Barrett's Big Win... Why It Happened

A major victory for Barrett

Last week, LOVE reported on Melanie Barrett’s mayoral victory in Oro Valley. She received 57% of the votes cast to become the next mayor of our town. 

Here's our assessment of why it happened

Voters were happy with the results of eight years of effort by Barrett

Melanie Barrett entered the race with a strong record of service and broad support throughout Oro Valley. During her eight years on the Town Council, many voters felt that the Town had changed for the better. Barrett had been involved in the major decisions that shaped the community.

After years of effort and investment, municipal golf went from being a financial burden on the Town to becoming a valued community asset. The Town weathered the pandemic years successfully. Naranja Park, once only a dream, became a reality. Public safety is rated among the best in the state. The roads remain in good condition. The views have been protected. The former Vistoso Golf Course is now preserved in perpetuity.

Barrett was able to run on that record. She had also run twice before and received record vote totals. Voters knew her, knew her work and appeared satisfied with the Town’s direction. Her victory suggests that many voters saw her as the candidate best prepared to continue that work as mayor.

Napier got his message across... and voters did not "buy it"

Barrett’s record of success meant that Napier needed a compelling campaign theme to make the race competitive. His message was that the Town would face serious financial difficulty within four or five years, that the problem required immediate action and that he was the candidate best equipped to address it. That argument required considerable persuasion because most voters could not see evidence of an approaching crisis. 

Napier never proved that the Town was heading toward dire financial straits. LOVE published several articles explaining why the available financial information did not support that conclusion. Our assessment was that Oro Valley will face financial challenges as it approaches build-out, as many communities do. Those challenges will require careful planning, but they do not establish that the Town is facing a financial crisis.

Positive messaging works better than negative messaging
Barrett’s message remained positive throughout the campaign. She focused on her experience, her record and her plans for Oro Valley, not on attacking her opponent. Napier, on the other hand, decided sometime in June that his financial message was not gaining enough traction and shifted toward increasingly negative attacks on Barrett. He argued that she was not capable of serving as mayor and that he was far more qualified, asking voters to discount her eight years as vice mayor and her earlier service on the Planning and Zoning Commission. He also tried to blame Barrett for the poor performance of the Oro Valley Marketplace, despite the fact that the property had struggled for more than 17 years. That argument also ignored Barrett’s role in negotiating the agreement with the property’s new owner that is now bringing a hotel, apartments, public spaces and other development to the site. As we observed during the campaign, negative attacks may energize a candidate’s existing supporters, but they often do little to persuade independent voters.

The result: Barrett dominated (almost) everywhere

Barrett’s support extended across all of Oro Valley [see panel right, above]. She received more votes than Napier in 10 of the Town’s 11 precincts. Napier’s only victory came in Precinct 194, the Community Center precinct and the center of the four-precinct “golf” voting block we discussed two weeks ago. Even within that block, Barrett carried the other three precincts, although her margins were narrow in traditional Community Center Precincts 077 and 173. The results show that Barrett’s appeal reached well beyond her strongest areas and into communities that had previously been expected to favor Napier.

Hello...I'm Melanie Barrett

While Napier spent much of the campaign producing videos and posting criticism on Facebook, Barrett was out meeting voters. She walked neighborhoods, attended community events and introduced herself directly: “Hello, I’m Melanie Barrett.” That matters in Oro Valley, where many residents are older and are accustomed to meeting candidates in person. They may not spend much time on social media or follow campaign posts on Facebook. Barrett understood that there is no substitute for personal contact, and her street-level campaigning helped turn familiarity into votes.

Voters’ message was clear: "No Change Needed"
Every election sends a message. The message from this one appears to be that most Oro Valley voters are satisfied with the Town’s direction and prefer steady, experienced leadership over promises of dramatic change. They know Melanie Barrett. They like what she has done. They think she is perfectly capable of leading Oro Valley into the future.

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Tomorrow: The Five Factors That Shaped the Oro Valley Council Election

Bits and Pieces

Trails plan sets long-term direction

The Town has adopted the OV Trails Connect Master Plan, a long-range blueprint for expanding and improving Oro Valley’s trail and pathway system. The plan emphasizes better connections among neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses and recreation areas. It will also help the Town prioritize projects and compete for grant funding. More than 1,500 public comments and responses helped shape the final plan. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Police warn of the dangers of hot cars
The Oro Valley Police Department is reminding residents that the inside of a parked vehicle can become deadly in just minutes. On an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 105 degrees in about 10 minutes. Police encourage residents to check the back seat, keep parked vehicles locked and call 911 immediately if they see a child or pet in distress inside a vehicle. (July-August Crimefigher Newsletter)

Marketplace park opens to the public
North Park is now open at the Oro Valley Marketplace. The new public space includes a playground, splash pad and gathering area for small community events. It is the first completed feature of the Marketplace redevelopment and is part of the first phase of the project, which also includes construction of the 320-unit Encantada apartment community. (July-August Oro Valley Vista Newsletter)

Great Horned Owl visits Rancho Vistoso
A Stone Terrace resident photographed a Great Horned Owl during a nighttime visit to the neighborhood. The Vistoso Community Association featured the photograph as its July “Critter of the Month.” Great Horned Owls feed on rabbits, rodents, snakes and other small animals, helping maintain the natural balance of Oro Valley’s desert environment. (Source: Vistoso Community Association July Newsletter)

Community Center parking project finishes early
The Community and Recreation Center parking lot resurfacing project was completed one month ahead of schedule and under budget. The project included removal of the old asphalt, grading, repaving and restriping. It also added 18 parking spaces and three ADA-accessible spaces, improving access for residents using the Community Center and nearby recreational facilities. (June Town Manager Executive Report To Council)

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Deputy Town Manager Cornelison Leaving Town For New Career

A major move

Oro Valley Deputy Town Manager Chris Cornelison has confirmed that he is leaving the Town after sixteen years of service. Cornelison will become a financial advisor with TCI Wealth Advisors, a local firm. He told LOVE that serving the Oro Valley community has been a privilege and that he looks forward to continuing to help people in a more personal, one-on-one role.

A long career with the Town
Cornelison joined the Town of Oro Valley in 2010 and rose through several management positions, becoming assistant town manager in 2017 and deputy town manager in 2021. He also served as interim town manager from 2022 until Jeff Wilkins became town manager in 2023.

A major contributor
During his tenure, Cornelison became one of the Town’s most visible senior administrators. His responsibilities included budget preparation, capital projects, parks and recreation, golf operations, public works, land matters and the redevelopment of the Oro Valley Marketplace. As deputy town manager, he oversaw Information Technology, Parks and Recreation, Public Works and the Town Clerk’s Office.

Cornelison also led a review of the Town’s 457 retirement plan about five years ago. This is a tax-advantaged savings plan offered mainly to state and local government employees.The initiative resulted in a new plan and improved services for Town employees. In 2025, he received the ICMA Credentialed Manager designation, recognizing his professional experience and commitment to local government management.

