Resident Survey's Matter In Creating the "Path Forward” General Plan

Comparing Oro Valley's 2024 resident surveys to the 2013 survey: What’s changed and what’s stayed the same
The Town of Oro Valley did three types of surveys as part of the Path Forward general planning process. One was a statistically valid "Big Community Survey." It was released in May. We have reported on this. The others were phone and online surveys. These were not statistically valid, but do provide directional information on how people feel about the town.

One of our readers provided us with an averaging, so to speak, of the results of three types of surveys.  The reader then compared that average result to the 2013 survey result. The reader's analysis offers a view of how residents' opinions and priorities have changed since that survey. While many core values remain consistent, reflecting the town's lasting appeal, the surveys also reveals significant shifts in concerns and priorities, underscoring the challenges Oro Valley must address as it continues to grow.

Consistent Values: Safety, Natural Beauty, and Community
One of the most striking consistencies between the 2024 and 2013 surveys is the high value residents place on community safety. In both surveys, Oro Valley’s reputation as a low-crime, secure environment is a top priority. In the latest survey, 85% of respondents continue to emphasize safety as a defining feature of their town, underscoring the community's ongoing commitment to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

The town's natural beauty, including its desert and mountain views, has also remained a central attribute for residents. In both 2013 and 2024, around 84% of respondents highlighted these scenic vistas as a key reason for living in Oro Valley. This consistency reflects a deep-rooted appreciation for the town’s environment, which continues to be a cornerstone of its identity.

Additionally, the quality of schools in Oro Valley has been a stable draw for residents. Both surveys indicate strong support for maintaining high educational standards, with 79% of respondents in the 2024 survey recognizing the importance of quality schools. The town’s family-friendly atmosphere, another consistent finding, remains a vital aspect of community life, with over 79% of residents describing Oro Valley as an excellent place to raise a family.

Evolving Concerns: Traffic and Growth
Despite these enduring values, the "Big Community Survey" reveals significant shifts in residents’ concerns, particularly around traffic and growth. Traffic congestion has emerged as a major issue in 2024, with 24% of respondents expressing frustration with increased congestion and poorly timed traffic lights. This is a significant increase from the 2013 survey, where traffic was not as prominent a concern.

Growth-related worries have also intensified. In 2024, 12% of residents expressed concerns about the pace and impact of new developments, a sharp rise from the 2013 survey. Managing town growth has now become the most pressing challenge, with 68% of respondents identifying it as a critical issue. This shift indicates growing apprehension about how rapid development might alter the character of Oro Valley.

New Priorities: Sustainability and Infrastructure
As Oro Valley continues to develop, residents’ priorities have also expanded to include sustainability and infrastructure improvements. Water availability and environmental protection have become top concerns, with 65% and 54% of respondents, respectively, emphasizing these issues. These concerns were less prominent in the 2013 survey, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for responsible growth and conservation.

Traffic and mobility have also seen a shift in focus. The 2024 survey highlights a heightened demand for safer pedestrian and bicycle routes, as well as the maintenance of existing roadways. This reflects residents' desire for a more connected and accessible community, adapting to the town’s evolving infrastructure needs.

Looking Ahead: The "Path Forward" for Oro Valley
The insights from the "Big Community Survey" will play a crucial role as Oro Valley continues to develop its 2026 General Plan, aptly named "Oro Valley's Path Forward." The results underscore the importance of balancing growth with the preservation of the town’s core values—safety, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. At the same time, they highlight the need to address emerging concerns such as traffic congestion, growth management, and environmental sustainability.

As the town charts its course for the future, it’s essential for residents to stay engaged and informed. The feedback provided in this survey will guide the town’s leaders in making decisions that reflect the community’s evolving needs and values, ensuring that Oro Valley remains a great place to live, both now and in the years to come.

Solomon Attacks "Big Community Survey"... Greene Agrees

Last week, we highlighted in the “Big Community Survey”. The survey results will be used by working groups as they craft the 2026 General Plan. We hope you found our three articles useful in understanding what was in the survey. Today,  we focus on the council's reaction to the survey results.
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Councilmember Solomon scotches survey results 
Last month, Town Planner Milini Simms and the town's external consultant presenting the survey results to the town council. Council member Steve Solomon criticized the conclusions, stating they are internally inconsistent. According to Solomon, the results "... contradict each other and are mutually exclusive." Solomon voiced his opinion that more rooftops would be needed to attract additional businesses like restaurants, which some survey respondents desire. This, according to Solomon, would also increase traffic. That is contrary to residents' preferences. Regarding the drinking water supply, Solomon argued it is not a pressing issue, despite residents' concerns about the long term water supply. He maintained that Oro Valley has an ample water supply, reassuring residents there is no need for worry. 

