Bits and Pieces

Airport authority calls for closer tourism coordination with Oro Valley 

Speaking during public comment to the Tourism Advisory Board Monday, Tucson Airport Authority President and CEO Danette Bule said Tucson International Airport is one of the region’s top economic engines and a primary gateway for visitors to Oro Valley and surrounding communities. She said the town's draft Leisure Travel Destination Management Plan appeared to have been developed without coordination with the Airport Authority or Visit Tucson, calling that a missed opportunity. 

Bule urged formal collaboration and data sharing, noting that many visitors arrive through the airport and that the Authority already works closely with other regional partners. Airport Authority Chief Communications Officer Austin Wright echoed those remarks, said the airport can support regional tourism demand, highlighted new airline service and passenger volumes, and emphasized the Authority’s readiness to partner with Oro Valley’s tourism office.

Three finalists for Town Council interviewed yesterday

Council met in Executive Session yesterday to interview three finalists for the position of Town Attorney. The candidates are Matthew Walker, Victoria Torrilhon, and Steven Zraick. While the Town did not release details about the finalists, public records indicate they are experienced attorneys working in the public sector, with backgrounds in municipal or government law and professional ties in Arizona and the western United States. Walker is currently a senior prosecutor with the City of Tucson, Torrilhon is an assistant city attorney with the City of Phoenix, and Zraick is an attorney with prior or current ties to municipal legal work in Prescott Valley. Council held the executive session to discuss qualifications, conduct interviews, and consider contract terms, as allowed under state law.

Some confusion on whether or how the town supports the El Conquistador Resort

During the Tuesday discussion of the draft Destination Marketing Plan, a Tourism Advisory Commission member asked town staff what financial support the Town provides to El Conquistador and Westward Look following Oro Valley’s decision to step away from Visit Tucson. Staff responded that the Town has budgeted incentives for master accounts, along with support for trade shows and familiarization tours, and said those tools have been utilized. Later in the meeting, a speaker representing the Hilton El Conquistador Tucson Resort disputed that characterization, stating for the record that the resort has not received any monetary refunds or support through master account credits, familiarization tours, or trade show funding. Perhaps they were talking "apples and oranges;" however, the town ought to set the record straight.

New tool helps residents track and control water use

The Oro Valley Water Utility has added a new conservation feature to its online customer portal that allows residents to view hourly and daily water use and set customized leak and consumption alerts. The tool is designed to help customers spot unplanned water use early, monitor irrigation and household consumption, and respond quickly to potential leaks. Users can choose how alerts are delivered and set their own thresholds, giving them more control over water use and helping reduce unexpected water bills. Learn more here.

Story of Rockin' 4 Heroes is now online

Watch the story of PJ Quinn and learn why Rockin' 4 Heroes was created.  It is truly an inspiration.

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Bits and Pieces

Free document shredding Saturday 

The Town of Oro Valley will host a free document-shredding event for residents on Saturday, November 22, at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Shredding runs from 8 a.m. to noon, or until the trucks fill up, with all materials destroyed onsite. The Town encourages residents to use the service as a simple way to reduce the risk of identity theft. Questions can be directed to Constituent Services Coordinator Jessica Hynd at 520-229-4711. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Ambitious thinking? A 5.8% annual nominal growth rate needed to support the RTA NEXT's 20-Year revenue goal

To meet the revenue levels projected in the RTA NEXT plan, the region’s taxable sales would need to grow about 5.8 percent each year for the next 20 years. RTA NEXT described this assumption as conservative, combining normal economic growth with inflation. Based on the current distribution of taxable transactions, Tucson would supply the largest share of those dollars at 45 percent, followed by Marana at 15 percent, Sahuarita at 9 percent, and Oro Valley at about 8 percent. The remaining 23 percent would come from the rest of Pima County.  This growth rate includes both inflation and real sales growth. [Source: LOVE Research]

