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.