Oro Valley’s Latest Five-Year Financial Forecast Highlights Budget Pressures and Challenges

Challenging financial times ahead
Two weeks ago, Town Manager David Gephart presented the town's five-year financial forecast to the Town Council. Not much has changed from last year’s forecast. Both forecasts emphasize funding shortfalls beginning in fiscal year 2026-2027, primarily due to declining state-shared revenues, escalating operating and maintenance costs, and insufficient growth in gasoline tax revenues. In other words, the town will need to live within its means over the next few years or identify significant new revenue sources.

Declining state shared revenues affecting General Fund
A primary concern highlighted by Gephart is the significant decrease in state-shared revenues, largely due to Arizona’s implementation of a flat income tax rate of 2.5%. He pointed out that “state-shared revenues are not expected to fully recover to last fiscal year levels until fiscal year ’29,” creating financial strain on the General Fund and a flat revenue projection through fiscal year 2028. This reduction limits the town’s financial flexibility, particularly impacting available capital improvement funds.

Rising personnel and O&M costs increasing budget pressure
Gephart emphasized that personnel and operating and maintenance (O&M) expenses continue to rise due to inflationary pressures of approximately 3-4% annually. Despite conservative assumptions for adding new employees—only one or two new full-time equivalents per year—the expenses keep escalating. Gephart noted that “we’re in a somewhat elevated inflationary environment… versus flat revenues, [this] is causing some squeezing to happen in ongoing revenues versus ongoing expenditures,” highlighting the structural challenges in maintaining balanced budgets.

Highway Fund strained by pavement preservation demands
The Highway Fund faces increasing financial pressure due to rising pavement preservation costs, which have grown from around $2 million annually to over $3 million per year. Gephart explained that while gas tax revenues remain steady, they are insufficient to cover the surge in roadway maintenance and capital outlay, necessitating significant transfers from other town funds. He warned that the town faces “a pinch point because the town is not projected to have excess reserves necessary to fund those necessary road improvements.”

Capital Fund facing future negative balance
Gephart highlighted concerns over declining General Fund transfers to the Capital Fund, combined with significant planned expenditures, including a $5 million cash contribution toward a police facility in FY 26/27. He noted, that “we’re showing a negative fund balance in the Capital Fund,” with deficits expected by FY 2030. This suggests potential financial challenges if the town does not secure additional debt financing or alternative revenue sources. The amount of the transfer is 5% allocation of sales tax revenue as required by town financial policies. Additionally, any General Fund balance exceeding the 30% reserve requirement (excluding contingency funds) is also transferred to the Capital Fund to support capital expenditures.

Hoping for federal funding for bridge repairs
A key issue is the exclusion of approximately $8 million in bridge repair costs from the forecast. These include necessary infrastructure projects like the La Cañada and Rancho Vistoso bridge deck repairs. The town has applied for federal funding through congressionally directed spending, but Gephart acknowledged uncertainty: “I don’t have a sense as to the probability or prospect of that occurring.” If the funding is not secured, the financial responsibility will fall back on the town.

Community Center Fund remains balanced but cautious
Unlike other funds, the Community Center Fund remains stable and self-sufficient, with modest 3% annual revenue growth. Gephart pointed out that conservative revenue assumptions for golf and recreation activities, combined with the ending of HOA contributions, necessitate careful planning. He noted positively that the fund is “staying balanced and self-supporting,” demonstrating sound financial management even as other town funds face more significant challenges.

Reasons for optimism: There are solutions
All these factors add up to a challenging financial future for Oro Valley. However, there is reason for optimism. Read about some solutions tomorrow.

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Additional resources:

• April 2024 LOVE article on the five-year financial forecast
• Town Seeking Funds for Bridge Repairs" 
• January 2025 Grant Status Update
• August 2025 Bridge Celebration 

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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley Triathlon and Duathlon Festival Tomorrow At Kreigh Park
The Oro Valley Triathlon and Duathlon Festival returns for its 11th year on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., at James D. Kreigh Park (23 W. Calle Concordia), welcoming athletes from across the globe and bringing economic impact to the region.
This festival has grown into Southern Arizona’s premier triathlon and duathlon festival, attracting athletes from across the country and beyond. This year, 510 competitors from 32 states, Canada, and Poland, will take on the challenge, with ages ranging from 14 to 86 years old. Notably, 50 percent of participants are first-time participants, underscoring the event’s welcoming and inclusive nature.