Greene Agrees… and so does Jones-Ivey


Council member Mo Greene, as usual, echoed Solomon's sentiments: '"I want to thank Councilmember Solomon for raising these issues." Joining them is Councilmember Jones-Ivey, who appears to have only skimmed the survey slides. "My Concern was pretty much ... stated by Councilmember Solomon. As I look at this I'm seeing that [residents want] no more growth, but [they] want more restaurants [and] more services .But [they] don't want any more traffic." Neither Greene nor Joyce-Ivey seemed to have fully reviewed the materials because that's not what they want.

Barrett goes to the facts to prove Solomon “wrong”


Fortunately, here's the good news: Both Vice Mayor Barrett and Councilmember Bohen thoroughly examined the materials. Using survey statistics, Barrett quickly pointed out that only a small percentage of respondents expressed a desire for more restaurants and businesses in town. In contrast, over half of the respondents prioritize environmental concerns such as preserving views. Managing town growth while ensuring water availability and environmental protection are top priorities for residents. Barrett emphasized that there are no inconsistencies in these findings.

Bohen concludes that the survey does show what the community wants

Council Member Bohen noted that the survey results are "good news." He emphasized that respondents are clearly telling the council not to dismiss survey responses. Bohen stated, "What the community wants isn't complicated. I think the message from the residents to us and also to the staff is to begin managing the town in accordance with our current reality, not where we wish to be

Still time for residents to participate
The survey process isn’t over. According to Planner Simms: “Come August and September, we're going to be asking residents to go to the website and make sure that the vision reflects what they said,”. You will be able to access those questions here.

Oro Valley’s Biggest Challenges: Residents Identify Five Challenges Facing the Community

This week we are devoting LOVE's pages to the findings of the "Big Community Survey." That survey will be used used to guide groups in planning the 2026 "Path Forward" General Plan. Today we focus on the Oro Valley's challenges, as perceived by survey respondents.

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Residents identify five big challenges ahead for Oro Valley

Residents who participated in Oro Valley’s big survey identified areas of biggest challenges. Meeting these challenges will crucial a critical part of the town’s 2026 General plan.

Balancing expansion and community character

One of the primary concerns for Oro Valley residents is managing the town’s growth. As the population increases, there is a need to balance development with preserving the community’s unique character. “We need to manage growth carefully to keep Oro Valley’s character intact,” one resident emphasized. This challenge involves strategic planning to ensure that new developments do not compromise the town’s small-town charm and open spaces.

Ensuring sustainable water

Water availability is another significant challenge facing Oro Valley. With the increasing demand due to population growth, there is a need to ensure sustainable water resources for the future. “Water conservation and maintaining our water supply should be a top priority,” a resident pointed out. This challenge requires effective water management practices and policies to secure the town’s long-term water needs.

Preserving natural beauty and biodiversity

Protecting the natural environment is a critical issue for residents. The scenic beauty and biodiversity of Oro Valley are highly valued, and there is a strong desire to preserve these attributes amid development pressures. “We must protect our natural landscapes and wildlife corridors,” one survey respondent noted. Efforts to conserve native plants, maintain wildlife habitats, and expand conservation areas are essential to address this challenge.

Addressing increasing congestion

As Oro Valley grows, traffic congestion and mobility issues are becoming more prominent. Residents are concerned about the impact of increased traffic on their daily lives. “The traffic on main roads is getting worse every year,” commented a local resident. Addressing this challenge involves improving road infrastructure, enhancing public transportation options, and promoting alternative transportation modes such as biking and walking.

Creating job opportunities and diverse businesses 

Economic development is a key challenge, with residents emphasizing the need for more job opportunities and diverse businesses within the town. “We need more local job opportunities to reduce commuting,” one resident stated. Fostering economic growth involves attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurship, and creating a balanced economy that can sustain the community’s needs. 

Call to action

We encourage you to get involved and develop creative solutions to these and other challenges to ensure a vibrant future for Oro Valley. Your engagement and ideas are vital for overcoming these challenges and shaping the town’s prosperity.

Big Community Survey: Top 5 Least Liked Things About Oro Valley

This week we are devoting LOVE's pages to the findings of the "Big Community Survey." That survey will be used used to guide groups in planning the 2026 "Path Forward" General Plan. Today we focus on the five things residents like least about Oro Valley.

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"Big Community Survey" identifies five least liked features or Oro Valley 
The Big Community Survey has shed light on both the beloved and less appreciated aspects of living in Oro Valley. While there are many qualities that residents cherish, certain issues have surfaced as areas of concern. This article explores the top five things that Oro Valley residents like least about their community, based on survey results.

Traffic Conditions: Growing congestion issues
Traffic congestion is a significant concern for many Oro Valley residents. With increasing development and population growth, commute times have lengthened, and congestion has become more prevalent. One resident expressed their frustration, stating, “The traffic on main roads is getting worse every year, making my daily commute much longer than it used to be.” Addressing these traffic issues is crucial for maintaining the town’s quality of life.

