Tohono Chul Unveils Ambitions Ten Year Plan

A 10- to 15-year vision for the botanical garden
At its October 21 meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council received a presentation from Tohono Chul President and CEO Jamie Maslyn Larson and Board Vice Chair Gayle Mateer outlining an ambitious master plan for the 49-acre botanical garden. The plan envisions significant improvements to visitor facilities, accessibility, educational programs, and dining opportunities while preserving the natural Sonoran Desert setting that has defined Tohono Chul since its founding in 1985. The plan, unanimously approved by Tohono Chul's board in June, provides a roadmap for improvements over the next 10 to 15 years. Construction is not imminent, and additional design, financial planning, and fundraising will be needed.

Community input guides the proposed improvements
The master plan was developed with input from more than 800 participants, including visitors, members, volunteers, and staff. Their priorities included additional shade, improved restrooms, easier access, more educational opportunities, and preservation of the property's historic buildings. One of the most significant proposed changes is a redesigned entrance that would make it easier for visitors to find their way into and through the gardens. A new welcome center, pedestrian promenade, and gently sloping pathways would improve accessibility, particularly for visitors with mobility challenges and families with strollers.

New facilities and expanded educational opportunities
Proposed improvements include renovating the existing bistro, relocating and expanding the Desert Corner Nursery, and creating a new village area featuring locally produced arts, crafts, food, and refreshments. The plan also calls for expanded indoor and outdoor educational facilities, improvements to the Desert Palm Oasis Garden, and additional areas for art exhibits and community gatherings. An outdoor learning area at the Sinagua Garden would support children's programs and adult education. Larson emphasized that proposed new buildings would occupy existing disturbed areas or parking spaces rather than undisturbed desert land.

Growing attendance strengthens Tohono Chul's economic importance
Tohono Chul representatives reported that attendance has increased 76% since before the pandemic, while annual children's participation has grown from approximately 2,200 to more than 13,000. A University of Arizona Eller College study estimated the garden's annual economic impact at $7.35 million in 2025. The organization employs 35 full-time and five part-time employees and operates with an annual budget of approximately $5 million. Representatives also announced that Tohono Chul had recently been listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, providing additional recognition of its cultural and historical significance.

Implementation will depend on funding and continued planning
The master plan establishes a long-term vision rather than a commitment to begin construction. Tohono Chul is pursuing additional design work, construction planning, business analysis, and fundraising to determine how improvements can be implemented. The organization also hopes to coordinate with Oro Valley on a proposed multiuse pathway along Ina Road and Paseo del Norte that would improve pedestrian and bicycle access to the gardens. The plan seeks to accommodate growing attendance and strengthen Tohono Chul's role as a regional destination while preserving the quiet desert environment envisioned by its founders.

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Oro Valley Seeks $42.5 Million in 2027 County Bond Funding

Council recommends $42.5 million in proposed improvements in Pima County 2027 Bond Election
At its October 21 meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council voted unanimously to advance a list of projects for consideration in a possible November 2027 Pima County bond election. The preliminary list includes nine projects requesting approximately $42.5 million, plus a proposed extension of the Chuck Huckelberry Loop for which costs have not yet been determined. Assistant Town Manager Carl Shaddock explained that the Town submitted its proposals before the County's October 6 deadline to ensure Oro Valley would be included in the initial review. The proposals are not approvals to spend money. They are requests for funding that will compete with projects submitted by other jurisdictions throughout Pima County.

Police headquarters and parks lead the requests
The largest request is $11 million toward the renovation of the Town-owned building at 13101 North Oracle Road into a new police headquarters and regional Emergency Operations Center. The total project is estimated at $21.6 million. Naranja Park completion would receive $10 million for additional sports fields, basketball and pickleball courts, skate park improvements, shade structures, restrooms, and other facilities. Another $6 million would improve James D. Kriegh Park, including field lighting, parking, and redevelopment of existing recreation areas. The Town also seeks $4 million for Steam Pump Ranch improvements, including restoration of the historic Proctor/Lieber House and construction of a northern entrance.