Celebrate Oro Valley on April 12

Join the celebration: April 12, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, head to James D. Kriegh Park. It is the annual Celebrate Oro Valley event. This community celebration features various activities, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with fellow residents.  This event will feature crafts, games, inflatables for kids, a youth dodgeball tournament, food trucks, beer and wine and live music! (Source: Town of Oro Valley Parks and Recreation weekly email 3-13-25).

Recent police incidents highlight effective responses by OVPD

This month’s Oro Valley Town Manager’s Executive Report To Council highlighted several notable incidents managed by the Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD). On February 20, OVPD coordinated with Marana Police and other agencies to apprehend a driver who had previously rammed a Marana police vehicle and evaded law enforcement. The suspect was safely taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault and unlawful flight. In another case, OVPD quickly resolved a residential burglary by tracing stolen items electronically, executing a search warrant, recovering the items, and arresting four burglary suspects. Additionally, proactive patrol efforts near apartment complexes experiencing vehicle break-ins led to the arrest of an individual for burglary, who was later also charged with smuggling drug paraphernalia into the jail. 

Cops on the job

Just this week, we saw just how efficient our police are when responding to traffic accidents. On Wednesday around 3 p.m., a car driven by someone clearly under the influence collided with a truck waiting in the middle lane at Magee and Oracle. By 4 p.m., the roads had been cleared, and the driver of the car was transported to the hospital. Ironically, the driver of the truck and their spouse were on their way to the auto mall to buy a new car. We had a chance to speak with them, and believe me, they were beside themselves. 

Town investigates multi unit short term rental violation
Several weeks ago, LOVE reported on a resident’s comments during the Call to Audience section of a recent town meeting. The resident spoke about what appeared to be a loophole in the town’s short-term rental ordinance. The resident expressed concern that a neighboring property had converted into three or possibly even four short-term rentals. In response, the Mayor instructed town staff to investigate. According to the latest Town Manager’s report, Oro Valley Code Enforcement has since inspected the property for potential code violations related to operating multi-family dwellings within a single-family zoning district. Staff confirmed that no permits were issued for such a conversion, and additional interior inspections are scheduled for this week to identify any further violations. (Source:  LOVE report, 02-27-25 and Town Manager Executive Report To Council, March 2025)

Applications submitted for Oro Valley Village Center Apartments
A few months ago, LOVE anticipated significant activity this spring concerning the transformation of the Oro Valley Marketplace into the Oro Valley Village Center—and developments are now underway. HSL Properties has submitted formal applications for architectural design and development plans related to another Encantada apartment project. Located north of the current Encantada complex, the proposed project includes approximately 320 residential units, along with site improvements such as a public recreation area featuring a ramada, self-service bike repair station, and seating accessible from The Loop. The development plans, currently undergoing administrative review, will be checked for conformity with the updated Master Development Plan approved by the Town Council in November 2023. Architectural designs will subsequently be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Town Council. (Source: Town Manager Executive Report To Council, March 2025). There is also a hotel that whose planning is underway.

Brother Brother Oro Valley is watching you
If you regularly travel through the intersections at Innovation & Tangerine, La Cholla & Glover, and Westward Look & Ina, be sure to proceed carefully—Big Brother Oro Valley is now watching! The Town has installed Miovision and Honeywell cameras at these locations, enabling staff to keep an eye on traffic issues and resolve them quickly. (Source: Town Manager Executive Report To Council, March 2025).

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Two Ways You Can Make a Difference In Oro Valley!

Get involved in shaping trails, development, and community plans
Oro Valley residents have an opportunity to help shape the town’s future by participating in two important initiatives—one focused on trails and pathways, and the other on long-term community planning.

Share your input on trails and pathways
The Town of Oro Valley is seeking community input to improve its trails and multi-use path network. Whether you stroll, roll, hike, trot, or run, your ideas are essential in shaping a plan that ensures accessibility, connectivity, and enhancement of these outdoor spaces.

The OV Trails Connect initiative aims to guide future improvements by gathering resident feedback. You can participate in several ways: take the online survey, contribute to an interactive map to highlight areas needing improvement, or join the Trails Stakeholder Group. The deadline to complete the survey is March 17. Visit OVTrailsConnect.com to participate today.

