Pima County District 5 Supervisor Andrés Cano Advances Key Community Projects Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Andrés Cano, recently appointed Pima County Supervisor for District 5, has initiated several impactful projects focusing on sustainable community development. His efforts strongly align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), targeting improvements in infrastructure, affordable housing, quality education, and economic growth.

Drexel Road Bridge Project: Enhancing Infrastructure and Reducing Traffic Congestion

The Drexel Road Bridge project is a major infrastructure initiative designed to alleviate traffic congestion on Tucson’s Westside. This two-lane bridge will span the Santa Cruz River, connecting Drexel Road from Calle Santa Cruz to Midvale Park Road, situated between Valencia and Irvington near the Tucson Spectrum Shopping Center.

• Project Cost: $40 million
• Funding Secured: $15 million contributed by the City of Tucson, secured by Cano during his legislative tenure
• Construction Timeline: Expected to begin in 2026 or 2027, pending additional funding

This project supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure by improving sustainable transport infrastructure and reducing commute times, which currently can extend to 30-40 minutes during rush hour. The bridge aims to enhance connectivity and support economic activities in the region.

Affordable Housing and Tenant Support Initiatives

In alignment with SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved a $1.7 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget on June 17, allocating $10 million specifically for affordable home ownership, eviction protection, and renter support programs.

• Focus on increasing affordable housing availability
• Providing eviction protection to vulnerable populations
• Supporting renters to promote housing stability

Investment in Early Childhood Education

Addressing SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 1: No Poverty, the county has invested in the Pima Early Education Program Scholarships (PEEPS). This initiative offers affordable, high-quality childcare options to families, easing financial burdens and supporting early childhood development.

• PEEPS scholarships help parents access quality childcare
• Program targets affordability to reduce economic strain on families
• Supports working parents and promotes equitable education opportunities

Community Engagement and Commitment

Representing approximately 250,000 residents across Downtown, Midtown, Westside, Southside, and the Pascua Yaqui Nation, Supervisor Cano emphasizes direct community involvement. His approach reflects SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions by fostering inclusive participation and transparent governance at the local level.

1. Engaging with residents to understand community needs
2. Building trust and collaboration within neighborhoods
3. Driving meaningful local change through responsive leadership

Conclusion

Supervisor Andrés Cano’s initiatives in Pima County demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals. By focusing on sustainable infrastructure, affordable housing, quality education, and community engagement, these projects aim to enhance the well-being and resilience of District 5 residents, promoting a sustainable and equitable future.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article discusses creating good paying jobs and economic development through infrastructure projects.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The Drexel Road Bridge project and infrastructure strengthening are central themes.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Addressing traffic congestion, affordable housing, eviction protection, and community connectivity.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education – Investment in the Pima Early Education Program Scholarships (PEEPS) for affordable quality childcare.
5. SDG 1: No Poverty – Efforts toward affordable home ownership, eviction protection, and renter support.
6. SDG 13: Climate Action (implied) – Mention of protecting the environment as part of infrastructure planning.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 8
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
2. SDG 9
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
3. SDG 11
   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems.
4. SDG 4
   • Target 4.2: Ensure that all children have access to quality early childhood development and pre-primary education.
5. SDG 1
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to economic resources including housing.
6. SDG 13 (implied)
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Traffic Congestion Reduction – Time taken to commute during rush hour (e.g., reduction from 30-40 minutes to a shorter duration) as a measure of improved transport infrastructure (SDG 11.2).
2. Investment Amounts – Funding allocated to projects such as $40 million for the Drexel Road Bridge, $15 million secured for initial payment, and $10 million for affordable housing and renter support (SDG 9.1, 11.1, 1.4).
3. Access to Affordable Childcare – Number of families benefiting from Pima Early Education Program Scholarships (PEEPS) indicating progress in early childhood education affordability (SDG 4.2).
4. Housing Affordability and Eviction Protection – Number of affordable homes developed, eviction rates, and renter support metrics (SDG 11.1, 1.4).
5. Job Creation – Number of good paying jobs created through infrastructure and community projects (SDG 8.5).
6. Environmental Protection Measures – While not explicitly stated, progress could be measured by environmental impact assessments related to infrastructure projects (SDG 13.1).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: kgun9.com