Bits and Pieces

A Rockin’ Good Time

The 6th Annual Rockin’ 4 Heroes Concert last Sunday topped the charts! The energy, the heroes, the record 4,000+ crowd, the incredible music from Lexington Lab Band and Mariachi Voces di mi Pueblo and perfect Arizona Fall weather .…all to celebrate and honor our heroes.  All this was made possible by the generosity of so many in the community — a generous roster of sponsors including Presenting Sponsor HSL Properties and Entertainment Sponsor T-Mobile, private donors and an army of volunteers.   And mostly importantly, a huge thank you to all our heroes who serve and protect us.    Stay tuned to hear more about how proceeds from this year’s event will continue to support our heroes throughout the year. 

Planning and Zoning Commission recommends keeping marijuana dispensary restrictions

The Oro Valley Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-1 on November 10 to recommend denying a proposed change to the  recreational marijuana dispensary regulations.  The applicants are seeking to open a recreational marijuana dispensary at the Oro Valley Marketplace. This requires eliminating the town's 2020 requirement that dispensaries hold both medical and recreational marijuana licenses.  Residents can learn more at the Town's project information page.

Elizabeth Robb Elected Oro Valley Vice Mayor
At its November 4 meeting, the Oro Valley Town Council unanimously elected Councilmember Elizabeth Robb as Vice Mayor. The Vice Mayor's primary responsibility is to perform the Mayor's duties when the Mayor is unavailable, The council will consider it this should be a rotating position at a future meeting. The council also approved liaison assignments [panel right] for the year.

Tomorrow: Bark in the Park Returns to Steam Pump Ranch
Oro Valley Parks and Recreation will host its free Bark in the Park event on Saturday, November 14, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Steam Pump Ranch, 10901 N. Oracle Road. The family-friendly event welcomes residents and their dogs for an evening featuring adoptable dogs from local rescue organizations, food trucks, crafts for people and pets, local pet-related vendors, a photo booth, and a dog costume contest. Registration for the costume contest is free and will take place on-site, with a maximum of 50 entries. Low-cost vaccinations and nail trims are also planned, along with a pet food drive benefiting the Southern Arizona Animal Food Bank. Dogs must be kept on non-retractable leashes no longer than six feet, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. For additional information, visit the Town's Bark in the Park event page.

Finally...Colorado River runoff outlook improves
The latest federal forecast brings some encouraging news for the Colorado River. The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center’s November outlook projects water-year 2027 unregulated inflow into Lake Powell at about 10.0 million acre-feet, or 104% of average. That is a sharp improvement from the October forecast of 7.8 million acre-feet, or 81% of average. Much of the increase reflects stronger-than-expected October inflow. The forecast remains preliminary, however, because most of the 2027 snow season is still ahead and future runoff will depend heavily on winter snowpack and spring conditions. (Sources: NOAA, Bureau of Reclamation)
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Meet Oro Valley’s New Mayor and Town Council

A new mayor and three councilmembers take office
Tonight marks a change in Oro Valley's leadership as the Town Council welcomes three newly elected members and a new mayor. Current Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett will become mayor, succeeding Joe Winfield, who chose not to seek reelection. Rosa Dailey, Rhonda Piña, and Matt Wood will take their seats on the Council. All four were elected in July and will serve four-year terms ending in October 2030. They join continuing councilmembers Mary Murphy, Harry “Mo” Greene II, and Elizabeth Robb, whose terms run through October 2028.

Melanie Barrett: From councilmember to mayor
Barrett has served on the Oro Valley Town Council since 2018 and currently serves as vice mayor. An attorney by training, she earned her law degree from Brigham Young University. Before joining the Council, she served on the Town's Planning and Zoning Commission from 2015 to 2018, participating in the development of the 2016 General Plan. An Oro Valley resident since 2009, Barrett brings eight years of Council experience to the mayor's office.

Rosa Dailey: A history of community involvement
Dailey is known locally for her leadership in the effort to preserve the former Vistoso Golf Course property, which became the 202-acre Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. She was also involved in efforts leading to the creation of the Oro Valley Aquatic Center. Her professional background includes insurance adjusting, technical writing, and leadership of a medical research nonprofit organization. During her campaign, Dailey emphasized public safety, fiscal responsibility, water sustainability, and responsible development.

Rhonda Piña: Returning to the Town Council
Piña returns to the Council after previously serving from 2016 to 2020. She brings nearly three decades of banking experience and currently serves as Deputy Director for Workforce Development for Pima County. She also serves on the Tucson Airport Authority Board of Directors. Her campaign priorities included public safety, budget accountability, and strategic economic development.

Matt Wood: From community boards to Town Council
Wood has served on the Rancho Vistoso Homeowners Association Board since 2021 and as its president since 2023. He has also served on the Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, including as its chair. Wood holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and an MBA. During his campaign, he emphasized fiscal responsibility, protecting neighborhood character, maintaining public infrastructure, and considering the financial impacts of annexation and development.

Mary Murphy: Continuing her community involvement
Murphy joined the Council in 2024. Before her election, she served on the Town's Board of Adjustment, reviewing zoning variance requests. Her professional background includes biomedical research, nursing, and dementia care. She has also been active in community organizations, including Rockin' 4 Heroes and efforts supporting the Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park. As a councilmember, Murphy devotes considerable time to community outreach, attending numerous events and activities throughout Oro Valley to meet with residents and stay connected with the community.

Harry “Mo” Greene II: Medicine, education, and the arts
Greene brings a background in medicine, education, publishing, and community arts. A physician, he has held leadership positions at several medical institutions, including the University of Arizona, and served as publisher of the New England Journal of Medicine. He is also an artist and has served as president of the Southern Arizona Arts Guild and chair of the Greater Oro Valley Arts Council.