Help shape OV’s Path Forward
For residents interested in broader town planning—such as economic development, housing, arts, and culture—there’s an opportunity to join OV’s Path Forward Resident Working Groups. These groups are helping to define the next decade of policies and actions for the community.

Over the past month, residents have worked on draft recommendations, including:

- “Adding more financial details, including a schedule of publications to the Town’s website.”
- “Ensure funding is consistently available for core services which are safety, streets, water, parks, and community facilities.”

The working groups will continue through May, covering topics such as employment, business attraction, housing, climate, parks, recreation, and water conservation. The input gathered will help shape OV’s Path Forward, a 10-year comprehensive plan that reflects the community’s priorities.

To get involved, visit OVPathForward.com today.

Don’t miss these opportunities to make a lasting impact on Oro Valley!
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Lowest Water Uses Hit Hardest By Water Cost Increase

More details on Oro Valley’s water rate increase proposal
Last week, in our article “It Happens Every Year—Another Water Rate Increase,” we provided an overview of the fiscal year 2026 water rate increase. Since then, Water Utility Director Peter Abraham has presented the proposed changes to the Oro Valley Town Council. His presentation included additional details that were not covered in our previous article. This update highlights those details, as well as some of the Town Council members’ comments and concerns regarding the rate increase.

Big hit to low water users (Last year 8%, this year 4.2%)

The proposed rate increase affects both the base rate and commodity rates, with the greatest percentage impact on lower water usage tiers. 84% of Oro Valley residents have the smallest 5/8-inch meter and will see their monthly base rate rise by $1.11 (5%), from $22.20 to $23.31. The base rate is the fixed charge for being connected to the system, regardless of water usage.

Additionally, Tier 1 users (customers who use up to 7,000 gallons of water per month) will see their commodity rate increase by $0.10 per 1,000 gallons (3.5%), while Tier 2 users (customers consuming between 7,001 and 16,000 gallons per month) will experience a $0.17 per 1,000 gallons (3.5%) increase. This results in an overall 3.8% increase in the water bill, following last year’s 7.8% increase.

The total water bill also includes five additional fees or taxes, which add approximately $15 to $16 to the bill. As a result, a Tier 1 user will be billed $60.48 in total under the proposed rate schedule. Only $44.45 is for the cost of water.

Big users see no water cost increase

Meanwhile, about 1,200 of the town’s highest water users fall into Tier 3 and Tier 4. Last year, Tier 3 rates increased by 35%, and Tier 4 rates increased by 40%, the largest hikes among all tiers. No additional increases were proposed for these tiers, as Abraham wants to evaluate whether last year’s steep increases successfully reduced high water consumption among that group. Our guess is that the town itself is the biggest user in these categories.

Four factors driving the water rate increase

According to Abraham, four factors are driving the need for a rate increase:

• Rising CAP water costs (an 8.9% increase, or $257,450)
• $10.8 million in cash-funded system improvements over five years
• A town mandated requirement that operating cash reserves be at or above 20% of the combined total of the annual budgeted amounts for personnel, operations and maintenance, and debt service. This reserve excludes budgeted amounts for capital projects, depreciation, amortization, and contingency funds. (Town of Oro Valley Water Policies Section II.A.1.d)
• Funds required to purchase more long term storage credits ($200,000). Abraham refers to these funds as "Cash Firming". These are measures employed to ensure the availability of funds during periods when water supplies from primary sources, such as the Central Arizona Project (CAP), are reduced or interrupted.
  
  

Water conservation leads to revenue shortfalls...rates go up to cover that too
A fifth reason, one not noted directly in Abraham's report to council is that Oro Valley water revenue has a shortfall from plan. This is a direct result of residents conserving water—a practice the town encourages, yet one that paradoxically leads to higher rates. As more people reduce their water use, the utility collects less revenue, even though its fixed costs for infrastructure, maintenance, and operations remain unchanged. To offset the shortfall, water rates must be increased, ensuring the utility meets its financial obligations. This creates an ironic situation where the less water you use, the more you pay per gallon. Unlike other utilities where lower usage directly reduces costs, there’s no real way to significantly lower your water bill since the base rate and tiered pricing structure ensure the utility recovers its required revenue.