Sets a new direction
Cornelison’s move into financial advising builds on his interest in helping people plan for their futures. He said he looks forward to continuing to serve the community in a different way. We wish him well.

Presents town an opportunity to consider structure of town manager's office
Cornelison’s departure creates a natural opportunity for the Town to reconsider the structure of the Town Manager’s Office. Senior management positions shape how responsibilities are divided, how departments communicate and how decisions move through the organization. A vacancy at this level allows the Town to determine whether the existing arrangement still reflects its current needs.

That question is especially relevant as Oro Valley approaches build-out and faces slower revenue growth. The deputy town manager position may remain important and may ultimately be filled. The vacancy also provides an opportunity to consider whether the same duties, reporting relationships and management structure should continue unchanged.

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Read more about Chris and his work in Oro Valley here.

Napier Says Oro Valley Marketplace Lacks Vision and Leadership… But Is He Right?

Does Napier's claim "hold water"?
A campaign video posted on mayoral candidate Mark Napier’s site states that “The Oro Valley Marketplace is not living up to its potential due to failed leadership and no long-term vision for its development.” The claim is not substantiated. It is simply an assertion. The video gives the impression, especially to those who do not know the Marketplace’s history, that the empty storefronts, and there are many, are the fault of the current Town Council.

History says otherwise
LOVE has documented the Marketplace since its inception. Indeed, LOVE’s founding grew out of the efforts of residents who opposed Town financial support for the center. They did not like the agreement the Town made with the developer, Vestar. Vestar was to receive an estimated $23.2 million in rebated sales tax revenue over the center’s first ten years.

These residents fought to place that choice on the ballot so residents could approve or reject it. Bedazzled by the promise of an “upscale” mall like La Encantada in the foothills, and with the support of the Paul Loomis-led council, 58% of residents, in March 2006, voted in favor of the Town’s financial support for the center. They did not get that upscale mall. A subsequent Arizona Supreme Court ruling sharply restricted such arrangements by requiring that public payments provide direct and proportionate public benefits.

The Marketplace was troubled from the beginning
LOVE chronicled this history through 2019. We concluded that the Marketplace was doomed from its inception because it was not an economically feasible venture. Even with ongoing government support, it was, at best, only marginally successful. The only council that could be blamed for its failure, if any council could be blamed, would be the council in office when the decision was made to financially support the center in 2005. Indeed, the Marketplace would never have been built at that time had it not been for the financial support to which the Town had agreed.

The Marketplace struggled throughout its history. There were always vacant storefronts. No upscale stores located there. Its gross revenues fell far short of the plan. After ten years, the center had generated $16.4 million in sales tax revenue for Vestar. That was far less than the projected $23.2 million. Store after store failed. Remember Dick’s Sporting Goods? Best Buy? Ashley Furniture?

During most of those years, from 2010 to 2018, the Town was overseen by the Hiremath Council. That council included current council candidate Rhonda Piña and Joe Hornat, a vocal Napier supporter. The Hiremath Council did nothing to fix the plight of the center. And, really, what could it have done?

The Winfield Council inherited the problem
By 2019, the first full year of the Winfield Council, there were 22 open businesses and 23 empty storefronts. By October, the Marketplace had a new owner. Vestar sold the Oro Valley Marketplace to Town West Realty. The reported purchase price was $45.15 million.

Town West presented a new vision
Town West had a vision. It planned to transform the Marketplace from a primarily retail center into a mixed-use development. Town West believed that only a mixed-use development could provide the density needed to make the shopping center successful. The Town Council agreed. From 2022 to 2023, Town staff and the council worked with Town West to shape the redevelopment into a plan that could revitalize the Marketplace.

Council shaped it the Oro Valley way
The initial proposal from Town West contemplated approximately 730 apartments in two six story buildings. They sought numerous exceptions from the Town’s existing height and setback requirements. These exceptions were not consistent with the Town’s General Plan. Nor were they consistent with what residents wanted. The initial plan included a “public-private partnership” that would have required the Town to underground a wash and build and maintain an entertainment center.

After much work, the final agreement allowed 320 apartments in two three-story buildings, with the buildings limited to 39 feet. It also included a hotel. The agreement added an important condition: The agreement added an important condition: The hotel in Area 4 must receive its certificate of occupancy before certificates of occupancy may be issued for any apartments in Area 4. The initial recreational amenities would be the responsibility of the developer rather than becoming a Town-funded obligation. If the project succeeds, the council can later decide whether it wants to underground the wash to accommodate another hotel and food-court-type concepts in the entertainment district.

Redevelopment is now moving forward
Drive through the Marketplace and you can see that construction is in progress on the north side of the property. It includes one of the two approved apartment buildings, the hotel, intersection and pedestrian improvements, and the neighborhood park. Surf Thru Car Wash is ready to go on the south side. There is also a new restaurant where Red Lobster used to be. 

Napier should explain his alternative
If Napier does not see that as leadership, then we ask: What would he have done, and would it have achieved a better result? We believe that question is legitimate. We see a center that is being revitalized and is on the move again. We see a center whose redevelopment plan was shaped with the input and effort of Town staff and council. We see that as leadership.

But Napier’s video does not agree. So we wonder: What would he have done differently to make this redevelopment a reality? Would he have approved six-story apartment buildings? Would he have approved 720 apartments? Would he have committed millions of dollars in Town money upfront to fund the entertainment center?

Those are legitimate questions Napier ought to answer instead of simply trying to rewrite history.

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Guest View: Mayoral Candidate Melanie Barrett - A Record of Results and a Plan for What Comes Next

Today, we present the last of seven candidate Guest Views. Today’s View is from mayoral candidate and Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett. Her Guest View is longer than the others. However, we felt it was important to publish it in its entirety because it provides specific information about both her record during the past eight years and the work she believes remains to be done.

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A record of accomplishment
Being your Vice Mayor for the past eight years has been an incredible honor. I look back joyfully at all that we have accomplished together.

We strengthened Oro Valley’s record of public safety

We have frequently been rated the safest city in Arizona and received national recognition as one of the nation’s best and safest places to retire. We supported our police with competitive pay, achieved three police accreditations under award-winning Police Chief Kara Riley, and modernized our court system and building to improve safety.

We strengthened the Town’s finances

...raising our Standard & Poor’s rating two levels to AA+. We paid off the long-neglected police pension liability, saved more than $30 million, and maintained relatively low debt. We also turned municipal golf from annual operating losses of about $2 million into an operating surplus.

We built a major park, enhanced recreation, and added open space

This golf turnaround allowed us to invest in parks and recreation without new taxes. We added miles of paths and trails, improved Community Center amenities, and expanded Naranja Park with a playground, splash pad, pickleball courts, fields, a skate park, and a pump track. We also added Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve to the Town’s park portfolio, protecting it from development and creating a community asset.

