Bits and Pieces

Airport authority calls for closer tourism coordination with Oro Valley 

Speaking during public comment to the Tourism Advisory Board Monday, Tucson Airport Authority President and CEO Danette Bule said Tucson International Airport is one of the region’s top economic engines and a primary gateway for visitors to Oro Valley and surrounding communities. She said the town's draft Leisure Travel Destination Management Plan appeared to have been developed without coordination with the Airport Authority or Visit Tucson, calling that a missed opportunity. 

Bule urged formal collaboration and data sharing, noting that many visitors arrive through the airport and that the Authority already works closely with other regional partners. Airport Authority Chief Communications Officer Austin Wright echoed those remarks, said the airport can support regional tourism demand, highlighted new airline service and passenger volumes, and emphasized the Authority’s readiness to partner with Oro Valley’s tourism office.

Three finalists for Town Council interviewed yesterday

Council met in Executive Session yesterday to interview three finalists for the position of Town Attorney. The candidates are Matthew Walker, Victoria Torrilhon, and Steven Zraick. While the Town did not release details about the finalists, public records indicate they are experienced attorneys working in the public sector, with backgrounds in municipal or government law and professional ties in Arizona and the western United States. Walker is currently a senior prosecutor with the City of Tucson, Torrilhon is an assistant city attorney with the City of Phoenix, and Zraick is an attorney with prior or current ties to municipal legal work in Prescott Valley. Council held the executive session to discuss qualifications, conduct interviews, and consider contract terms, as allowed under state law.

Some confusion on whether or how the town supports the El Conquistador Resort

During the Tuesday discussion of the draft Destination Marketing Plan, a Tourism Advisory Commission member asked town staff what financial support the Town provides to El Conquistador and Westward Look following Oro Valley’s decision to step away from Visit Tucson. Staff responded that the Town has budgeted incentives for master accounts, along with support for trade shows and familiarization tours, and said those tools have been utilized. Later in the meeting, a speaker representing the Hilton El Conquistador Tucson Resort disputed that characterization, stating for the record that the resort has not received any monetary refunds or support through master account credits, familiarization tours, or trade show funding. Perhaps they were talking "apples and oranges;" however, the town ought to set the record straight.

New tool helps residents track and control water use

The Oro Valley Water Utility has added a new conservation feature to its online customer portal that allows residents to view hourly and daily water use and set customized leak and consumption alerts. The tool is designed to help customers spot unplanned water use early, monitor irrigation and household consumption, and respond quickly to potential leaks. Users can choose how alerts are delivered and set their own thresholds, giving them more control over water use and helping reduce unexpected water bills. Learn more here.

Story of Rockin' 4 Heroes is now online

Watch the story of PJ Quinn and learn why Rockin' 4 Heroes was created.  It is truly an inspiration.

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Technology Supplier Web Attack Affects Town's Meetings Web Page

Provides access to Meeting Videos and Agendas
If you have ever watched a Town meeting video or clicked on an agenda, you may have noticed that the link that opens leads to a third-party provider. That provider is Swagit, Inc., a division of Granicus. In late November, Swagit notified the Town that its system was being actively exploited nationwide and that attackers were able to inject unauthorized content, including explicit AI-generated material, into affected government platforms. As a result, had you clicked on a council meeting video, you might have encountered content that did not belong there or, worse, been inadvertently solicited for personal information. Such risks are an increasing reality in today’s digital environment.

Town acted immediately to reduce risk
The Town acted immediately on November 25 by replacing the Meetings and Agendas page with a workaround that was not entirely dependent on the vendor. However, only the most recent meetings are currently available. The Town’s full archive—approximately fifteen years of meeting history—is not accessible at this time, and there is no indication of when it will return. The Town has stated that the affected portion of the website will remain offline until the vendor confirms that all vulnerabilities have been fully remediated.

Because immediate action was necessary to protect users
In cases like this, the goal of the attacker is typically financial rather than political. By injecting unauthorized links or advertisements into trusted government websites, criminals can generate revenue through advertising clicks, affiliate schemes, search-engine manipulation, or by redirecting users to scam or phishing sites. Government websites carry a high level of public trust and strong search rankings, which makes them especially valuable targets. By exploiting a vendor used by many communities at once, an attacker can scale the impact and increase potential returns without targeting any single town directly.

Town systems not impacted
According to the Town, “The Town can confirm that no Town data, systems, or networks were breached. The incident was isolated to a security vulnerability within a third-party vendor’s platform that hosts our Meetings and Agendas webpage. At no time were Town systems accessed, infected, or impacted.” The affected platform functions as a document library and does not host live records or provide access to Town systems. It hosts public-facing meeting materials and operates separately from Town financial systems, utility systems, public safety networks, and internal databases.