Transportation and flood control projects included
The remaining proposals address infrastructure and regional connections. The Town seeks $4 million to rehabilitate bridges along Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Tangerine Road over Big Wash and $3 million for a roundabout at Moore Road and La Cholla Boulevard. A proposed extension of the Chuck Huckelberry Loop would improve connections to the Aquatic Center, Linda Vista Trailhead, Tohono Chul, and eventually points north. Two flood control projects totaling $4.5 million would improve drainage along Mutterer's Wash, where nine homes flooded in 2014, and enhance stormwater infiltration at the Gravel Pit Wash basin near Naranja Park. Council also discussed possible additions, including Aquatic Center improvements and a restroom near the Arizona Heroes Memorial.

Oro Valley residents would help pay for county bonds
Shaddock emphasized that Oro Valley property owners would pay their share of any countywide bond program approved by voters, whether or not Oro Valley receives funding for its projects. The Town represents approximately 8% of Pima County's net assessed property value. Based on preliminary estimates, a $200 million county bond program would cost the owner of a $250,000 home approximately $31 annually in additional property taxes. The actual cost would depend on the final bond amount, repayment schedule, and assessed property value. Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett supported submitting the projects while explaining that doing so did not constitute support for a new tax. Her concern was that, if county voters approved the bonds, Oro Valley residents should receive benefits from the taxes they would pay.

County review will determine which projects advance
The Pima County Bond Advisory Committee will review proposals from throughout the county and is expected to develop a preliminary project list in January 2027, followed by public engagement and final recommendations in March. The Board of Supervisors would then decide whether to place a bond package before voters in November 2027. Council supported moving forward with Oro Valley's proposals, subject to further refinement and prioritization. Some projects may be reduced, revised, or eliminated during the County's review. For now, the Town's objective is to secure a place for Oro Valley's capital improvement needs in a possible countywide funding program.

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Council Takes Charge of Annexation

Updates annexation strategy, establishes new evaluation standards and requires direct Council input going forward 
The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved an updated annexation strategy at its October 21 meeting, replacing the policy adopted in 2020. Resolution (R)26-50 establishes a framework for evaluating potential annexations over approximately the next five years. The updated strategy goes beyond identifying properties for possible annexation. It establishes which body decides which opportunities the Town will pursue, how their potential benefits and costs will be evaluated, and how Council will monitor progress. The strategy does not authorize any specific annexation. Each opportunity will require separate Council consideration and approval.

Council takes control of all annexation priorities
One of the most significant changes came through an amendment proposed by Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett. The original proposal required Council approval to move properties into or out of the highest priority category, Tier 1, but permitted the Town Manager to move properties between Tiers 2 and 3 or add properties to those tiers. Barrett's amendment, approved by Council, extended Council authority to all tier assignments. Staff will continue evaluating annexation opportunities and making recommendations, but elected Councilmembers will decide which properties receive priority and when those priorities should change. This gives Council direct control over where the Town concentrates its annexation efforts.

Commercial annexations remain the highest priority
The strategy establishes three priority levels. Tier 1 receives active staff attention and resources, with commercial properties near Ina and Oracle Roads remaining the Town's sole active priority. Staff estimates that three shopping centers in this area could generate approximately $1.57 million annually in retail sales tax revenue if annexed individually, before associated expenses. The principal obstacles are establishing legally acceptable annexation boundaries and obtaining sufficient property-owner support. Tier 2 includes potential opportunities involving La Encantada, the Foothills Mall area, and the Oracle Road corridor. Tier 3 identifies longer-term possibilities, including Arroyo Grande and the State Trust Land near Tangerine and Thornydale Roads. As LOVE previously reported, Council voted October 7 to discontinue active pursuit of the latter annexation.

Water costs and community acceptance gain greater importance
The updated  strategy strengthens the criteria used to evaluate annexation opportunities. Potential tax revenue must be weighed against the cost of providing municipal services, infrastructure improvements, and long-term maintenance. Water availability and the cost of securing additional water resources receive explicit attention, particularly when considering undeveloped land that could require substantial new water supplies. The strategy also places greater emphasis on community acceptance, considering the views of affected property owners and residents as well as those already living in Oro Valley. These criteria are intended to help Council determine whether an annexation would provide a lasting financial and community benefit without imposing significant additional costs on existing residents or water ratepayers.

