September 2024 has been a month of continued accomplishments and initiatives in Oro Valley, underscoring the town's commitment to enhancing community life, ensuring safety, and fostering economic growth. The following are some of the key highlights and achievements from this month.
Emergency Preparedness and Community Engagement
As part of Emergency Preparedness Month, Oro Valley has focused on raising awareness and equipping residents with the knowledge to handle potential disasters. The town encouraged residents to register for local emergency alerts, prepare evacuation plans, and review insurance policies. Additionally, the 27th annual Community Academy is now open for registration, offering residents a chance to learn about town operations, growth management, and public safety over ten sessions starting in October.
Police Department: Ensuring Safety and Recognizing Excellence
The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) has been active in maintaining public safety, with notable operations that led to the arrest of a wanted fugitive and the safe resolution of a potentially dangerous domestic situation. The department also celebrated its officers' achievements, with commendations for Officer Andrea Keena for her work on Drug Awareness Day and Officer Michael Kleinberg for his role in organizing the town’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Furthermore, Officer Trey Brown was honored by MADD Arizona as the OVPD Officer of the Year for his efforts in removing impaired drivers from Oro Valley's roads.
The Water Utility department received high praise from the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality for its excellent maintenance and operations, with no violations found during the triennial survey. The department continues to expand its WaterSmart program, with 37 new users added in August, bringing the total to 7,856. The Water Utility’s fall newsletter, which includes important information on water management and infrastructure, was distributed to customers, further emphasizing the town’s commitment to water conservation. Progress on NWRRDS [panel right], the project that will bring water from Avra Valley directly to Oro Valley, continues.
Community and Economic Development: Growth and New Opportunities
Oro Valley continues to see steady growth, with five new single-family residential permits issued in August, bringing the year-to-date total to 117. The town also issued 149 permits in August, including for new businesses such as DiBellas Brunch-n-Booze and Pillar Speech Therapy. Economic development efforts included participation in statewide business attraction efforts, though the town faced challenges in responding to requests for large-scale facilities. Oro Valley and Marana were recognized at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism for their successful co-hosting of cycling events, further boosting the town’s reputation as a destination for sports tourism.
Public Works: Infrastructure and Safety Enhancements
Public Works projects continue to make significant progress. The Community and Recreation Center’s elevator installation remains on schedule, with completion expected this winter. The Oro Valley Town Court expansion is transitioning to the second phase, with the project remaining both on schedule and under budget. Additionally, the town is addressing subsidence issues in the Valley Vista subdivision with a comprehensive street replacement plan. Residents had the opportunity to learn more about this project at an open house on September 12.
Parks and Recreation: Enhancing Community Spaces
Parks and Recreation has been active in both event programming and facility improvements. The Aquatic Center has seen upgrades, including new refrigerators and planned replacements for ADA lifts and deck chairs. September marks the start of a busy swim season for local high schools, with the Oro Valley Aquatic Center serving as the home site for practices and competitions. The department is also preparing for a variety of fall events, including the popular Friday Night concerts at Steam Pump Ranch and the annual Bark in the Park dog event.
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Source: (Town Manager Report To Council, September 2024)
Oro Valley continues to see steady growth, with five new single-family residential permits issued in August, bringing the year-to-date total to 117. The town also issued 149 permits in August, including for new businesses such as DiBellas Brunch-n-Booze and Pillar Speech Therapy. Economic development efforts included participation in statewide business attraction efforts, though the town faced challenges in responding to requests for large-scale facilities. Oro Valley and Marana were recognized at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism for their successful co-hosting of cycling events, further boosting the town’s reputation as a destination for sports tourism.
Public Works: Infrastructure and Safety Enhancements
Public Works projects continue to make significant progress. The Community and Recreation Center’s elevator installation remains on schedule, with completion expected this winter. The Oro Valley Town Court expansion is transitioning to the second phase, with the project remaining both on schedule and under budget. Additionally, the town is addressing subsidence issues in the Valley Vista subdivision with a comprehensive street replacement plan. Residents had the opportunity to learn more about this project at an open house on September 12.
Parks and Recreation: Enhancing Community Spaces
Parks and Recreation has been active in both event programming and facility improvements. The Aquatic Center has seen upgrades, including new refrigerators and planned replacements for ADA lifts and deck chairs. September marks the start of a busy swim season for local high schools, with the Oro Valley Aquatic Center serving as the home site for practices and competitions. The department is also preparing for a variety of fall events, including the popular Friday Night concerts at Steam Pump Ranch and the annual Bark in the Park dog event.
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Source: (Town Manager Report To Council, September 2024)