Elizabeth Robb: Military service, small business, and community rescue
Robb joined the Council in 2024 after a career that included 13 years of military service in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of captain. An Oro Valley resident since 1998, she has volunteered for many years with the Southern Arizona Rescue Association. She also operates Elizabeth's Garden, a small business associated with the Oro Valley Farmers Market. Her community involvement includes schools, scouting, and emergency rescue activities.

A new Council begins its work
The November 4 installation will bring together a mayor with eight years of Council experience, three incoming councilmembers with different backgrounds in community service and public administration, and three continuing members. The seven-member Council will be responsible for setting Town policy, approving budgets, adopting ordinances, and providing direction to Town management. Its members will face ongoing decisions involving finances, development, water resources, public safety, and the future of Oro Valley.

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Council Acts Now to Prevent Unintended Data Center Approvals

Council moves to close zoning loophole before leaving office
Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council voted unanimously to ban standalone data centers of any size. Mayor Joe Winfield had brought the issue before Council three weeks earlier, seeking to prevent data centers from being approved under existing zoning regulations without Council review. The outgoing Council moved quickly to close this loophole before the new Council takes office November 4, leaving future consideration of regulations that might allow standalone data centers under specific conditions to its successors.

Sanatorium staff zoning use determination raised similar concerns
The Town is already dealing with the consequences of a zoning interpretation that allows a sanatorium-type facility in the Rancho Vistoso Safeway shopping center area. Town staff determined the use was permitted under existing zoning language, and the Board of Adjustment upheld that interpretation. We believe Council's concern is that broadly written zoning provisions can allow staff to approve uses that neither residents nor Council anticipated for the community.

Council seeks to prevent a similar situation involving data centers
At the October 27 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, town staff explained that standalone data centers of any size were permitted under existing zoning regulations in C-1, C-2 Commercial and Technological Park (T-P) districts. Staff interpreted data centers as falling under the permitted use category of "Technical Services." Under that interpretation, an applicant could propose a standalone data center and receive staff approval if all applicable zoning requirements were met, without Council having an opportunity to approve or reject the use.

Council prohibits standalone data centers
Council voted to change the zoning regulations to prevent that from happening. As a result, such facilities can no longer receive approval under the existing zoning provisions. Any future proposal will require a change in the Town's zoning regulations before a standalone data center could be permitted.

A future Council could change the prohibition
This does not mean Oro Valley will never have a standalone data center.  A future Council could adopt zoning regulations allowing them under specific conditions. As Mayor Winfield noted at the October 28 meeting, such consideration could involve further study of water and electricity demands, noise, environmental impacts, and potential benefits to Oro Valley residents.

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Council Takes Charge of Annexation

Updates annexation strategy, establishes new evaluation standards and requires direct Council input going forward 
The Oro Valley Town Council unanimously approved an updated annexation strategy at its October 21 meeting, replacing the policy adopted in 2020. Resolution (R)26-50 establishes a framework for evaluating potential annexations over approximately the next five years. The updated strategy goes beyond identifying properties for possible annexation. It establishes which body decides which opportunities the Town will pursue, how their potential benefits and costs will be evaluated, and how Council will monitor progress. The strategy does not authorize any specific annexation. Each opportunity will require separate Council consideration and approval.

Council takes control of all annexation priorities
One of the most significant changes came through an amendment proposed by Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett. The original proposal required Council approval to move properties into or out of the highest priority category, Tier 1, but permitted the Town Manager to move properties between Tiers 2 and 3 or add properties to those tiers. Barrett's amendment, approved by Council, extended Council authority to all tier assignments. Staff will continue evaluating annexation opportunities and making recommendations, but elected Councilmembers will decide which properties receive priority and when those priorities should change. This gives Council direct control over where the Town concentrates its annexation efforts.

Commercial annexations remain the highest priority
The strategy establishes three priority levels. Tier 1 receives active staff attention and resources, with commercial properties near Ina and Oracle Roads remaining the Town's sole active priority. Staff estimates that three shopping centers in this area could generate approximately $1.57 million annually in retail sales tax revenue if annexed individually, before associated expenses. The principal obstacles are establishing legally acceptable annexation boundaries and obtaining sufficient property-owner support. Tier 2 includes potential opportunities involving La Encantada, the Foothills Mall area, and the Oracle Road corridor. Tier 3 identifies longer-term possibilities, including Arroyo Grande and the State Trust Land near Tangerine and Thornydale Roads. As LOVE previously reported, Council voted October 7 to discontinue active pursuit of the latter annexation.

Water costs and community acceptance gain greater importance
The updated  strategy strengthens the criteria used to evaluate annexation opportunities. Potential tax revenue must be weighed against the cost of providing municipal services, infrastructure improvements, and long-term maintenance. Water availability and the cost of securing additional water resources receive explicit attention, particularly when considering undeveloped land that could require substantial new water supplies. The strategy also places greater emphasis on community acceptance, considering the views of affected property owners and residents as well as those already living in Oro Valley. These criteria are intended to help Council determine whether an annexation would provide a lasting financial and community benefit without imposing significant additional costs on existing residents or water ratepayers.

Regular reporting will keep Council informed
The strategy establishes a more structured process for Council oversight. Staff will provide written progress reports twice annually, an annual presentation coordinated with the Town's budget process, and interim updates when significant developments occur. The first annual review is expected in spring 2027. Council will continue to decide whether to pursue proposed annexations, authorize major financial or infrastructure commitments, and approve final annexation ordinances. 

This new approach establishes clearer responsibilities and evaluation standards, giving Council more direct control over decisions that will affect Oro Valley's boundaries, finances, water resources, and municipal services for years to come. 