Regular reporting will keep Council informed
The strategy establishes a more structured process for Council oversight. Staff will provide written progress reports twice annually, an annual presentation coordinated with the Town's budget process, and interim updates when significant developments occur. The first annual review is expected in spring 2027. Council will continue to decide whether to pursue proposed annexations, authorize major financial or infrastructure commitments, and approve final annexation ordinances. 

This new approach establishes clearer responsibilities and evaluation standards, giving Council more direct control over decisions that will affect Oro Valley's boundaries, finances, water resources, and municipal services for years to come. 

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Bits and Pieces

Council unanimously approves 71.6% cumulative compensation increase covering 14 years

As LOVE reported Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council and mayor have received the same annual compensation since fiscal year 2012-13. On Wednesday evening, Council made a one-time adjustment, voting unanimously to increase annual compensation for the mayor from $12,740 to $21,863.70 and for each councilmember from $10,058 to $17,260.81. 

Vice Mayor/Mayor Elect Melanie Barrett proposed the revised amounts based on calculations prepared by Town Finance Director David Gephart, intending to reflect compensation adjustments granted to Town employees since 2013. The increases represent approximately 71.6%, equivalent to 4.24% compounded annually over 13 years. Council also approved future across-the-board compensation adjustments consistent with those granted to Town employees. LOVE has requested the details underlying the Town's calculations to better understand how the amounts were determined. We have not yet received a response. (26-10-21 Oro Valley Town Council Meeting 2:27:12 to 3:06:25)

Tonight: National Night Out brings police and residents together

The Oro Valley Police Department will host its annual National Night Out tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oro Valley Marketplace, 12155 N. Oracle Road. The event brings residents, police officers, firefighters, and other public safety agencies together for an evening of community activities. Held in conjunction with Halloween Safe Treats, the celebration traditionally includes candy, games, giveaways, and opportunities for families to meet local first responders and see emergency equipment up close. Last year's event attracted more than 7,000 attendees. National Night Out is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. For more information, visit the Oro Valley Police Department's National Night Out page.

Sun City Oro Valley to celebrate 40 years with six weeks of festivities
Sun City Oro Valley will celebrate its 40th anniversary with six weeks of activities beginning January 2 and continuing through February 13, 2027. The celebration will open with a community parade through Sun City's main streets, followed by a free barbecue picnic and other activities. Throughout the six weeks, community clubs will offer games, entertainment, and special events. The celebration will conclude February 13 with a gala reception and the conclusion of an online auction. Sun City Oro Valley is home to more than 4,000 residents in 2,488 homes and offers nearly 200 clubs and a variety of recreational facilities. For additional information and event updates, visit the 40th anniversary celebration website. (Sun City Media Release)

Rancho Vistoso residents invited to fall festival Tomorrow
The Vistoso Community Association will host its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 24, from 8 to 11 a.m. at Moore Loop Park, 13060 N. Moore Loop Road. The event, open to VCA members and their families, will feature refreshments, snacks, prizes, and activities for children. The Golder Ranch Fire Department will participate from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the Oro Valley Police Department is also scheduled to attend. A Halloween costume parade and contest will begin at 10 a.m. Winners of the association's annual photo contest will also be announced. The event provides an opportunity for Rancho Vistoso neighbors to gather and enjoy a morning of family activities. For more information, visit the Vistoso Community Association website. (Vistoso Community Association Newsletter)
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Rockin’ 4 Heroes Live and Online Auction Offers Exclusive Experiences

From heartfelt tribute to major community event
What began as a heartfelt tribute to the first responders who cared for one Oro Valley couple’s son during his final battle with cancer has now grown into Southern Arizona’s largest free outdoor rock concert.