Oro Valley bed tax revenues reached peak levels in 2025

Oro Valley’s bed tax revenues are now at their strongest level in eight years. The bed tax is a 6 percent tax applied to the cost of any room stay under 30 consecutive days, including hotel rooms and short-term rentals. Collections rose from $1.47 million in FY 2018 to $2.52 million in FY 2025, an increase of more than $1 million, despite the pandemic drop to $1.03 million in FY 2020. Town staff believes this growth reflects the rebound in travel. Other contributing factors include higher room rates, the 2021 annexation of Westward Look, and the introduction of registering and taxing short-term rentals. These factors expanded the Town’s lodging tax base. Early FY 2026 results show the upward trend continuing. (Source: Oro Valley Tourism Advisory Commission Meeting, 11-17-25)

RTA says: Good roads bring visitor

At Monday’s meeting, the Town’s Tourism Commission heard from RTA representative Steve Huffman, who emphasized that transportation infrastructure plays a direct role in attracting visitors. He noted that good road access is often a traveler’s first impression of Oro Valley, and highlighted how completed and proposed overpasses improve regional travel for visitors arriving from airports or nearby communities.  He added that RTA investments in bike paths, multi-modal access, transit service, and wildlife linkages also enhance mobility and the overall visitor experience.

You want to be in pictures?

Oro Valley resident Mark Headley, an actor and producer, believes the town should explore becoming a film-friendly community. He has introduced the idea to both the Town Council and the Tourism Commission, noting that smaller film productions are seeking new, affordable, and cooperative locations. Headley says Oro Valley offers strong assets, including striking desert scenery, open space, historic buildings at Steam Pump Ranch, vacant commercial sites that could serve as temporary studios, and more than a thousand hotel rooms. He adds that film crews often leave a significant share of their budgets in the communities where they work. The challenges, he notes, include Arizona’s lack of major film-industry tax incentives and the absence of local film infrastructure. Certainly, more work is needed to determine whether the concept is a feasible way to increase town revenues.

Highlights from last night's town manager's report to Council

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins briefed the Council on several upcoming community activities and transportation updates, including an RTA Next open house scheduled for December 10, where residents can learn about Propositions 418 and 419 ahead of the March 2026 vote. He noted that the popular holiday ornament hunt begins November 28, featuring wooden ornaments crafted by CDO High School students. Wilkins also reminded residents of the ongoing construction at the Oro Valley Marketplace, assuring the public that full access will remain open through the holidays. Additional updates included progress on the Naranja Multi-Use Path, Movies on the Lawn starting December 6, the Pickalicious Jingle Jam pickleball tournament December 12–14, the Festival of the Arts and tree lighting on December 6–7, Snow OV on December 18, and the upcoming Hot Cocoa Run on January 1.

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Bits and Pieces

Traffic delays expected on Ina at Westward Look today

Drivers should expect traffic delays today at the intersection of Ina Road and Westward Look Drive due to traffic signal repairs. Westbound Ina will be reduced to one lane with a 25 MPH speed limit, and periodic full stops will occur during crane operations. Oro Valley Police will direct traffic while the signal is offline. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and allow extra travel time.

Nine Month Results: Town finances remain stable with a caution

Town staff reported at Tuesday's Budget and Finance Commission meeting that Oro Valley’s financial position remains strong through the first nine months of the fiscal year. Revenues—including sales tax and recreation income—are generally meeting or exceeding budget, while most departments continue to manage expenses at or below expected levels. Staff credited conservative budgeting and a healthy local economy for these results, but cautioned that slower revenue growth may be ahead, reinforcing the need for continued prudent financial management.

Nine Month results: Community Center Fund surplus grows as golf revenues exceed budget

Tuesday, The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board received an update on the nine-month financial results for the Community Center Fund and municipal golf. Staff reported that both areas are performing well above expectations. Membership and program revenues are exceeding budget, golf rounds and revenues remain strong, and overall expenditures are on track or below budget. As a result, the Community Center Fund is now projected to end the year with a significant surplus, growing the fund balance to an estimated $2.3 million.

