As Oro Valley enters 2026, a series of unresolved policy questions and major decisions are converging. This article highlights the eight key most likely to drive debate, influence voters, and shape the Town’s direction over the coming year.
Water infrastructure will reach a major milestone
The NWRRDS project is expected to be completed later in the year, marking a major step in strengthening Oro Valley’s long-term water supply and system reliability. Essentially, it enables the town to bring CAP water directly to Oro Valley. Currently, the town get's CAP water via the Tucson Water System.
Planning the Town’s trail network
Continued work on the Trails Master Plan will influence future recreation priorities, trail connectivity, and capital investment decisions across Oro Valley. As the plan moves closer to completion, key questions remain about which trail segments should be prioritized, how new connections will balance recreation with neighborhood impacts, and how improvements will be funded and phased. Council direction on these issues will shape how quickly recommendations move from planning to construction and how the trail system fits into broader transportation, conservation, and quality-of-life goals.
Regional transportation decisions with local impact
RTA Next will continue to be a major topic in the next few months, with long-term implications for transportation funding and infrastructure across the region. March, voters are expected to weigh in on extending or modifying the regional transportation program, which would determine how road improvements, transit projects, and maintenance are funded for decades to come. For Oro Valley, the debate will likely focus on whether the proposed projects align with local priorities, how much funding the Town would receive relative to its contribution, and how regional commitments intersect with other pressing capital needs.
A vote on Oro Valley’s future framework
Completion of OV Path Forward will culminate in a voter decision next November. If approved, the updated General Plan would establish the Town’s policy framework for growth, land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure for the next decade and beyond. In the months leading up to the election, debate is likely to focus on how the plan addresses growth expectations, preservation of community character, and alignment with long-term financial and infrastructure capacity.
The NWRRDS project is expected to be completed later in the year, marking a major step in strengthening Oro Valley’s long-term water supply and system reliability. Essentially, it enables the town to bring CAP water directly to Oro Valley. Currently, the town get's CAP water via the Tucson Water System.
The election that will shape future priorities
The 2026 election will influence policy discussions throughout the year, affecting council focus, the timing of decisions, and the broader public dialogue. Some issues thatr are likely to surface as campaign themes and voter concerns includes
Possible new taxes and long-term finances remain central
Debate over potential new taxes is likely to continue, alongside close attention to the Town’s overall financial condition, including forecasts, reserves, and future obligations. The council will consider approving the three new taxes under consideration this month.
The 2026 election will influence policy discussions throughout the year, affecting council focus, the timing of decisions, and the broader public dialogue. Some issues thatr are likely to surface as campaign themes and voter concerns includes
- Town finances: Is there a structural financial problem, or are current concerns tied to timing and long-range forecasts? If a problem exists, when does it emerge, and what options are available to address it?
- Growth and housing: How much additional residential growth should Oro Valley plan for, and what mix of housing makes sense? This includes questions about more homes, housing affordability, density, and the pace of development.
- Annexation and the tax base: Should the Town pursue annexation of retail-intensive or commercially valuable areas as a way to strengthen revenues and reduce reliance on residential taxes?
- Infrastructure and service capacity: Can existing roads, water systems, public safety services, parks, and facilities support additional growth without major new costs?
- Taxes and fees: If revenues fall short of future needs, should the Town consider new or adjusted taxes, fees, or other funding mechanisms?
- Long-term planning priorities: How should policies outlined in OV Path Forward be implemented, and which priorities should be addressed first?
Our guess is that more candidates will file for office. Residents will get a wide view of opinions on these and other items.
Debate over potential new taxes is likely to continue, alongside close attention to the Town’s overall financial condition, including forecasts, reserves, and future obligations. The council will consider approving the three new taxes under consideration this month.
A possible Amphi school closure with major community impact
The possible closing of Copper Creek Elementary remains unresolved and is expected to be an early issue in 2026. Amphitheater School District officials have indicated they intend to move quickly toward a decision, and current signals suggest the school is likely to close. At the same time, the proposal has raised concerns among parents and nearby residents about neighborhood impacts, student reassignment, and long-term effects on the surrounding community. Whether that concern translates into organized pushback, and how the District responds, could shape the outcome and keep the issue in the public spotlight.
The possible closing of Copper Creek Elementary remains unresolved and is expected to be an early issue in 2026. Amphitheater School District officials have indicated they intend to move quickly toward a decision, and current signals suggest the school is likely to close. At the same time, the proposal has raised concerns among parents and nearby residents about neighborhood impacts, student reassignment, and long-term effects on the surrounding community. Whether that concern translates into organized pushback, and how the District responds, could shape the outcome and keep the issue in the public spotlight.
A tourism strategy that will be built
Findings from the destination marketing study are expected to influence how Oro Valley approaches tourism, branding, and related economic development. A draft plan is now in circulation, but several elements are likely to require further refinement before adoption, including how group and business travel is addressed, how the plan’s return on investment is quantified, and how tourism governance and funding would be structured. Town staff has indicated that the draft will be reviewed in a Town Council work session in late January, with possible action to follow in February.
Planning the Town’s trail network
Continued work on the Trails Master Plan will influence future recreation priorities, trail connectivity, and capital investment decisions across Oro Valley. As the plan moves closer to completion, key questions remain about which trail segments should be prioritized, how new connections will balance recreation with neighborhood impacts, and how improvements will be funded and phased. Council direction on these issues will shape how quickly recommendations move from planning to construction and how the trail system fits into broader transportation, conservation, and quality-of-life goals.
Regional transportation decisions with local impact
RTA Next will continue to be a major topic in the next few months, with long-term implications for transportation funding and infrastructure across the region. March, voters are expected to weigh in on extending or modifying the regional transportation program, which would determine how road improvements, transit projects, and maintenance are funded for decades to come. For Oro Valley, the debate will likely focus on whether the proposed projects align with local priorities, how much funding the Town would receive relative to its contribution, and how regional commitments intersect with other pressing capital needs.
A vote on Oro Valley’s future framework
Completion of OV Path Forward will culminate in a voter decision next November. If approved, the updated General Plan would establish the Town’s policy framework for growth, land use, housing, transportation, and infrastructure for the next decade and beyond. In the months leading up to the election, debate is likely to focus on how the plan addresses growth expectations, preservation of community character, and alignment with long-term financial and infrastructure capacity.
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