Thousands are expected to gather Sunday, November 8, at James D. Kriegh Park for the 6th Annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert. The event’s mission is resonating well beyond Southern Arizona, with pre-registrations already coming in from 15 states. It’s more than a concert—it’s a community-wide “Thank You” to the first responders, active-duty military, veterans, and Gold Star families.

Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of classic rock featuring YouTube sensation Lexington Lab Band, along with a delicious lineup of food trucks, beer and wine tents, and fun for the whole family. Click here for a preview of the energy and excitement of a Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert!

Dinner with heroes
Ever want to know what really goes on behind the scenes at a fire station? A live auction during the concert gives you the opportunity to find out.

The Private Firehouse Experience auction package features dinner for six guests with the first responders of Golder Ranch Fire District, who will prepare and host a hero-worthy meal, followed by an exclusive firehouse and equipment tour. It’s a rare opportunity to share a meal and hear the stories and experiences directly from those who answer the call.

Can’t attend? You can still make a difference.
Even if you can’t join the crowd in person, you can show your support by bidding on an exciting collection of prize packages through the new Rockin’ 4 Heroes Online Auction. Among the standout offerings are exclusive experiences you won’t find just anywhere:

• FLIGHT INSTRUCTION IN A PIPER WARRIOR. A once-in-a-lifetime flight through history and Arizona’s Canyon Country. Join the ranks of those who have experienced the thrill of flight, courtesy of Falcon Warbirds of Mesa, Arizona. Enjoy a one-hour session of dual flight instruction with accomplished aviator Scott Andrews, certified flight instructor. Soar over the dramatic landscapes of the Superstition Mountains region, including a scenic canyon pass through Apache Lake and surrounding areas.
• ONE OF A KIND GUITAR, HANDCRAFTED FENDER STRATOCASTER. Custom made exclusively for Rockin’ 4 Heroes by master guitarsmith and accomplished musician Jack Radavich. Own a true piece of Rockin’ 4 Heroes! Every detail reflects Jack’s passion for music, craftsmanship and the art of the guitar. A collector’s piece. A musician’s dream, a one-of-a-kind original.

Explore these exceptional offerings and more and place your bids on the Rockin’ 4 Heroes website online auction link. Every bid is another opportunity to support the heroes who serve our communities and our nation.

Free admission and event details
Free admission. Pre-registration is not required but is encouraged for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate!

Gates open at 3:30 p.m.; the event starts at 4:00 p.m. Plenty of free parking. No coolers or pets, please. Open lawn seating. Bring a chair and we’ll see you there! Click here to pre-register. 

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Tonight...Council To Consider Increasing Its Stipend

Proposed resolution would nearly triple current compensation
Tonight, the Oro Valley Town Council will consider increasing the annual compensation it receives for serving on Council. The mayor currently receives $12,740 annually, while each of the six councilmembers receives $10,058. These amounts have remained unchanged since fiscal year 2012-13. The Town officially refers to these payments as salaries, although they compensate elected officials for part-time public service.

Council stipend has remained unchanged for 14 years because no COLAs were granted

The Town established Council salaries in 1999 and subsequently approved several cost-of-living adjustments. The last occurred in fiscal year 2012-13. Resolution (R)06-30, adopted in 2006, authorized future Council COLAs to match those approved for Town employees. Town Clerk Mike Standish confirmed to LOVE that the resolution remains in effect. He also clarified that while Town employees have received merit increases since FY2012-13, they have received no COLAs. As a result, Council compensation has remained unchanged.

Resolution sets stipend at Marana levels
The proposed compensation matches that adopted by Marana in 2025.  That proposal would increase the mayor's annual stipend to $37,000, a 190% increase, and each councilmember's stipend to $31,000, a 208% increase. Both amounts would approximately triple current compensation. The impact would add $150,000 to this year's expenses.

But there are comparable towns where mayor and council stipends are far less

At one time, Marana and Oro Valley were comparable communities. However, Oro Valley and Marana are very different communities. Marana is rapidly growing, while Oro Valley is largely developed. Using Marana's compensation levels to establish Oro Valley Council stipends makes little sense without further justification, especially when other established Arizona communities, more comparable to Oro Valley, pay considerably less, as shown in the panel at right.

