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.