Bits and Pieces

Town issues RTA Next voter information

The Town released a voter-information notice encouraging residents to learn about RTA Next ahead of the March 10, 2026 election. The update outlines the two propositions voters will consider, highlights key project corridors affecting Oro Valley, and provides dates for ballot mailings and a December 10 community Q&A session. The information is consistent with the details reported in our LOVE article Wednesday, and readers who want a deeper understanding of what the RTA’s presentation revealed—including project specifics and clarifications not covered in the Town’s summary—can read the full analysis on LOVE.

Work starts next week on building the Naranja Drive multi-use path

Work on the Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path begins Monday, November 17. Crews will be building a 1.75-mile, 10-foot-wide paved path on the north side of Naranja Drive between La Cañada and First Avenue. The project, managed by ADOT and constructed by Granite Construction, will run through summer 2026 and is designed to improve safety and neighborhood connectivity. Drivers should expect shoulder activity, slow down in the work zone, and follow posted signs. The Town notes that no lane closures are anticipated. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Town seeking volunteers for key boards and commissions

The Town is recruiting residents to fill several current and upcoming vacancies across eight boards and commissions, and applications will remain open until each position is filled. These volunteer groups play an active role in reviewing development proposals, shaping long-term planning, advising on parks, water policy, finances, and broader community priorities. Residents who want to participate directly in town decision-making can apply through the Town’s website, where details for each board and commission are posted. (Source: Oro ValleyVista) 

Marketplace redevelopment officially underway

The Town reports that construction continues on Phase 1 of the long-planned Oro Valley Marketplace redevelopment, approved in 2023. This first phase includes 320 new apartments, a public park, and pedestrian improvements designed to create a more active, mixed-use environment. HSL Properties and Borderlands Construction are leading the work. Shoppers can expect lane restrictions and detours on Water Harvest Way through 2027, but all Marketplace stores will remain open during construction. (Source: Oro ValleyVista) 

Wednesday's TEP outage disrupted traffic along Oracle Road

A Tucson Electric Power outage Wednesday afternoon affected several areas of Oro Valley, the County, and the City of Tucson. In Oro Valley, power  along and near Oracle Road, was cut off beginning at 2:06 p.m. and returned 4 p.m. The loss of power caused traffic signal malfunctions at major intersections in Oro Valley, prompting the Police Department to remind drivers to treat dark or flashing signals as four-way stops. A TEP update later in the day confirmed restoration efforts and advised customers still without service to check their outside breakers. TEP listed the cause as an “Emergency/Safety Issue,” meaning power was intentionally cut so crews could address a hazardous condition. This type of shutdown explains why multiple outage areas across the region lost and regained service at the same time.

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Tonight's Neighborhood Meeting on Tractor Supply Proposal Cancelled

Major local retailer looking to locate in Oro Valley  

Tractor Supply — a major national retailer that sells outdoor, ranch, garden, pet, and home-improvement products — is exploring a new store on the southeast corner of Tangerine Road and La Cholla Boulevard. The concept includes a 21,930-square-foot retail building, a garden center, and a screened outdoor storage/sales area, all on a portion of an 11.5-acre commercial site.

The property is already zoned Neighborhood Commercial (C-N), meaning this type of use is permitted if all town development standards are met. Early materials show plans for landscape buffering, a screen wall, and architectural styles expected to comply with Oro Valley’s design guidelines.

Applicant requests more time 

The applicant has asked for more time to review and refine the proposal before meeting with residents. Our guess is that new meeting date will be announced once provided by the applicant. Thus, the neighborhood meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. tonight in the Town Council Chambers has been cancelled. 

Meeting changes like this happen from time to time as applicants work to address questions or refine their proposals. 

LOVE will keep you informed of any updates or future meeting dates as they become available.

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Strong Resident Input Marks Progress on OV Path Forward

Residents continue to show up for the Town’s Future
Oro Valley residents showed up for the BIG Community Review of OV’s Path Forward, the community’s next 10-year action plan. According to Town staff, more than 2,440 visits were made to the website and approximately 240 comments were received to continue refining the draft plan.

But wait—there’s still more work to be done
The first community review of the draft plan marks a major milestone in this 3-year effort, but more work remains.

For those seeking a more pivotal role in shaping the next 10-year plan, a Resident Working Group will meet online in December to discuss themes identified by residents, stakeholders, boards, commissions, and the Town Council during the BIG Community Review.

