Funding Set...Finally, Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve Pond Moves Into Construction Phase

Council approves funding to move project forward
Oro Valley Town Council voted 6–1 to approve additional funding for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve pond project, allowing construction to proceed. The decision finalizes funding needed to move the long-discussed restoration effort into its next phase.

Prior design spending reduced available construction funds
Council’s decision focused on addressing a budget shortfall after Town staff had already spent about $427,460 of the $2 million originally approved budget on design work for the pond and broader restoration of the preserve. That left approximately $1.57 million available for construction, which was not sufficient to cover the full construction bid of $1,883,939.

Contingency funds used to close funding gap
The Town has budgeted $2 million in general fund contingency funds for this year. Council approved using $461,399 from that contingency to complete funding of the pond and parking project, covering the shortfall identified in the construction bids.

Residents express strong support for moving forward
Public comment at the meeting showed strong support for fully funding the project. Approximately a dozen residents spoke, with most urging Council to proceed after years of delay. One speaker said the project “has gone on an awfully long time” and should be completed, while others highlighted its value as a community amenity and restoration effort. One speaker also referenced prior concerns raised by the preserve’s easement holder, Archaeology Southwest, (ASW)  regarding the use of reclaimed water. Another speaker directly rebutted those concerns, stating they were based on incorrect assumptions about the project design. 

The Council did not discuss the easement holder’s concern regarding the use of reclaimed water. As LOVE has previously reported, those concerns appear to have little merit based on the rights granted to the Town in the easement agreement to restore the pond. In addition, ASW has rescinded its request for mediation of the matter.

Parking included to support access and avoid future costs
Funding for a parking area, estimated at about $113,967, was included as part of the approval. Discussion focused on whether to build the parking lot now or defer it to a later phase. Staff and the project consultant said parking would support accessibility, including ADA access, and help manage expected use. Several councilmembers noted that delaying the parking could lead to higher costs if the work must be rebid later.

Area will include memorial garden to be funded separately
A planned memorial garden associated with the project will not be funded through the construction contract. Instead, it will be funded using proceeds from the sale of the Zimmerman house, a property that was gifted to the town.  Its funding is separate from the Town-funded portions of the project.

Construction ahead
With funding approved, the Town will proceed with executing the construction contract for the base bid and parking alternative. Once under contract, the contractor will begin pre-construction coordination, including scheduling and permitting. Construction activity is expected to follow, with Town staff providing updates to Council as the project moves forward.

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Bits and Pieces

Chamber honors local businesses and community leaders 

The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders at its 34th annual meeting, held at El Conquistador on March 26.  There were more than 330 attendees. Among the awards: A Senior Journey was named Outstanding Small Business; Anchor Wave received Outstanding Midsize Business; and Splendido at Rancho Vistoso was recognized as Outstanding Large Business. In the nonprofit category, Hearts of Gold Police Family Outreach Foundation and Youth On Their Own were honored, while Karen Kochhar of Right at Home Tucson was named Outstanding Community Leader. The Chamber also presented its Legacy Award to Art State Arizona, highlighting its lasting contribution to the community.

Town agrees to pay county almost $12,900 for election services this year
The Oro Valley Town Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Pima County Recorder’s Office to provide election services for the 2026 election cycle, including voter registration maintenance, early voting, and ballot processing for both the July 21 primary and November 3 general elections. The agreement, which runs through the end of 2026, continues the Town’s longstanding practice of using county services to conduct its elections. The cost of these services is expected to be about $12,900, which will be paid to the county for administering the elections. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting of April 8, 2026)

Town urges residents to sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts

The Town of Oro Valley is encouraging residents and businesses to sign up for CodeRED, a free emergency notification system that delivers alerts by phone, text, email, and social media. The system is used for urgent situations such as AMBER alerts, hazardous road conditions, boil water advisories, and evacuation notices. Officials recommend that users verify and update their contact information, including adding alternate numbers, to improve reliability during emergencies. The Town notes that CodeRED complements its broader communication efforts and helps ensure timely delivery of important safety information.  (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