Staff sees progress toward golf self-sufficiency...possibly freeing funds for other recreation activities one day

Also at this meeting, staff reported that municipal golf operations are now generating an operating profit, thanks in part to strong membership growth and efficient management. Since the town took ownership ten years ago, about $29 million in half-cent sales tax has been collected to subsidize golf and the community center, with cumulative operating losses and major capital investments totaling about $19 million ($10 million each for losses and capital). Now, things may be changing. Staff noted that the next step is to use these operating surpluses to fund ongoing capital improvements, reducing the need to rely on the half-percent sales tax for golf’s capital needs. As golf operations move closer to full self-sufficiency, staff emphasized that more sales tax revenue will be available to support other parks and recreation projects across Oro Valley.

Honor America's Heroes Monday

Memorial Day is more than just a day off—it’s a time to remember and honor those who gave their lives in service to our country. Join the community on Monday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arizona Heroes Memorial in Naranja Park for a special remembrance event. The ceremony is free and open to all.

OVPOA: Delay in police MOU discussion a good thing

According to Chris Knapp, representative for the OVPOA and FPO (Fraternal Order of Police), removing discussion of the possible wage agreement between the town and OVPOA from last night's council agenda is a good thing.  Knapp noted that there have been discussions with council members and staff and that good progress has been made. Knapp thinks a compromise is at hand.  A new MOU will be presented for approval at the June 4 council meeting.

Vella provides added insights into the Trails Master Plan
On Tuesday, LOVE provided an update on the Town’s Trails Master Plan study. That evening, Town Planning Manager Bayer Vella offered additional insights during a presentation to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, expanding on several key areas:

• Funding may be key: Vella noted that Marana dedicates part of its bed tax to trail and open space improvements. Oro Valley may consider a similar approach to fund future trail needs.
• Trail easements required: Much of the well-used trail land north of Big Wash lies on State Trust Land with no public easements. Gaining access will likely require coordination with state and county agencies and possibly purchasing easements.
• Trail difficulty ratings suggested: Board members proposed labeling trails by difficulty, similar to ski runs. Vella confirmed that trail maps will include slope, surface type, and other features to help users—especially families and those with mobility concerns—plan their outings.
• Connectivity gaps identified: Suggestions included creating safer access from the Loop to Catalina State Park, and building a direct connection from Riverfront Park to the Loop—both of which will likely be included in the plan’s recommended actions.
• Volunteer and partner contributions remain vital: The Town has no full-time trail planning staff. Many unpaved trails have been built by developers or volunteers, and that approach will remain important as the system expands.

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Oro Valley's Destination Marketing... A Year In... Still a Work In Progress

Still getting started
It has been a year since the town took over responsibility for destination marketing, replacing the services provided by Visit Tucson. By canceling that contract with Visit Tucson, the town saved almost half a million dollars annually. What has been accomplished to date? Well, not much, in terms of their mission: though there are a number of things that have been done.

For one, the town hired a destination marketing manager, Crystal Franke. Last week, Franke and economic development director Paul Melcher discussed with the town council what they have been doing. Their report was requested by Town Council member Mary Murphy at the February strategic planning study session.

The unstated mission: Generate sales and bed tax revenues
There is no formal mission statement for the town’s destination marketing effort.  The fact that there is no formal statement is a problem that needs to be addressed. Here's our cut what we think it is: “Drive economic activity through tourism-related events and marketing efforts to increase the town’s sales and bed tax revenue."

To date effort is far short of accomplishment
When asked directly by Mayor Winfield about what they've accomplished, Melcher didn't have much to say except that, based on post-event surveys, he estimated that the Tucson Bicycle Classic generated about $183,000 in economic activity for the town. Multiply that by Oro Valley’s 2.5% sales tax, and that event generated a little over $4,500. Melcher did not report how many hotel room nights, if any, were directly attributable to this event.