We protected Oro Valley’s character and fostered economic development

We supported economic growth through the expansion of Roche Tissue Diagnostics, the annexation of the Westward Look Resort, and the opening of more than 45 businesses this year. We also protected mountain views along Tangerine Road by rejecting proposed six-story apartments and allowing two- and three-story buildings instead. We rejected a development agreement that would have cost the Town more than $6 million in taxes and required one of three promised hotels to be built to help make the project fiscally sustainable.

We invested in a more reliable, diverse water supply

We addressed water concerns through conservation and infrastructure that diversifies our supply. The Northwest Recharge and Recovery Delivery System, scheduled for completion next year, will bring Oro Valley its Colorado River allocation.

These accomplishments were achieved through the Town and community working together. 

Still, there is work to be done
I am running for Mayor so I can continue that work for you.

Build our new police station
We purchased an affordable building to support our police. That building now needs cost-effective design and remodeling. 

Annex commercial corridors
We have also begun planning for annexation to the south near Oracle and Ina to bring additional retail and revenue into Oro Valley. I want to move that plan forward. To succeed, Oro Valley must be a Town that neighboring residents want to join and where they trust they will be heard.

Complete the redevelopment of the Oro Valley Marketplace
A second apartment development and a hotel remain to be built at the Oro Valley Marketplace. The hotel has not yet moved forward, and the Town must continue to uphold the commitments made as part of that development.  

Protect our views and limit building heights

This second apartment project was proposed at five stories and limited by the Town Council to three stories. A future request for additional height remains possible. We need to hold the line on protecting our views and limiting building heights. There is also a proposed building in Stone Canyon with five-story height approval that is now involved in litigation. Oro Valley needs a Town Council committed to limiting building heights where appropriate.

Protect our water supply from risky annexations and high-water-use development
We need to protect our water supply and avoid annexations of state land to the west or north that could affect our water rights. State land could potentially be proposed for a data center. Should such a request come forward, the Town Council must conduct proper due diligence and represent residents rather than outside interests, landowners, or politicians who have supported data centers elsewhere.

Make careful, sustainable investments in parks, trails, and open space
We should continue making modest, incremental investments in parks and recreation as funding becomes available. Those investments must meet resident needs while remaining fiscally sustainable. We also need a better plan for Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and should continue improving community connectivity through paths and trails.

Together, we must implement our ten-year General Plan without returning to the excessive amendments that were common before my time on the Town Council.

Why I am running for Mayor
I have been honored to represent Oro Valley residents on the Town Council. Because I have never accepted developer donations or been beholden to out-of-town interests, my focus has remained on the residents of Oro Valley. If elected Mayor, I will continue to answer to the residents of Oro Valley.

I hope to continue serving and representing you for four more years as your Mayor. I would be honored to have your vote.

Please visit MelanieBarrett.org to learn more about these issues. Thank you.

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Bits and Pieces

Call it like it is: Staff badly missed this year's construction sales tax estimate

Staff presented the Town’s March financial update at Wednesday’s council meeting. There is really nothing new to report beyond what LOVE told you in March. The Town budgeted about $5.1 million in construction-related sales tax revenue for the year. The March update now estimates the year-end total at about $2.6 million. That is a shortfall of about $2.5 million, or nearly 49% below budget. This is a huge forecasting error that should have been avoidable.

Staff blamed the missed forecast on two projects: A later-than-expected start for the Oro Valley Marketplace hotel and a Vistoso Golf Club apartment development that has yet to happen.

This raises a fair question: How could staff miss the timing of these projects so badly? Town staff reviews development plans, processes approvals, and issues permits. Staff knows how long the process takes. Thus, staff knows when major projects are likely to start. Staff should have known the timing of these projects.

This mistake matters because some council candidates are pointing to the revenue shortfall as evidence that the Town is not fiscally sustainable. We disagree. The mistake is evidence of something else. Town staff needs to be challenged more closely when it provides financial results and budget forecasts to the council. That is the job of the town manager. If he fails to do it, then it is up to the council to be the backstop.

Council approves Operation Stonegarden agreement

Last night, the Town Council approved a resolution allowing Police Chief Kara Riley to sign a subrecipient agreement with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security for Operation Stonegarden funding. The agreement provides up to $143,000 for Oro Valley Police Department overtime and mileage for deployments with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This resolution follows a May council action approving Stonegarden funding for equipment. Together, the grants continue OVPD’s participation in the regional law enforcement program. Staff says the program works with other local agencies and the U.S. Border Patrol Tucson Sector to reduce crime, improve quality of life, and target smugglers involved in human trafficking, illegal contraband, and other threats. The funding is reimbursement-based.

Council renews inmate housing agreement

Also last night, the council approved an annual intergovernmental agreement with Pima County for the housing of Oro Valley municipal prisoners at the Pima County Adult Detention Complex. State law requires cities and towns to pay for incarceration costs when prisoners are held on municipal court charges. Under the agreement, Pima County will charge Oro Valley $527.42 for booking, intake, and the first day of housing. Each additional billable day will cost $134.76. The agreement runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The town’s recommended FY 2026-27 budget includes $175,000 for prisoner custody, which staff expects will be sufficient.

Council approves Sun Shuttle Dial-a-Ride agreement

And last night, the council approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Transportation Authority for Oro Valley’s Sun Shuttle Dial-a-Ride service. The service provides free, door-to-door transportation in designated areas, with service for the general public, seniors 65 and older, and ADA-certified riders. Staff said the service has operated in partnership with the RTA for more than 15 years and provided nearly 68,000 passenger trips in FY 2025. Ridership is expected to exceed 74,000 trips in FY 2026. The new agreement reflects the voter-approved RTA Next plan and runs through June 2031. For FY 2027, the estimated service cost is about $2.5 million. The RTA is projected to reimburse about $2.4 million. The Town’s estimated share is $113,000.

Council extends police radio maintenance agreement

And finally last night, the council approved a first amendment to the Town’s agreement with Pima County for Pima County Wireless Integrated Network subscriber services. The agreement provides repair and maintenance services for radios used by the Oro Valley Police Department. The original agreement was approved in 2021 and was set to end in June 2026. The amendment extends the agreement for five more years, through June 2031, with the option for another five-year renewal. The updated agreement covers 312 OVPD radios, including 162 mobile radios, 148 portable radios, and two control stations. The annual preventive maintenance cost is $9,360, or $46,800 over five years. Staff says the related expenses are included in the current budget and the recommended FY 2026-27 budget. 

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Vistoso Marketplace Concept Reopens Woodburne...Rancho Vistoso ... Tangerine Traffic Discussion

Study session links roadway safety and possible new marketplace
Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council held a study session on one of the Town’s more difficult traffic areas: the area around Woodburne Avenue, Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, the Safeway northern access, and Tangerine Road. Public Works Director Paul Keesler told council that the Safeway northern access and the Woodburne Avenue/Rancho Vistoso Boulevard intersection have about five to six crashes a year. He said that number has long concerned the Town.

