Bits and Pieces

Council rejects two of three new taxes
Wednesday night, the Oro Valley Town Council took action on three proposed new taxes. Council approved a commercial use tax, but voted not to approve the proposed telecommunications tax or the proposed commercial rental tax. LOVE will provide a more detailed summary of the Council discussion and votes in next Tuesday’s article.

Arizona State School for Deaf and Blind to move to Copper Creek facility
It looks like the Copper Creek Elementary School Building, which Amphi is closing at the end of this school year, won’t be vacant for long.  The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) plans to move its Tucson campus into the Copper Creek facility under a proposed multi-year lease with the Amphitheater School District. ASDB officials have said the move would allow the state agency to rightsize Tucson operations moving to the existing school campus rather than maintaining the larger, older facility on Speedway in Tucson. 

"The goal of this move is: (1) long-term sustainability of the agency and the Tucson campus, so that students continue to receive exceptional education opportunities; and (2) decrease operational/overhead costs, in order to have more resources for students and teachers."

According to ASDB, staff and students will move to the facility this summer.  The fall semester will begin at that location. The site will be repurposed for specialized education.  The move provides certainty to the  town and to the residents of Copper Creek that the facility will continue to a well maintained facility. Read more about their decision to move to Oro Valley here.

Town receives land gift... will likely be added to trails system
Also Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council approved a gift agreement to accept two parcels of undeveloped desert land adjacent to Honey Bee Canyon Park. Deputy Town Manager Chris Cornelison explained that the donation consists of roughly 33 acres of natural desert, offered at no cost, with property taxes current. The land is zoned as open space under the Rancho Vistoso PAD and includes existing informal trails. The land will be held by the Town for possible future inclusion in broader parks and trails planning efforts. The next step is for staff to complete standard due diligence, including title review and preparation of the deed, with no obligation for the Town to make improvements or incur expenses related to the property. mmCouncil members expressed support, noting that the donation complements Honey Bee Canyon Park. The Council unanimously approved the resolution, with a 6–0 vote.  

Police gain access to statewide investigative data system
Wednesday, the Town Council unanimously approved an agreement allowing the Oro Valley Police Department to participate in a state-supported law enforcement records management and analytics system. Police staff said the system will give OVPD access to data from other law enforcement agencies that do not share the same records platform, improving investigations and officer safety by providing more complete background and contact information. The system will be funded through a one-year state grant administered by the Arizona Department of Administration. In response to council questions, staff said the system meets all criminal justice data privacy standards and that the Town is not required to continue participation if grant funding ends

Council adopts state-mandated zoning code changes
Also Wednesday, the Town Council approved updates to the zoning codes required by recent State of Arizona law changes. We previously reported on these changes. Planning staff explained that the amendments formalize administrative approval for certain non-discretionary development and design review applications, clarify who may appeal administrative decisions and under what conditions, allow earlier submittal of grading and drainage plans, and correct minor code errors. The discussion also addressed a change requiring conditional use permits for building height increases in private school and parks and open space zoning districts, placing final approval authority with the Council. Council members noted that while many of the updates are state-mandated, staff worked to retain local oversight where possible. Changes had been previously approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Phased stormwater rate increase approved... will support system maintenance
Later in the meeting, the Council approved a phased increase to the stormwater utility base rate, adopting Resolution R26-02. The increase raises the residential base rate by 67 cents per month, from $4.50 to $5.17, effective July 1, 2026. Two additional increases were also approved, another 67 cents effective July 1, 2027, bringing the rate to $5.84, and a final increase effective July 1, 2028, bringing the base rate to $6.50, a total $2 increase over three years. Commercial properties will see proportional increases based on impervious surface area. Staff said the stormwater base rate has not been adjusted since 2016, a point previously reported in LOVE, and that the phased approach was designed to limit impacts on residents while ensuring the utility can fund operations, meet regulatory requirements, and maintain required reserves. The storm utility fee is part of your monthly water bill.