An inconvenience for good reason
While the disruption has been inconvenient, the Town’s response underscores the challenges that come with relying on third-party vendors to provide public access to government records. Although Town systems were not compromised, the outage continues to limit public access to meeting history that residents rely on for transparency and accountability. Restoration of the full archive now depends on the vendor’s remediation efforts, and the Town has indicated that the page will remain offline until the system is confirmed to be secure.

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Oro Valley Police Focus on Shoplifting with Targeted Enforcement "Blitz"

A targeted enforcement action
The Oro Valley Police Department ("OVPD") conducted a two-day organized retail-theft “blitz” in late November that resulted in 11 arrests and the recovery of about $3,000 in stolen merchandise. This was the first deployment of its kind for the department, prompted by an in-depth review of calls for service, arrest patterns, and case loads within the Criminal Investigations Unit. 

Using crime-trend analysis...

OVPD identified locations and times with repeated theft activity and assigned officers exclusively to the operation. The arrests ranged from misdemeanor and felony shoplifting to outstanding warrants, drug-paraphernalia violations, and multi-state fraud, underscoring that retail theft often intersects with other criminal activity. Officers from patrol and investigations worked in coordinated teams to monitor store activity, respond quickly, and make arrests.

Working with retailers with focussed resources targeting shoplifters and organized theft
The blitz relied on cooperation from local retailers that had been reporting repeated losses. OVPD said this partnership is essential, because the police department, not store employee, should determine what constitutes a crime. Every crime report enables officers to intervene, investigate, and connect related incidents when appropriate. OVPD emphasized in discussions with LOVE: “We want you to call us,” noting that some aspects of their property-crime enforcement are intentionally less visible but part of a broader strategy to deter organized theft.

An action that shows how OVPD actions help the retailer's bottom line.. a boost to commercial annexation efforts... a boost to bringing business to Oro Valley 

This type of focused enforcement also strengthens Oro Valley’s position when engaging commercial areas the Town may consider for future annexation. All of these areas are currently served by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which does not typically conduct targeted, analytics-driven retail-theft operations like OVPD’s recent blitz. For retailers, OVPD’s model offers a clear advantage: Reduced losses from theft and a safer, more predictable shopping environment for customers. Both of these directly support a stronger bottom line. 

Demonstrating this level of proactive policing is a meaningful selling point for businesses evaluating the benefits of being located within Oro Valley’s boundaries.

Making shopping an even safer experience this holiday season
These operations are designed not only to protect businesses but to improve the shopping experience for residents. Shoppers need to feel safe while out in public, and visible, strategic enforcement helps assure both residents and retailers that Oro Valley is taking active steps to remain a low-crime, high-quality community. Increased police presence in retail areas during the holidays is part of that strategy, balanced with the need to respond promptly to calls throughout the town.

If you see it... call 911
In discussions with LOVE, OVPD made this point clear: If a resident witnesses shoplifting or suspicious behavior, they should call 911. OVPD stresses that residents should never assume a situation is “too small” to report. Determining whether something is a crime is the department’s responsibility, not the public’s. Quick reporting allows officers to intervene before suspects leave the area and helps investigators link cases that may be part of a larger pattern.

More blitzes in store
Given the success of the late-November blitz, OVPD has already planned similar operations in the near future. These efforts will continue to be driven by crime data and ongoing analysis of property-crime trends. OVPD also encouraged businesses to participate in its Adopt-A-Business program, which pairs each participating business with an officer liaison to strengthen communication and problem-solving.

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Bits and Pieces

2026 Election Update... Five so far... Petition signing begins

As of last Friday, five individuals have submitted statements of interest for positions on the Oro Valley Town Council. Former Pima County Sheriff Mark Napier has filed to run for mayor. Chris DeSimone, a local media personality, is seeking a council seat. Former Councilmember Rhonda Pina, who served for four years on council from 2018-2022, has also filed. Current Budget and Finance Commission member Dan Karlsberg and Jacob Herrington. former member of Planning and Zoning Commission, submitted statements of interest as well. The next step in the process is for each to obtain the required number of signatures to appear on the August ballot. We will let you know as we learn of additional candidates. 

Our plan is to interview each person during the petition-signing period to provide clear, fact-based profiles of their backgrounds, priorities, and reasons for seeking office.

Sunday is the Northwest Chanukah Festival at the Oro Valley Marketplace

Join in the celebration of the first night of the eight days of Chanukah this Sunday at the Oro Valley Marketplace. The event begins at 3 p.m. and will include craft booths and activities, music, food for sale, and free latkes (potato pancakes) and donuts. The Grand Menorah Lighting Ceremony and “gelt drop” will take place from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. We went to last year's celebration. It was family fun for all.