Topics for discussion include, but are not limited to:

• A performing arts and cultural center
• A variety of housing types, such as apartments, townhomes, and condos
• Building heights and more

Participating residents will offer additional input and work toward consensus on a Resident Recommended Final (90%) Draft of the Plan.

This draft will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission, Town Council, and ultimately to voters for approval. All residents are welcome—whether you participated in previous working group meetings or are just now getting involved.

Learn more and sign up for the Resident Working Groups at www.OVPathForward.com

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LOVE Note: Our thanks to you, our readers, for joining our October "Take Ten" event. You made a difference by participating in the review of the 60% draft OV Path Forward plan.  Nicely done.

RTA Next comes to Oro Valley

Winfield chairs regional transportation effort
Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield serves as chairman of Pima County’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), which has funded dozens of road and transit projects over the past 20 years. In Oro Valley, the RTA financed improvements such as La Cholla Boulevard and Tangerine Road. The RTA’s work is supported by a ½-cent countywide sales tax that voters approved in 2006. That tax expires this year, even though many transportation needs remain. RTA Next is a proposal to renew the funding for another 20 years, and voters will decide its future in a March 10, 2026 election.

Ortega outlines new 20-year regional transportation plan
Michael Ortega, Executive Director of the RTA, presented an update on RTA Next to the Oro Valley Town Council last week. He said the new $2.67 billion regional transportation plan is designed to fund roadway, safety, environmental, and transit improvements across Pima County beginning in 2027. Ortega said the plan includes funding specifically designated for projects and transit services benefiting Oro Valley.

Oro Valley projects included
The plan identifies two major Oro Valley projects scheduled for early construction:
• Lambert Lane — widening from Thornydale Road to Rancho Sonora Drive ($55 million).
• Shannon Road — paving from Lambert Lane to Tangerine Road ($26 million).

Ortega said the plan also provides $10 million for safety and active-transportation improvements and $5 million for arterial and collector pavement rehabilitation specifically in Oro Valley. In addition, it includes about $52 million regionwide for Dial-A-Ride and paratransit service, of which Oro Valley will receive a share. Ortega noted that while RTA Next includes funding for bridge and grade-separation improvements as part of regional projects, there are no new bridge projects identified within the town.

Ortega says Oro Valley will get its “fair share”
Responding to a question about how smaller towns benefit compared with Tucson and Pima County, Ortega said the RTA’s funding and project selection process is based on what he called “geographic equity.” The RTA’s half-cent sales tax is collected countywide, and the project list is structured so each member jurisdiction receives improvements reflecting both local priorities and regional use. Projects serving multiple communities—such as major road corridors and I-10 interchanges—are given higher regional value and more funding. In this way, all communities benefit from the regional tax, even if project amounts differ from town to town.

Ortega explains why RTA 1 fell short — and how RTA Next differs
Ortega said the original 2006 RTA plan did not generate enough revenue to complete all promised projects because the RTA used the University of Arizona’s “baseline” forecast, which assumed average economic conditions. That projection proved too optimistic after the recession, pandemic, and rising construction costs. For RTA Next, the Board chose the university’s most conservative, or “pessimistic,” forecast to create a financial cushion and avoid future shortfalls. A citizens’ oversight committee will present quarterly reports to the RTA Board to ensure revenue and expenses remain on track throughout the 20-year program.

RTA Next outreach coming to Oro Valley
Ortega said the RTA will continue community outreach in Oro Valley ahead of next year’s vote. On December 10, the RTA will host a public question-and-answer session in Oro Valley to give residents an opportunity to learn more about RTA Next. Ortega also plans to meet with the town’s Economic Development Committee and Bicycle Advisory Committee to discuss the plan’s potential impacts on local mobility and safety. He thanked Oro Valley staff for their work in coordinating these efforts and for “advocating on behalf of the community.”

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It Was A Rockin' Good Time

And the band played on…
By the time The Lexington Lab Band launched into Van Halen’s “Jump,” the crowd was thrilled, tired, and fully satisfied. The band’s return headlined Sunday's fifth annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes ceremony; an event inspired by the life of PJ Quinn and created to honor four hero groups: First Responders, Active-Duty Military, Veterans, and Gold Star Families. The event was free, lively, and packed with food trucks, community booths, and organizations representing local service groups. It was heartfelt, loud, joyful, and very Oro Valley.