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Winfield Bids Adieu

Uses "State of the Town" event to review his accomplishments
Mayor Joe Winfield is leaving office after eight years with a clear message. Oro Valley is in substantially better shape today than it was when he became mayor in 2018. That was the central theme of Winfield’s eighth and final State of the Town address, delivered October 16 at the El Conquistador Resort. Winfield pointed to accomplishments in financial management, public safety, parks and recreation, water infrastructure, and economic development as evidence of the Town's progress. He credited the combined efforts of Town Council, staff, businesses, and residents for these achievements.

Eight years of accomplishments that required difficult decisions
Winfield contrasted conditions in 2018 with those today, highlighting a number of accomplishments (see panel right). He emphasized that these accomplishments often required difficult or controversial decisions.

He described the Council's responsibility as stewardship, protecting what makes Oro Valley special while preparing for its future. He also made clear that the accomplishments were not his alone, repeatedly recognizing the contributions of his fellow Council members, Town employees, residents, volunteers, and local businesses.

LOVE's reflection on Winfield's strategic accomplishments
Winfield accomplished some things that had eluded his predecessors. He demonstrated an ability to find practical solutions to long-standing problems. He found a way to finance the transformation of Naranja Park without a public vote on a bond issue, something that had stalled the project under two previous mayors. He led the turnaround of a municipal golf operation that was losing millions annually by investing in its infrastructure and changing contracted golf managers. Yes, this happened at a time when there was a local and nationwide resurgence in golf. But Winfield recognized the opportunity and took advantage of it. He also played a key role in preserving the former Vistoso Golf Course as a 202-acre nature preserve, working with residents and conservation organizations to protect the land from development.

Challenges remain for the next Council
Winfield acknowledged that Oro Valley's next eight years will present different challenges. As the Town approaches buildout, future growth will increasingly depend on redevelopment of existing commercial areas rather than development of vacant land. Maintaining public services, managing finances, protecting water resources, and balancing housing needs with community character will require careful decisions. He pointed to the proposed OV's Path Forward General Plan, on the November 3 ballot, as a potential guide for future Councils.

Winfield: Oro Valley in good hands
Winfield concluded his remarks with confidence in Oro Valley's future. He believes the Town has a strong financial foundation, capable employees, engaged residents, and a business community committed to its success. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and emphasized that the Town's progress resulted from the collective efforts of many people over many years. His final message was that the responsibility of leadership now passes to others, but the work of preserving and strengthening Oro Valley continues.

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Bits and Pieces

Winfield to present "State of the Town" today
Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield will deliver his eighth and final "State of the Town Address" today at El Conquistador. Winfield is expected to reflect on the Town’s accomplishments during his eight years as mayor (2018–2026) and discuss the importance of community planning and stewardship for the future. Hosted by the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce, the event begins at 9 a.m. with a business expo, followed by a luncheon and the mayor’s address at 11 a.m. More than 700 business and civic leaders are expected to attend. Tickets are available through the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. For residents unable to attend, the Town plans to post a video recording and transcript of the speech on its website in late October. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

A reminder to vote on Proposition 431, Oro Valley’s next General Plan
Early voting is underway for the November 3 general election, when Oro Valley voters will decide Proposition 431, the Town's proposed 10-year General Plan, known as OV’s Path Forward. The plan, developed with more than 10,700 community contributions, addresses future growth, land use, water resources, public safety, transportation, parks, housing, and other community priorities. Voters can review the proposed plan at OVPathForward.com and read the Town's election publicity pamphlet at OVAZ.gov by searching for "Election Guide." Early ballots were mailed beginning October 7. The last day to request a mailed ballot is October 23, the recommended deadline to return ballots by mail is October 27, and in-person early voting ends October 30. Election Day is November 3. Residents can find voting information through Pima Votes or by calling 520-724-4330. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Upcoming community events in Oro Valley
This month's Oro Valley Vista newsletter reminds residents of several upcoming community events:

• National Night Out, October 23: From 6 to 9 p.m. at the Walmart Supercenter, 2150 E. Tangerine Road. Activities include K9 demonstrations, helicopters, music, food trucks, prizes, and candy for children. Costumes are encouraged.
• Rockin' 4 Heroes, November 8: A free concert honoring first responders, active military personnel, veterans, and Gold Star families at James D. Kriegh Park, 23 W. Calle Concordia. Gates open at 3:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 4 p.m.

Both events are free. Additional information about these and other community activities is available on the Town's event calendar. (Source: October/November 2026 Oro Valley Vista)

Heads up, Picklr members!
If you frequent The Picklr at Oro Valley Marketplace or are a member, keep an eye out for changes. Although the local facility is independently owned, the company that franchises The Picklr filed for bankruptcy on October 9. According to Fox Business, the company guaranteed leases for approximately 40 franchise locations, leaving it financially responsible when some franchisees couldn't pay. The company reportedly lost $4.4 million last year on revenues of $10.3 million. The local Picklr relies on the parent company for services such as marketing, technology, training, and operating support. Whether the bankruptcy will affect those services or operations at Oro Valley Marketplace is unknown. The local facility remains open, and no changes have been announced. 