Ballots for RTA Next all-mail election coming soon
An all-mail election is coming up on March 10 for Pima County voters to decide the future of regional transportation funding through the RTA Next plan. Proposition 418 asks voters to approve a new 20-year regional transportation plan covering roadway, transit, and safety projects across the region. Proposition 419 asks voters to continue the existing half-cent sales tax that funds the Regional Transportation Authority, with no increase in the tax rate. Ballots will be mailed automatically to registered voters beginning February 11 and must be received by 7:00 p.m. on March 10. There will be no in-person voting; participation is by mail only.
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OV’s Path Forward 90% Draft Reflects Resident Input

OV’s Path Forward – Resident recommended (90%) draft
Oro Valley residents’ plan for the next 10 years continues to take shape. More than 10,600 resident comments have been submitted so far to help create the community’s next 10-year action plan. The 90% draft, also referred to as the Resident Recommended Draft, reflects community input gathered over the past two years.

Built by resident participation
Whether residents completed the BIG Community Survey, visited outreach booths, shared comments online, or participated in resident working groups, that input helped shape the draft plan. The document includes more than 278 proposed actions to be implemented over a 10-year period, intended to maintain or advance the community’s shared values and expectations.

What changed in the 90% draft
Feedback from the BIG Community Review largely echoed priorities already reflected in the plan, suggesting the draft is aligned with resident values. While the BIG Community Review draft and the 90% draft are very similar, resident comments led to refinements intended to improve clarity, accuracy, and completeness.

Key updates include:

• Eight new actions addressing emergency services, intergenerational programs, senior task forces, trails, the Overlook Restaurant, water use, and the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve
• Expanded goals, policies, and actions to better reflect resident intent
• Updated implementation timeframes to improve accuracy

What happens next
The Resident Recommended Draft will be shared with surrounding jurisdictions and agencies to support regional coordination and meet legal requirements. A Final Resident Draft will then be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission during two public hearings in April, followed by Town Council consideration in May.

Residents are encouraged to attend and speak at each public hearing. Town Council approval would allow the plan to be placed on the November ballot for voter consideration.

Where to find the draft
The Resident Recommended Draft and information on upcoming meetings are available at OVPathForward.com.

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Copper Creek Elemenatary To Close

Unanimous Amphi School District Board decision

Last night, the governing board of the Amphitheater School District voted unanimously to close several elementary schools. As previously reported, Copper Creek Elementary is among the schools slated for closure.

Meeting turnout was light... public comment strong

The meeting, held at Canyon del Oro High School, drew a light turnout, with much of the available seating in the fine arts building auditorium empty.  Those who spoke in opposition included parents directly affected by the closures and school employees concerned about the potential impact on their jobs. No speakers addressed the issue from a broader Oro Valley community perspective.

Decision downgrades Oro Valley claim that it's a family friendly community

The closure of a neighborhood elementary school undercuts Oro Valley’s long-standing portrayal of itself as a family-friendly community. While the Town promotes its appeal to families with children, this decision removes an elementary school from a well-established residential area. Although enrollment and operational factors drove the district’s action and families have other school options within Oro Valley, the loss of a neighborhood school changes how the Copper Creek area can be described to prospective residents, making it less clearly a place for young families to grow and settle, even if broader real estate impacts are expected to be limited.

Hard to beat "City Hall without overwhelming force

The meeting underscored the absence of broad, organized community opposition. Without coordinated engagement at scale, there was little to counter the district’s momentum toward closure. For example, those opposed to the decision did not engage the Town of Oro Valley in the discussion. As we previously reported, some residents of the district believed they should be given serious consideration rather than simply being reassigned to other schools.

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Does Oro Valley Really Need Three New Taxes?

Why some say approving three new taxes now may be premature
Yesterday we reported that town staff have asked the Oro Valley Town Council to consider approving three new taxes—a commercial rental tax, a telecommunications tax, and a use tax—that together are projected to generate between $930,000 and $1.88 million annually. 

Tonight, the council will consider approving these taxes.  While staff argue the taxes are needed to address long-term financial pressures, some believe approval may be premature based on what has and has not been analyzed to date.

Today, we present the alternative case for caution.

The projected funding gap is based on assumptions that may or may not come to fruition... alternative scenarios not considered
The current discussion was triggered by a long-range financial forecast presented last year that identified a potential structural funding gap beginning in fiscal year 2029–30. That forecast was based on a host of assumptions related to future spending growth, revenue trends, and service levels. Forecasts are widely used as planning tools, but they are not predictions. Some suggest that policy decisions with long-term consequences, such as new recurring taxes, should be informed by a range of alternative projection scenarios that explore different “what if” conditions.