...And long on things done
Instead of reporting concrete results, Melcher focused on things they had done. They launched the Explore OV app, created an Instagram account, sponsored a cycling event, organized public art tours, began a leisure travel study, continued monthly meetings with resorts, and planned a June familiarization tour for event planners. The town plans to hold this tour in June, despite Oro Valley’s high summer temperatures. (June is a poor time to invite event planners to Oro Valley — the extreme heat alone is enough to discourage visitors.)

Council questions spending...
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett raised concern over the large website budget, thinking it excessive. Melcher responded that while the website cost is a one-time expense, there will be ongoing annual maintenance costs of up to $25,000, and the town is still deciding whether to handle this work internally or through outside contractors. Barrett noted: “To me, that seems like a lot of money to spend on a website… hopefully, if there’s that much in the budget for a website, it will be an incredible website.”

...Membership of a "stakeholder advisory group"

Barrett and Murphy asked why there were no residents included in the stakeholder group with whom Melcher has been working. He said that this group is considered an internal working group and not open to the public. It includes the two major resorts, some arts and cultural organizations, state and federal parks affiliates, and local venues. 

The two major resorts — the Hilton Tucson El Conquistador and Westward Look — were referenced indirectly during the presentation as part of the stakeholder group, but there was no specific discussion of their role, performance, or involvement beyond general mentions of resort support. These resorts are working on their own with Visit Tucson for their destination marketing.

Still more activities on the horizon
Looking ahead, steps include completing the leisure travel study within the next six to eight months, which will guide future marketing and venue improvement decisions. Development of a dedicated Explore Oro Valley tourism website will follow, timed to launch with the study’s completion. As mentioned, in June, the the town will host familiarization tours for event planners to showcase local venues and resorts. Additionally, the town will work with Discover Marana on regional tourism initiatives such as developing a joint five-year tourism strategy, and promoting outdoor events such as the Tucson Bicycle Classic, which began in Marana and finished in Oro Valley.  The goal is to position the region as a cycling destination and training hub, attracting professional teams and visitors looking for safe roads, good weather, and scenic routes.

Maybe someday these efforts might pay… maybe…
It clear that the town’s destination marketing effort is still in its early stages. While they have taken steps to set up tools like an app, a social media presence, and public art tours, concrete results — such as measurable increases in room bookings or significant economic impact tied directly to their efforts — have not yet happened. Much of what they have presented so far is groundwork, with key initiatives like the leisure travel study, website development, and formation of a tourism advisory board still in progress. Their plans appear to be long-term, with major outcomes likely years away rather than near-term. For now, the effort remains a work in progress.

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Bits and Pieces

Fight identity theft:Free document shredding event tomorrow 

"The Town of Oro Valley, in partnership with AARP, will hold a free document shredding event for Oro Valley residents on Saturday, November 19 at the Oro Valley Marketplace (12155 N. Oracle Road), from 8 a.m. to noon or until trucks are full. Residents can bring up to five medium-sized boxes that will be shredded on-site. Shredding confidential documents helps fight identity theft. For questions related to this event, please contact Constituent Services Coordinator Jessica Hynd at jhynd@orovalleyaz.gov or 520-229-4711. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Oro Valley website economic development web site wins award from Arizona Association for Economic Development 

 ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 14, 2022) – The Town of Oro Valley is pleased to announce that its new economic development website, chooseorovalley.com, was recently awarded a Golden Prospector award from the Arizona Association for Economic Development. The Golden Prospector awards were established to encourage and recognize excellence in economic development. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release) 

Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve safety improvements in progress

Vistoso Trails initial site cleanup including weed, invasive grasses and dead tree removal, trail accessibility and restoring restrooms to working condition is in the constuction pahse Significant work is required to ensure public safety and access. Through October, the Town has spent $130,067 (37% of budget) and is expecting to complete the project on budget ($350,000 from the Community Center Fund) at this time. The project has experienced delays due to pest infestation and an increased scope of work. (Source: 22-11-15 Town of Oro Valley Budget and and Finance Commission meeting) 

Westward Look Drive Improvements entering procurement phase. . . budget overrun expected 