A powerful opening before the ceremony began
The event opened with a patriotic punch. The Mariachi Voces de mi Pueblo delivered a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and just moments later, the sky announced its own salute: A flyover by two medivac helicopters, a moving reminder of service in action.

By the time the ceremony began, Oro Valley's Kieght Park’s east field was filled with first responder booths, food trucks, and attendees. Many others gathered outside the fences, seated on chairs and blankets, finding shade on a warm November afternoon.

Heroes filled the audience: Oro Valley Police, Golder Ranch Fire, Marana Police, Tucson Fire, Rural Metro Fire, Arizona Rangers, Tohono O’odham Nation, Arizona Department of Public Safety, University of Arizona, Civil Air Patrol, City College TNT Program, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army (including the National Guard), U.S. Air Force, and Gold Star family members.

Retied General Ted Maxwell and former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona honored armed services, with all branches represented except the U.S. Marines, who were in Las Vegas celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps.

Oro Valley’s Chief Riley awarded the Community Hero Award
One of the ceremony’s biggest moments was the presentation of the Community Hero Award to Oro Valley Police Chief Cara Riley. Introduced by Rockin’ 4 Heroes organizers and Golder Ranch Fire Chief Tom Brandhuber, Riley was recognized for 30 years in law enforcement, including 21 years with the Oro Valley Police Department. Her career includes leading patrol, motors, K-9, SWAT, negotiations, and the Community Action Team.

Riley accepted the honor with humility and shared that the award also belonged to her sister, who supported the Quinn family during their most difficult days.

A new car for firefighter Julian Mills
Then came another lovely moment.

Julian Mills, a first-year firefighter with the Tohono O’odham Nation Fire Department, drives more than 120 miles round trip from Tucson to Sells for each shift. His current car; a 2000 Buick Century with more than 120,000 miles;  has done its best, but the road has clearly won. Thanks to the National Auto Body Council’s Recycled Rides program, along with support from GEICO, Caliber Collision, and Enterprise, Mills was selected to receive a fully restored Chrysler Pacifica. Mills was in mandatory training, so his mother accepted the keys on his behalf, to cheers, applause, and a few happy tears.

Raffle raises support for the Heroes’ Fund
After the band stopped playing, the raffle began, with proceeds gointg to the Heroes’ Fund; a fund created by Rockin’ 4 Heroes founders Mike and Bonnie Quinn. As Bonnie told the crowd:

“Because we have very supportive donors and sponsors, we’re able to not just stage this free public tribute, but we’re also able to fund our Hero Fund.”

Scholarships and support created by the Heroes’ Fund
The Heroes’ Fund continues to make a lasting impact. To date, it has established:
• The Jacob Dindinger Memorial EMT Scholarship at Pima Community College, a fully endowed scholarship that funds two EMT students per year in perpetuity.
• The Veteran Student Gap Fund at the University of Arizona, providing financial support to veteran students and Gold Star family members for education costs not fully covered by the GI Bill. This fund also assists law-enforcement officers continuing their education while serving.  

Support that lasts beyond the music
Rockin’ 4 Heroes lasts an afternoon. The Heroes’ Fund works all year. Donations help train EMTs, support veterans in college, and ease education costs for first responders who serve first and study second. Giving is easy and meaningful at Rockin4Heroes.org. Your gift would be a powerful way to say thank you long after the music ends.

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Bits and Pieces

Running For Office? Your candidate packet awaits 

Oro Valley residents thinking about running for mayor or Town Council in 2026 can now pick up a Candidate Handbook from the Town Clerk’s Office at Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive. Appointments can be made by emailing Mike Standish at mstandish@orovalleyaz.gov or calling 520-229-4700. Three council seats and the mayor’s seat are on the ballot. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, qualified to vote, and have lived in Oro Valley for at least one year before the election. Nomination papers can be filed March 9 – April 6, 2026, with between 525 and 1,050 signatures required. The Primary Election is August 4, 2026, and newly elected officials are expected to be sworn in shortly after the General Election on November 3, 2026. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Council to seek public input on proposed new taxes

By a 4–3 vote, the Oro Valley Town Council agreed Wednesday night to post notice of intent to adopt three taxes: A phased-in Commercial Rental Tax; a Telecommunications Tax; and a Use Tax. This step begins a state-required 60-day public notice and comment period, ending with a potential Council vote on January 14, 2026 to approve or reject any of the taxes. If enacted as proposed, Oro Valley’s 0% commercial rental tax would phase up to 2.5% over three years, the telecommunications tax would increase from 0% to 2.5%, and a new 2.5% use tax would be added to align with neighboring jurisdictions like Tucson and Marana. Councilmembers Barrett, Murphy, and Nicholson opposed moving forward, citing concerns over timing, business impacts, and the need for more cost-saving reviews of town operations. Staff will post a public notice of these proposed taxes on the town website on November 15. The council will make a decision on each of the three taxes at it's January 14 meeting. 