Cost-control efforts are described but not fully documented...perhaps "reengineering" is needed
Town staff state that budget reductions have already occurred and will continue, and that reallocations within existing funds have been used to manage rising costs. However, the materials provided to Council do not document a zero-based budgeting review, a department-by-department operational analysis, or an independent efficiency or performance audit. Without this level of detail, some believe it is difficult to assess whether current services are being delivered as efficiently as possible or whether additional internal adjustments could be considered.

New revenue is proposed before structural changes are evaluated
The proposed taxes would create new, ongoing revenue streams. Once adopted, such taxes are rarely reduced or eliminated. Some argue that before committing to new permanent taxes, the Town could examine whether structural changes—such as staffing models, program scope, technology use, or service prioritization—might slow long-term cost growth or improve efficiency.

Business impacts are not fully explored
Two of the three proposed taxes—the commercial rental tax and the use tax—would primarily affect businesses, while the telecommunications tax would affect both residents and businesses. The staff materials do not include an economic impact analysis, a competitiveness review, or an evaluation of how the proposed taxes might influence business behavior over time. Some note that even relatively modest taxes can affect business location, expansion, and investment decisions, particularly when layered onto existing costs.

Alignment with other towns is context, not analysis
Staff note that neighboring communities already impose commercial rental, telecommunications, and use taxes, and that Oro Valley is an outlier in not doing so. While this comparison provides useful context, some believe alignment alone does not constitute a full justification. Communities differ in service expectations, cost structures, and fiscal strategies, and comparisons do not address whether Oro Valley has fully examined other available options.

Projected revenue generated is de minimus ... could be "covered" without any change in service levels
The amount of revenue projected from the proposed taxes is relatively small when viewed in the context of the Town’s overall budget, roughly $2 million within a $150 million budget. Some suggest this scale raises the question of whether improvements in operational efficiency or adjustments to non-essential spending could address the projected 2030 shortfall before new taxes are adopted.
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Town Staff Advocate For Three New Taxes

Staff provides council with lengthy discussion of why new taxes are needed now
This Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council will consider whether to move forward with three new taxes: a commercial rental tax, a telecommunications tax, and a use tax. According to staff estimates, the three taxes together would generate between $930,000 and $1.88 million per year, with $1.88 million as the upper bound. The commercial rental tax would apply to leased commercial property and primarily affect businesses, as the Town already charges a 2% rental occupancy tax on residential rentals. The telecommunications tax would apply to communication services and would affect residents and businesses alike. The use tax would apply to Oro Valley business purchases made outside Arizona for which a sales tax should have been collected but was not. These are items a business buys for its own use.

Town staff believe new taxes are necessary at this time for seven reasons.

Projected revenue shortfall in fiscal 2030

The immediate trigger for this discussion was a long-range financial forecast presented last year by Finance Director David Gephart, which showed that, based on a host of assumptions, the Town could face a structural funding gap beginning in fiscal year 2029–30. The forecast indicated that existing revenue sources may not be sufficient to sustain current service levels over the long term as growth-related revenues slow and operating costs continue to rise. Staff identified the need to evaluate potential new, ongoing revenue sources well in advance of that timeframe, leading to the current discussion of possible tax options.

Rising operating and infrastructure costs
Town staff point to sharply rising costs as a primary justification for the new taxes. Inflation has increased the cost of providing core services, including police, parks, public works, and planning. Staff report that General Fund program costs have increased substantially since 2015, while pavement preservation and public safety costs have risen particularly quickly in recent years. According to staff, these cost pressures are ongoing and cannot be addressed through one-time solutions.

Slowing or constrained revenue growth
Staff also cite weakening revenue trends. Sales tax revenues, which fund a large share of Town operations, have shown little growth in recent years and have declined slightly. At the same time, Oro Valley is nearing residential build-out, which limits future growth-related revenues. Staff argue that this combination creates a structural imbalance between revenues and expenditures that must be addressed with new recurring revenue sources.

State actions limiting local revenues
Another justification raised by staff involves actions taken by the State Legislature. Changes to state income tax rates have reduced the amount of state-shared revenue flowing to municipalities, including Oro Valley. Staff emphasize that these decisions are outside the Town’s control and have permanently reduced an important General Fund revenue source.