A reasonable alternative: Increase stipend using 43% cost of living increase since 2013

In 2006, the Town Council adopted Resolution (R)06-30, providing that future cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for the mayor and councilmembers would match those approved for Town employees. Town Clerk Mike Standish confirmed that the resolution remains in effect. However, no COLAs have been granted to Town employees since fiscal year 2012-13, although merit increases have been awarded. Meanwhile, the Consumer Price Index has risen approximately 43% from June 2013 through June 2026. The alternative is to adjust Council stipends to reflect that inflatoin. The mayor's annual stipend would increase to approximately $18,220 and councilmembers' to $14,385. The total additional annual cost to the Town would be approximately $31,400, compared with nearly $150,000 under the proposed increases.

Another option: Conduct comparative compensation study to determine the fair stipend amount
The Town routinely conducts comparative compensation studies when considering salary adjustments for employees. Yet, Wednesday's agenda contains no comparable analysis of elected-official compensation, Council workload, or the financial impact. The outgoing Council would also be approving the increases just two weeks before newly elected officials take office. Council could postpone its decision until a comprehensive review is available.

Fair compensation deserves a fair, transparent review
Councilmembers deserve a stipend for their time and effort. Perhaps, after 14 years, an adjustment is warranted. However, proposing to nearly triple their compensation simply to match what Marana pays is difficult to justify without further analysis. Council needs to give this matter considerably more thought rather than make a hasty decision without adequate supporting rationale.

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FollowUp on approval of 71.6% pay increase

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Winfield Bids Adieu

Uses "State of the Town" event to review his accomplishments
Mayor Joe Winfield is leaving office after eight years with a clear message. Oro Valley is in substantially better shape today than it was when he became mayor in 2018. That was the central theme of Winfield’s eighth and final State of the Town address, delivered October 16 at the El Conquistador Resort. Winfield pointed to accomplishments in financial management, public safety, parks and recreation, water infrastructure, and economic development as evidence of the Town's progress. He credited the combined efforts of Town Council, staff, businesses, and residents for these achievements.

Eight years of accomplishments that required difficult decisions
Winfield contrasted conditions in 2018 with those today, highlighting a number of accomplishments (see panel right). He emphasized that these accomplishments often required difficult or controversial decisions.

He described the Council's responsibility as stewardship, protecting what makes Oro Valley special while preparing for its future. He also made clear that the accomplishments were not his alone, repeatedly recognizing the contributions of his fellow Council members, Town employees, residents, volunteers, and local businesses.

LOVE's reflection on Winfield's strategic accomplishments
Winfield accomplished some things that had eluded his predecessors. He demonstrated an ability to find practical solutions to long-standing problems. He found a way to finance the transformation of Naranja Park without a public vote on a bond issue, something that had stalled the project under two previous mayors. He led the turnaround of a municipal golf operation that was losing millions annually by investing in its infrastructure and changing contracted golf managers. Yes, this happened at a time when there was a local and nationwide resurgence in golf. But Winfield recognized the opportunity and took advantage of it. He also played a key role in preserving the former Vistoso Golf Course as a 202-acre nature preserve, working with residents and conservation organizations to protect the land from development.

Challenges remain for the next Council
Winfield acknowledged that Oro Valley's next eight years will present different challenges. As the Town approaches buildout, future growth will increasingly depend on redevelopment of existing commercial areas rather than development of vacant land. Maintaining public services, managing finances, protecting water resources, and balancing housing needs with community character will require careful decisions. He pointed to the proposed OV's Path Forward General Plan, on the November 3 ballot, as a potential guide for future Councils.

Winfield: Oro Valley in good hands
Winfield concluded his remarks with confidence in Oro Valley's future. He believes the Town has a strong financial foundation, capable employees, engaged residents, and a business community committed to its success. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized that the Town's progress resulted from the collective efforts of many people over many years. His final message was that the responsibility of leadership now passes to others, but the work of preserving and strengthening Oro Valley continues.

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