1980's
- The Santa Cruz County Citizens Council was formed in 1984 in response to a proposed 165-unit apartment complex called Tubac Alta on West Frontage Rd. To challenge this large development, the SCVCC was formed by combining 9 HOA districts. The newly formed SCVCC successfully petitioned the Board of Supervisors to turn the project down.
- The SCVCC successfully opposed a proposed gravel pit on West Frontage Rd. south of Exit 34.
- The SCVCC successfully opposed an outlet mall proposed on West Frontage Rd. just west of Exit 34.
1990's
- In 1999 a large power line was proposed that would run south to the border and into Mexico. Several routes were proposed east and west of Tubac. The utility company said it would improve power and stop outages in the area, but the main reason was to sell power to Mexico. SCVCC members spent 3 years traveling to line siting committee meetings to oppose the project. SCVCC raised $30,000 in the community to cover legal fees. Only one of the routes on the west side of 1-19 was eventually considered, but it did not meet U.S. Forest Service approval. TEP eventually upgraded east of the Santa Cruz River to improve capacity and reliability.
2000's
- Around 2000 the Border Patrol and US Government proposed an 18-lane permanent checkpoint north of Exit 34. SCVCC took the stand of securing the border at the border. The eventual outcome was the temporary checkpoint north of Tubac.
- SCVCC has given productive input to the Santa Cruz County Comprehensive Plan. The plan breaks the county into 6 character areas and Tubac is in the Northwest territory. The plan helps regulate land use and can be a fall back when major developments are proposed.
- 1,200 acres near the Rex Ranch in Amado were purchased by a developer. The area was zoned for 151 homes and the developer sought to have the zoning changed to 3,200 homes. Planning and Zoning rejected the request several times and the developer gave up.
- In 2005 SCVCC raised $40,000 in a major fund-raising effort. The Council hired a lawyer to help fight rising water rates. Several trips to meetings with the Corporation Commission resulted in partial consolidation to help with rising rates.
- The issue of incorporating Tubac was raised in 2005. The SCVCC Board commissioned the Eller School of Management at the University of Arizona to do a study on the pros and cons of incorporation. Several contentious meetings were held, and it was eventually decided it would not be in the best interest to incorporate. The report concluded that a group such as SCVCC can speak on behalf of the community and act as an advocate and influencer.
- In 2007 a developer and 1st United Realty combined forces to purchase 6,000 acres north of Tubac. The property was zoned for 1,776 homes. The developers sought to have the property rezoned to accommodate 16,810 homes. Planning and Zoning rejected the plan, but 2 supervisors overruled. A political action committee was formed. Petitions were filed and a resolution was put on the ballot as Propositions 400 and 401. The developers spent a great amount of money on publicity promising jobs and economic growth. Propositions 400 and 401 were defeated by 70%.
- In 2007 a developer and 1st United Realty combined forces to purchase 6,000 acres north of Tubac Exit 34 between the freeway exit and Frontage Road. The station was to have a modern look with a tall lighted spire. The Puma Club was to be a Conference center and hotel on the west side near Cerro Pelon. The developer was dubious and with some pressure they withdrew.
- There was a proposal by landowner Andy Jackson to rezone 3,550 acres along the river in Rio Rico. The proposal was very vague and there was not much public process. Because of these two issues, the Citizens Council opposed the proposal. The rezoning request included commercial and industrial. There was massive opposition from Rio Rico and the proposal was withdrawn. They may try for rezoning in the future. The rumor is that Rio Rico is a possible location for a manganese processing plant for the South 32 mine in Patagonia.
- In 2023, Tubac Fire Station 1 was in need of replacement, SCVCC took a stand against the lack of transparency by the previous fire board on the size of a new station and a land purchase from the Tubac Resort as the potential site. Theres was no appraisal and after community objections, the Resort withdrew its offer. The current board has agreed to building at the current Frontage Road site. The new plan is slightly reduced in size and does not include a meeting room. Fire district meetings are now held at the Tubac Community Center and SCVCC members are encouraged to attend.
- Township 34. SCVCC did not take a position on the proposed project of 62 townhouses and 20 ranch homes on 64 acres west of Tubac. The council did want to be assured that 24 acres of promised open space in the plan is adhered to and that the design of the townhomes is binding. We did receive those assurances in binding form.
- Nature Preserve. 160 acres along the river is to be conveyed to the Tubac Nature Center by Gary Brasher and Baca Float Land Development Co. Jim Karp, with grant funding from the National Park Service and students from the University of Arizona, have come up with a Concept Plan for the property. Because protection of our natural environment is important and the Nature Preserve would be a big part of that, the Area Plan Committee has suggested that the slogan for Tubac be changed to "Where Art, History and Nature Meet".
- The Area Plan Committee was formed in 2020, to create a plan specific to Tubac. The plan is to include walkability, subdivision growth, the river corridor, etc. A walkability study was presented to the County. The first phase walking path has been installed along Bridge Road on county easement property. The committee will fundraise to enhance the path with benches, landscaping, and lighting. The hope is the plan would ultimately be included in the County Comprehensive Plan.
- The Tubac Entrance Park will be on county land at the main entrance of the Tubac Village. The County presented a proposed plan in 2022. A final proposal was expected in 2024 and we hope construction will begin in Spring of 2026.
- The owner of the market and gas station near the Post Office applied for a 30-foot sign that says "Chevron". The Citizens Council opposed this request as being inconsistent with character of Tubac and with Dark Skies. The gas station is now a Sinclair station with modest and appropriate signage.