Construction begins on new senior living community in Oro Valley

Construction is underway on Vineyard Park Senior Living, a new senior living community at 12380 N. Vistoso Park Road, just east of the existing All Seasons Oro Valley senior living facility. A groundbreaking ceremony was held October 13 for the approximately eight-acre development, which will include a three-story building with 137 assisted living and memory care units, along with 18 independent living casitas. The project, previously known as Oro Valley Assisted Living Community, received Town approval in 2024. The facility is expected to open in March 2028, adding another senior living option in Oro Valley. (Source: Business Wire)

State audit finds millions in uncollected revenue at Oro Valley's new ASDB campus

The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind (ASDB), which recently relocated its Tucson operations to Oro Valley's Copper Creek Campus, is facing serious questions following a state audit. According to a KGUN 9 news report, auditors reviewing operations from 2022 through 2024 found more than $2 million in uncollected revenue and another $2.5 million in potentially recoverable Medicaid claims. The audit also found that as many as 25 students graduated without meeting all requirements and criticized the school's decision to relocate to Oro Valley without adequately assessing the impact on students or obtaining proper approval. Although auditors found no evidence of fraud or criminal wrongdoing, they issued 75 recommendations to improve financial management, educational oversight, and transparency. ASDB says it will address the findings, and the Auditor General plans to review its progress within six months. (KGUN 9 Tucson News)

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Oro Valley Council Moves Quickly To Close Data Center Zoning Loopholes

Council votes to expedite changes to the Town Code
The Oro Valley Town Council voted 6-0, with one abstention, on October 7 to begin an expedited process to amend the Town's zoning code to prevent data centers from being permitted automatically in any zoning district. The action follows concerns that existing zoning provisions might allow data centers without specific regulations governing their development. As LOVE reported earlier this week, Oro Valley currently lacks development regulations written specifically for large-scale data centers.

Barrett seeks immediate action to close potential loopholes
Vice Mayor and Mayor-elect Melanie Barrett, who requested the agenda item with Mayor Joe Winfield, said she had become aware of possible loopholes in the Town Code that could allow data centers in several zoning districts. She compared the situation to the recent Board of Adjustment proceedings involving the interpretation of existing zoning provisions. Barrett also indicated that there might already be parties interested in pursuing data center development under the current code. She urged Council to act quickly, preferably before the current Council leaves office, to prevent developers from taking advantage of potential ambiguities.

A two-stage approach to regulating data centers
Barrett proposed addressing the issue in two stages. The first would clarify that data centers are not permitted by right in any Oro Valley zoning district. This means a developer could not rely solely on existing zoning permissions to establish a data center. The second stage, which Barrett suggested leaving to the incoming Council, would involve a more comprehensive review of potential regulations addressing noise, water consumption, electricity demands, and other impacts. She also suggested following similar regulatory efforts underway in Tucson and Pima County.

Council establishes an aggressive timetable
Barrett's motion directs that the Planning and Zoning Commission hold a special meeting on or before October 27, followed by a special Town Council meeting on October 28 to consider the proposed amendment. The motion also calls for a temporary moratorium on data center development to the extent legally possible while the review proceeds. Councilmember Murphy seconded the motion, which passed with six votes in favor and one abstention. Following the vote, staff raised concerns about meeting the required public notification deadlines, including notifying property owners in the C-1, C-2, and Technological Park zoning districts. The Council did not change the schedule.

The decision does not permanently prohibit data centers
The Council's action begins the process of changing the Town Code. It does not immediately establish new zoning restrictions or permanently prohibit data centers in Oro Valley. Rather, the proposed amendment would prevent data centers from being permitted automatically under existing zoning classifications. Whether the Town should eventually allow such facilities, where they might be located, and what development standards should apply remain questions for future consideration.

Oro Valley moves to establish the rules before development proposals arrive
The October 7 decision moves Oro Valley beyond simply considering whether its code needs revision. Council has now directed that a specific amendment be prepared and reviewed within three weeks. If the proposed timetable is met, the current Council will have an opportunity to act before the newly elected Council takes office. The broader discussion of whether data centers are appropriate for Oro Valley, and under what conditions, would then become a matter for the new Council to address.
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See our preview report on this.

Council Adds Funding To Vistoso Pond To Get The Job Done Right

Council resolves questions raised at September meeting
The Oro Valley Town Council voted unanimously at its October 7 meeting to allocate an additional $500,000 to complete improvements surrounding the 2.5-acre pond at Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. The decision follows the September 16 meeting, when confusion over project funding, construction responsibilities, and the proposed grant prompted Council to request a comprehensive update before proceeding. At that meeting, Council learned that although funding had previously been directed toward irrigation and pathways, the necessary grading and other improvements were not fully funded or included in the existing construction contract. The October 7 decision addresses that gap and allows the Town to complete the pond and its surrounding improvements as a coordinated project.

Residents urge Council to finish the job
Eleven residents and community representatives addressed Council, urging members to complete the improvements without further delays. Speakers expressed concern that postponing landscaping and pathways could leave portions of the pond area unfinished for another year or longer. Several warned that stopping and restarting construction would increase costs and expose unfinished grading to erosion. Joe Bell, speaking on behalf of residents who helped establish the preserve, urged Council to complete the essential improvements while the contractor was already on site. Preserve Vistoso board member Sue Maurer expressed similar concerns. Councilmember-elect Rosa Dailey encouraged Council to fund the remaining construction and offered to help organize donations of plantings for the area.

Pond construction is ahead of schedule
Town Public Works Director and Town Engineer Paul Kiesler reported that construction began in July and remains ahead of schedule. The original contract calls for completion by May 11, 2027. Before recent storm damage, staff anticipated completing the pond by the end of January. Kiesler now expects pond construction could be completed around mid-February. Work already completed includes removal of the old concrete bulkhead, abandoned equipment, and portions of the old pond liner. Grading and preparation for installation of the new liner are underway.

Additional $500,000 will complete the surrounding improvements
Kiesler explained that the original pond project, including the memorial and parking lot, had a budget of approximately $2.5 million and is currently about $17,000 over budget. The additional pathways, grading, irrigation, and turf needed to complete the restoration were not fully funded. He estimated that completing these improvements would require approximately $425,000 and recommended allocating $500,000 to provide a contingency for unforeseen expenses. Doing so while the contractor is already on site will reduce overall project costs and avoid potential damage to newly completed work.

