Tucson at a Crossroads: Chad Kasmar on Crime, Drugs, Homelessness & Government

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The Upside

Tucson at a Crossroads: Chad Kasmar on Crime, Drugs, Homelessness & Government

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Former Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar joins Edmund Marquez on The Upside for a candid conversation about Tucson’s future, the challenges facing the region, and what it will take for city, county, court, law enforcement, and nonprofit systems to work together more effectively.

Now serving as a Deputy County Administrator for Pima County, Chad brings a rare perspective shaped by nearly three decades of public service with the City of Tucson. Born and raised in Tucson, he reflects on his journey from lifeguard and police officer to Chief of Police, and now into county leadership at a time when the region is facing complex issues around public safety, homelessness, addiction, fentanyl, transportation, poverty, and government coordination.

Edmund and Chad discuss how Tucson has grown into a major metropolitan city while still carrying the mindset of the “sleepy Old Pueblo.” They explore why public drug use has become more visible across parks, bus stops, public spaces, and neighborhoods, how synthetic opioids have changed the addiction crisis, and why arrest alone cannot solve problems rooted in mental health, poverty, and substance abuse.

The conversation also takes a deeper look at the systems behind public safety, including the courts, jail, crisis services, prosecutors, public defenders, emergency communications, police staffing, and data sharing. Chad explains why Tucson and Pima County need a more coordinated metropolitan approach, including better technology, shared data, and stronger collaboration across agencies.

This episode is not just about crime or government — it is about the future of Tucson. Chad shares why he stepped into his new role, what he believes needs to change, and why improving systems may be just as important as adding resources. For anyone who cares about Tucson, public safety, homelessness, addiction recovery, or regional leadership, this is an important and timely conversation.

Sponsored by The Heath Team at NOVA Home Loans, the Tucson Sugar Skulls, and Lumify Creative Agency.

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Edmund Marquez

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