As part of the Westward Look annexation, the town agreed to reconstruct Westward Look Drive from Ina Road to Vista Oest. This includes removing and replacing extruded curb, adjusting manholes and water valve covers. The budget for this project is $539,625 (General Fund. Through October, the Town has spent $50,107 (9% of budget) The design for this project is complete and the project is currently in the procurement phase. "The construction contract was awarded to Sunland Asphalt Company; however, at the request of the Westward Look Resort management and due to other title issues, construction has been significantly delayed. Due to the delay, the Town must now go out to bid again, which is expected to be higher than the original bid and exceed the budget by approximately $150,000." (Source: 22-11-15 Town of Oro Valley Budget and and Finance Commisssion meeting)

Mission Accomplished

. '

Council Targets Nagging Problems In 2021-22 Record Budget

2021-22 budget cap: $162 Million

Oro Valley will roar into the post pandemic era. Last week, the town council unanimously approved the largest budget cap it the town’s history: $162 Million.

The approved cap is intended to be used to fix nagging problems

An underfunded public safety plan and long needed investment in Naranja Park; Golf Course Irrigation; the town’s trails system are the drivers of the spending.

The council has seized the opportunity to fix these problems now because the town has received free federal money, seen an unexpected surge in sales tax revenues and fees, and has the opportunity to take advantage of cheap interest borrowing rates.

Town Manager’s requested budget: $107.5 million 

The Town Manager’s recommended budget starts the formal budget process. We reported our build up of that budget in April. The town manager submitted a budget of $107.4 million. She was instructed by council to ad $27 million for the pay down of the town’s underfunded public safety pension (“PSPRS”).

Town Council problem fix: $54 million

PSPRS: $27 million 

The budget cap includes $27 million in spending that the council directed the town manager to include in the budget. That amount is to be used to pay-down the town’s underfunded PSPRS.

Parks: $25 million 

Since that budget’s submission, the council directed the town manager to add spending of about $24 million to pay for parks. Half of that was directed by council to be spent on Naranja Park. (Our report on the town $42 million in bonds to cover the PSPRS pay down and parks investment.) 

Annexation of Westward Look: $700,000 

The Westward Look annexation, also a council decision, caused the addition of about $700,000 to the budget. This amount is needed for the town to complete promised improvements and for added funding of $160,000 for “Visit Tucson”. 

The town is required to designate a percentage of its bed tax revenues for tourism attraction. According to Town Manager Mary Jacobs: “We currently utilize Visit Tucson as our primary marketing group.” Visit Tucson had been receiving about 50% of Westward Look’s bed taxes through an agreement with Pima County. The town manager’s budget had included $250,000 for Visit Tucson. So, the total in the budget for Visit Tucson is $410,000

Former Vistoso Golf Course: $1,000,000 

Another council decision will be its role in possible grant funding of $1 million if The Conservation Fund is successful in purchasing the former Vistoso Golf Course from Romspen LLC; and then gifting a permanent conservation easement of the property to the town.

The council will conduct a second hearing on the budget at its June 14 meeting.

Bits and Pieces

Council Member Greene identifies potential major corporate member for Oro Valley Municipal Golf 

Oro Valley Municipal Golf has four corporate members. It needs more. During last week’s council study session on the budget, Council Member Mo Greene told town park’s director Kristy Dias Trahan that the owner of Westward Look told him that he was looking for a place for the resort’s guest to play golf. After along pause (she was dumbfounded) she said that she would follow up. Here’s a “shoutout” to Council Member Greene. 

Oro Valley experiencing exceptional drought conditions…Tucson area is 10% drier

The 20 year drought continues. “The Southwest US has experienced some of the greatest changes with the decadal shift more than 10% drier” according to the national weather service. During this same time period its hotter by about 1/2 degree annually during the past thirty years. We’ve included a panel with map showing the changes in both precipitation and temperature. 

