Oro Valley is in the process of updating its long-term general plan, known as the “OV's Path Forward.” As of May 2025, the plan is about 30% complete. With the support of town staff, resident volunteers are working to shape this document into a comprehensive guide for Oro Valley’s next decade.
Resident are creating the plan
Residents have played a critical role from the beginning. The process started in late 2023 with a community-wide survey, both online and by phone, and continued with dozens of public events. There have been more than 9.000 comments. Four Resident Working Groups—open to anyone—met regularly in early 2025 to focus on topics like safety, parks, the environment, and economic growth. There were 25 resident working group meetings.
The 30% plan is a first look at Oro Valley’s future priorities
The 30% draft consolidates the work of the Resident Working Groups and prior resident guidance into a set of goals, policies, and specific action steps. It covers four main themes: community (public safety, arts, parks), sustainability (environment, water, climate), development (housing, land use, transportation), and the local economy (businesses, tourism, finances). In total, the draft includes 30 goals, 78 policies, and 255 action items.
Priorities derived from community feedback
Major priorities identified by residents include maintaining Oro Valley’s reputation as a safe and family-friendly community, supporting quality schools, expanding parks and trail options, and protecting the area’s natural beauty. Sustainability is also a major theme—residents want water conservation, protection of native plants and wildlife, and steps to address climate and energy issues.
Focus on public safety and quality of life
The plan’s public safety section calls for continued investment in police staffing and technology, traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, and disaster preparedness. For example, one draft action calls for “intensifying enforcement efforts targeting speeding, red-light violations, and distracted or aggressive driving behaviors to enhance road safety and reduce traffic incidents.” Another action proposes expanding the High Visibility Enforcement (HiVE) program in areas where residents have reported more traffic problems.
The plan calls for investing in outdoor spaces and trail improvements
Residents value Oro Valley’s outdoor amenities. The draft includes proposals to expand trail networks, improve park facilities for all ages, add shade and accessibility features, and restore natural areas like the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. For instance, the plan calls for adding uniform signage along multi-use paths and trails, installing shade structures at Naranja Park’s play areas, and creating a long-term restoration plan for Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.
Protecting the environment
Goals for the environment include conserving open spaces, restoring habitats, managing water resources, and promoting sustainable practices. An example is the draft action to “evaluate town practices to minimize the use of harmful herbicides and pesticides on town properties and act as a model for the community.” The plan also proposes launching a volunteer program to help remove invasive species, especially at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.
Guiding targeted or strategic growth
On development, the draft plan encourages responsible land use, public gathering areas, more retail and restaurant options, housing variety, transportation improvements, and protection of views and open space. For example, one policy supports updating the zoning code to limit the amount of grading and disturbance on new development sites to better protect native vegetation and scenic views. Another action suggests requiring new housing developments to work with the school district to ensure enough school capacity as the town grows.
Building economic sustainability
The plan addresses the need for a strong local economy, with support for existing businesses, encouragement of tourism, and careful management of town finances. For example, the draft includes an action to “assist a nonprofit or other entities interested in leading the effort to help develop an arts, humanities, and cultural center, which includes performance and instructional spaces.” There is also a focus on promoting Oro Valley as a bike-friendly and retirement-friendly community to attract visitors and new residents.
Next steps and resident involvement
The 30% draft is not final. It will be refined over the coming months, with more opportunities for public comment coming this fall. The final version will include more details, maps, graphics, and a glossary. Residents are encouraged to stay involved by reviewing the draft, attending meetings, and submitting comments. For more information and to follow the process, visit the official project website at OVPathForward.com.
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