Roadway discussion reminds all of Avilla-era traffic concerns

The last major council discussion of this area occurred during the 2024 review of the Avilla Homes proposal. That proposal was not approved after residents and council members raised traffic and roadway concerns. Last week’s discussion brought back many of those same issues. They included traffic near the Safeway northern access, left turns onto and off Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, the possible use of the Safeway rear access area, the location of a new traffic signal, and traffic backing into travel lanes. 

A 2027 lane and roadway reconfiguration plan...

The Town’s current plan is in the 2027 budget. It is to reconfigure the lanes, increase left-turn storage, and to rebuild the median between Woodburne Avenue and the Safeway northern access. One day, the town would like to add a traffic signal there. Staff said the lane changes would address many existing crash factors. Staff also said a future signal would address the remaining safety issues by controlling left turns and reducing the need for U-turns at Woodburne Avenue. Staff identified about $747,000 in impact-fee funding for lane reconfiguration in the proposed capital improvement plan.

...Paused to consider impact of "Vistoso Marketplace"
Staff was planning this work when they learned of a possible commercial project on the southwest corner of Rancho Vistoso Boulevard and Woodburne Road. It is called Vistoso Marketplace. The concept for includes a Sprouts Farmers Market as the anchor tenant, a retail building, and possible pad uses on the south side of the property. 

The project will affect traffic in the area because it will add new commercial activity near an intersection already under review for safety concerns. The project has not yet been submitted as a formal development application. It remains in the early stages. It is being proposed by W.M. Grace Companies.

Residents echo concerns... "Though we're happy with Sprouts..."
Mayor Winfield took the unusual step of accepting audience comments when the study session discussion began. Several residents spoke. Their comments echoed many of the concerns raised years earlier in  the Avilla Homes review. They questioned why the item was being discussed before a formal application had been filed. They also urged the Town to consider the full traffic effect of the project and future development in the area before deciding on roadway changes. One resident captured the reaction, saying, “Sprouts, hey, we love Sprouts,” but adding that the full shopping center puts the matter “into a whole different ballgame.”

Key decisions remain ahead
Council did not approve the Vistoso Marketplace project. It did not approve the planned road design. It did not approve a new traffic signal. This was an early discussion of how the Town might address an existing traffic safety problem while also planning for possible commercial development at the same intersection. The central question going forward is whether the Town can improve safety and traffic flow in an area that already has problems, while also accounting for a commercial project that has not yet been formally submitted for review.

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Bits and Pieces

No Turn On Red

There is one traffic light intersection in Oro Valley where drivers are not allowed to make a right turn on red. Can you guess which one it is?  It is the intersection of Tangerine Road and Oracle Road, specifically for traffic heading eastbound on Tangerine and turning southbound onto Oracle. Lieutenant Eric Larter of the Oro Valley Police Department told LOVE that the “No Turn on Red” restriction for eastbound Tangerine Road turning southbound onto Oracle Road exists because Oracle has a 55 mph speed limit at that location and southbound drivers come over a crest just north of the intersection before heading downhill toward Oro Valley Marketplace. According to Larter, the restriction is intended to reduce the risk of collisions between high speed southbound traffic and vehicles accelerating from a stop on Tangerine. He also noted that quite a few drivers attempt the turn and that officers often stop motorists there simply to educate them about the restriction and signage.

Memorial Day remembrance Monday

A Memorial Day remembrance ceremony is planned for Monday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park. The event will honor the men and women who gave their lives in military service to the nation. The event is hosted by American Legion Auxiliary Unit 132 and Arizona Heroes Memorial.

🎈🎈🎈Congratulations: CDO Softball wins State Championship

Canyon Del Oro High School softball captured the AIA 4A state championship Monday, earning the program’s 10th state title, its first since 2017. The championship run required winning five straight games in a 16 team tournament that began May 2, a feat only one team can achieve. CDO dominated early, shutting out opponents in its first three games, then won its final two contests by one run. The accomplishment is particularly notable because the team’s pitcher, Savanna Mares, is a freshman. Mares was a key force in the 2026 season, compiling a 21-6 record in a year that included a perfect game with 20 strikeouts. Congratulations as well to CDO Coach Kelly Fowler and the entire Dorados team on another state title. The 2026 championship run was powered by a freshman standout, a team that hit when it mattered, and a coach who knows how to win. (Assist from All Sports Tucson)

Explore Oro Valley tourism website launches today

Oro Valley’s new destination marketing website, ExploreOroValley.com will launch today after 11 a.m., according to Destination Marketing Manager Crystal Frank. It was presented to council Wednesday.  The site is the culmination of roughly a year of work. It is intended to support tourism, community awareness, and local business visibility. Frank described it as more than a website, calling it a new destination identity for Oro Valley. The site includes interactive features for events, dining, outdoor recreation, arts, lodging, trip planning, and mobile use, along with a new tourism focused brand and logo system separate from the Town’s official seal and logo. The branding and website effort cost about $175,000, according to Economic Development Director Paul Melcher.

Water customers will need to switch usage tracking apps on June 30

Oro Valley water customers who use the Town’s WaterSmart portal to monitor water use will need to move to a new platform called SpryPoint beginning June 30. According to Town Manager Jeff Wilkins, current WaterSmart users will need to register again and reenter their information in the new system. The change primarily affects customers who actively track their household water use.

Golder Ranch highlights fall prevention app NYMBL

Golder Ranch Fire District is encouraging residents to consider using the NYMBL balance training app, a mobile program designed to help reduce the risk of falls. According to Golder Ranch Fire District materials, the app combines balance exercises with cognitive training activities intended to improve stability, coordination, reaction time, and confidence during everyday movement. The district’s materials state that the program is aimed primarily at older adults and can be completed in about 10 minutes a day using a smartphone or tablet.

Council approves Sun City fountain

The Oro Valley Town Council voted 6–1 Wednesday to allow restoration of the Lion’s Head fountain at the Sun City Oro Valley Recreation Center in Rancho Vistoso. The action approved a site specific zoning amendment allowing the ornamental fountain to return. A council decision on this was needed because Town code prohibits new ornamental fountains. Supporters argued the redesigned fountain would use substantially less water and include conservation features such as rainwater harvesting. Opponents cited drought concerns, water conservation policy, and the precedent of granting an exception. Councilmember Joyce Jones Ivey cast the lone dissenting vote. Readers interested in the background and arguments on both sides can review LOVE’s earlier article on the proposal.  

