Bits and Pieces

Ciscomani says federal grants for Oro Valley bridge repairs is back on track
During his remarks introducing Mayor Joe Winfield at Oro Valley’s State of the Town Address, Congressman Juan Ciscomani indicated that federal funding for Oro Valley bridge repairs remains active, despite earlier setbacks in the congressional appropriations process. LOVE reported in June that these funds were not included in the latest spending bills, but Ciscomani told the audience that the project has again passed committee review and that he remains committed to securing the funds. He praised Mayor Winfield and town staff for submitting high-quality applications and said he looks forward to “getting that funding down here for those bridges very soon.”

Coming Tuesday: Our Report on Winfield's “State of the Town” Address

Mayor Winfield’s delivered his 2025 State of the Town address to a packed El Conquistador resort ballroom yesterday. His remarks covered everything from new businesses and tourism growth to future annexations and water security.  His message was clear: Oro Valley’s success depends on resilience and forward-looking governance.  We’ll share highlights, insights, and key takeaways from his remarks—don’t miss our full report Tuesday on LOVE.

Today is the last day to share your voice on the latest draft of OVPathForward

Today is the final day to give your feedback on the 60% draft of Oro Valley’s Path Forward 2026 General Plan — the document that will shape how our community grows, invests, and protects what we value most for the next decade. This plan influences everything from how we use our land and water to the types of housing, parks, and businesses that define our town’s future. Your input ensures the plan reflects what matters to you — not just today’s priorities but those of future residents as well. Visit OVPathForward.com and make your voice count before midnight.

Deputy Town Manager Cornelison earns international professional credential 

Oro Valley Deputy Town Manager Chris Cornelison has received the prestigious Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The ICMA program recognizes local government leaders who demonstrate high standards of integrity, professional competence, and a commitment to continuous learning. Cornelison, who began his career with the Town in 2010 and has since served in several key management roles—including Interim Town Manager from 2022 to 2023—becomes one of more than 1,300 credentialed local government managers worldwide. A University of Arizona graduate with both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration, Cornelison continues to mentor students as an adjunct instructor and professional advisor to the university’s ICMA student chapter. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Town earns national recognition for financial excellence

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has named the Town of Oro Valley a Triple Crown winner for fiscal year 2024, recognizing outstanding achievement in financial transparency and reporting. The Triple Crown honors municipalities that earn all three of GFOA’s top awards in the same year—the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the Popular Annual Financial Report Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award. Oro Valley has achieved this distinction for 13 consecutive years. Finance Director David Gephart credited the town’s finance team for their professionalism and dedication to maintaining accuracy and public trust through clear, comprehensive financial reporting. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Camp under the stars tomorrow night right here in Oro Valley

Families can enjoy the fun of camping without leaving town this weekend at Family Camping at the Ranch, hosted at historic Steam Pump Ranch tomorrow night. The overnight event includes tent setup lessons, grilled hot dogs, and a movie on a giant inflatable screen, followed by s’mores around the campfire. In the morning, campers will be treated to an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast before packing up. It’s a simple way to experience the outdoors, meet other families, and create lasting memories—no long drive required. Families can sign up for Family Camping at the Ranch through the Oro Valley Parks & Recreation website, PlayOV.com. The event notice in the town’s newsletter includes a registration link labeled “Click here” that directs users to the online registration page. At least one participant must be 18 or older to register and attend. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation email).

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November Events: Oro Valley Historical Society’s 20th Anniversary Celebration

Oro Valley Historical Society celebrates 20 years
Join the Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) this month for a full slate of activities celebrating its 20th year. Events take place at historic Steam Pump Ranch unless otherwise noted.

Through November 15 – “The Society Begins” exhibit
Visit the Pusch House Museum to learn how and why the Oro Valley Historical Society got started. Who was involved? When did it happen? And most importantly—why? All your questions will be answered.

November 1 – Partners on site
As part of the new “Be Our Ranch Guest” program, OVHS welcomes three non-profits to the Ranch:

• Sol Dog Lodge will collect pet food (open bags accepted) and provide donuts for donors.
• We Care Tucson will accept new or used small electronics—computers, monitors, cell phones, and more—for refurbishing or recycling, keeping these devices out of local landfills.
• Gap Ministries will collect pasta, pasta sauce (jars accepted), and new unwrapped toys from their online wishlist: Amazon link.

November 8 – Continued collections
Gap Ministries continues to collect pasta, pasta sauce, and new unwrapped toys for foster children.
We Care Tucson will again accept new or used small electronics to refurbish for underserved Tucson residents.