Unfunded obligations and capital pressures

Staff also highlight new and existing obligations that lack dedicated funding. These include increased transfers to the Highway Fund to offset rising road maintenance costs and the recent purchase of a new police headquarters that currently has no funding identified for reconfiguration and build-out. Staff state that without additional revenue, these pressures will continue to strain the General Fund.

Alignment with neighboring communities’ tax structures
Finally, staff argue that Oro Valley is an outlier among nearby communities. Marana, Sahuarita, and Tucson already impose commercial rental taxes, telecommunications taxes, and use taxes. Oro Valley currently does not. Staff contend that adopting these taxes would align the Town’s tax structure with neighboring jurisdictions and capture revenues that other communities already rely on.

Staff believe they are doing all they can to keep spending under control
In their materials to Council, staff state that budget reductions have already occurred, according to staff, and will continue as part of the upcoming budget cycle to address what they describe as structural imbalances. Staff cite reallocations within existing funds, ongoing efforts to manage rising costs through the annual budget process, and steps taken to absorb inflation-driven increases in areas such as pavement preservation and public safety. While acknowledging that costs continue to rise, staff maintain that these measures are necessary but not sufficient on their own, leading them to recommend new revenue sources to sustain current service levels.

Tomorrow: An alternative case for further analysis and consideration

To date, no organization or individual has presented a clear, comprehensive case against the proposed taxes. An alternative perspective can nevertheless be developed from the existing record, and LOVE will present that perspective in tomorrow’s article.

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Bits and Pieces

Amphi Board to discuss decide on closing Copper Creek Elementary next week 

The Amphitheater Unified School District is moving toward a decision on whether to close Copper Creek Elementary School and three other campuses as part of a consolidation plan driven by declining enrollment and financial pressures. Superintendent Todd Jaeger has recommended that Copper Creek be consolidated with Wilson K-8 and Harelson Elementary, while Donaldson, Nash, and Holaway Schools would also be merged into nearby campuses. Parents and staff have raised concerns about transparency and the impact on community schools, and a petition opposing the closures at Copper Creek has gathered significant support. The Amphi Governing Board is scheduled to vote on the superintendent’s closure recommendations at its January 13 meeting, after a legally required public review period. The meeting will be held aat 6pm at the Leadership and Professional Development Center, 701 W. Wetmore Road, Tucson, Arizona. This is the standard location for board meetings unless otherwise noted. The agenda and any updates on time or location will be posted on the district’s website at least 24 business hours before the meeting. 

Abraham: Colorado River states remain deadlocked over future water cuts

This Monday, Oro Valley Water Utility Director Peter Abraham will brief the Water Utility Commission on stalled negotiations among the seven Colorado River Basin states over how to share future water use reductions once current operating guidelines expire at the end of 2026. According to Abraham’s report, the states failed to meet a November 2025 deadline to submit a preliminary agreement, and a deep divide remains between the Upper Basin states, which oppose mandatory cuts, and the Lower Basin states, including Arizona, which are calling for shared reductions during dry years. Arizona officials have asked for stronger federal involvement, warning that without agreement by a February 14, 2026 deadline, the U.S. Department of the Interior is likely to intervene and impose new rules. Reservoir levels remain low [Panel right], reinforcing pressure on the states to resolve the impasse. 

Oro Valley residents are invited to weigh in on the town's Trails Plan

Oro Valley residents are invited to review and comment on the OV Trails Connect 90% Master Plan Draft during an online Trails Stakeholder Group meeting on January 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. Town staff will walk through the draft plan and gather community feedback as the project moves toward completion. The meeting will be held via Zoom. Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and maps in advance at OVTrailsConnect.com, where comments can also be submitted directly if attending the meeting is not possible.

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From Steam Pump Ranch to the Semiquincentennial, A Big Year for Local History

Happy Semiquincentennial, Oro Valley! 

Yes, it’s a big year for our nation, and the Oro Valley Historical Society looks forward to sharing the history of how we arrived at this celebration. Before doing so, the Society is reflecting on the past year, which marked its 20-year anniversary.

Celebrating 20 years at Steam Pump Ranch
The Society celebrated its 20th anniversary this past October 18 at historic Steam Pump Ranch with two of its three founders, current and immediate past presidents, the Mayor and Town Council, Chamber Foundation members, board members, and supporters. The event highlighted the Society’s accomplishments and included tours of the Ranch featuring new permanent interpretive signs funded by a grant from the Oro Valley Chamber Foundation. On November 5, the Town Council formally recognized the Society’s 20-year history with a commemorative plaque, now displayed in the Pusch House Museum.