Distance or Lack of Services: Essential amenities out of reach
Another major issue is the distance or lack of essential services. Many residents find it inconvenient to access certain amenities, such as specialized healthcare, shopping, and entertainment. A survey participant shared, “We need more local services to avoid long drives into Tucson for basic needs.” Enhancing the availability of local services could significantly improve daily convenience for residents.

Growth-Related Concerns: Balancing development and preservation
Rapid growth and development have raised concerns among residents about preserving the small-town feel and open spaces that characterize Oro Valley. Many worry that continued expansion could lead to overcrowding and loss of the town’s unique charm. “We need to manage growth carefully to keep Oro Valley’s character intact,” urged one resident. Balancing development with preservation is essential for sustaining the town’s appeal.

High Cost of Living: Financial strain on residents
The high cost of living in Oro Valley is another notable issue. Residents face higher expenses in areas such as housing, utilities, and property taxes compared to neighboring regions. One resident highlighted the financial strain, stating, “Living here is becoming more expensive, and it’s hard for families to keep up with the rising costs.” Addressing affordability can help retain the town’s diverse population and ease the financial burden on residents.

Limited Recreational and Cultural Amenities: Desire for more community spaces 

While Oro Valley offers beautiful natural surroundings, some residents feel there is a lack of recreational and cultural amenities. There are calls for more community centers, arts venues, and recreational facilities. A survey respondent emphasized, “We need more places to gather and cultural activities to enjoy as a community.” Expanding these amenities can enhance the community’s social and cultural vibrancy, providing residents with more opportunities to connect and engage.

These are challenges with which Path Forward will "deal"
The Big Community Survey reveals that traffic conditions, distance or lack of services, growth-related concerns, high cost of living, and limited recreational and cultural amenities are the top five least liked aspects of living in Oro Valley. Addressing these issues is essential for improving residents’ quality of life and ensuring the town remains a desirable place to live. Community involvement and ongoing feedback will play a crucial role in shaping Oro Valley’s future.

Big Community Survey: Discover The Five Top Reasons Residents LOVE About Oro Valley

This week,  we are devoting LOVE's pages to the findings of the "Big Community Survey." That survey will be used used to guide groups in planning the 2026 "Path Forward" General Plan. Today we focus on why residents LOVE Oro Valley.

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"Big Community Survey" provides valuable insight into what makes Oro Valley great
The Big Community Survey conducted in Oro Valley has unveiled a wealth of insights into what makes this town so beloved by its residents. With thousands of responses collected, the survey highlights the aspects of Oro Valley that people cherish the most. From its enviable climate to its strong sense of community, here are the top five reasons why Oro Valley residents are singing their town's praises.

Great Climate
Residents overwhelmingly appreciate Oro Valley's great climate, enjoying sunny days and mild winters. As one resident noted, "The weather here is perfect for outdoor activities all year round. I love waking up to sunshine almost every day." The consistent, pleasant weather encourages a healthy, active lifestyle and makes Oro Valley a magnet for those seeking an ideal climate.

Public Safety
Safety is a significant concern for any community, and Oro Valley excels in this area. Survey respondents frequently mentioned the town’s low crime rates and effective law enforcement. "I feel safe walking around my neighborhood at any time of day or night," shared one local. This sense of security enhances the overall quality of life, making Oro Valley an attractive place for families and individuals alike.

Scenic Beauty and Natural Environment
Oro Valley's scenic beauty and natural environment are major draws for its residents. Nestled against theSanta Catalina Mountains, the town offers breathtaking views and abundant green spaces. "I love the stunning mountain views and the beautiful parks," said another resident. The well-maintained natural surroundings provide numerous opportunities for outdoor activities, contributing to both physical and mental well-being.

Recreational Opportunities
The town’s diverse recreational opportunities are another highlight from the survey. Oro Valley boasts numerous hiking trails, biking paths, and sports facilities, catering to a wide range of interests. "There's always something to do here, from hiking to community events," remarked a survey participant. These recreational options promote a healthy and active lifestyle, ensuring that residents can always find ways to engage and enjoy themselves.

Community Spirit
One of the most intangible yet significant aspects that residents love about Oro Valley is its strong community spirit. The sense of camaraderie and support among neighbors is frequently mentioned in the survey responses. "We have such a friendly and supportive community here. It's like one big family," commented a local resident. This strong sense of community creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, making Oro Valley not just a place to live, but a place to belong.

Combined...you get a high quality of life
The Big Community Survey highlights that Oro Valley residents value their town's great climate, safety, scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and community spirit. These elements collectively create a high quality of life and make Oro Valley a highly desirable place to live. As the town continues to evolve, preserving these cherished aspects will be essential in maintaining its unique charm and appeal.

For more detailed survey results and additional information, https://www.ovpathforward.com

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