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Bits and Pieces

Regional safety data shows rising fatalities and identifies local hotspots 

A presentation from the Pima Association of Governments to the town council last week highlighted a 10-year increase in traffic fatalities across the region, including pedestrians and cyclists, while also identifying crash “hot spots,” many at intersections along corridors such as Tangerine and Oracle. PAG provides data tools and Road Safety Assessments used by Oro Valley staff to evaluate roadway safety and prioritize improvements. Their data also showed some positive trends, including increased bicycle helmet use and declines in unsafe riding behaviors. Travel pattern analysis indicated that many trips through problem areas outside town begin or end in Oro Valley, meaning incidents elsewhere can affect local residents. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, 4-09-26)

Marketplace development continues with new buildings underway

The Town reports that construction at Oro Valley Marketplace continues to move forward, with new apartment buildings now going vertical as part of the ongoing development in the area. The project remains one of the more visible signs of current growth activity, with additional phases, including related infrastructure and nearby improvements, also progressing.  ( OV Edge. 04-10-26)

Wilkins outlines how the need for a traffic signal is evaluated and communicated

Town Manager Jeff Wilkins explained to council last week that traffic signals are installed based on established criteria, including road capacity, safety concerns, conflicting traffic, level of service, pedestrian needs, and standards in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices. He added that “typically these will be installed when they meet one or more warrants,” though other factors such as sight distance or “unique safety issues or physical characteristics of the road or the intersection” may also be considered. His explanation was in response to council member questions exactly how it is decided that there should or should not be a traffic light at a location. (Source: The Oro Valley Town Council Meeting, 4-09-26)

OV Path Forward General Plan moves forward to council after unanimous Planning and Zoning Commission Approval

Tuesday night, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended adoption of the Path Forward General Plan at the conclusion of its second public hearing. Only one resident spoke during the hearing, expressing support for the plan. Commission discussion was brief and generally supportive, with members noting the extensive resident input behind the plan and the work completed over the past three years. The next step is for the plan to be presented to Town Council in May before being placed on the November ballot for voter consideration. (source: Planning and Zoning Commission meeting of April 14, 2026)

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The Race Is On

It’s official...

There are two Mayoral candidates

Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett is completing her second term on council. In eight years, Barrett has driven key town initiatives including creating Naranja Park, bringing municipal golf from a financial liability to a financial asset, and revitalizing the Oro Valley Marketplace. She believes that there is more to do and wants to continue the job she and others have started.

Mark Napier, former Pima County Sheriff, brings a background in law enforcement and public administration. During his time as sheriff, he led a large organization with responsibility for public safety operations, budgeting, and personnel management. He has said he wants to apply that experience in managing complex operations and serving the public to benefit the community. He believes his background is particularly relevant as Oro Valley approaches buildout and faces decisions about long-term financial sustainability, service levels, and future growth.

...And five council candidates
The following are the five council candidates running for one of three council seats:

• Rosa Dailey has been active in Oro Valley issues, including participation in town advisory efforts.
• Jake Herrington has been involved in community discussions and town commissions.
• Rhonda Pina, a former council member, has focused on community engagement and local concerns.
• Chris DiSimone has highlighted public safety and community involvement in his discussions ot date.
• Matt Wood brings a business background and leadership of the Vistoso Community.

Things are going to get very busy!

Lots will happen between now and the July 21 election day. 

• Shortly, you will begin to see political signs appear in the town’s free speech zones. 
• There will also be at least two candidate forums. One will be held in April, hosted by the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. Another forum is expected at Sun City, though the date has not yet been announced. 
• LOVE plans to offer our pages to candidates who want to communicate during their campaigns. We will likely interview some, while others may choose to write their own articles. 
• You are likely to see social media campaigns on Facebook and Nextdoor, along with other social media platforms. 
• Glossy postcards will arrive in the mail. 
• You may also read articles about the candidates in other local publications, though those may include less direct input from the candidates. 

LOVE will also report our analysis of campaign contributions as they are disclosed in candidates’ quarterly filings. This is something we have done for every campaign since 2016. 

Focus will be on challenges

We are not exactly sure what issues will define this campaign. But if the past is a guide, the following are likely to emerge. How the town manages growth and development, its long-term financial sustainability, and efforts to attract retail and other economic activity will most certainly be discussed. Water will also likely be a key topic, including long-term supply, conservation, and use. Public safety funding and facilities, along with traffic and infrastructure concerns, are also likely to be part of the discussion, as well as broader quality of life issues such as parks, trails, and open space.

Make sure you get a ballot: Your vote in the primary is critical as it may be the only opportunity to vote for council candidates. 

With only two candidates for mayor, that race will be decided in the July 21 primary. If you will be in town at that time, you can cast your ballot at the polls. If you plan to vote early and are on the early voting list, you will receive your ballot by mail several weeks before the election. Note that these ballots can not be forwarded.  If you will not be in town to vote in person or to receive your early ballot, you will need to make arrangements to have your ballot sent to you. To arrange that, contact the Pima County Recorder’s Office at 520-724-4330. Requests can be made starting April 21. 

Key Dates:

Last Day To Register To Vote: June 22 

Early Voting starts June 24 

Mailback Deadline: July 14

Election Day: July 21 

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Latest Oro Valley Five-Year Forecast Shows Fiscal Stability

Five year forecast shows no financial cliff
Finance Director David Gephart presented preliminary five-year financial forecast to the Finance Director David Gephart to the Budget and Finance Commission yesterday. The forecast shows that Oro Valley’s revenues and expenditures remain closely aligned through FY 2030/31, with reserves maintained at the Town’s 25% policy level.

Nothing in the forecast indicates that the Town is currently in financial distress or forecasted to enter one during the five-year period. The forecast shows steady, though slow, revenue growth driven largely by local sales tax while noting that construction-related revenues are expected to decline gradually as the community approaches buildout. 

Four key funds considered
The overall conclusion of the forecast comes from looking at the Town’s major operating funds together rather than individually. [Panel right] These include the General Fund, Highway Fund, Capital Fund, and the Community Center operations, including golf. The funds are interconnected through a series of planned transfers, with the General Fund and Capital Fund supporting certain activities in other funds. When viewed together, as the Town presented in its summary chart, the forecast indicates that revenues and expenditures across these major funds remain in balance over the five-year period while overall reserves remain stable.

Four key revenue assumptions
As with any long-range financial forecast, the accuracy of the forecast will depend on how assumptions unfold over time. There are four key revenue assumptions: Redevelopment of the Oro Valley Marketplace will generate approximately $2.2 million in new sales tax revenue beginning in FY 2026/27; construction-related tax revenues will gradually decline as available land for development diminishes; the incorporation of San Tan Valley will dilute Oro Valley’s per-capita state-shared revenues by about 1.6% annually; and remaining revenues will continue to grow modestly in line with historical trends.