Oro Vista apartment architecture approved 

The expansion of the Oro Vista apartment complex was an administrative approval and not a zoning approval. The property was zoned long ago for apartment use, according to Town Planning and Zoning head Bayer Vella. That is why the item was on the consent agenda. 

Council Member Jones-Ivey made sure that council publicly discussed the item at last weeks’ council meeting. As it turns out, this is item is on the agenda for the approval of the architecture of the property. Council discussed the Planning and Zoning Commission’s request that the stone front of the building as it faces Lambert Lane be increased. The council rejected this. 

Mayor Winfield noted: “I think it is incredibly unfortunate that the view of the Catalinas [from Noble Hops] will be lost” once the facility is built, but the town can not do anything about that since the project was approved by a previous council. Also, the property manager, Beztak, said they would continue to investigate what may be a lack of adequate parking for the commercial property that houses Noble Hops and other establishments once the apartments are built. 

 Council approved the measures 6-0 (Council Member Solomon Absent)

Bits and Pieces

Westward Look annexed

The Oro Valley Town Council voted 4-1 on three measures to annex the Westward Look Resort. This happened at Wednesday’s council meeting. Council Members Nicolson and Solomon were absent from the meeting. Mayor Winfield, Vice Mayor Barrett and Council Members Joyce-Ivey and Green voted in favor. 

Council Member Bohen voted against the measures because the annexation did not include residents who live east and west of the resort. Indeed, as town manager Jacobs confirmed, the town had never considered bringing these residents into Oro Valley. Bohen noted that the town was violating its own annexation policy of only annexing continuous areas, and not annexing “islands.” Bohen is also fearful that these residents, having participated in a rather rancorous process, will not be interested in joining Oro Valley in the future.

Impact of big payment to PSPRS won’t be seen until fiscal 2024
As previously reported, the Oro Valley Town Council approved an additional budget item to be included in the tentative 2021-22 budget. It regards using $10 million from the general fund and using the proceeds from a $17 million pension ob bonds to be issue to fund the PSPRS underfunded obligation. 

If this item is included in the council approved budget, the payment will occur the first week of July. The plan is to then continue to fund PSPRS at State determined annual contribution levels. For the next two years, those payment amounts will be determined as though the $27 million was never contributed. This is because the funding requirement is determined as of June 30 and any change takes place starting the following July 1.

Single family residents permits issued set record
The Town of Oro Valley is on its way to issuing almost 400 single family residence building permits this year. That level is an historic high, an increase of 43% over last year. Projected revenues from permits to the town this fiscal year is $2.8 million.

Projected sales tax revenues set record
One of the unexpected consequences of the Pandemic is seen in the town’s sales tax revenues. Oro Valley sales tax collections were more than 15% higher than the prior year, This was “...helped greatly by an increase in online purchases.” Total sales tax revenues are projected at $14million this year. This extrapolates to $553 million in resident purchases.

“Ghost” golf course in Oro Valley

“We discovered an abandoned, formerly luxurious golf course in Oro Valley that we dubbed the “ghost golf course.” We meandered along the paved cart path wondering what had happened to change this oasis in the desert into a peaceful yet scrubby eyesore to the advantage of walkers and bikers.”  This quote appeared in an Colorado Springs  online publication. We suspect that the writer is referring the former Vistoso Golf Course.  We love the referfence to the “scrubby eyesore”.

Oro Valley wins Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” for 13th consecutive year

“For the 13th year in a row, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded the Town of Oro Valley the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2020 budget. The award represents a significant achievement by the Town of Oro Valley. It reflects the commitment of Town Council and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. the conservation” (source)

Former Purchase Golf Course negotiations continue 

Negotiations between Rompsen LLC and The Conservation Fund regarding the purchase the former Vistoso Golf Course continue. Romspen is getting an appraisal of the property for negotiations with the Fund.  Romspen is also in negotiations to sell the parcel of the property that is zoned for multi-family residential.  This according to Town Manager Mary Jacobs, speaking at  this weeks Oro Valley Town Council meeting.

