The Town of Oro Valley has launched a community engagement effort to gather resident input on proposals to broaden the town’s tax base and adjust several local fees. The proposed changes, which come from the Parks and Recreation Department, Stormwater Utility, and Finance Department, are aimed at helping the Town maintain essential services and infrastructure. Residents are invited to participate in three upcoming Zoom meetings in July, each focusing on different areas: parks and recreation fees, potential new general taxes (such as a commercial use tax, telecommunications tax, and commercial rental lease tax), and stormwater utility fees. The Town is combining these proposals into one public process to provide transparency and make it easier for residents to ask questions and provide feedback before a final decision is made by Council in October. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release, June 16, 2025)
Oro Valley is once again offering free, self-service sandbags to residents in preparation for monsoon season. Starting June 15 and continuing through September 30 (or while supplies last), residents can pick up sandbags daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Naranja Park, just north of the park entrance on Naranja Drive. This service is designed to help property owners protect against storm runoff and potential flooding. Each household is limited to ten sandbags, and residents must bring their own shovels. Assistance is available by appointment for those who need help with bagging. For more information or to schedule help, contact the Stormwater Utility at 520-229-4850 or pw@orovalleyaz.gov. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release, June 11, 2025)
Council approves fiscal 2026 Budget
Wednesda, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the fiscal 2026 budget. This follows their June 4 approval of the spending limit of $151.5 million for the year. The council approved the budget essentially as submitted by the town manager.
No pesticides or herbicides detected in Oro Valley’s water
Oro Valley’s latest water quality testing found no detectable levels of man-made pesticides or herbicides—known as synthetic organic compounds (SOCs)—in any of the wells sampled. This means the town remains in full compliance with Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Routine testing continues to show that these contaminants are not present in the community’s water supply.
Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility adding new shaded viewing area
Here’s something new for tennis fans: Construction is underway at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility to add two large shade structures, concrete pads, small bleachers, picnic benches, and artificial turf. The new space will offer a comfortable area for watching matches, taking a break, and hosting community gatherings. The project, located between the tennis pro shop and court #1, began on May 27 and is expected to be completed in July. This improvement aims to enhance the experience for both players and spectators, and it’s just in time for the busy summer season (Source: This Week In Parks and Recreation, 6-19-25)
“Locals Eat Local” Sticker Hunt Launches – A Fun Way to Discover 20 Local Restaurants
Most residents haven’t heard this yet: the Oro Valley Chamber’s “Locals Eat Local” sticker hunt, discussed by Chamber President Kristen Sharp at Wednesday's council meeting, is running all summer and features 20 participating restaurants. Diners pick up a map (at the Chamber office, library, or via the Explore Oro Valley app) and collect stickers—each restaurant has its own—while enjoying meals around town. Spend $20 or more at any five stops, and you can redeem either a custom Arizona‑shaped cutting board or a combined hat-and-tote prize from the Chamber It’s a tasty and engaging way to support local eateries—and even discover new favorites. Learn more and get started here: Explore the Locals Eat Local program.
Oro Valley Destination Marketing continues to show plenty of tourism activites, but few measurable results so far
The Town’s latest tourism update, presented to the Council Wednesday, continues to show lots of planning and outreach—meetings with resort managers, progress on a new leisure travel management plan, and work to recruit major events like pickleball tournaments and art festivals. Most of the headline events (like the women’s soccer and Fine Arts & Wine Festival) actually approached Oro Valley themselves. The team is learning from logistical challenges, such as parking at Naranja Park, and is hopeful that new branding, website upgrades, and event partnerships will eventually boost visitor numbers. For now, much of the work remains behind the scenes, with the impact still to be measured.
