Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield’s seventh State of the Town address
Thus began the remarks of Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield in his seventh State of the Town address, last Thursday, Winfield delivered his remarks at an event sponsored by the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce at the El Conquistador.
Oro Valley’s multi pronged approach to fiscal resilience
Winfield said Oro Valley’s continued growth and stability reflect a commitment to fiscal resilience. During his seven years as mayor, the town has maintained a balanced budget through conservative budgeting, prudent reserves, and fiscal restraint, saving nearly $4 million over the past two years by delaying non essential projects and adding only one new full time position, a police officer. The town also secured several state and WIFA grants totaling about $3 million for improvements at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, Naranja Park Archery Range, and Steam Pump Ranch.
Focused on forward looking governance
“Forward looking governance means anticipating tomorrow’s needs and making disciplined, strategic decisions today. Together, these principles form the foundation of every success story in Oro Valley. Strategic investments are another critical way to build financial resilience, and it’s through forward looking governance that we’re poised to seize opportunities early.” He provided examples:
- “When this council chose to invest $33 million to fully fund the Public Safety and Personnel Retirement System, it was a bold decision that will save taxpayers an estimated $20 million through 2038.”
- The Northwest Recharge, Recovery, and Delivery System, a $40 million project that will deliver 4,000 acre feet of renewable water annually, enough for about 12,000 homes.
- “We’ve also purchased and are now beginning the phased renovation of a new police station, a practical, cost effective way to meet community needs while living within our means.”
Involving the community
“Forward looking governance also means planning now for the future we want. The most effective way to do that is to engage the public in the processes that will guide and shape our community.” Winfield called for continued public participation in shaping Oro Valley’s future. He praised the community’s involvement in both the Trail Master Plan and the Path Forward 2026 General Plan, noting that to date more than 9,000 community comments have guided the general plan’s development.
Regional transportation planning is essential
Winfield, who serves as chair of the Regional Transportation Authority, said the next RTA plan will guide 20 years of transportation improvements across Pima County. He said this long term planning demonstrates the kind of leadership he calls forward looking governance, anticipating future needs rather than reacting to them. The plan’s focus on safety, mobility, and connectivity also supports the region’s resilience by ensuring communities can adapt and thrive as conditions change. Winfield encouraged residents to stay informed and engaged ahead of the March 2026 vote, noting that regional partnerships like the RTA are key to Oro Valley’s ability to plan responsibly and build a stronger, more connected future.
“Resilience is something we live”
As he closed, Winfield said Oro Valley’s strength lies not in any single leader, but in the collective effort of its residents, businesses, and public servants. Thinking back to the impact of the pandemic, Winfield noted that “resilience isn’t something we just talk about. It’s something we live...Resilience and forward looking governance are not abstract concepts,” he said. “They guide how we plan, spend, protect, and serve. Oro Valley’s strength has never come from any one individual, it’s come from all of us.”
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