State delay voided commercial use tax approval...Council to restart process

Town staff informed the Oro Valley Town Council that the use tax approved in January has been voided after the Arizona Department of Revenue failed to update the official model tax code within the required 10-day period, despite receiving the Town’s ordinance within that timeframe. As a result, the Town must restart the process, including public notification and a new council vote. Council voted 5-1 to authorize staff to begin that process, with plans to bring the item back for consideration in June.  (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, April 8, 2026)

Oro Valley leaders support Camp Corral fundraiser for military families

Oro Valley Councilmembers Elizabeth Robb and Mary Murphy will join the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 39 at a fundraiser for Camp Corral on Sunday, April 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Golden Corral (6865 N. Thornydale Road). Camp Corral is a national nonprofit that provides a free week of summer camp for children of wounded, ill, and fallen military service members, and has served thousands of children nationwide since its founding. The event will include raffle ticket sales, silent auction items, and donation opportunities, with proceeds helping send military children to camp and support the organization’s programs. The event is free to attend. (Source: Camp Corral Flyer)

Residents voice no opinion on the Path Forward General Plan at first public hearing

Tuesday, we reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission was holding a public hearing on the final resident-recommended draft of the Path Forward General Plan. As it turned out, only one resident had requested to speak but, when called, declined to do so. The Commission discussion focused on questions about specific elements of the plan, including broadband access for safety, and included general support for the plan and the level of resident participation in its development. The Commission will hold a second public hearing on April 14 before making a recommendation to Town Council.

Battle of the Bands registration opens for high school musicians

Registration is now open for the Oro Valley Battle of the Bands, scheduled for Friday, May 22 at 7:15 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch. Bands must submit an original demo or YouTube link by May 15, with selected groups performing a three-song set in front of a live audience. To be eligible, at least half of each band’s members must be high school students. Winners will be chosen by a panel of judges, with first, second, and third place prizes awarded. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Bulletin)

Chamber Candidate Forum set for April 23

The Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum on April 23 at the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene, providing residents an opportunity to hear directly from candidates ahead of the July 21 primary election. The event is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to submit questions in advance to help guide the discussion.  

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Oro Valley History Comes Alive With April Events And Final Exhibit Showings

Semiquincentennial exhibit continues at Steam Pump Ranch
America’s Semiquincentennial celebration continues throughout the nation, and the Oro Valley Historical Society is celebrating all month with its exhibit, “America Semiquincentennial and the Town of Oro Valley.” Visit the Pusch House Museum at historic Steam Pump Ranch every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon to see how the patriots’ visions and actions led to the formation of the state of Arizona and eventually the incorporation of the Town of Oro Valley. Free self-guided tours are available, with volunteers on-site to answer questions and provide additional information. Donations are accepted to help keep Oro Valley history alive.

April 11 walking tours and garden fundraiser
On Saturday, April 11, a naturalist will guide one-hour gentle walking tours around the Ranch, sharing knowledge about the plants, people, geology, and geography of the area. Tours will end at the Society-maintained Heritage Garden, where participants will see a replica of a Tohono O’odham pit house and the sustainable crops growing this season. Visitors may also participate in the Garden Fundraiser to support ongoing efforts. A list of needed items is available at https://www.ovhistory.org. Cash donations are accepted, and seeds from the garden will be available for purchase.

Taste of Oro Valley returns April 12
On April 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Steam Pump Ranch will host the Rotary-sponsored 11th Annual “Taste of Oro Valley.” The event supports Edge High School and Stand Up for Kids Tucson. The evening will feature food tastings, a wine and beer garden, live music, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle. The Pusch House Museum will be open during the event for visitors who wish to explore local history.

