continue at campuses throughout Pima County through October 5. Each session runs from 6–7 p.m.
West Campus
Monday, September 21
6–7 p.m.
Saguaro Room – HG10
Downtown Campus
Tuesday, September 22
6–7 p.m.
Amethyst Room – CC180
Desert Vista Campus
Tuesday, September 29
6–7 p.m.
Community Room F123
Northwest Campus
Thursday, October 1
6–7 p.m.
Community Room A207
East Campus
Monday, October 5
6–7 p.m.
Community Room L101
Community members can RSVP for the session that works best for them by clicking here.
Looking Ahead
At Pima Foundation, we often talk about the importance of investing in students.
Sometimes that investment is a scholarship. Sometimes it is a new program, updated equipment or a learning environment that gives students the chance to practice their skills in a setting that reflects the workplace.
Proposition 430 is a separate public funding proposal, but it connects to that same larger conversation about what Pima Community College needs to serve students and prepare Southern Arizona for the future.
Whether you are a Pima student, graduate, employer, community partner, taxpayer or simply someone who cares about the future of our region, there is value in understanding what is being proposed.
Come with questions. Learn about the projects. Hear more about the potential impact.
And be part of the conversation about what comes next for Pima Community College.
