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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