Update: Copper Creek Elementary closing still in the works... Amphi decision may well backfire on District

On Tuesday, the Amphi School District formally advanced its recommendation to close Copper Creek Elementary at its board meeting. The proposal, presented to the governing board, will take effect in the 2026–27 school year if approved. One change has been made since our earlier report: Half of Copper Creek’s students would attend Wilson K–8, and the other half will go to Harelson Elementary.  Harrelson is not even remotely close to Copper Creek. The governing board is scheduled to make its final decision on January 13.  

Families with children at Copper Creek are devastated. Their efforts have to date been ignored. One parent at the meeting said the closure is likely to push more families to seek alternatives outside of Amphi, worsening the district’s enrollment problems. 

Town's December economic development notes Saddlebrook outreach and more...

The Town of Oro Valley Economic Development Department has released an expanded December 2025 update. The provides a more comprehensive picture of ongoing business activity, community engagement and development efforts than previous reports. For examplee, on notable item is the SaddleBrooke outreach. The town received 909 survey responses from residents that detailed their preferences for dining, retail and medical services, along with how they prefer to receive community information. These findings will guide future business recruitment and communication strategies.

Other highlights from the report include progress on multiple business assistance projects, continued growth in restaurant and retail interest, and updated marketing efforts that promote Oro Valley as a regional hub for outdoor recreation and high quality living. The department also noted rising interest from bioscience and technology companies and increased coordination with regional partners to attract new investment.

The lights are in full bloom

The Landoran holiday lights display is now in full bloom, and it’s well worth a visit. As we reported earlier, the show combines synchronized lights, music, and dramatic displays at the western intersection of Landoran and Golf View Drive. The display runs through New Year’s Day, with extended evening hours on weekends. If you haven’t been yet, this is a great time to take a drive or stroll through the neighborhood and enjoy one of Oro Valley’s most festive traditions.

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Community Comments Are Refining Oro Valley’s 10-Year Plan

The latest plan version is ready for your review
Over the past few months, residents read and commented on the first draft of Oro Valley’s next 10-year action plan. Now you can see all the comments received and how they are improving the draft Plan. The Big Community Review Report is available on OVPathForward.com. 

The report includes all 256 comments submitted over the past two and a half months, along with how each was handled in a revised draft of the Plan. Most comments that align with the community’s collective voice were addressed, while others need additional guidance from residents.

Join your neighbors to continue refining the draft 10-year plan
Residents are meeting online this month to discuss key areas highlighted in the BIG Community Review. The goal is to ensure the plan accurately reflects the collective voices expressed in the 10,500+ comments contributed to the draft Plan, or to make necessary refinements.

There will be one more online meeting before the holidays on Tuesday, December 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. During this meeting, the group will review and discuss specific goals within the housing section of the draft Plan. Interested residents can find the meeting agenda and RSVP on www.OVPathForward.com.

2026 is a big year for OV’s Path Forward
The draft will continue to be revised based on discussions from these meetings, leading to a Resident Recommended Draft that will be available next year. This recommended draft will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission and Town Council in the spring and summer. It will then be placed on the ballot for voter consideration in November 2026.

Please read the BIG Community Review Report and learn about the upcoming meeting on www.OVPathForward.com.

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Oro Valley Begins Work on New State Mandated Housing Program

Town begins reponding to yet another state edict
The State of Arizona has handed Oro Valley yet another housing mandate. This edict (SB 1529) requires every city and town to create a library of preapproved housing designs including single family homes, accessory dwelling units, duplexes, and triplexes that residents may use when building on their property. These plans must be posted online and available beginning in mid 2026. This directive follows other recent state imposed changes to local zoning authority, such as the nondiscretionary approval requirements and the rezoning “shot clock” we previously reported, continuing a trend of the State exerting greater control over how communities manage residential development.

Town begins work to comply by building a “preapproved housing plan library”
In response to SB 1529, Oro Valley staff have begun building the framework for the required preapproved housing plan program. They are drafting a call to designers, creating a dedicated webpage where the plans will eventually be posted, and developing the process guides that residents and builders will need to use the plans. Staff are also studying the City of Tucson’s casita program, which has already implemented a similar system, to understand best practices for formatting, reviewing, and publishing plans. The goal is to have at least three preapproved designs for single family homes and accessory dwelling units available by July 1, 2026, with duplex and triplex models added by early 2027.

Click To Enlarge

Program offers a quicker, less expensive timeline for residents planning an “ADU”
For current residents, the program offers some practical advantages. Those who want to build a small home, casita, or accessory dwelling unit ("ADU") will have access to professionally designed, preapproved plans that can reduce both design costs and permitting time. The streamlined approval process will make it easier for families to add space for aging parents, adult children, caregivers, or seasonal visitors. Property owners who have long considered adding a guest house or rental unit may also find the process more predictable and affordable. Even residents who never intend to build can benefit from knowing that any new small home or casita must still meet all town codes, neighborhood standards, and, where applicable, HOA rules.

