January 14, 2014
New Name for Rio Nuevo
The Rio Nuevo Board of Directors is looking to the next generation of Tucson’s young people to help find a potential new name for Rio Nuevo.
Only Pima County high school seniors are eligible to enter this college scholarship contest. The new name must reflect Tucson’s culture as well as our high hopes for the future.
There will be six semi-finalists, who will each receive a $500 cash scholarship to be used towards the college of their choice. Pima College or the University of Arizona will match the prize should the student elect to go to one of those two schools. The winner, will receive a $1,000 cash scholarship. Again, PCC and the U of A will match if the winner attends one of the schools.
Why consider changing the Rio Nuevo Name? It might make sense for a new and ethical leadership to have a new and different name. The way the new Board does business today is light years away from past boards. This is an open Board with new ideas and a solid commitment to enhance Tucson’s Birthplace.
The name Rio Nuevo is not legislated, it was given to a series of projects along the river at least as far back as 1999, along with a commitment to revitalize those areas and voter approval to spend state tax dollars. As we all know now that isn’t what happened and some believe the name Rio Nuevo may have become synonymous with wasted opportunity and freewheeling government.
The new board, reporting directly to the State, wants to separate the current, very transparent and on-mission organization from the legacy of the past and is seeking input from area high school seniors on a possible new name
Committed to the renovation of the TCC Arena, and other downtown projects, state funds can now be tracked in real time on the District’s website, www.RioNuevo.org
Expenditure of the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Funds collected is now disbursed and managed by the reconstituted Rio Nuevo Multipurpose Facilities District Board of Directors that, as of 2010 are appointed by the State’s Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives. It is an open door policy. You can even go on line and see exactly where all monies are being invested.
So far, Pima County high school seniors have suggested more than 75 possible names. The current Board is hoping to encourage every high school senior to submit their entry by going to:
www.NewNameForRioNuevo.com