Some members of the Legislature, angered by slow progress of Rio Nuevo, are threatening to cancel the agreement that funds it.
It would be a serious mistake that would decimate the Tucson economy while also bringing financial harm to the state.
Rio Nuevo has had problems – but killing it is not the way to fix it. Instead, lawmakers should impose strict accountability rules on Rio Nuevo spending – something the city should have done on its own.
Any such rules should also make Rio Nuevo funding far more transparent so ordinary citizens of Tucson can look for themselves and see where money has been spent.
Rio Nuevo should continue receiving funds, but with a solid eye on the bottom line.