Cost control and modest spending growth drive spending forecast
On the spending side, the forecast assumes that the Town will manage spending efficiently. Personnel costs are projected to grow at about 3 percent annually, reflecting pay adjustments, police step increases, and rising benefit costs, with no new positions included in the five-year outlook. Operating expenses are expected to increase at roughly 2 to 3 percent per year, consistent with inflation. The forecast also includes ongoing capital commitments, such as annual funding for the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve and continued investment in roadway maintenance and improvements. Together, these spending assumptions help explain how the Town expects to maintain balanced operations over the forecast period.

And if the forecast does not come to pass, the Town has a “Budget Stabilization Plan”
The Town also has a Budget Stabilization Plan in place should revenues fall short of forecast. The plan [panel left] is structured to protect essential services as long as possible, with more significant impacts only if revenue shortfalls become large. The plan outlines a series of graduated responses based on the size of any projected shortfall, beginning with steps such as reducing discretionary spending, delaying the filling of vacant positions, and postponing capital projects, and progressing to measures such as hiring freezes, use of fund balances, and service reductions. In more severe scenarios, it includes program reductions, workforce impacts, and consideration of fee or tax increases.

Finance Director Gephart cautions 
Though Gephart said that the five-year forecast aligns with current Council direction and that, based on that direction, staff has developed a financial forecast that maintains balanced operations and continues existing service levels, he did emphasize many cautions. During the presentation to the Commission, he placed greater emphasis on the uncertainties within the forecast, noting that its results depend on key assumptions and that it does not include all longer-term staff-desired capital projects. He also discussed factors that could affect outcomes, including sales tax performance and broader economic conditions. Perhaps these are simply the cautions of a prudent financial advisor, but presenting a forecast and then focusing much of the discussion on what could “go wrong” does raise the question of how confident he is that the forecast will be achieved.

Next Up: Gephart will present the forecast to the town council tonight
The commissioners did not raise objections to the forecast. Rather, their comments focussed on gaining a general understanding of the assumptions and recognizing that the forecast is subject to change based on economic conditions. We will see what council members think tonight when Gephart presents the forecast to them.
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Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary With Oro Valley Historical Society (Part 2)

Continuing our Semiquincentennial Series
In March, the Oro Valley Historical Society continues to "march on" with the second part of our three-part series celebrating 250 years as an independent nation.

At the Museum this month: America’s Semiquincentennial and Arizona Statehood” Exhibit
This exhibit is In the Pusch House Museum. It will be available for viewing until March 28 when we will begin the third part of our series “America’s Semiquincentennial and the Founding of Oro Valley”. The Museum, located at historic Steam Pump Ranch is open every Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon. Self-guided tours are complimentary, and volunteers will be on site to provide additional information and assist with any questions.

March 14: Two guided walking tours of the ranch
On Saturday, March 14, our naturalist returns to guide visitors on two gentle walking tours of the Ranch to share stories about the plants, animals, and people who lived and still live on the Ranch. The tours start at 9:15 and 10:30 a.m. from the porch of the Pusch House Museum, and both end in the Society-maintained Heritage Garden. Participants will be able to view a replica of a Hohokam pit house as well as the plants now blooming in the garden. 

March 14 and March 28: Two donation drives with Gap Ministries
Also, on that day and again on March 28, Gap Ministries will be at the Pusch House Museum requesting donations for the local families they serve. Items needed are toilet brushes and plungers, toilet bowl cleaner, toilet paper, and air fresheners. Make a difference, and help a family in need.

March 16: Gardening program at the Oro Valley Public Library
Now, let’s march over to the Oro Valley Public Library at 10 a.m. on March 16 when we will sponsor Catesby Suter, a University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. Her presentation is entitled “Caring for Iris and Other Bulbs”. The history of iris cultivation, planting techniques, working with the soil, and dividing bulbs will be discussed. Yes, you can grow iris plants here, and Catesby will help you beautify your gardens with her knowledge! 

March 7 and 8: Visit us at the "Foodie" Festival
The Oro Valley Spring Foodie, Art, and Wine Festival returns to the Oro Valley Marketplace, sponsored by Art State Arizona, and the Oro Valley Historical Society will be there! Come visit us Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Enjoy the food vendors, beer and wine area, family friendly fun, live music, and all the wonderful Arizona artists and creative businesses who will be there. We hope you will join us. History loves company!

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Council Explores Changes That Might Attract Big-Box Retail

Council initiates discussion on attracting "Big-Box" Retail
For some time now, Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett and Councilmember Josh Nicolson have discussed the need for Oro Valley to attract at least a medium-sized, if not a large, big-box retailer. At their request, Town staff presented an update at last week’s Council meeting outlining current recruitment efforts. 

The discussion made clear that there are several challenges

Oro Valley could face in attracting these retailers, including assembling sufficiently large parcels, addressing potential infrastructure and grading costs, pursuing General Plan amendments or rezoning if required, and possibly negotiating incentives. None of these issues were described as insurmountable, and to a large extent they fall within the policy authority of the Town Council. However, each raises questions about timing, process, and ensuring that public involvement remains central to any decision.

Unknown if there are any Big-Box Retailers in the pipeline
Staff did not identify any specific medium or large big-box retailer as currently engaged or under review. Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher emphasized that the Town maintains confidentiality regarding potential projects and explained that staff’s goal is to keep approximately three “qualified leads” active at any given time. He stated that four qualified retail leads are currently in the pipeline. However, no specific large big-box retailer was named during the discussion, and no project in that category is presently before the Council for consideration.

Staff claims of a direct outreach strategy seem contrary to prior council discussion
Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher explained that the Town conducts “cold-call outreach,” meaning staff contacts targeted retailers directly and provides site information, recruitment materials, and pre-application assistance. He did not specify which retailers have been contacted. At a prior Council meeting, in response to a question from Councilmember Nicolson, Melcher said staff has not contacted Costco directly. No specific retailer was identified as currently engaged.

Staff foresees land size constraints and entitlement uncertainty
Staff outlined several structural challenges. Medium to large retailers typically require 18 to 22 acres or more, high traffic volumes, and locations at major intersections — conditions that are increasingly difficult to meet in Oro Valley, where most readily developable commercial land has already been built. Remaining parcels may involve costly grading, drainage or wash constraints, infrastructure extensions, multiple property owners, or the need for General Plan amendments and rezoning. Staff noted that timing is often critical in site selection, meaning uncertainty in the entitlement process can put Oro Valley at a competitive disadvantage when retailers compare locations.

Sales tax rebate incentive discussed... lessons from the Oro Valley Marketplace experience
The discussion also acknowledged that incentives can be part of large retail recruitment, including infrastructure reimbursements, permit fee reimbursements, expedited review, and potentially sales tax–based incentives through an Economic Development Agreement. Any agreement must comply with Arizona’s Gift Clause and demonstrate a clear public benefit. Oro Valley has prior experience with retail tax incentives, most notably with the Oro Valley Marketplace project nearly two decades ago, which included a sales tax rebate component returning a portion of sales tax revenues to the developer over a defined period. Despite that arrangement, the Marketplace struggled financially for years, raising broader questions about the effectiveness and risks of retail tax incentive agreements.