Where there is a will, there is a way

At Wednesday’s Council meeting, several residents expressed concern about the new no parking signs installed along Calle Buena Vista and parts of Calle Concordia. She said her household was not notified about the change and has seen no parking issues near their home in the past four and a half years. While she supports signage near OVCN to address overflow parking, she believes the signs further south are unnecessary, unsightly, and out of character with the neighborhood. Despite all the signage, which she described as an eyesore, we noted that church attendees were still parking on Calle Buena Vista this past Sunday [see panel right]. 

As written: New Use Tax would legally apply to individuals as well as businesses

If adopted, residents have been told by town staff that Oro Valley’s proposed use tax would apply mainly to businesses and not to residents. Businesses would be required to report out-of-state purchases where no local sales tax was paid. These are captured on regular tax filings submitted through the Arizona Department of Revenue, which may also conduct audits to ensure compliance. Town staff has repeatedly stated that the use tax would not be enforced on individual residents, and there are no plans to audit personal purchases. However, as technology advances, future governments may find it easier to track and enforce such taxes more broadly; though doing so would likely raise questions about privacy and require higher-level policy changes.

Film producer urges creation of Oro Valley film commission

Hollywood film producer Mark Headley spoke during Call to Audience segment of Wednesday's council meeting. He talked about the economic benefits of attracting movie production to the town. Drawing on his years of experience in the industry and Arizona’s past success as a filming location, he recommended the creation of a local film commission. Headley said such a commission could be inexpensive to set up and would complement efforts by the Arizona Film Office. He added that film productions typically leave about one-third of their budgets in the communities where they shoot.  Locally, both the Tucson and Marana film commissions. Film Tucson reported last year that filmmaking in the Tucson region generates between $9 million and $12 million annually in economic impact (hotels, restaurants, crews).

Council approves funds for police headquarters purchase and repairs

Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved reallocating $5.45 million from the Capital Fund contingency to cover the purchase and immediate repairs of the new police administration facility at 13101 N. Oracle Road. The purchase, completed for about $3.8 million, will be followed by an estimated $1.65 million in improvements, including HVAC replacement, roofing, stucco and parapet repair, and termite treatment. Vice Mayor Barrett noted she would have preferred some of the funding to be addressed during the next budget cycle but acknowledged the allocation was necessary. The motion passed 7–0, ensuring the building can be secured and preparations begun for future police operations.

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Rockin' 4Heroes Celebrates Sunday at Kriegh Park

Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert Is This Sunday
The 5th Annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes concert is happening this Sunday, November 9, at James D. Kriegh Park, 23 Calle Concordia in Oro Valley. Gates open at 1 p.m. and the Opening Ceremony begins promptly at 2 p.m. Admission is free and lawn seating is open—bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the show.

Full afternoon of music and community
The event opens with Mariachi Voces de mi Pueblo at 1:40 p.m., followed by a 30-minute Opening Ceremony and a headline performance by the Lexington Lab Band. Visitors can explore over 40 booths, grab food from local food trucks, enjoy a beer and wine tent, and enter a raffle featuring local news anchor Sean Moony and a 50/50 drawing. The event concludes by 5 p.m. Free parking is available at CDO High School, with a designated accessible lot and golf-cart shuttle service provided by Oro Valley’s American Legion.

Council Member Murphy: “Celebrate our amazing heroes”
“As the proud wife of a man who has spent his entire career in law enforcement and the military, it is my honor to serve as the volunteer Executive Director of First Responder and Military Affiliations for the local non-profit, Rockin’ 4 Heroes,” said Council Member Mary Murphy. “This high-quality annual concert event is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate our amazing heroes.”