November 8 – Guided walks and Heritage Garden
Take one of two guided, one-hour gentle walks around the property with a naturalist. Learn about local flora, fauna, geology, and the Heritage Garden—maintained by OVHS volunteers—featuring desert plants used by native peoples for thousands of years. Don’t miss the pit house representation.

November 15 and 22 – Ongoing Gap Ministries collections
Gap Ministries returns on both dates to collect pasta, pasta sauce, and new unwrapped toys for foster kids and families.

November 19 – Presentation at the Oro Valley Public Library
At 10:00 a.m., Mary Jo McMullen, a volunteer at Tohono Chul and a docent at the Tucson Museum of Art, will introduce the Hohokam Culture and the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People who lived in the Tucson Valley 1,500 years ago. Learn about their culture through artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, petroglyphs, clothing, and acid-etched shells.

November 22 – “Holidays Include Everyone” exhibit opens
Visit the Pusch House Museum for a new exhibit celebrating the variety of holiday traditions in our diverse community. You might even find inspiration for your own celebrations!

This is also the last day to purchase a Jim Click Raffle ticket from OVHS for a chance to win a 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige. All proceeds benefit the Oro Valley Historical Society, thanks to Mr. Click’s generosity.

November 29 – Museum closed for Thanksgiving weekend
The Pusch House Museum will be closed. OVHS wishes everyone a warm and grateful Thanksgiving weekend—and expresses heartfelt thanks for the community’s ongoing support.

Event information
All OVHS events are free; donations are appreciated. For details and updates, visit ovhistory.org.

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Oro Valley Town Tourism Commission Reviews Tourism Destination Plan...Key Questions Remain

Consultant’s study introduced at October 20 meeting
At its October 20 meeting, the Town’s Tourism Advisory Commission (TAC) reviewed the draft "Oro Valley Leisure Tourism Destination Management Plan". The 75 page report was prepared by CSL Consulting. This meeting was the first public briefing for the Commission and the first time most commissioners were briefed on its contents. The plan presents a proposed 10 year framework for developing Oro Valley’s leisure and tourism economy. It is a draft, not adopted policy.

A vision built around wellness, culture, and community appeal
The draft plan presents a vision of Oro Valley as a “vibrant desert destination” known for wellness, recreation, arts, and culture. It imagines a community where visitors enjoy the same experiences that residents value—beautiful landscapes, active lifestyles, and authentic local character. The plan emphasizes outdoor recreation, cycling, culinary experiences, and cultural programming as the core of Oro Valley’s identity. Rather than expanding tourism through large-scale commercial development, it seeks to grow visitation in ways that enhance community life and maintain the town’s distinctive setting and quality of life.

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CSL Consulting developed the draft plan through research, community engagement, and comparative analysis.
The firm began by reviewing Oro Valley’s existing tourism assets—its trails, parks, arts venues, events, and lodging—and by examining related town plans and policies. It then conducted interviews and workshops with Town staff, business and tourism representatives, and community organizations to understand current conditions and opportunities. Resident perspectives were collected through surveys and public input sessions. CSL compared Oro Valley with similar destination communities across the Southwest to identify practices that balance quality of life with tourism growth. 

The document is a vision... not a plan
The draft plan sets broad goals for positioning Oro Valley. It proposes twenty recommended actions. They segmented these actions into two groups: Short term “quick wins” and mid term strategic enhancements. [see panels]  The plan also introduces five long term “Big Ideas.” These include a performing arts center or amphitheater, an indoor recreation complex, a public market hall at Steam Pump Ranch, expansion of Tohono Chul, and a resident designed cultural showcase.

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Commissioner's seemed receptive 
In general, commissioners appeared receptive to the document's tourism vision but cautious about its lack of cost estimates, funding details, and clear implementation strategy.  

But skeptical
Commissioners raised a range of concerns and questions about the draft document. Several asked how the proposed “Big Ideas” would be funded and whether the consultant’s work with the Town had concluded or would continue, Others questioned how the plan’s twenty recommended actions would be prioritized and one member suggested that commissioners review the list individually to identify which were most important before the next meeting. Members also expressed interest in clarifying the Town’s role in future tourism governance and how partnerships with organizations like Visit Tucson or local nonprofits would function.

Commissioners given difficult task...
The document is a starting point for discussion about some, but perhaps not all, of the options for growing tourism in the town. The conversation is limited, however. The document does not include cost or benefit estimates for any recommended item. It also does not suggest how to measure results or define goals. As a result, there is no tangible basis for determining which items to pursue or when to pursue them.