Pre-Entitlements Proposed — Public Input Emphasized
The most significant policy concept discussed was whether the Town should consider “pre-entitling” certain commercial parcels for medium or large retail uses. This could involve initiating General Plan amendments or rezoning in advance of a specific retailer applying, and potentially negotiating Economic Development Agreements earlier in the process. Staff suggested that this approach could provide greater certainty and reduce timing risk for developers. Vice Mayor Barrett cautioned, however, that the Town must not short-circuit public input, emphasizing that community participation remains critically important in Oro Valley. Mayor Winfield indicated that any proposal involving pre-entitlements would need to return to Council as a separate agenda item for full discussion.

The last time staff recommended any pre‑entitlement action was a few years ago at Innovation Park. Council approved a measure to allow developers to grade sites early to attract “shovel ready” projects. To our knowledge, that effort produced no results.

No Action Taken; Further Discussion Likely
No formal action was taken. For now, staff will continue recruitment efforts. Any specific retailer proposal, incentive package, or change to the entitlement process would require future Council review and public input.

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Bits and Pieces

Tucson Bicycle Classic finale returns to Naranja Park Sunday
The Town of Oro Valley will host the final day of the Tucson Bicycle Classic this Sunday, February 22, at Naranja Park, with professional racing from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and free spectator viewing  . More than 600 cyclists are expected to compete on the 2.8-mile circuit course that features a rolling loop and uphill finish on Musette Drive. Food trucks and a finish-line beer garden will be available, and the day begins with a 5K on the same course at 7:15 a.m. Residents should plan ahead for road closures around Naranja Drive, Musette Road and Monterra Vista Drive, and note that there will be no vehicle parking inside the park. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Tommorrow...Off the Vine Wine Festival At Kriegh Park

The Town of Oro Valley will host the Off the Vine Wine Festival 2026 on Saturday, February 21, beginning at 12 p.m. at James D. Kriegh Par.  Founded to celebrate Arizona’s growing wine industry, the event brings together vineyard owners and winemakers from across the state, along with food vendors curated in partnership with Tucson Foodie, live music, artisan market vendors and family-friendly activities. The festival is a 21+ event, although children under 12 may attend with a legal guardian. The event will be held rain or shine, and tickets are required.

Bayless honored for sustained contributions to public safety and community events

Wednesday, the Oro Valley Town Council presented a Certificate of Recognition to resident and real estate professional Lisa Bayless in appreciation of her long-standing financial and personal support of the community. Over the past eight years, Bayless and her husband, Jeff, have contributed more than $665,000 to public safety initiatives and local events, including sponsorship of the Fourth of July fireworks, the Town’s 50th anniversary celebration, National Night Out, police ballistic vests and K-9 units, SnowV, Project Graduation, the Amphi Foundation and the Arizona Heroes Memorial. Councilmembers noted that her involvement goes beyond writing checks, highlighting her consistent presence at events and active partnership with Town staff. The plaque, signed by Mayor Winfield on February 18, 2026, recognized her impact on the quality of life in Oro Valley and her ongoing commitment to the community. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Council Meeting, 2-18-16, 24:59)

Some question OVPD use of license plate reader network

Two speakers raised concerns about the Town’s participation in the Flock Safety license plate reader network, a system that uses fixed cameras to capture vehicle license plate images and compare them against law enforcement databases. The technology is intended to help police locate stolen vehicles, identify vehicles connected to crimes, and share information with other agencies. However, the speakers questioned whether automated data collection creates broader surveillance risks, including tracking residents’ movements and sharing data across numerous outside agencies. One speaker cited constitutional privacy concerns and urged stronger safeguards such as warrant-based access, while the other asked whether alternative grant-funded tools might better balance safety and privacy. At the conclusion of Call to Audience, the Vice Mayor asked that police follow up with the individuals who spoke, and the Mayor acknowledged the referral to the Police Department. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Council Meeting, 2-18-16, 10:11)

Primary moved to July 21 under newly signed state law

Arizona’s 2026 primary election will now be held on July 21 following passage of House Bill 2022, which was signed into law by Governor Hobbs on February 6, 2026. The legislation permanently shifts the state primary to the second-to-last Tuesday in July and adjusts related election deadlines. For Oro Valley, this means the mayoral and town council primary will also take place on July 21. As a result of the new schedule, the candidate signature filing window has moved to February 21 through March 23. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Traffic advisory: Wicked Fast Marathon may slow Oracle Road tomorrow morning

Drivers should expect minor delays on N. Oracle Road (SR 77) tomorrow between approximately 6:30 a.m. and noon due to the Wicked Fast Marathon & Half Marathon. The race begins on Biosphere Road, proceeds south along Oracle through Catalina into Oro Valley, and then turns west onto the Chuck Huckleberry Loop. (Mulit-Use Path) Participants will use the shoulder of northbound Oracle Road, and traffic control will be in place near Oracle and Innovation Market Drive by the Oro Valley Marketplace and Catalina State Park. Motorists are advised to use caution, avoid the shoulder, and follow posted signs and directions from police officers. (Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

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Bits and Pieces

Audubon Certification effort gains momentum at Pusch Ridge Golf Course
Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf report steady progress toward Audubon Sanctuary certification, an effort that blends environmental stewardship with community involvement. Volunteers and course staff are working through 18 identified projects, ranging from wildlife and habitat inventories to water conservation planning and public education. New signage, plans for bat and bird houses, a proposed butterfly garden, and outreach to nearby HOAs and the Oro Valley Town Council all point to a long-term commitment to improving environmental practices on the course. With the planning phase complete and six certification categories still ahead, organizers describe growing momentum and continue to welcome volunteers to help move the effort forward. (Source: Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf January newsletter)

Fiber expansion moves into contract phase at Rancho Vistoso

The January Vistoso Community Association newsletter highlights an important next step in bringing fiber-optic service to Rancho Vistoso. After the Town approved Ripple and Wyyerd to install the “last mile” of fiber, the VCA Board is now negotiating contracts with both companies to protect HOA infrastructure in the public rights-of-way, including landscaping, decorative rock, and irrigation systems. The Board is scheduled to vote on the contract language at its January 29 meeting, a decision that will help shape how high-speed internet is rolled out while safeguarding community assets. (Source: Community Association January newsletter)

Town releases friendly snapshot of 2025 Town Financial Results

The Town of Oro Valley has released its Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, offering residents a clear and accessible overview of the Town’s financial position. Unlike the more detailed and technical Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the PAFR summarizes key information such as revenues, expenditures, net assets, debt, financial ratings, and historical trends in a format designed for the general public. The report is intended to help residents better understand how the Town is managing its finances. Download the report here. (Source: Town of Oro Valley media release)