Event born from loss
“The Rockin’ 4 Heroes mission was born from both grief and gratitude,” said Bonnie Quinn, who founded the nonprofit with her husband. “Michael and I wanted to thank the community of First Responders who served our son so well in the final year of his battle with cancer. We were blessed that many good people wanted to help carry out this mission alongside us, and that the public in general is very receptive to saying "Thank you" to these heroes who serve us every day.”

Donations power scholarships and training
The concert is free to attend, but donations are accepted at rockin4heroes.org.  All proceeds go to the Hero Fund, which supports several programs including the Jacob Dindinger Memorial EMT Scholarship at Pima Community College, a fully endowed scholarship that funds two full EMT scholarships every year. The Fund also established a $50,000 Veteran Student Endowment at the University of Arizona this past spring. That endowment has provided training stipends to six Oro Valley Police officers to support professional development.

See you Sunday
Bring your family, your friends, and your thanks. The weather looks good, the music will be great, and the cause couldn’t be better. See you Sunday at Rockin’ 4 Heroes. 

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Oro Valley Trails Plan is 60% Complete — Your Voice Still Matters

Oro Valley Trails Connect Master Plan continues to take shape
Oro Valley’s OV Trails Connect Master Plan is the Town’s first comprehensive effort since 2010 to evaluate, upgrade, and expand its network of unpaved trails and paved paths. The Town’s trails and paths are a key feature of our community, used by residents and visitors alike. Once approved by the Town Council, the plan will serve as a guide for maintaining and expanding Oro Valley’s trail system. 

How the process began
The study began in early 2025 with surveys, stakeholder meetings, and “trailside chats” that gathered input from hundreds of residents about how they use and value local trails. Earlier discussions focused on developing a shared vision and identifying key priorities such as connectivity, maintenance, and safety.

Public input shapes the 60% draft
Since those initial discussions, Town staff and consultant Kimley-Horn have broadened public involvement through additional meetings with residents, stakeholders, and regional partners. According to staff, participants have provided comments on the Town’s paved path and unpaved trail assets, as well as feedback on the draft vision and guiding principles.

Four areas of focus
The plan is now organized around four focus areas, each representing a key part of Oro Valley’s trail and path network:

• Unpaved trails:  Natural-surface trails such as those in Big Wash, Honey Bee Canyon, and other open-space areas.
• Multi-use paths (MUPs):  Paved paths located along or separate from major roadways, including those on La Cholla, Tangerine, and Naranja.
• The Loop within Oro Valley: The portion of the regional Pima County Loop system that runs through the Town.
• Paths at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve: The paved paths within the Preserve, including its main concrete trail network and access points.

In the draft, each focus area include proposed improvements and priority action tables that link community feedback to specific projects.

Amenities and partnerships added to the discussion
The plan gives attention to accessibility and user comfort, calling for amenities such as restrooms, benches, shade, and ADA-compliant trailheads. It also begins to outline strategies for partnerships, volunteer programs, and grant funding to support long-term maintenance and future expansion.

Challenges that remain
Even with the progress reflected in the 60% draft, several challenges remain unresolved. The plan still does not specify how proposed improvements will be funded or maintained, offering no dedicated funding source or staffing plan for ongoing upkeep. Coordination with the State Land Department on future trail easements—especially in areas north of Big Wash—remains undefined. While the document outlines safety and etiquette goals, it lacks detail on enforcement and accountability. Environmental considerations, such as habitat protection and trail impact assessments, are addressed only broadly, with no clear standards or procedures. Finally, the plan does not yet establish measurable performance goals or timelines to track whether future trail expansion and maintenance efforts achieve their intended results.

Time to get involved
The 60% draft marks the first time Oro Valley’s OV Trails Connect Master Plan has been presented as a complete document for public and advisory review. Following input from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the draft will go to the Town Council in mid-November for additional feedback. Staff and the consultant will then refine the plan and share a final version with residents and regional partners early next year. The Town expects to bring the completed plan back to the Board and Council for approval in the spring of 2026. 

Because Oro Valley’s trails and paths are an essential part of the community’s quality of life, supporting recreation, health, and connection to nature, we encourage you to review the plan, share you thoughts to help shape the future of this community asset. 

“Throughout this process, the community is invited to www.OVTrailsConnect.com to sign up for the Trails Stakeholder Group, stay informed about the latest materials and information, and reach out to Senior Planner Kyle Packer (kpacker@orovalleyaz.gov) with comments and questions.”

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