Revitalizing the Heritage Garden
Special thanks are due to the Ranch’s southern neighbor, Home Depot, for its assistance in revitalizing the Heritage Garden. Through its community support efforts, Home Depot provided a new shed, raised bed containers, and volunteers. Additional support came from Oro Valley Catalina Council Scouting America, United Day of Caring volunteers, and school groups. Other garden donations included pavers, a refurbished gate, irrigation, and signage.

Donations and partnerships that expanded interpretation
Additional anniversary-year donations included a descriptive panel now displayed in the Pusch Room at the Museum, detailing the life of George Pusch from Germany to Tucson. The Society also thanked the Arizona Department of Transportation for installing historical signage along Oracle Road directing visitors to the Ranch, and the Town’s Communications Department for assisting with editing oral histories for the Society’s website. Community members also contributed through in-kind and financial donations honoring the 20th anniversary.

Museum exhibits and visitor engagement
During the anniversary year, the Society hosted seven different exhibits in the Pusch House Museum. Visitors included out-of-town and international guests, as well as local residents who discovered the Museum after visiting the Heirloom Farmers’ Market. The Society also provided tours for retirement communities, school groups, local organizations, participants in the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation’s historic ranches tour, and hosted two visits from the Tucson Paranormal Society.

Launching the “Be Our Ranch Guest” program
The Society introduced a new outreach initiative called “Be Our Ranch Guest,” which partners with nonprofit organizations on Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch. The program allows participating nonprofits to engage with the community and collect donations. Five organizations have participated to date, with at least one nonprofit present each Saturday since the program began.

Naturalist-guided tours at the Ranch
Another addition during the anniversary year was the launch of naturalist-guided tours at Steam Pump Ranch. These tours focus on the area’s geology and the plants, animals, and people who historically lived—and continue to live—on the grounds.

Programs beyond Steam Pump Ranch
The Society’s activities extended beyond the Ranch through speaker programs at the Oro Valley Public Library. Topics included the Huckleberry Loop, meteorites, Hohokam culture, and the historic Empire Ranch. Volunteers also participated in exploratory field trips to the Arizona History Museum, Evergreen Cemetery, the Pioneer Hotel building, Oracle, and Sonoita.

Collaborations that broadened community reach
The Society collaborated with several organizations to expand its mission and outreach. These partnerships included Oracle, Empire Ranch, Florence, Art State Arizona events at the Oro Valley Marketplace, magnet schools, and Rotary’s Taste of Oro Valley at Steam Pump Ranch. The Society also joined the OV Explore mobile app and began using Mailchimp to communicate with supporters through newsletters and email updates.

Recognizing an award-winning local historian
A highlight of the anniversary year was celebrating Jim Williams, past president and historian, who received an Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History. His book, Oro Valley: The First Fifty Years, was recognized for excellence in preserving and interpreting local history. The book is available for purchase at the Pusch House Museum.

Strengthening the Society’s digital presence
Looking to the future, the Society partnered with Red Coyote Services to revitalize its website, https://www.ovhistory.org. A volunteer continues to update the site with information on events, contacts, donations, and volunteer opportunities, making it a central resource for the community.

Plans for America’s Semiquincentennial
As the new year begins, the Society will mark America’s 250th anniversary with exhibits in the Pusch House Museum that explore why the Semiquincentennial matters and how Arizona and Oro Valley fit into the broader story. Naturalist-led walks will continue on the second Saturday of each month, and the “Be Our Ranch Guest” program will continue with Treasures 4 Teachers and GAP Ministries already scheduled to participate.

Events and programs planned for the coming year
A local group has scheduled a Ranch tour in February, and the Society will again participate in the Art State Arizona festival at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Rotary’s Taste of Oro Valley will return to Steam Pump Ranch in April, with the Museum open that evening for attendees.

Continuing the speaker series
Monthly speaker presentations at the Oro Valley Public Library will continue through April. Scheduled speakers include the deputy director and chief operating officer of Biosphere 2, a representative of the Oracle Historical Society, a master gardener, and the president of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation.