Final exhibit dates April 18 and April 25
April 18 and April 25 will be the final opportunities to view the Semiquincentennial exhibit during the Society’s 20th anniversary season.

Library presentation scheduled April 30
The final presentation of the season will be held April 30 at the Oro Valley Public Library. Dr. Michael Fassett, President of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, will present “Sakellar and Savage Sculptures.” The presentation will include discussion of the sculpture located on Oracle Road at the entrance to Oro Valley Country Club Estates. The program begins at 2 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are accepted.

Annual meeting highlights past year
The Society held its annual meeting on March 26, reviewing the successes of its 20th anniversary year and outlining plans for the upcoming season. The organization expressed appreciation to its Board for its leadership.

Summer work focuses on exhibits and digitization
This marks the Society’s final submission to LOVE for the season. Work will continue over the summer to plan and research new exhibits for the Pusch House Museum, which will reopen in September. The Society will also begin digitizing its collection of documents and archives through a grant from the Arizona Historical Society. Volunteers with an interest in history, computers, or library work are invited to participate. Work will take place at the Pusch House Museum.

Thank you to the community
The Society thanks the community for its support throughout the season, including visits, donations, and volunteer efforts. As the 1966 song says, “See You in September.”

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Police Annual Report Highlights Steady Service Levels And Changing Priorities

Beyond response times, a broader look at OVPD operations
Several weeks ago, we informed our readers of the availability of the Oro Valley Police Department’s 2025 Annual Report. We highlighted call volume and response times. A closer look at the report shows there is much more going on behind those numbers.

Retail theft prompts targeted enforcement
One of the crime trends noted in the report is an increase in retail theft and shoplifting. In response, the Department worked with local businesses on targeted enforcement efforts focused on repeat offenders. These operations resulted in arrests and reflect a shift toward more focused policing in specific problem areas rather than broader, general enforcement. (Targeted Enforcement "Blitz")

Staffing remains steady, with focus on hiring and retention
The department reports 108 sworn officers and 33 civilian employees. During 2025, OVPD hired 12 officers to fill vacancies and added a Police Program Manager position to oversee recruitment and hiring. The focus remains on maintaining staffing levels and service capacity as turnover occurs, rather than expanding the overall size of the department.

Wellness program introduced to support personnel wellbeing
A new Wellness Officer position was created during the year to support employee health, including physical, mental, and financial well-being. Chief Riley's message in the report presents this as a practical step to improve retention and ensure that personnel can continue to meet the demands of the job over time.

Operational improvements aimed at efficiency and safety
The report highlights several operational changes, including improvements in how quickly patrol vehicles are put into service and the addition of equipment such as bumper grapplers. These devices were used in felony incidents to safely stop suspects and avoid extended pursuits, reducing risk to officers and the public.

Chief’s message emphasizes consistency and adaptation
The Chief’s message in the report ties these elements together, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current service levels while adapting to changing conditions. The focus is on supporting personnel, addressing emerging issues such as retail theft, and making targeted investments in technology and partnerships to improve response and investigative capabilities going forward.

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OVPathForward Plan Continues Forward Tonight

First hearing begins review of town’s 10-year plan tonight

The Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission will hold the first of two required public hearings Tuesday on the Final Resident Recommended Draft of “OV’s Path Forward,” the Town’s next 10-year General Plan. The session is for discussion only, with no vote scheduled. Commissioners will take public comment and ask questions before making a formal recommendation at a second hearing on April 14. The plan is then scheduled to move to the Town Council for a public hearing on May 6. The plan will ultimately go to voters for approval in November.  

Three-year effort reflects extensive resident input

The plan is three years in the making, beginning in early 2023 with a structured community engagement effort designed to gather broad resident input. Through surveys, meetings, working groups, and community outreach, more than 10,000 comments were collected to help shape the plan’s vision, goals, policies, and actions. Four resident working groups met dozens of times to develop the draft, which was then reviewed and refined through multiple public comment periods. The result is a plan intended to reflect the majority of resident priorities.