Council agrees to fund the work now rather than wait
Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett moved to allocate the additional $500,000, with Councilmember Mary Murphy seconding the motion. Barrett explained that completing the work while the contractor was already on site would help ensure the project's success. Murphy agreed, noting that delaying the work would only increase costs. Councilmember Joyce Jones-Ivey urged Council to finish the improvements as quickly as possible. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0. The funding will come from the Capital Fund contingency. Kiesler said the additional work could still be completed by May 2027, depending on weather conditions for installing the turf.

Council pursues additional funding for preserve restoration
The pond restoration is only one part of the effort to restore the 202-acre Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve. Since acquiring the property, the Town has spent or allocated more than $4.7 million for improvements. The adopted budget provides $366,056 for additional improvements this fiscal year, $200,000 annually for the following two years, and $100,000 annually for the next seven years. The Town has also secured $191,000 in restoration grants. 

IIn a related action on October 7, Council unanimously directed staff to revise the proposed Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application, removing the now-funded pond improvements. The revised application will consider additional recreational improvements, including restroom renovations, trail improvements, and benches. The grant could reimburse the Town for up to half the cost of eligible projects. Work on projects included in the application cannot begin before grant approval, a process that could take more than a year. Staff will return to Council with a revised proposal and updated cost estimates before submitting the application.
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Council Tables State Lands Annexation... Focus on Ina and Oracle

A unanimous pause and a redirection of focus

Last week, the Oro Valley Town Council voted unanimously, 7-0, to pause further staff work on the potential annexation of 888 acres of Arizona State Trust Land near Tangerine and Thornydale roads. Instead, Council directed staff to focus on annexation opportunities near Oracle and Ina roads. Key factors in Council's decision included uncertainty about whether the annexation would generate sufficient long-term financial benefits, concerns that nearby commercial development in Marana would capture much of the new residents' retail spending, and the Arizona State Land Department's insistence that the Town annex both the northern and southern parcels rather than pursue only the southern parcel.

Long-term financial benefits of this annexation are uncertain
Staff estimated that development of the 888 acres could generate approximately $24.5 million in one-time revenues from construction sales taxes, permit fees, and other development-related charges, along with approximately $3.1 million in annual recurring revenues. Developers would construct most of the infrastructure, but the Town would assume responsibility for maintaining certain public roads, with maintenance costs estimated at approximately $1 million over ten years. These were preliminary estimates rather than a comprehensive long-term financial analysis. Council members questioned whether the additional revenues would justify the Town's ongoing responsibilities for roads, public safety, water and other municipal services.

Marana would likey capture much of the retail spending
Councilmember Joyce Jones-Ivey questioned how much of the sales tax revenue generated by new residents would actually benefit Oro Valley. With substantial commercial development already underway in neighboring Marana, particularly along Tangerine Road, residents of the proposed development could do much of their shopping outside Oro Valley. That would reduce the financial benefits of adding nearly 2,000 housing units to the Town. Jones-Ivey expressed doubt that the limited commercial development proposed within the annexation area would generate enough revenue to offset the costs of providing municipal services. She concluded that she had not heard sufficient evidence to support moving forward.

State Land Department require annexation of both parcels...but only one is potentially attractive
Another significant factor was the Arizona State Land Department's position that the approximately 300 acres north of Tangerine Road and 540 acres south of Tangerine Road must be considered together. Mayor Joe Winfield had previously suggested prioritizing annexation of the southern parcel while placing the northern parcel at a lower priority. However, Town staff reported that the State Land Department would not support separating the properties. The department considers the entire 888 acres a single package. This left Council with the choice of pursuing annexation of both parcels or putting the entire proposal on hold. Council chose the latter.

Although LOVE previously raised water availability as a consideration in this annexation, Town Water Utility Director Peter Abraham explained that the proposed development is included in the Town's recently approved 100-year assured water supply designation, which is based entirely on groundwater availability and does not depend on CAP water deliveries.

Result: Staff to focus on commercial annexation opportunities
Council's decision does not foreclose the possibility of annexing the State Trust Land in the future. Rather, it places the proposal on hold while the Town focuses on potentially more immediate revenue opportunities. For now, staff will turn its attention to pursuing the annexation of three commercial centers near Oracle and Ina roads. These properties could generate approximately $1.6 million annually in additional sales tax revenue without the extensive development and infrastructure requirements associated with the State Trust Land. However, annexation will require the consent of property owners, an obstacle that has complicated previous efforts.

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Bits and Pieces

Naranja Drive traffic restrictions next week

Motorists traveling on Naranja Drive between First Avenue and La Cañada Drive should expect delays on Monday, October 12, and Tuesday, October 13, as the Town conducts road improvements under its Pavement Preservation Program. Traffic will be restricted to one lane through the construction area. Access to nearby neighborhoods will be limited, although streets with only one entrance from Naranja Drive will remain accessible. Residents are encouraged to use Lambert Lane or Tangerine Road as alternate routes. Traffic officers will assist motorists at the intersections of Lambert Lane with First Avenue and La Cañada Drive. Visitors to the Oro Valley Library should enter through the Town Hall parking lot off La Cañada Drive. The Naranja Drive multi-use path will also be an active construction zone and should be avoided. For additional information, contact the Town's Public Works Department at 520-229-4850. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Oro Valley seeks residents to fill nine board and commission vacancies

The Town of Oro Valley is accepting applications from residents interested in serving on its volunteer boards and commissions. These groups advise the Town Council on matters ranging from land use and development to parks, water resources, and historic preservation. The Town reports nine current or upcoming vacancies across five boards and commissions.

