The Bear Canyon Woods Neighborhood has an important victory to celebrate. After months of collaboration, community meetings, research, and resident engagement, the Tucson Mayor and City Council voted unanimously on July 21, 2026, to deny the rezoning request for the property at 8800 E. Jacaranda Way.
This outcome reflects the strength of a community that came together with a shared goal: protecting the character, safety, and quality of life of the neighborhood.
At the Mayor and Council meeting, residents highlighted several key concerns, including:
- Preserving the rural character and vision outlined in the Bear Canyon Neighborhood Plan.
- Ensuring responsible drainage, flood mitigation, and protection of the Fahringer and Tanque Verde Wash watersheds.
- Addressing infrastructure needs, including sewer capacity and traffic impacts, before additional development occurs.
Neighbors were united in their belief that the proposal, as presented, did not adequately address these concerns. Throughout the process, they worked in good faith to find common ground. Residents developed proposed covenants that would have helped preserve neighborhood character, establish maintenance standards, and provide additional protections for surrounding property owners. Unfortunately, the property owner chose not to adopt those proposals.
The Council’s unanimous vote is a win not only for Bear Canyon Woods, but also for the idea that good planning begins with listening to the community. It shows that when residents stay informed, work together, and participate respectfully, they can help shape development that protects neighborhood character, critical infrastructure, natural resources, and the values of the community.
TVVA congratulates the Bear Canyon Woods Neighborhood and sincerely thanks every resident who attended meetings, submitted comments, spoke at public hearings, volunteered their time, or supported this effort. Your dedication, respect, and persistence helped ensure that the neighborhood’s voice was heard.
“Preserving What’s Precious”