Wednesday, The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved the release of some of Oro Valley's General Fund Reserves to pay for the purchase of the new Oracle Road police facility. The resolution returns brings the reserve from 30% to 25%. Both of these levels are above the historical 20% reserve level under prior administrations. This release amounts to about $2.4 million this year. That amount, by resolution, will be applied to the $3.8 million cost of the building being purchases.
Grants fuel town projects
Grants continue to play a major role in funding projects across Oro Valley. According to the September Town Manager’s report, the Town has recently secured or is awaiting decisions on more than two dozen grants. Awards include $144,500 from Arizona State Parks for accessibility improvements at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, $25,988 from Arizona Game and Fish for the Naranja Park Archery Range, and over $3 million for the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System. Other applications are pending, such as $86,490 from the U.S. Department of Justice for police programs and $80,300 from the Tohono O’odham Nation for interpretive signage at Vistoso. In total, more than $4 million in requests remain under review, highlighting the importance of pending grants in supporting future projects. (Source Town Manager Executive Report To Council, September 2025)
At Wednesday night’s council meeting, Oro Valley resident Tony D’Angelo updated the council on efforts to bring a performing arts center to Oro Valley. He noted that community surveys for the OVPathForward general plan show strong interest, and a recent tourism stakeholder session ranked a performing arts center as its top “big idea.” D’Angelo announced the formation of the Oro Valley Performing Arts Center (OVPAC) exploratory board, a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit with nine local leaders. One board member has already funded a full market and feasibility study by a nationally recognized consultant, which will take 14 weeks to complete. The study will examine financial viability, economic impact, and community benefits, with findings to be shared publicly as the effort advances. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, Call To Audience, September 17, 2025)
Pusch Ridge Tennis event space opens
The Town of Oro Valley celebrated the completion of a new event space at the Pusch Ridge Tennis Facility with a ribbon-cutting this month. The project, finished in just three months, added two large shade structures, concrete pads, bleachers, picnic benches, and artificial turf. Councilmember Elizabeth Robb called the improvements “an investment in Oro Valley’s strong tennis culture,” while Tennis Director Jennifer Fuchs noted the facility has long been central to community life. The space will serve both players and spectators and provide a venue for tournaments, gatherings, and special events (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)
Council will study new fees and taxes at October 1 study session... State of Town Addess on October 30
At Wednesday's council meeting, Town Manager Jeff Wilkins highlighted several upcoming activities and initiatives. The Community Academy begins October 2 with a nine-class series offering residents a look inside town operations. Council will review proposed new fees and taxes at an October 1 study session, followed by a public forum on October 15. Wilkins also noted the State of the Town address on October 30, with a free business expo hosted by the Chamber of Commerce from 9–11 a.m. and a ticketed luncheon to follow. (Source Town Manager Report To Council, September 17, 2025)