• Historic Preservation Commission: 2 vacancies
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: 3 vacancies
• Planning and Zoning Commission: 2 vacancies
• Stormwater Utility Commission: 1 vacancy
• Water Utility Commission: 1 vacancy

Applicants must be Oro Valley residents, be available to attend scheduled meetings, and complete the Town's Community Academy during their term. Appointments are generally for two or three years, depending on the board or commission. Positions will remain open until filled. Interested residents can click here to learn more and submit an application. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)

Pusch Ridge Golf Course reopens October 24 after a successful season
The Pusch Ridge Golf Course is preparing to reopen for its sixth season since its 2021 revival, with October 24 as the projected opening date. According to the Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf, the nine-hole course hosted 20,858 rounds last season, attracting residents, visitors, and golfers of all ages. The organization is expanding its marketing efforts to 17 local hotels and resorts and 13 apartment communities. A $49 visitor package includes nine holes of golf, a cart, rental clubs, and golf balls. Meanwhile, volunteers continue improving the course's environmental features, including butterfly gardens and 27 bird nesting boxes installed to date. The group expects to complete Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certification next spring. A celebration golf tournament is scheduled for November 20. For more information, visit Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf.  (Source: FOPRG Newsletter)

Proposition 431: Time To Vote On Oro Valley’s Path Forward

Time to vote on OV’s future!
Whether you’ve received your mail-in ballot or are heading to the polls on November 3, you’ll encounter something new to consider, Proposition 431. This is OV’s Path Forward, a 10-year General Plan created by residents over the past three years.

The plan prioritizes what residents value most
Like previous General Plans, OV’s Path Forward emphasizes the aspects of living in Oro Valley that residents value most. It prioritizes safety, conservation of scenic views and the natural desert landscape, as well as quality parks and roadways.

It also sets a roadmap for our future
The plan offers more specific guidance than previous plans, which is expected as the Town continues to mature. It also addresses resident expectations, including support for attracting more retail and restaurant options, responsible water use, and sound fiscal management.

And produces tangible results in our community
The plan includes 286 specific, measurable actions for the Town to implement over the next 10 years. Previous General Plans have led to noticeable outcomes such as Oro Valley’s public art program, the widening of La Cholla Road, improvements to Naranja Park, and increased conservation efforts for saguaros and significant native trees.

New projects featured in this plan include the creation of gathering spaces, support for mixed-use developments, and enhanced transparency and community engagement related to water management and Town finances.

Your vote matters!
Voting on the General Plan is the most significant way to shape the future of Oro Valley. This is the only Town planning effort that requires voter approval. Your vote will help determine the goals, policies, and actions that guide the Town over the next decade.

Read the plan
If you haven’t already, please take some time to review the full list of priorities before casting your vote. You can read the plan at OVPathForward.com or find a display copy at the Oro Valley Public Library, the Community and Recreation Center, or the lobbies of the Community and Economic Development Building and the Administration Building at Town Hall.

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Council Considers Addressing Land Use Code and Data Centers

Oro Valley considers getting ahead of the issue
Tomorrow, the Oro Valley Town Council will consider whether to begin reviewing the Town Code as it relates to data centers. As it stands now, Oro Valley does not appear to have development regulations written specifically for large-scale data centers. That leaves the Town relying on existing zoning categories and development standards for a type of use that can differ significantly from a conventional office, warehouse or industrial building. At a minimum, we expect that Council will consider whether the code should be clarified or amended so that any future proposal is evaluated under standards that reflect Oro Valley’s community values.

Southern Arizona communities are doing the same
Oro Valley is not alone. Local governments across Southern Arizona have been examining the same issue. Marana adopted specific data center regulations in 2024 and is now considering additional requirements dealing with noise and decommissioning. Tucson adopted regulations for large-scale data centers in August 2026 following a year-long review. Pima County is currently developing its own zoning-code text amendment, including standards for development, design and noise mitigation, after the Board of Supervisors initiated the process in 2025.

A land use with unusually large land and community impacts... but not as much economically

The issue is a complex one. Large data centers can occupy dozens or even more than 100 acres and contain hundreds of thousands or more than a million square feet of buildings. They can require extraordinary amounts of electricity, in some cases enough to power roughly 100,000 homes, while water use can vary considerably depending on the cooling system employed. They can also require substations, backup generators and extensive mechanical equipment. Construction can create hundreds or thousands of temporary jobs and generate significant construction sales tax revenue. However, once operating, these facilities may provide relatively few permanent jobs compared with their size and investment. Significant property tax revenue can also be generated by a data center. That revenue, however, would not go directly to the Town of Oro Valley because the Town does not levy a property tax. Thus, communities must weigh potential tax and economic benefits against concerns involving water, power infrastructure, noise, building scale, nearby residential uses and the amount of land devoted to a relatively low-employment use.

Barrett advocated for a proactive data center zoning review during her campaign
During her election campaign, Mayor-elect Melanie Barrett made her position clear. “I am against Data Centers in or adjacent to Oro Valley,” she wrote, adding that, if elected, she would “...review our Town Code to see what can be done to address this issue proactively.” Barrett cited concerns about water and energy demand, limited long-term employment and potential effects on Oro Valley’s quality of life. She also pointed to the large State Trust Land parcels adjoining Oro Valley as areas that could someday attract interest from data center developers. (Source: Melanie Barrett campaign website.)