History Tonight: Westward Look Joins Oro Valley

LOVE Welcomes Westward Look To Oro Valley
Tonight the Oro Valley town Council will pass three measures that will make the Westward Look resort part of the town of Oro Valley. It’s the first annexation in eight years when the town annexed Tohono Chul and surrounding areas. 

The annexation benefits both the resort and the town

The town will receive revenues of approximately $800,000 annually from the sales tax and bed tax revenues. In addition, the town will get sales tax and construction fees of $2million.  "It is estimated that the total net revenues received by the Town over the 20 years would be $16.8-$23.8 million." (Source)

In return Westward Look gets to build commercial/office property that it may not have been able to build under Pima County Zoning, plus excellent police protection and improved roads.

The annexation process has had its challenges
Residents who live around the resort have expressed their concerns about the transitional zoning, the potential building height of new Westward Look facilities, and the traffic impact of the proposed retail/commercial property. As a result, there have been many revisions to the annexation plan.  Residents and others will have the opportunity tonight to opine on four of the five resolutions

Tonight, council will consider five resolutions

• The first resolution is the agreement between the town and the resort. That agreement stipulates that the town will not rezone the property within 15 years unless agreed by the resort; that the town will repave the roadway leaving the resort; and that the town will take responsibility for the intersection between Westward Look Drive and Ina Road. These types of conditions are typical of annexation agreements. When the town agreed to annex the Tohono Chul area, it also agreed to repave roads. 
• The second resolution is the formal annexation in accordance with Arizona state law. It declares that the town is now extending the town limit.
• The remaining three resolutions present the translational zoning, a general plan amendment to allow the neighborhood commercial/office on two parcels along Ina Road, and translational zoning for the entire property.

Next up
We presented the chart at left in our posting on the town's annexation plans. Westward Look is one of three current targets.  A Casas Adobes Plaza annexation would extend Oro Valley to south of Ina Road. The State Lands annexation would increase the town boundaries to the north.  

In the meantime, love welcomes Westward Look. 

It will be a good marriage between the resort and the town.

Oro Valley's Newest Member

 

Planning and Zoning Commission To Hear Westward Look General Plan Amendment Tonight

Tonight, the Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing on the proposed annexation of Westward Look and surrounding area.  Though many in Oro Valley are happy with the prospect, not all who will be annexed are.

Lots of dissent

Based on our review of neighborhood correspondence to the town regarding this annexation, residents who live in Westward Look Heights are not happy with the prospect of becoming part of Oro Valley. They don’t want to be annexed. They say that the Westward Look resort and the Town of Oro Valley are the ones that benefit from the annexation; and that annexation and subsequent development will happen at Westward Look Heights resident expense. 

Resident concerns focus on five areas

: 

• An anticipated decrease in home value because of proposed commercial development of a parcel adjacent to Ina Road 
• The height of buildings that may be built on that parcel and in the renovation of the resort 
• A negative impact on wildlife in the area that development will have. There is a lot that could be lost, as seen here. 
• The possible violation of a 100 year agreement that Westward Look Resort signed in 1972. This is an agreement that requires the area to be preserved. It is being enforced by Pima County. 
• Increased traffic congestion at the intersection of Westward Look Drive and Ina Road that will result from the construction of commercial property on a parcel that is currently zoned by the county for single family residential.

Westward Look Heights residents overlook some other disadvantages

These residents are not yet part of Oro Valley so we suspect that they do not realize that their cost of living will increase by merely becoming part of our town, as we have previously reported. They will pay an Oro Valley sales taxe on everything they purchase. This 2.6% rate is in addition to the county sales tax rate they currently pay. The will see an increase in their water bill because Oro Valley charges a utility tax of 4% plus other taxes and fees. Generally, these fees double the water bill. We believe that they will become part of the GRFD Taxing district. They are currently served by Rural Metro at a much decreased cost. 

There at two major benefits

The only benefits we can identify to Westward Look Heights residents are: Police protection from the Oro Valley police department and better road maintenance than the county road maintenance.  