Plan focuses on growth, amenities, and community character

The plan addresses a wide range of issues that shape Oro Valley’s future, including land use, housing, economic development, transportation, parks, and environmental conservation. It emphasizes maintaining the community’s character, including protecting views and generally limiting building heights, while also recognizing the need for additional housing options and targeted economic growth. As the town approaches buildout, the plan places greater focus on amenities such as parks, trails, gathering spaces, and recreational opportunities, along with business attraction and retention. Several new actions were also added in the latest draft, including items related to the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, trail access, and expanded recreational and community programs.

New plan builds on, and expands beyond, 2016 "Your Voice Our Future" General Plan

The new “OV’s Path Forward” plan builds on the Town’s current “Your Voice, Our Future” General Plan, which was approved by voters in 2016 and established broad goals, policies, and actions to guide growth, services, and development over a 10-year period.  While both plans are community-driven and follow a similar multi-phase engagement process, the new plan reflects a more mature community that is nearing buildout. As a result, it places greater emphasis on amenities, redevelopment, and filling gaps rather than guiding large-scale growth. It also incorporates updated priorities such as expanded recreational opportunities, business retention, and specific implementation actions refined through recent resident input, rather than the broader foundational direction outlined in the 2016 plan.

Kudos to Planner Milini Simms

The development of the plan reflects a sustained effort by the Town’s Planning staff, led by Principal Planner Milini Simms. Simms guided the process from its early stages through multiple drafts and public reviews. She coordinated the extensive outreach, supported the resident working groups, and incorporated thousands of comments into the final draft. The result is a document shaped over several years through ongoing community input and staff coordination.  A job nicely done!

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Next Thursday: Look For LOVE's "3-minute primmer" on the plan.

LOVE Is ON Spring Break

Bits and Pieces

Barrett qualifies for mayoral ballot with maximum signatures
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett has qualified for the Oro Valley mayoral ballot, submitting 1,050 signatures, double the 525 required. Barrett, who has served two terms on council, cited priorities including fiscal responsibility, parks and recreation, and protecting views and open space. “I am incredibly grateful to each person who signed and helped us achieve this significant milestone,...This level of support demonstrates significant grass-roots support in the community, as well as hundreds of conversations with citizens of Oro Valley.” She will now continue her campaign leading up to the July 21, 2026 election. (Source: Media Release, melaniebarrett.org)

Scramble for youth returns April 18 at El Conquistador
The Oro Valley Optimist Club will host its annual “Scramble for Youth” golf fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the El Conquistador Golf Course, with an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start and lunch included. Proceeds support local youth programs such as Camp Fury, Project Graduation, Police Explorers, and Arizona Youth Partnership. Organizers note that the event remains a key fundraiser for these efforts and will also include raffle prizes. Residents can learn more or register here

2025 Annual Police report shows strong response times and high call volume and much more
The Oro Valley Police Department’s 2025 Annual Report is now available online, offering a detailed look at department activity and priorities. Among the highlights, officers handled more than 50,000 calls for service in 2025, while maintaining average response times of about 3 minutes for high-priority emergencies and under 5 minutes for other calls. The report also outlines staffing levels, community programs, and crime trends, giving residents a clearer picture of how police services are delivered and where resources are focused.

Volunteers lead push to make Pusch Ridge a certified wildlife sanctuary
The latest newsletter from Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf highlights a growing volunteer effort to transform the course into a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. As detailed in the March update, 14 volunteers recently planted 61 pollinator plants along key areas of the course to begin creating butterfly gardens that will support birds and other wildlife. The effort is part of a broader, multi-year process that includes habitat management, water conservation, and environmental education, with participation from residents, local organizations, and Town staff. Residents can contact the group about the Audubon project at puschaudubon@gmail.com ( Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf Newsletter, March 18, 2026)

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