Setting the rules before a proposal arrives
Wednesday’s discussion does not put a data center proposal before the Council, nor does it commit the Town to any particular regulation. It begins a more basic conversation about whether Oro Valley should establish the rules before such a proposal arrives. Given what neighboring jurisdictions are already doing, reviewing the Town Code now gives Oro Valley an opportunity to decide in advance where, if anywhere, large data centers should be permitted and what protections should be required for residents, water resources and the character of the community.

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Bits and Pieces

Oro Valley earns national financial reporting award for fourteenth consecutive year
The Town of Oro Valley has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for its report covering the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. The award recognizes financial reports that are clear, accessible and useful to the public, including how well they explain a community’s financial position and use of taxpayer resources. Oro Valley has now received the award for 14 consecutive years.

New town "Community Report" tracks progress on Town priorities
Oro Valley’s first Community Report is essentially a progress report on the Town’s 2026-27 Strategic Plan, covering work completed during fiscal year 2025/26. It is organized around seven focus areas and highlights specific projects, outcomes and performance measures rather than simply listing Town activities. For example, the report says the Town treated or repaired 58 lane miles of roadway, provided 76,213 transit rides, and issued more than 9,000 WaterSmart leak alerts. It also reports on projects ranging from the OV Trails Connect Master Plan and Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve to the new police facility, water infrastructure and financial stability measures. Read the report.

Protect your property from deed and title fraud
The latest OVPD "CrimeFighter Newsletter" highlights deed and title fraud, a scheme in which someone uses forged documents, stolen personal information or a false identity to transfer, sell or borrow against property they do not own. OVPD notes that vacant land, rental properties, second homes and properties owned free and clear can be especially attractive targets because fraudulent activity may be harder for the legitimate owner to notice. Residents are encouraged to periodically check their property records, watch for unexpected notices involving ownership, liens or mailing-address changes, and sign up for free alert services. These include the:

• Arizona Early Real Estate Sales Alert System
• Pima County Recorder Fraud Notify

Proposition 431 Election Guide and outreach sessions now underway

The Oro Valley’s official 2026 election publicity pamphlet has been mailed to every household with a registered voter. The guide includes information about Proposition 431, OV’s Path Forward, along with key election dates and voting information. Residents can also view the pamphlet online or pick up a printed copy at the front lobby of any Town building.

The Town is also continuing its Proposition 431 outreach efforts. Residents will be able to stop by Town information booths to learn more this month:

• The Farmers Market at Steam Pump Ranch on October 10
• OV Spooktacular at James D. Kriegh Park on October 17
• Rancho Vistoso Fall Festival at Moore Loop Park on October 24. 

In addition, the Town is also offering presentations to HOAs and other local groups that want more information about the proposed General Plan before voting. Request a presentation by contacting the Town’s OV’s Path Forward team or calling 520-229-4836.

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Oro Valley Can Cover the 2027 CAP Cut. But Can It Cover Future Growth?

The 14% CAP 2027 and 2028 delivery cut can managed...
Last week, LOVE reported that the proposed State Trust Land annexation could eventually require roughly 1,000 acre-feet of water a year, about 10% of Oro Valley’s current CAP allocation. We also noted that CAP conditions have worsened since Water Utility Director Peter Abraham raised concerns last year about supplying that land. 

...but it requires a new water utilization strategy
Beginning in 2027, Oro Valley is expecting about a 14% reduction in CAP deliveries. At the September 14 Water Utility Commission (WUC)  meeting, Mitch Basefsky, Stakeholder Outreach Coordinator for the Central Arizona Project and Abraham explained how that reduction is expected to affect Oro Valley. Abraham said the Town anticipates losing a little more than 1,400 acre-feet of CAP deliveries in 2027. But he does not expect that reduction to create an immediate water shortage for current customers. Here's how Abraham plans to manage the reduction.

The Arizona Water Bank is expected to make Oro Valley whole
Oro Valley already has an agreement with the Arizona Water Banking Authority (AWBA) that allows the Town to obtain replacement water during shortages. Abraham said more than 600,000 acre-feet is stored in the Tucson Active Management Area and that Oro Valley has access to a portion of that water. His current plan is to use the Water Bank to offset the projected CAP reduction and effectively restore the Town to its full 10,305 acre-foot CAP allocation for planning purposes.

Oro Valley also has substantial stored water of its own and NWRRDS will help bring in more
Abraham said Oro Valley currently has just under 30,000 acre-feet of long-term storage credits in the Tucson Active Management Area and expects that amount to continue growing. The Northwest Recharge Recovery Delivery System is also expected to begin operating in early 2027, reducing groundwater pumping and giving the Town additional flexibility in how it uses its CAP supply. 

But NWRRDS is not a quick fix. First, NWRRDS does not increase Oro Valley’s water entitlement. It gives the Town a better way to recover and deliver water to which it is already entitled, reducing reliance on groundwater and improving flexibility in how the Town manages its existing supplies. Second, as we reported in August, it will take time for the Town to introduce NWRRDS water into the Oro Valley water system because it has different water chemistry than the groundwater currently delivered to customers, requiring the Utility to carefully blend and monitor the new supply as it is introduced into the distribution system. 

These protections are intended to buy time... they are not permanent solutions...
The important point is that Abraham, speaking at the commission meeting, did not describe these measures as a permanent answer to declining Colorado River supplies. He said the Town’s firming strategies (backup water-supply measures) were created for situations like the one now developing and are intended to “buy us the decades we need” to develop the next set of water supply solutions.

Replacing or augmenting any significant piece of the CAP water supply is decades off

Arizona is actively studying long-term water sources, including desalination, imported water, reuse and brackish groundwater. But projects capable of replacing a meaningful share of Colorado River water remain in the study and planning stages. State planning documents have acknowledged that some projects could take as long as 30 years to implement. That means Arizona may have to manage declining Colorado River supplies for many years before any new source can replace or augment a significant portion of CAP water.

