Thrive in the 05 Fiesta a Success

Thrive in the 05 Fiesta a Success

Published on June 24, 2026

More than 100 people celebrated Thrive in the 05 Fiesta on June 16 for an evening of community connection and information sharing. The event was held at Pima Community College Downtown Campus.

Attendees heard presentations and updates from local organizations and community partners highlighting neighborhood projects, resources, upcoming opportunities, and ongoing efforts taking place throughout the Thrive in the 05 area. The event provided residents with an opportunity to learn more about what is happening in their community and connect directly with organizations serving the area. In addition to community updates, attendees enjoyed free food, ice cream, and activities for children. Food was provided by Hotdogs 501, Cafe La Indita, and Frozen Delight. Twenty community partners hosted information tables, providing resources and answering questions from residents.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero welcomed the attendees and participants with words of encouragement.

Thrive in the 05 is a collaborative, resident-driven revitalization initiative in Tucson's 85705 zip code. Thrive in the 05 is a 2.3-square-mile area historically known as Tucson's northern gateway. The project encompasses neighborhoods Barrio Blue Moon, Miracle Manor, and Balboa Heights.

In 2018, with the support of the Thrive residents and community partners including Pima Community College downtown campus, the City of Tucson created the Thrive in 05 initiative with financial support from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 2022 the Mayor and Council officially adopted the Thrive in the 05 Transformation Plan, a blueprint for housing, public art, and community wellness. The following year the City of Tucson received an impressive $50 million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation (CNI) grant from HUD to create and rehabilitate hundreds of housing units, including the multi-million-dollar conversion of the Tucson House into mixed-income living for seniors.

In recent years, eight action activities have been created in the Thrive zone with a $1.5 million investment from HUD and City of Tucson.

To encourage engagement with partner organizations, attendees at the Thrive Fiesta participated in a community scavenger hunt that required them to visit partner tables, learn about available resources, and interact with participating organizations. Completed scavenger hunt forms were entered into two raffle drawings. One winner received a tablet, while a second winner received a tablet and a $50 gift card.

Participating Partners Included:

• Tucson Electric Power (TEP)
• Pima County District 5
• Pima Community College
• City of Tucson Lead Hazard Reduction Program
• City of Tucson Small Business Navigator Team
• City of Tucson Environmental Services
• City of Tucson Parks and Recreation
• Tucson Resilient Together Team
• City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility
• Tucson Water
• SERI
• City of Tucson El Pueblo Housing Development
• City of Tucson Office of Violence Prevention and Intervention - Community Safety
• Pima County Health Department
• Pima Council on Aging (PCOA)
• Tucson Police Department (TPD)
• United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona - Cradle to Career
• Pima Partnership School
• City of Tucson Thrive in the 05

Thanks to all of the residents, community partners, volunteers, and staff who helped make Fiesta in the 05 a successful and welcoming event. Events like these strengthen connections, celebrate progress, and help ensure residents stay informed about the work happening throughout the Thrive in the 05 community.

By the Numbers:

• 150 Attendees
• 19 Community Partner Organizations
• 2 Community Raffles
• 2 Tablets Awarded
• 1 $50 Gift Card Awarded
• Free food provided by Hotdogs 501, Cafe La Indita, and Frozen Delight
• Community presentations, resource tables, and children's activities