In what may well become one of Tucson’s signature “rites of spring” pursuits, the Haiku Hike is a special community activity that signals a change in the air.  This year’s theme, Living in the Present Moment, couldn’t be more timely.  Now, more than ever, as the community peels off layers of isolation and social distancing, the Haiku Hike is a physical and mental reminder of spring and the re-awakening of nature.
Presented by the Downtown Tucson Partnership (DTP) and the University of Arizona Poetry Center, the 2nd annual Haiku Hike literary competition will showcase twenty winning haiku poems printed on acrylic signage in planters located on Congress Street and Stone Avenue. These signs will provide visual and cultural interest throughout the Spring season, beginning Saturday, March 20. A hike through downtown following the Haiku trail is the perfect opportunity for the public to get reacquainted with all that Tucson’s urban center has to offer.
Billions in New Grants Specifically for RestaurantsÂ
One of the most significant recent developments in the American Rescue Plan is the creation of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). This new $28.6 billion grant program will specifically target hard-hit restaurants and bars, with restaurants able to apply for grants based on lost gross revenue between 2019 and 2020. The maximum grant size will be $5 million for restaurants and $10 million for restaurant groups. The application has not opened yet, but feel free to reach out to the DTP for tips on what you can do right now to get ready.
DTP Board Members, Tom Heath and Zach Yentzer, are highlighting the many businesses that make the 85701Â zip code (downtown) great! Check out the eleventh spotlight in the series with Dillon Walker, Owner of Common Workspace.
Photo: Alan Gomez, Project Engineer, Ryan Companies.
DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center to Open March 23
El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria Opening Simultaneously
The DoubleTree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center will officially welcome guests starting March 23. The new hotel features 170 rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, business center, meeting rooms, room service and an on-site restaurant named El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria.Â
El Mezquite Grill & Taqueria offers contemporary Southwest cuisine highlighting fresh, healthy, creative and local ingredients playing off the traditional flavors of Mexico. Bespoke cocktails, interesting wines and hand-crafted local brews available from El Mez Bar. Make a reservation →
Join the City of Tucson Office of Economic Initiatives for a Connecting for Success webinar on Monday, March 22 from 3 - 4 p.m. Hear from federal and local resource partners about the American Rescue Plan and how it relates to small business, along with loan programs for small business - including a program specifically for BIPOC businesses. Register now →
Budget Town Halls
Mayor Romero and City Manager Ortega invite the public to a series of town halls that the City of Tucson will be hosting to provide a platform for community members to voice their priorities for the next fiscal year budget, which begins on July 1. The series will be organized into four unique town halls.
As cases, hospitalizations and deaths continue to trend down and vaccination rates accelerate, the community should be proud of its ability to turn the tide of the pandemic.
UArizona will opened approx. 12,000 new COVID-19 vaccination appointments for registration today at 11 a.m. Those 55 and older can register for appointments by visiting http://podvaccine.azdhs.gov or calling the bilingual COVID-19 Vaccine Navigation Help Desk at 1-844-542-8201.