But does have its disadvantages
While the program offers potential advantages, it also brings challenges. The state requires Oro Valley to accept any code compliant design submitted by any designer, which could result in a large number of plans with varying architectural styles and quality. This may complicate neighborhood compatibility reviews and increase staff workload without adding value for most residents. The program is also unlikely to address the broader housing affordability issues the State intends to target, since most lots in Oro Valley are governed by HOAs with strict architectural rules that may prevent the use of many preapproved plans. For residents who live in these neighborhoods, the new program may change little while still requiring time and resources from the town to implement and administer it.

It is unlikely that the program will be used for building subdivisions
Although state law does not prohibit a developer from using these preapproved plans in a new subdivision, town staff made it clear in its discussion with the Planning and Zoning Commission last week that such use is improbable. Oro Valley’s design standards require architectural variety and do not allow rows of identical homes, making the uniform application of preapproved plans difficult. Large builders also prefer to use their own coordinated model home sets, which are designed to offer buyers multiple elevations and interior configurations and to fit a unified subdivision theme. In addition, most new subdivisions are governed by HOAs that impose their own architectural requirements, further limiting the usefulness of the state mandated plans. As a result, the program is expected to serve individual property owners rather than shape large scale residential development.

Some plans to be in place by next July
To meet the state deadlines, town staff will continue developing the components needed to launch the preapproved housing plan library. This includes issuing a formal call to designers, creating the webpage where the plans will be posted, and preparing clear process guides for residents and builders. Staff will also refine the review procedures that must be used to administratively approve any code compliant plan submitted under the program. As these elements come together, the Planning and Zoning Commission will receive updates, and any required code amendments will be brought forward at a future public hearing. The goal is to have the first set of preapproved plans for single family homes and accessory dwelling units available by July 1, 2026, followed by duplex and triplex plans in early 2027.
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Council Steps In: New Attorney Hiring Rules, No Go for Surf-Thru Art

Council acts on two fronts

At last week’s meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council made two decisions that clarify its role in town oversight, one involving how the next town attorney will be hired, and the other affirming the Town’s long-standing rules on public art. Here’s what happened.

Ratifies staff decision: No “Surfboard Art” for Surf-Thru Car Wash
The Council also affirmed a staff decision regarding the public art proposed for the Surf Thru Express Car Wash at the Oro Valley Marketplace. The car wash is under construction and expected to open next spring or summer; however, it cannot receive a certificate of occupancy until its required artwork is approved.

Town staff explained that the proposed artwork [Panel right] did not meet two requirements of the 2007 public art code. One issue, the color of the art, is something the applicant agreed to change. The second issue is more significant. The code prohibits artwork that includes advertising elements, including colors, graphics, logos, or other representations of corporate identity. Staff determined that the proposed panel was advertising, and the Council agreed.

This code requirement may explain why the two large spheres in front of Target are not painted red like those at other Target stores; painting them red would likely be considered advertising under the same rule.

The developer will need to submit a revised concept. 

The broader question remains: Should the 2007 public art agreement between the town and then property owner Vestar be updated given that the Marketplace has a different owner that is transforming it to the Oro Valley Village Center.

 
Takes charge of town attorney hiring process
The Town is in the process of filling the town attorney position. The attorney reports directly to the Town Council. When the Council first authorized the hiring, it agreed to use the same process that had been used to hire Town Manager Jeff Wilkins.

In hiring Wilkins, the Town used a three layered interview process in which executive staff and a community panel provided impressions and recommendations to the Town Council, though the Council retained final decision authority. While the Council ultimately selected Wilkins, word later circulated that he was not the candidate preferred by the non council interview groups. The process was intended to be advisory; however, it created public confusion about who had truly chosen the finalist.

At last week’s meeting, the Council unanimously revised course. Although an earlier motion had inadvertently directed the use of the same three layered approach for hiring the new town attorney, the Council chose a different path. Members agreed to conduct the first round of interviews themselves to ensure what they described as an unbiased and independent evaluation.  Those interviews will take place in Executive Session this Thursday.There will be no community panel. 

Once the Council identifies finalists, a staff panel will conduct interviews and provide written summaries of each candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, without rankings or recommendations. That panel will include the Town Manager, the Human Resources Director, leadership from the Town Attorney’s Office, the Town Magistrate, the Chief of Police, and the Town Council’s outside attorney.

This revised process places the hiring decision directly and clearly with the Town Council.

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