Consequently, it will be difficult for any Commissioner to complete the assignment given to them by Economic Development Director Melcher: To come back with their top three to five priorities so that the Commission could look for areas of agreement and begin shaping recommendations to the Town.
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New Taxes not a "Silver Bullet"... Part Of A Package Of Actions For Sustained Oro Valley Fiscal Stability

Town has identified and council has considered three new taxes to cover possible future spending shortfall

In March, Oro Valley Finance Director David Gephart presented a five-year forecast of the Town’s General Fund showing that expenses are projected to exceed revenues beginning in fiscal year 2029–30. The General Fund—one of the Town’s many funds—supports day-to-day operations, capital spending, and transfers to other funds. In response to the projected financial shortfall, Town staff identified several ways to close the gap. These included implementing three new taxes already in place in nearby communities: a commercial rental tax, a use tax, and a telecommunications tax. Together, these taxes, along with long-overdue fee increases for parks and recreation programs, would close the roughly $3 million funding gap identified in the forecast. The Council approved the  Parks and Recreation fee increase in October. As reported last week, the Council is expected to vote on them at its next meeting.

 
New taxes are not a "silver bullet" but are part of a set of actions to insure financial sustainability

Though much has been said by town staff in favor of the proposed new taxes, these taxes are not a “silver bullet” for ensuring Oro Valley’s long-term financial sustainability. According to Mayor Joe Winfield, speaking at the October 15 study session on the new taxes, “We’re looking at this as one of many tools,” he said, emphasizing that the Town must continue to pursue multiple strategies to strengthen its financial position rather than relying on any single measure.  Winfield pointed to the Town’s strategic refinancing of its public safety pension debt—which has saved about $3.4 million—as an example of responsible financial management. He also cited other ongoing efforts to improve fiscal sustainability, including pursuing annexation of retail rich areas, working to reduce retail sales leakage, and supporting population growth through approved housing projects now under construction. Winfield said that all these actions together—not any single one—will help build a stronger financial foundation for the Town.

While town focuses on maintaining efficient operations

Winfield also stressed that the real solution also lies in maintaining an efficient municipal government and practicing disciplined budgeting. Finance Director David Gephart believes that the Town is running a “tight ship.” He emphasized that Oro Valley has been proactive in managing expenses and maintaining fiscal discipline. Gephart outlined several ongoing efforts to control spending, including limiting staff growth, consolidating positions where possible, and delaying or reprioritizing capital projects that are not immediately necessary. The Town is also using technology to improve efficiency, reducing reliance on outside consultants, and closely monitoring contracts and operating costs. He noted that departments have been asked to identify savings and that the Town continues to maintain healthy reserves without relying on short-term borrowing. Gephart said these measures have allowed Oro Valley to preserve high service levels even as costs increase and revenues grow more slowly, demonstrating that the Town is already “doing more with less” while continuing to strengthen its long-term financial position.

 
Impact of new taxes on businesses and tenants remains uncertain

Town staff said they do not believe the proposed new taxes would place a significant burden on residents or the business community. The only direct impact on residents would be a small increase in their cell phone bills. Regarding the commercial rental tax, Finance Director David Gephart said the effect on tenants would depend on lease terms and market conditions—some landlords might absorb part of the cost to stay competitive, while others would likely pass it through to tenants. Councilmember Nicolson initially disagreed, noting that most Oro Valley commercial centers are owned by large, out-of-state corporations that operate under strict financial models and are therefore unlikely to absorb new costs. Later in the meeting, however, Nicolson pointed out that Oro Valley’s commercial vacancy rate—about 14 percent—represents an oversupply condition that could limit a landlord’s ability to raise rents, meaning some may have to absorb at least part of the additional expense themselves.

Council decision will shape Oro Valley’s long-term financial path

Soon, the Town Council will decide whether to move forward with all or some of the proposed new taxes. The decision will determine how Oro Valley balances its budget in the years ahead—whether through new revenue sources, continued cost control, or a combination of both. Whatever the outcome, the discussion has made clear that maintaining the Town’s long-term fiscal stability will require steady attention, discipline, and a mix of strategies rather than reliance on any single solution.

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Take Ten: Help Us Shape Oro Valley's Future Land Use

Let’s talk development
If you’ve lived in Oro Valley for a long time, you’ve witnessed the town grow into what it is today. Back in the 1990s, Oro Valley was one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Arizona, with some years seeing over 1,000 single-family home permits issued. This was the period when many of the larger neighborhoods, such as Rancho Vistoso and Canada Hills, were being built.

While housing has always driven development, the era of constructing large subdivisions (with 130+ homes) within current Town boundaries is over. The Town currently issues 100–200 single-family permits a year. With only 12% of the land remaining, Oro Valley residents are looking for strategic growth that fosters an environment where people can live, work, and play.