Future water rate increases may decline in fiscal 2028
During the council discussion, Vice Mayor Barrett suggested smoothing out rate increases over multiple years to prevent large fluctuations. Abraham acknowledged the concern but noted that projected rate hikes will drop significantly after fiscal year 2027-28, when substantial debt obligations come off the books. The town will still need to take on new debt, including a $6 million private placement loan for the Northwest Recharge Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project. These costs, however, will be covered by groundwater preservation fees and impact fees, not additional rate increases.

Next steps in the rate approval process
With the Notice of Intent (NOI) approved, the public review period has begun. The final vote on the rate increase is scheduled for June 4, 2025, following two public hearings. If approved, the new rates will take effect on July 5, 2025. Abraham assured the council that no additional rate or fee increases are planned beyond the adjustments to the base rate and Tiers 1 and 2 commodity rates.
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Town Financial Results For First Six Month Of Year "Basically" On Track To Budget

Oro Valley reports financial results for first half of fiscal year 2025
The Town of Oro Valley’s financial update for the first six months of fiscal year 2025 revealed mixed results, with revenues and expenditures tracking close to budget expectations but notable shifts in key revenue sources. Finance Director Wendy Gomez presented the update to the town council last week. Gomez highlighted variances and discussing the town’s financial position. 

General fund revenues down a bit from last year
The General Fund is the fund that provides revenues for town operations. General Fun revenues for the first six months of this fiscal year were at  down approximately $1.7 million (6%) from last year. A decline in state-shared revenues and local sales tax collections contributed to this decrease. Local sales tax was down by 4% (approximately $500,000), a rare trend for the town. That drop was primarily attributed to a slowdown in residential and commercial construction activity, while retail sales tax saw modest growth of less than 2%, compared to the typical 4%. Despite these declines, overall General Fund revenues remain on track to meet budget projections.

Click To Enlarge

General fund spending down a bit from last year

On the expenditure side, General Fund spending was showed a $1.2 million (4%) decrease from last year. The town had budgeted for a 2.4% decline in spending, largely due to reduced transfers to the Capital Fund. Personnel costs remained within budget, with savings of about $970,000, driven by staff vacancies and turnover. Operational and maintenance (O&M) spending was expected to come in about $400,000 under budget. 

Net Result: The projected general fund balance at year-end is expected to be $19.6 million, exceeding the Council’s 30% cash reserve policy by $4.3 million.

State-shared revenues discussion
Town Council members raised questions about state-shared revenues, which had seen fluctuations  due to changes in state income tax policies. The state increased the town’s share of revenue from 15% to 18% to offset a reduction in tax rates. Vice Mayor Barrett asked for clarification on how these changes affected Oro Valley’s overall revenue. Staff explained that state shared revenues temporarily spiked in last fiscal year. This was due to the higher allocation.  The overall impact of the tax rate reductions has now stabilized the town’s growth in this category to a steady 2% per year. The town is projected to collect $10.3 million in state-shared revenues this year, about $1.5 million higher than in FY 2023 but lower than the peak seen in FY 2024.

Community Center Fund on track
Revenues in the Community Center Fund increased by 4% year-over-year, largely due to higher membership fees and golf activity. Golf rounds were up 8.4% from last year and 9.8% above budget. Town-operated recreation programs also saw a 10% increase in revenue, with membership trends remaining strong. 

Expenditures in this fund are projected to exceed budget by 5%, primarily due to higher water costs and labor expenses. The added revenues are expected to fully offset these overages. The Community Center Fund is projected to end the year with a positive balance of $160,000, bringing total reserves to just under $2 million.

Capital fund and infrastructure spending on track
The Capital Fund is funded by the operating funds and grants. For the first six months of the year, results are progressing as planned, with $2.5 million in capital outlay already spent, and additional project spending expected in the latter half of the fiscal year. Funding for major projects includes a pass-through grant from Arizona State Parks for the Naranja Park pump track and skate park, as well as allocations for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and transit vehicle grants. The Capital Fund is expected to end the year with a balance of $11.7 million.

Water fund and utility revenues on track
Water fund revenues were slightly below budget by 1.2%, as water consumption has been lower than anticipated despite the lack of rain in the fall. This surprised Mayor Winfield, who noted that he expected higher usage due to dry conditions. Staff reported that conservation efforts may be a contributing factor. The town’s interest earnings in the Water Fund were higher than expected, helping offset the revenue shortfall.