Annexations are negotiations

Discussion only really beginning. Residents adjacent to Tohono Chul negotiated and got paved roads. Residents of Rancho Vistoso got a police substation. On the other hand, the attempted annexation of the Foothills Mall failed because there really was nothing for the town to negotiate.

Tonight, all residents have the opportunity to have their voices heard. Here’s the link to do so.

Westward Look Resort Considers Joining Oro Valley

The "give and take" of annexation
The Town of Oro Valley and Westward Look Resort are considering "marriage." In this case, the marriage is the annexation of Westward Look with the proviso that the resort gets to do something with some of the now vacant land it owns that abuts Ina Road. That something will require an Oro Valley General Plan Amendment and a property rezoning.

Bed tax and sales tax revenues in exchange for GPA
The town will get bed tax and sales tax revenues to support the added services it will provide the resort. Hopefully, these will be substantial once the pandemic is simply a "bad memory." In addition, the town will receive fees during the construction of this project.

A first class resort with a rich history
If annexation occurs, Oro Valley will have the prestige of another four star resort.  It is a Wyndham resort. The resort was acquired in 2012 by Westward Look Resorts LLC for $32 million. This is a Florida based company.

If Westward Look is annexed, Oro Valley will be the home of the oldest resort in the Tucson area, a resort with a rich  history. The resort was founded in 1912.  "By the 1940s, it became a thriving dude ranch, and by the 1960s, it was well on its way to becoming the 244-room property it is today." (source)  Learn more about this legendary resort here.

Three project concepts floated
Westward Look is floating three project concepts, all of which would be built along Ina Road. This is the south side of the property.  (See blue oval on map panel above)

Luxury Apartment complex with boutique retail and restaurant 

Mixed use office, mixed use commercial, restaurant, hospitality and office plaza retail 

Luxury apartments, hotel and residential buildings 

General plan land use and zoning would have to be changed to accommodate these. However, there is no obligation that any of these will be built eventually. Generally, market conditions at the time of construction dictate what is built.

Get engaged now... participate on September 15
There are many questions residents should be asking. This is, after all, a huge move for Oro Valley. The Town is asking residents to get involved. Best way to start is to visit this link to become familiar with the project. Then, participate in a September 15 Zoom meeting. Meeting time is 6 PM.

Annexation and Oro Valley

Annexation key to Oro Valley's history
The Town of Oro Valley incorporated in 1974. It was 2.4 square miles, centered around the Kreigh Park area. That's the "original" Oro Valley.

Obviously, Oro Valley is much bigger today. It is 36 square miles. That is the result of 20 annexations:

• 12 annexations were less than 1 sq mi
•   5 annexations were between 1 and 3 sq mi
•   3 annexations were greater than 3 sq mi

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Rancho Vistoso was the "big annexation"
The town annexed Rancho Vistoso in 1987. When annexed, Sun City was pretty much Rancho Vistoso.

"Sun City was still a relatively small retirement neighborhood miles to the north of Tucson when Oro Valley annexed it in 1987, and the development transitioned from Pima County to the young town.... more than half of Rancho Vistoso was set aside for open space or recreation, including parks, golf course."(source)

Plans for more annexation on the horizon
The town has created a draft annexation plan. That plan is in the process of town council review. The draft plan includes annexation of the following in the future

• Next three years: 800 acres of state lands
• Four to six years: The east side of Oracle Road, north of Ina. That annexation would include Westward Look Resort
• Seven to ten years: Almost 6,000 acres from Ina Road, past La Cholla, north to Overton. That area includes the Foothills Mall.
• Ten years plus: 11,600 acre annexation of the land that is known as "Great Wash". This land is north of Rancho Vistoso.

Landowner approval required

Regardless of what Oro Valley plans, the owners of the properties being sought for annexation must approve the annexation. That approval requires 51% of the total land value saying "yes." Not everyone says "yes."  The last time the town tried to convince the Foothills Mall area to join the town they got a resounding "no."

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