Following the MPNA Focus Areas, the MPNA will focus on the following deliverables in 2019, powered by engaged committees of neighbors, and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders and jurisdictions

1. Transportation and Traffic

Develop plans and timelines for putting in streetcar signaling along Cushing at streetcar ingress and egress points.

Proactively establish a strategic plan with ParkTucson forecasting any neighborhood permitting and parking plans, and for Mercado district parking overall.

Work to activate the State parking garage on the east side of the I-10 for weekend and event parking.

Have close communication with Rio Nuevo, Gadsden, Ward 1, and City of Tucson about underground parking plans across from the MSA.

Get updated traffic count numbers from Ward 1 at least twice a year (Jan 2019 and TBD).

Evaluate the proposed Complete Streets Policy going through Mayor and Council, for relevant initiatives for traffic calming and overall livability that can be applied to Menlo Park.

2. Development and Preservation and Compatible Use of Open Land (including Historical Preservation)

Work with Mission Garden to better advertise to the Menlo Park and broader Tucson community.

Work with Rio Nuevo, County, City and relevant neighborhood and community stakeholders to develop and execute open space plan for the A mountain landfill site.

Work with relevant stakeholders to develop a strategic neighborhood and development vision/plan for how remaining open land is preserved and/or developed.

3. Housing Affordability and Gentrification

Work with census and Ward data to figure out areas where older seniors are at risk of being displaced by rising property taxes, and/or predatory prospectors who want to buy homes for less than they are worth

Work on a property tax exemption/abatement initiative for seniors

Run a neighborhood campaign informing at-risk residents (seniors especially) about the correct market-rate for their home so they can make an informed decision as to the sale or retention of their home.

Look into ways that the housing stock in Menlo Park can be increased appropriately to balance supply-and-demand that keeps housing costs lower.

Explore use of HUD CDBG money for homeowner renovations, and home renovation mortgage programs that make it easier for homeowners and homebuyers to maintain and purchase homes at a lower cost.

Explore establishment and implementation of a Neighborhood ¡Stabilization and Loan Program to assist low-income homeowners to provide long-term, low-interest loans to those who are paying for more than 30 percent of their income on housing (see University of Texas Study and Austin anti-displacement strategy).

4. Children, Youth and Families

Works with the Clean and Beautiful committee to clean up and fully activate the Menlo Neighborhood Park

Assess opportunities, with Menlo Park’s current growth, to re-open the Menlo Park School.

Assess child care options in Menlo Park as a resource for families and promote those opportunities to working families.

Engage El Rio as local health care providers to promote% local healthcare services.

Collect and market services for helping families with financial planning and fitness.

5. Water and Environmental Sustainability

Work with the Tucson Emerging District 2020 to develop and implement a residential application in Menlo Park, involving homeowner energy and water conservation that saves neighbors money monthly and annually.

6. Development of a Neighborhood Plan

Work with City staff and neighbors to develop a comprehensive and inclusive neighborhood plan that encompasses the areas and focus of this strategic plan.

7. Engagement and Outreach

Ensure that the three areas of Menlo Park (Old Menlo, Mercado District, and Barrio Sin Nombre) are equally represented at Neighborhood meetings.

Increase participation in the Menlo Park Neighborhood meetings by 50%.

Work with Menlo Park NA board to schedule “Listening Tours” throughout the year that are hosted in neighbors’ houses in different parts of the community to engage neighbors who can’t/don’t come to the Neighborhood meetings

Work with MPNA board to schedule more frequent, bilingual newsletters for delivery in the community for neighbors who don’t have email, and work with Fundraising to pay for it.

8. Fundraising

Establish crowdfunding platform for neighbors to contribute small funds to specific projects.

Locate and research neighborhood grants that could be available to fund the elements of the strategic plan.

Schedule events and fundraisers for funding different projects.

Work with the various subcommittees to develop fundraising budgets.

9. Events

Work with fundraising and other subcommittees to schedule, plan, and execute relevant events and programs.

10. Menlo Park “Clean and Beautiful”

Ensure that public areas are clean and accessible (parks, for example).

Assist older residents with upkeep of yards and walking spaces.

Assist with annual A-Mountain buffelgrass and monsoon season maintenance.