Fund Transfers...Always confuse the discussion

One of the challenges in interpreting the town’s financial results is the the town transfers money between funds. This is because the funds do not all operate independently. For example, in the first six months of the year, the town made several key fund transfers. The General Fund transferred money to the Capital Fund on a quarterly basis, helping finance projects such as the Naranja Park pump track and skate park. The Capital Fund relies heavily on fund transfers from the General Fund as it does not have its own revenue source.  Additionally, a reduced transfer to the Debt Service Fund was noted, as strong interest earnings allowed the town to use fund balance instead of relying on General Fund contributions. The Water Fund transferred money to its Impact Fee Fund to support groundwater preservation projects.  At the end of the fiscal year, the town plans to transfer funds from the general fund to the Grants Fund to cover the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and a local match for transit vehicle grants. These transfers are subject to the actual grant awards the town receives. This means the funds will only be transferred if the grants are secured.  

Internal fund transfers play a crucial role in balancing the town’s finances but make it difficult for an outsider or council member to understand the town's true financial position.

Oro Valley’s financial outlook: Stable
Overall, Oro Valley’s finances remain stable, with most funds tracking within budget expectations. While declines in construction sales tax and state-shared revenue adjustments have impacted overall revenue trends, expenditure savings and growth in other revenue categories have helped maintain the town’s strong financial position. 
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Bits and Pieces

Hockey Night: Oro Valley teams up with the Tucson Roadrunners

Oro Valley residents have a special opportunity to celebrate their community while enjoying professional hockey at Oro Valley Community Night with the Tucson Roadrunners on March 16, 2025. The event, held at the Tucson Convention Center, kicks off at 2 p.m. with a St. Patrick’s Day-themed pre-game party, featuring live music and festive activities. The first 1,000 fans through the doors will receive a free St. Patty’s Day Roadrunners T-shirt, and Mayor Joe Winfield will take part in the ceremonial puck drop. Oro Valley businesses and organizations will also be showcased throughout the evening. With discounted ticket prices starting at just $15, this event is a great chance for families, friends, and hockey fans to come together and support their local team. Get your tickets here. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

Take the Trails Connectivity Survey Now

The Town of Oro Valley is seeking community input through the OV Trails Connect survey, giving residents a chance to share their thoughts on the town’s trail and multi-use path network. This is an opportunity to influence future improvements and ensure the trails meet the needs of walkers, runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The survey is open until March 17, 2025. Your feedback will help guide future investments and enhancements—take a few minutes to have your voice heard! Also, the town will host a stakeholder meeting at 5:30 pm at town hall on March 12. It is available to all.

Mark your calender: Vistoso Nature Preserve Update – April 16

The consulting firm Kimley-Horn will return to the Town Council on April 16 to present updated concepts for the pond at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. This is an important update for those following the preserve restoration efforts.

Mark you calender: Celebrate Oro Valley – April 12

The town’s annual celebration will be held at James D. Kriegh Park from 1 to 5 p.m. This event is a key opportunity to bring the community together. Learn more here.

Oro Valley in March: Community events bringing people together 

Oro Valley is offering a variety of engaging activities this month, bringing the community together through outdoor recreation and entertainment. The Oro Valley Hiking Series began on March 1 with a guided trek through Dead Horse Canyon, gives outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the unique landscape. Families can attend the Second Saturday event on March 8 at Steam Pump Ranch, which includes historical tours, live music, and a farmers’ market. Later in the month, on March 15, the Movie at the Ranch event will screen "Inside Out 2" under the stars, offering a fun-filled evening. Families can also participate in the overnight Camping at the Ranch event on March 29-30, complete with s’mores and a pancake breakfast. These events reflect Oro Valley’s commitment to fostering community engagement and encouraging outdoor activities. See this link for information on these an and other events.