ASDB move to Copper Creek Elementary causes “Heartburn” for ASDB families

Plans to relocate the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB) Tucson campus to the soon-to-be-closed Copper Creek Elementary has created frustration and concern among ASDB families and students. After the Amphitheater School District voted to close Copper Creek and ASDB signed a five-year lease to operate there, many ASDB parents said they felt shocked and dismayed by both the closure and relocation announcement and expressed uncertainty about how the transition will affect their children’s education. At Monday's community meeting, ASDB parents voiced disappointment that the session ended early amid heated exchanges, saying they left with more questions than answers about services, transportation and the future of specialized support. The session ended early after parent emotions ran high and the discussion became heated, prompting organizers to close the meeting before all questions from families could be addressed. Some parents said they were skeptical about how ASDB’s collaboration with local districts will work and worried about accessibility challenges for families who rely on consistent, tailored support as their children adjust to the new campus setting.  Families also raised concern that the move would separate deaf and blind students who are currently educated together on the Tucson campus, disrupting long-standing programs and peer support networks. It is alleged that only deaf students will attend Copper Creek and that visually impaired students will go to a cluster site at TUSD. (Source: Various local news reports)

Oro Valley business growth and community planning advance side by side

Recent Town updates point to steady economic activity alongside continued community planning. In December, Oro Valley issued eight new business licenses spanning storefront, office, and home-based enterprises, while several tenant improvement permits signal new activity at key centers such as Oro Valley Marketplace. At the same time, construction continues on the 320-unit Oro Valley Marketplace Apartments, with utilities underway and a pedestrian tunnel nearing completion. These development updates appear alongside reminders in the Town’s Vista newsletter encouraging resident participation in long-range efforts such as the OV Trails Connect Master Plan and the Path Forward process, reflecting a parallel focus on near-term growth and long-term community priorities: (Source: Town of Oro Valley, January 2026 Economic Development Update and January/February 2026 Vista Newsletter)

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From Steam Pump Ranch to the Semiquincentennial, A Big Year for Local History

Happy Semiquincentennial, Oro Valley! 

Yes, it’s a big year for our nation, and the Oro Valley Historical Society looks forward to sharing the history of how we arrived at this celebration. Before doing so, the Society is reflecting on the past year, which marked its 20-year anniversary.

Celebrating 20 years at Steam Pump Ranch
The Society celebrated its 20th anniversary this past October 18 at historic Steam Pump Ranch with two of its three founders, current and immediate past presidents, the Mayor and Town Council, Chamber Foundation members, board members, and supporters. The event highlighted the Society’s accomplishments and included tours of the Ranch featuring new permanent interpretive signs funded by a grant from the Oro Valley Chamber Foundation. On November 5, the Town Council formally recognized the Society’s 20-year history with a commemorative plaque, now displayed in the Pusch House Museum.

Revitalizing the Heritage Garden
Special thanks are due to the Ranch’s southern neighbor, Home Depot, for its assistance in revitalizing the Heritage Garden. Through its community support efforts, Home Depot provided a new shed, raised bed containers, and volunteers. Additional support came from Oro Valley Catalina Council Scouting America, United Day of Caring volunteers, and school groups. Other garden donations included pavers, a refurbished gate, irrigation, and signage.

Donations and partnerships that expanded interpretation
Additional anniversary-year donations included a descriptive panel now displayed in the Pusch Room at the Museum, detailing the life of George Pusch from Germany to Tucson. The Society also thanked the Arizona Department of Transportation for installing historical signage along Oracle Road directing visitors to the Ranch, and the Town’s Communications Department for assisting with editing oral histories for the Society’s website. Community members also contributed through in-kind and financial donations honoring the 20th anniversary.

Museum exhibits and visitor engagement
During the anniversary year, the Society hosted seven different exhibits in the Pusch House Museum. Visitors included out-of-town and international guests, as well as local residents who discovered the Museum after visiting the Heirloom Farmers’ Market. The Society also provided tours for retirement communities, school groups, local organizations, participants in the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation’s historic ranches tour, and hosted two visits from the Tucson Paranormal Society.

Launching the “Be Our Ranch Guest” program
The Society introduced a new outreach initiative called “Be Our Ranch Guest,” which partners with nonprofit organizations on Saturdays at Steam Pump Ranch. The program allows participating nonprofits to engage with the community and collect donations. Five organizations have participated to date, with at least one nonprofit present each Saturday since the program began.

Naturalist-guided tours at the Ranch
Another addition during the anniversary year was the launch of naturalist-guided tours at Steam Pump Ranch. These tours focus on the area’s geology and the plants, animals, and people who historically lived—and continue to live—on the grounds.

Programs beyond Steam Pump Ranch
The Society’s activities extended beyond the Ranch through speaker programs at the Oro Valley Public Library. Topics included the Huckleberry Loop, meteorites, Hohokam culture, and the historic Empire Ranch. Volunteers also participated in exploratory field trips to the Arizona History Museum, Evergreen Cemetery, the Pioneer Hotel building, Oracle, and Sonoita.

Collaborations that broadened community reach
The Society collaborated with several organizations to expand its mission and outreach. These partnerships included Oracle, Empire Ranch, Florence, Art State Arizona events at the Oro Valley Marketplace, magnet schools, and Rotary’s Taste of Oro Valley at Steam Pump Ranch. The Society also joined the OV Explore mobile app and began using Mailchimp to communicate with supporters through newsletters and email updates.

Recognizing an award-winning local historian
A highlight of the anniversary year was celebrating Jim Williams, past president and historian, who received an Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History. His book, Oro Valley: The First Fifty Years, was recognized for excellence in preserving and interpreting local history. The book is available for purchase at the Pusch House Museum.

Strengthening the Society’s digital presence
Looking to the future, the Society partnered with Red Coyote Services to revitalize its website, https://www.ovhistory.org. A volunteer continues to update the site with information on events, contacts, donations, and volunteer opportunities, making it a central resource for the community.

Plans for America’s Semiquincentennial
As the new year begins, the Society will mark America’s 250th anniversary with exhibits in the Pusch House Museum that explore why the Semiquincentennial matters and how Arizona and Oro Valley fit into the broader story. Naturalist-led walks will continue on the second Saturday of each month, and the “Be Our Ranch Guest” program will continue with Treasures 4 Teachers and GAP Ministries already scheduled to participate.

Events and programs planned for the coming year
A local group has scheduled a Ranch tour in February, and the Society will again participate in the Art State Arizona festival at the Oro Valley Marketplace. Rotary’s Taste of Oro Valley will return to Steam Pump Ranch in April, with the Museum open that evening for attendees.

Continuing the speaker series
Monthly speaker presentations at the Oro Valley Public Library will continue through April. Scheduled speakers include the deputy director and chief operating officer of Biosphere 2, a representative of the Oracle Historical Society, a master gardener, and the president of the Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation.

Looking ahead to 2026
The Oro Valley Historical Society marked its 20th year in 2025 and now looks ahead to celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary with the community in 2026.

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