What did residents say about growth and development?
Through a series of surveys, meetings, and engaging online discussions, residents prioritized the following:

• Managing growth strategically to foster an environment where residents can live, work, and play
• Maintaining a well-planned and cohesive design of the community
• Providing a range of housing options for seniors, families, and workers
• Creating more gathering spaces and areas to entertain — more restaurants, retail, and things to do
• Protecting mountain views

How are resident voices reflected in the community’s next 10-year action plan?
The draft plan reflects the voices of residents, establishing goals, policies, and actions to guide Oro Valley into the future.

Here are just some ways the residents’ Plan will guide future development:

• Support diverse land uses that meet the Town’s overall needs and effectively transition in scale and density from existing developments
• Foster high-quality designs that enhance OV’s unique suburban character
• Enable a wide range of housing types, densities, and prices that maintain OV’s high-quality design, community character, and value of home ownership
• Create unique, vibrant, and interconnected mixed-use destinations for residents, visitors, and businesses
• Ensure views are conserved by honoring residents’ preference for 1–2 story buildings and acceptance of 3-story buildings only on appropriate sites
• Incorporate a diverse range of housing types, mixed-use commercial areas, and employment uses in large master-planned communities and annexations

Your voice is needed!
It’s time to ensure the draft plan captures the true values and priorities of our residents. We invite you to read through the details and share your thoughts about the land use goals, policies, and actions by October 31, 2025. Visit OVPathForward.com/land-use today.

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This article is part of the Town’s ongoing OV Path Forward 2026 community planning campaign.

Bits and Pieces

Tonight is National Night Out at the Oro Valley Markeplace

The National Night Out event at the Oro Valley Marketplace is happening tongit from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This event is hosted by the Oro Valley Police Department and will be held at the Walmart Supercenter located at 2150 E. Tangerine Rd, Oro Valley, AZ. The event combines National Night Out with the annual Halloween Safe Treats celebration, featuring prizes, candy, and encouraging costumes for all ages. Attendees can enjoy a fun-filled evening with community booths and food options available. Mayor Winfield and Police Chief Riley will be speaking at the event. There are about fifty booths, food trucks and music.  Sounds like a fun evening.

Vistoso celebrates community spirit tomorrow at annual fall event

Rancho Vistoso residents will gather for the annual Fall Event at Sunset Ridge Park tomorrow from 8 to 11 a.m. The celebration features family activities, community booths, and a chance for neighbors to connect as cooler weather returns. The event is one of the most popular traditions in Vistoso, marking the change of season and bringing together families from across the community. (Source: Vistoso Newsletter, October 17, 2025)

Bed Tax Revenues holding steady...fund town operations

At the October 20 Tourism Advisory Commission meeting, the bed tax came up briefly in connection with how tourism benefits the Town’s finances. Commissioner Chris DeSimone noted that tourism growth could generate more bed tax revenue, which would help fund essential community services such as police, parks, and roads. He framed tourism as a way to “bring in outside dollars” without increasing taxes on residents, emphasizing that visitors “come, leave their money, and go home.”

Oro Valley collects a 6% bed tax on hotel room stays, originally established to fund tourism and economic development activities. The tax was intended to support visitor promotion, marketing, and tourism-related events that strengthen the local economy. Over time, however, the use of these funds was broadened. Portions of the revenue were use to fund the Aquatic Center in 2012.  A dedicated Bed Tax Fund ended in FY2018–19, with revenues and related costs consolidated into the General Fund. While the original intent was to dedicate bed tax revenue to promoting Oro Valley as a destination, the practical use of these dollars now supports a wider range of community needs.

Short-term rentals contribute about $500,000 a year to Oro Valley’s bed tax 

About 300 to 320 short-term rentals operate in Oro Valley each month, generating roughly $500,000 annually—about 20% of the Town’s total bed tax revenues. According to Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher, these rentals play a supportive role in tourism—especially for visiting sports teams and cyclists who value the flexibility of cooking, bike storage, and extended stays. The Town maintains a public registry of short-term rentals and provides event organizers with lists of available properties to help accommodate visitors. (Source: Tourism Advisory Commission, October 20, 2025)

Oro Valley wins national communications award for humor

The Town of Oro Valley’s Communications and Marketing Division has earned a national Award of Excellence from the City-County Communications & Marketing Association (3CMA) for “Best Use of Humor” among communities under 75,000 in population. The winning entry, titled “Mugs on Fire,” was a lighthearted video promoting the Town’s annual Hot Cocoa 5K. Created in-house by Digital Content Specialist Nick Going, the video playfully spoofed the movie Chariots of Fire and became one of the Town’s most-viewed clips, drawing more than 8,000 views and helping boost race participation to 496 runners. The event raised more than $10,000 for the Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund. This is the second consecutive year Oro Valley has received national recognition for creative government communications. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf launch “Start Strong” season and tournament

The Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf are encouraging golfers to “Start Strong” as the 2025–26 season begins. From October 25 through November 15, each round played at the course earns an entry into a drawing for a golf gift basket from El Conquistador Golf, with a “Hole in One” earning five entries and a place on the pro shop’s Hole in One Club plaque. The group’s goal is 1,800 rounds during the opening 22 days. In addition, the Give Birdies and Eagles a Boost tournament on November 7 still has a few openings. Proceeds will support the course’s Audubon Certification program and other community projects in partnership with the Town of Oro Valley and El Conquistador Golf. Non-golfers are invited to join for lunch at The Hilton El Conquistador’s Last Territory Restaurant to celebrate and support this community effort . (Source: Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf Newsletter, October 19, 2025)

Oro Valley Council Continues Discussion On Adding Three New Taxes

Three new taxes continue to be under consideration
The Oro Valley Town Council met October 15 to continue its study session on three proposed taxes — a use tax, a telecommunications tax, and a commercial rental tax. These taxes are already collected by Tucson, Marana, and Sahuarita. Town staff said they would help maintain services as costs rise and state-shared revenues flatten. We have reported on the council's four previous discussions of this item.

Estimated annual revenue impact of up to $2 million
Finance Director David Gephart said the three taxes could generate between $930,000 and $1.9 million annually:

• Use tax: $375,000 to $600,000
• Telecommunications tax: $130,000 to $280,000
• Commercial rental tax: $425,000 to $1,000,000

He said the goal is to diversify the Town’s revenues, reduce dependence on sales tax, and avoid introducing a property tax.

Staff would like to see funds dedicated for capital spending

If adopted, staff recommends that revenue from the new taxes be earmarked by Council for capital projects such as the newly acquired Police Department building, which currently lack a dedicated funding source. Final money dedication would require Council action (ordinance, fund setup, or budget transfer). Otherwise the funds can be used for any town operating or capital need. Council has not taken a position on this.

Businesses say new taxes would hurt competitiveness
Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce President Kristen Sharp told the Council that the commercial rental tax would make it harder for local businesses to remain competitive when operating costs in Oro Valley are already higher than in surrounding areas. She said businesses are “operating on tight margins” and warned that higher costs could discourage new tenants or drive existing ones away.

Commercial real estate broker Robert Tomlinson presented data showing Oro Valley’s retail vacancy rate at 12.8%, more than double the Tucson-area average of 5.9%. He said the new tax could further weaken the retail sector and increase vacant space.

Move would diversify Oro Valley's revenue stream
Joyce Garland, a 25-year Oro Valley resident and former Chief Financial Officer for Tucson, supported adopting all three taxes. She said state-shared revenues are declining because Oro Valley’s population is growing by less than one percent a year while new cities, such as San Tan Valley, are being incorporated. That means Oro Valley’s share of the statewide revenue “pie” continues to shrink. Garland said a broader mix of local revenues would give the Town flexibility and protect services from future shortfalls. The Budget and Finance Commission, which she chairs, voted September 16 to recommend approval of the proposals.

Implementation of taxes would not happen until July of 2026 if they are approved by council
Gephart plans to bring implementation proposals back for another study session before any vote. He explained that the Arizona Department of Revenue recently changed its reporting process for municipal tax code updates, and Oro Valley is the first community to use it. Because of that, there are questions about timing and notification requirements that must be resolved before moving forward. He said staff may recommend a phased implementation beginning in July 2026. 

Council weighs fairness and economic impacts
Councilmember Robb said she supports the use tax because it applies broadly and fairly but remains undecided about the other two. Vice Mayor Barrett questioned whether the rental tax would truly harm competitiveness, noting that neighboring towns already have similar taxes. Councilmember Nicolson said that because most Oro Valley commercial centers are owned by large, out-of-state corporations. These are landlords who are unlikely to pass the added cost on to their tenants — many of whom are small, locally owned businesses. He explained that these are landlords operate under corporate financial models that prioritize maintaining profit margins, leaving little flexibility to adjust lease terms or absorb new costs locally.

Next step: Up for public hearing with council vote on November 5
No formal action was taken at this session. At the beginning of the meeting, Finance Director David Gephart said staff intends to bring the three proposed taxes back to the Council for possible action at its next regular meeting on November 5.

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