Public art tours: Extended by popular demand

Oro Valley’s pilot program for public art tours, originally planned to run from February through mid-April, has been extended until July 2, 2025, due to overwhelming interest. These guided tours provide residents and visitors with an opportunity to explore the town’s vibrant public art scene, showcasing sculptures, murals, and installations that reflect the community’s creativity. Registration is available online, and those interested are encouraged to check back frequently, as spots may open due to cancellations. This extension highlights the growing appreciation for public art in Oro Valley and the town’s commitment to making cultural experiences accessible to all. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

Wildfire safety: Oro Valley and Golder Ranch Fire partner to educate residents

With wildfire risks growing in the western U.S., the Town of Oro Valley and the Golder Ranch Fire District are taking proactive steps to educate residents on fire prevention and emergency preparedness. On March 14, 2025, they will co-host a Wildfire Safety Community Q&A at the Oro Valley Town Hall Council Chambers from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring insights from fire officials on home protection strategies and the latest wildfire risk assessments. Attendees will learn about the Ready, Set, Go! evacuation system and other critical safety measures. The event will also be streamed on Zoom for those unable to attend in person, with a recording available later on social media. This collaboration highlights the town’s commitment to equipping residents with the knowledge needed to safeguard their homes and community from wildfire threats. Join the Zoom Livestream here. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

A step forward: Improved accessibility at the Community Center

Oro Valley has taken a significant step in enhancing accessibility with the completion of the Community and Recreation Center’s new entryway and elevator. The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated a project that now allows residents and visitors of all abilities to enjoy easier access to key amenities, including the Overlook Restaurant, Golf Pro Shop, and community rooms. The improvements include a lowered entryway, a new elevator, and 10 additional accessible parking spaces, all aimed at making the facility more inclusive. Overcoming the challenges of renovating a 40-year-old building, town officials emphasized that this project is about more than just construction—it’s about ensuring that public spaces are welcoming for everyone. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

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OVHS: March Events Celebrate Oro Valley’s Rich History

March brings a celebration of history
As Emily Dickinson wrote, “Dear March – Come In…,” the Oro Valley Historical Society welcomes this month as well. We have so much to share with you and many ways for you to get involved!

Arizona’s journey to statehood
First and foremost is our continuing exhibit in the Pusch House Museum at historic Steam Pump Ranch. From now through March 15, we continue our celebration of Arizona’s birth with our exhibit *Arizona from Territory to Statehood.* You will learn about the long journey to statehood and the people who played key roles in this transformation. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, our docents will be available to answer any questions you might have. As always, the self-guided tours are complimentary, and donations are welcome to help keep Oro Valley history alive!

Exploring Oracle Road’s rich past
On March 22, our exhibit changes to one that will amaze you—*Oracle Road, Historic Route 80: Oro Valley’s Main Street.* How many times a day do you travel this thoroughfare without thinking about its past? Discover what it was like when Indigenous people were the only ones here, when early settlers arrived, or even before it was paved and used by stagecoaches, cavalry, and prospectors. This exhibit will be open on Saturdays from March 22 to April 26, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Visit us at the spring festival
Come see us at the SAACA Oro Valley Spring Festival of the Arts on March 8 and 9. We’ll have a booth both days from 10 a.m. to closing, offering information on how you can help keep Oro Valley history alive.

Uncover the history of the Loop
Don’t miss our sponsored presentation at the Oro Valley Public Library on March 10 at 1 p.m. Dave Perry, former President and CEO of the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, will help us *Get the Scoop on the Loop.* The Tucson Huckleberry Loop is a path many of us use daily, but do you know its history? Why was it created, who started it, and when will it be completed? Come hear Dave answer these questions!

Join our annual meeting
Did you know you are welcome to attend our Annual Meeting? It will be held at the Town Parks and Recreation office at Steam Pump Ranch on Thursday, March 27, at 2 p.m. You’ll learn about our accomplishments this year and our plans for the future (no, we aren’t leaving Oro Valley!).

History loves company
Join us at any of these events—history thrives with community participation!

Welcoming special visitors
We are also fortunate to host two important groups at Steam Pump Ranch this month. We look forward to welcoming the Gen Z Committee of the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Living in Retirement group from Sun City. We would love to host you, too!

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About the OVHS
The Oro Valley Historical Society (OVHS) is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the rich history of Oro Valley. Through exhibits, educational programs, and community events, OVHS brings the past to life while fostering a deeper appreciation for the town’s heritage. From the historic Steam Pump Ranch to engaging lectures and guided tours, the society ensures that Oro Valley’s stories and landmarks are remembered and celebrated for generations to come. To learn more or get involved, visit www.ovhistory.org.
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