When we talk about the future of Pima Community College, we’re really talking about the future of the students and communities the College serves.
Early voting has begun and Pima County voters have the opportunity to consider Proposition 430, a $250 million General Obligation Bond proposed by Pima Community College. The measure will appear on the November 3, 2026, ballot, but for those who are registered to vote early, can vote today. It would be the first time in more than 30 years that the College has sought taxpayer-supported debt for capital needs.
So, what would Proposition 430 support?
The proposed bond focuses on several areas, including workforce training, student support, campus safety and improvements to aging facilities.
Among the proposed projects are a new Center of Excellence in Public Safety and First Responders and the Arts, renovations to Student Success and Support Centers, modernization and expansion of academic spaces, improvements to existing infrastructure and the relocation of the police headquarters to Downtown Campus. The proposal also includes refinancing existing revenue bonds to reduce future interest payments.
The college is full of classrooms where students learn new skills, across Tucson at every PCC campus. Whether it’s for preparing students in high-demand industries, or a stepping stone to continue to a University, the College is a place where someone who may be the first in their family to attend college can begin building a different future.
Pima says the proposed bond would help address more than $56 million in deferred maintenance while expanding training capacity in areas such as Information Technology, First Responders and Teacher Education.
The College also reports that state funding for its capital needs ended in 2009 and regular operational funding was reduced to zero in 2015. According to PCC, that has resulted in a cumulative loss of $221 million in capital and operating aid.
With that being said, Proposition 430 would be funded through General Obligation Bonds, which are repaid through property taxes. Pima Community College estimates that for a homeowner with an assessed property value of $250,000, the proposed bond would cost approximately $31.11 per year, or $2.59 per month, based on the College’s estimate for the 20-year maturity bonds.
There are also measures in place for public oversight. The College’s Governing Board would review and approve contracts and purchases exceeding $250,000, while its Finance and Audit Committee would receive reports on bond expenditures. The College also notes that its financial statements, internal controls and compliance procedures are routinely audited by the State Auditor General’s Office.
At the Pima Foundation, our work is centered on supporting Pima Community College and its students. That means paying attention to the conversations that shape the College and the opportunities available to future generations of Pima students.
Proposition 430 is one of those conversations.
Whether you are a student, graduate, employer, community partner, taxpayer or simply someone who cares about the future of Southern Arizona, understanding what is being proposed is an important part of participating in that conversation.
Proposition 430 will be on the November 3, 2026, ballot, but early voting has already begun, and we hope you will vote yes with us in support of Pima Community College.
For additional information about the proposal, including project details, financial information and the official voter information pamphlet, on its Proposition 430 webpage, which can be viewed by clicking here