Looking ahead to 2026
The Oro Valley Historical Society marked its 20th year in 2025 and now looks ahead to celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary with the community in 2026.

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Eight Key Issues That Will Shape Oro Valley in 2026

As Oro Valley enters 2026, a series of unresolved policy questions and major decisions are converging. This article highlights the eight key most likely to drive debate, influence voters, and shape the Town’s direction over the coming year.

Water infrastructure will reach a major milestone
The  NWRRDS project is expected to be completed later in the year, marking a major step in strengthening Oro Valley’s long-term water supply and system reliability. Essentially, it enables the town to bring CAP water directly to Oro Valley. Currently, the town get's CAP water via the Tucson Water System.

The election that will shape future priorities
The 2026 election will influence policy discussions throughout the year, affecting council focus, the timing of decisions, and the broader public dialogue. Some issues thatr are likely to surface as campaign themes and voter concerns includes

• Town finances: Is there a structural financial problem, or are current concerns tied to timing and long-range forecasts? If a problem exists, when does it emerge, and what options are available to address it?
• Growth and housing: How much additional residential growth should Oro Valley plan for, and what mix of housing makes sense? This includes questions about more homes, housing affordability, density, and the pace of development.
• Annexation and the tax base: Should the Town pursue annexation of retail-intensive or commercially valuable areas as a way to strengthen revenues and reduce reliance on residential taxes?
• Infrastructure and service capacity: Can existing roads, water systems, public safety services, parks, and facilities support additional growth without major new costs?
• Taxes and fees: If revenues fall short of future needs, should the Town consider new or adjusted taxes, fees, or other funding mechanisms?
• Long-term planning priorities: How should policies outlined in OV Path Forward be implemented, and which priorities should be addressed first?

Our guess is that more candidates will file for office. Residents will get a wide view of opinions on these and other items.

Possible new taxes and long-term finances remain central
Debate over potential new taxes is likely to continue, alongside close attention to the Town’s overall financial condition, including forecasts, reserves, and future obligations. The council will consider approving the three new taxes under consideration this month.

A possible Amphi school closure with major community impact
The possible closing of Copper Creek Elementary remains unresolved and is expected to be an early issue in 2026. Amphitheater School District officials have indicated they intend to move quickly toward a decision, and current signals suggest the school is likely to close. At the same time, the proposal has raised concerns among parents and nearby residents about neighborhood impacts, student reassignment, and long-term effects on the surrounding community. Whether that concern translates into organized pushback, and how the District responds, could shape the outcome and keep the issue in the public spotlight.

A tourism strategy that will be built

Findings from the destination marketing study are expected to influence how Oro Valley approaches tourism, branding, and related economic development. A draft plan is now in circulation, but several elements are likely to require further refinement before adoption, including how group and business travel is addressed, how the plan’s return on investment is quantified, and how tourism governance and funding would be structured. Town staff has indicated that the draft will be reviewed in a Town Council work session in late January, with possible action to follow in February.

Planning the Town’s trail network
Continued work on the Trails Master Plan will influence future recreation priorities, trail connectivity, and capital investment decisions across Oro Valley. As the plan moves closer to completion, key questions remain about which trail segments should be prioritized, how new connections will balance recreation with neighborhood impacts, and how improvements will be funded and phased. Council direction on these issues will shape how quickly recommendations move from planning to construction and how the trail system fits into broader transportation, conservation, and quality-of-life goals.

Regional transportation decisions with local impact
RTA Next will continue to be a major topic in the next few months, with long-term implications for transportation funding and infrastructure across the region. March, voters are expected to weigh in on extending or modifying the regional transportation program, which would determine how road improvements, transit projects, and maintenance are funded for decades to come. For Oro Valley, the debate will likely focus on whether the proposed projects align with local priorities, how much funding the Town would receive relative to its contribution, and how regional commitments intersect with other pressing capital needs.

A vote on Oro Valley’s future framework
Completion of OV Path Forward will culminate in a voter decision next November. If approved, the updated General Plan would establish the Town’s policy framework for growth, land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure for the next decade and beyond. In the months leading up to the election, debate is likely to focus on how the plan addresses growth expectations, preservation of community character, and alignment with long-term financial and infrastructure capacity.

What are your thoughts on the big stories of 2026. 

Let us know of our Facebook page.

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