Longtime Town of Oro Valley employees Margie Adler and Tobin Sidles retired this August. Adler, who served as the town’s economic development specialist since 2015, was recognized for her dedication to helping local businesses and for delivering regular economic updates to the community. According to Mayor Hiremeth, Margit was "...the face of small business for Oro Valley." Sidles, the Town’s Legal Services Department Director, retired after 35 years of service and was honored with the State Bar of Arizona’s 2025 John Belatti Public Lawyer Career Achievement Award for his commitment to public service and ethical legal practice. Both leave behind strong legacies in their respective fields.
Naranja Drive path construction begins this fall
Construction of the Naranja Drive Multi-Use Path is scheduled to begin in mid-September 2025, following the Oro Valley Town Council’s unanimous approval of final funding on June 30. The 1.75-mile, 10-foot-wide paved path will run along the north side of Naranja Drive from La Cañada Drive to First Avenue, providing safer access for walkers, cyclists, and joggers. Nearly 91% of the project’s $3.99 million cost is covered by federal and regional transportation grants, with the Town contributing $341,000 through local project savings. The Arizona Department of Transportation will oversee the work, which is expected to be completed by March 2026. Town leaders say the new path will improve safety and connectivity for the community (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
There is an important election coming up this summer. It is an election for the mayor of the town. There are also three council seats that are up for election. Thirty-year Oro Valley resident Mark Napier has announced that he will be running for council. In his August 13 Facebook announcement Napier notes: "Oro Valley has provided so much for my family and me over the years: Safe neighborhoods, beautiful open spaces, good parks, and an incredible sense of community. This is why I am running for Mayor in the August 2026 election - to ensure we preserve our community character and values, while responsibly and strategically planning for our future." (Source)
A few notable updates from the July town manager "Executive Report To Council"
Several smaller updates stand out in the July 2025 Town Manager’s Executive Report. The Town Council approved right-of-way license agreements for new high-speed internet providers, paving the way for expanded service in Oro Valley. Only two new short-term rental licenses were issued in June, with the vast majority of these rentals being single-family homes. Every available segment in the Town’s Adopt-A-Road program is now spoken for, reflecting strong community participation. Transit ride numbers increased slightly to nearly 68,000 rides in fiscal year 2024/25, though monthly usage appears to be leveling out.
Drones overhead? Know your rights
Oro Valley police addressed common concerns in the July 2025 CrimeFighter newsletter, reaffirming that drone flights over private property—such as backyard and rooftops—are legal under federal jurisdiction. As Oro Valley lies in Class G airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) holds controlling authority over drone operations, and the town does not impose additional airspace restrictions. While police oversee public safety in flight situations, they don’t regulate drone operations. The only limits are standard FAA rules: drones must fly below 400 feet, avoid sustained flights over people or moving vehicles, and refrain from capturing images inside private yards without consent. Homeowners uncomfortable with overhead drones are encouraged to reach out to OVPD for guidance. (Source: OVPD Crimefighter, July, 2025)
Pusch Ridge Golf Course seeks Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program Certification
The Pusch Ridge Golf Course has joined the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, launching a comprehensive process to enhance wildlife habitat, promote conservation, and improve environmental stewardship. This signals a commitment to protecting the natural resources that make the course unique, benefiting not only golfers but also residents and wildlife. Achieving certification will mean the course meets high standards for habitat management, water conservation, and chemical safety. It will place Pusch Ridge among a select group of environmentally responsible courses in the region and show Oro Valley’s leadership in balancing recreation with conservation. The project will also offer new volunteer opportunities for those who want to support sustainability and help shape the future of the golf course. (Source: Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf media newsletter, 07-29-25)
Draft of OV’s Path Forward coming later this fall
Residents can expect the full draft of OV’s Path Forward—Oro Valley’s next 10-year action plan—to be released later this fall, offering the first comprehensive view of proposed goals, policies, and action steps developed with input from more than 100 residents during Phase 2 earlier this year . The initial 30% draft was completed by May 2025, and now includes 31 goals, 78 policies, and over 255 action items organized into themes such as sustainability, land use, parks, and public safety. The draft marks a point when the community can review, refine, and ensure that the final plan reflects residents’ priorities before it goes to a public vote in November 2026.
Oro Valley secures $3 million for water sustainability
The Oro Valley Water Utility has secured the full $3 million grant from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona to support the Northwest Recharge and Recovery Delivery System (NWRRDS). This grant was fully anticipated by the town and it's planning so it's no surprise. This regional project—done in partnership with Marana and the Metro Water District—will allow Oro Valley to store and recover renewable water supplies, significantly reducing groundwater pumping and helping stabilize aquifer levels. For residents, this means improved water security, better water quality, and less risk of land subsidence. The grant also eases long-term costs for customers by offsetting infrastructure expenses without requiring repayment. Once completed in mid-2026, the system will provide reliable renewable water to over 115,000 customers across northwest Tucson. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
The OVHS has had a very busy summer
The Oro Valley Historical Society marked its 20th anniversary with a summer full of projects and community milestones. The Society launched a new website with the help of Red Coyote Services and dedicated volunteer Lynn Zoyiopoulos, rejuvenated the Heritage Garden with Home Depot’s support, and—thanks to a major Chamber of Commerce Foundation donation—installed eight new interpretive signs at Steam Pump Ranch. OVHS volunteers completed updates to the Procter-Leiber family tree, advanced the digitization of the Society’s historic records, and expanded outreach by meeting with other regional historical groups. They also hosted the Tucson Paranormal Society for a special museum investigation and celebrated Jim Williams, who received a national award for his book, “Oro Valley: The First Fifty Years.” All of this activity sets the stage for a full fall calendar, new exhibits, and collaborative events at Steam Pump Ranch. (Source: OVHS August 2025 Update).
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