That brings the 852 State Land annexation question back into focus
The September discussion does not change what LOVE reported last week. Oro Valley appears well positioned to manage the expected 2027 CAP reduction given what Oro Valley  is today. The longer-term question is different. 

Why should Oro Valley make a permanent commitment to supply water to a new area at a time when CAP deliveries are being reduced, future CAP projections remain challenging, long term solutions are decades away and the Town will be increasingly reliant on stored water and other firming strategies to protect its existing customers?

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Publisher Note: The agreement requiring the CAP reduction must be approved by the Arizona Legislature. As of this date, that approval has not occurred. 

Staff and Council Confusion Over Vistoso Trails Pond Restoration Raises Bigger Questions

Grant request opens a much broader discussion
The September 16 Council meeting included a discussion of a possible grant for recreational improvements at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, including the grass area around the pond. What started as a staff consent-agenda request to approve a grant application turned into a much longer discussion. That discussion revealed significant differences in Council’s and staff’s understanding of what is currently being built, what has been authorized but not yet contracted, what has to occur first, and what pursuing the new grant would delay. It also revealed the need for a broader discussion about the status of the Preserve’s overall remediation. That discussion, along with further consideration of the grant, will occur at the Council’s next meeting on October 7.

It has been four years after the Preserve came under Town ownership
It has been about four years since the Preserve came under Town ownership. That ownership followed several years of negotiations with property owner Romspen and the involvement of The Conservation Fund, which ultimately purchased approximately 202 acres of the former golf course for permanent preservation. The acquisition was made possible in part by a $1.8 million community fundraising campaign supported by more than 600 donors, while the Town separately paid $885,000 as part of the broader settlement that cleared the way for the transaction. The Conservation Fund then transferred the protected property to Oro Valley, subject to a conservation easement.

The Town accepted an obligation to maintain and restore the land
Essentially, the terms of the conservation arrangement require the Town to maintain and restore the Preserve in a manner consistent with its conservation purposes. LOVE later described that obligation as including restoration and maintenance of the property while allowing low-impact recreation and supporting amenities such as trails, benches, ramadas, restrooms and parking. Council subsequently interpreted that responsibility as restoring the former golf-course landscape toward natural Sonoran Desert conditions, including revegetation with native plants and continued control of invasive species such as Bermuda grass.

Then pond feature is in progress
The original restoration plan called for converting the pond area to a desert garden rather than restoring the former water feature. Council changed direction in April 2025, voting 4-2 to restore the full 2.5-acre pond using reclaimed water and to make the pond area a focal point of the Preserve. The broader pond-area concept included the pond itself, nearby parking and access improvements, with additional amenities such as trails, irrigation, turf, ramadas, benches, shade trees and other recreational features to be added as funding became available.

Pond construction is moving faster than the lawn
Staff said the current pond construction contract is now expected to be completed by the end of this year. The surrounding lawn is on a different schedule. Staff explained that its irrigation system cannot be installed until the area has been graded, but the current pond contract does not include that grading work. Completing the grading and irrigation will require additional funding and a change to the construction contract. Public Works Director Paul Keesler said, as a preliminary estimate, that sod could potentially be installed as early as April 2027 if funding and the preceding work fall into place.

Council had already directed money toward irrigation and ADA trails
The update surprised some Council members because, on May 6, Council had directed that approximately $150,000 in unspent Preserve funds from the current fiscal year, plus $50,000 from the following year, be used for plant and turf irrigation in the pond area. Council also directed that a $136,210 Arizona State Parks grant be used for ADA trails, with both projects to be completed in conjunction with the pond restoration.

Council wants the full picture before moving ahead
Confusion over the scope and timing of the pond-area work left Council without a shared understanding of what the current contract covered, what additional work would cost, or when irrigation and turf could be installed. Council continued action on the related grant application until October 7 and requested a full update on all Preserve restoration work, including the pond area and the sequence of the remaining work. 

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852 Acre State Lands Annexation Is “On The Table” Yet Again

State Lands annexation back again
The annexation of roughly 852 acres of State Trust Land west of Oro Valley is moving toward yet another Council discussion. This is not the first time the annexation has been before council. LOVE reported last October that the Town had reopened discussions with the Arizona State Land Department over the approximately 550 acres south of Tangerine Road. At that time, consultant Mark Longacre of WLB Group told Council that changes within the State Land Department made it worthwhile for Oro Valley to take another look at annexation. He said the State was moving toward a process in which the local jurisdiction would have greater control over planning and entitlement of State Trust Land. Mayor Winfield questioned whether that change was permanent, since it was administrative rather than established in law. LOVE reported on that discussion here.

Staff focus is on annexing the entire 852 acre parcel 
At last week’s annexation study session, Assistant Town Manager Carl Shaddock provided few details on the opportunity, saying staff was deliberately holding the fuller discussion for the Council’s October 7 meeting. What was new was that staff placed the total State Land area in the highest priority annexation tier. Mayor Winfield suggested separating the property: The approximately 550 acres south of Tangerine would remain a top-tier priority, while the roughly 302 acres north of Tangerine would move to Tier 3. That makes the October 7 discussion important because Council may now begin defining not simply whether to continue pursuing the 550, but how much of the larger 852-acre area Oro Valley actually wants to bring into Town.

 "The properties currently under consideration for annexation

by the Town of Oro Valley are the two State Land‐ owned sites

indicated on the map below, referred to as Tangerine North

(302 acres), and Tangerine South (550 acres)."

The State goal is to maximize the land’s value
The State’s basic objective has not changed. State Trust Land is managed to generate revenue for its beneficiaries, principally Arizona’s public schools. Last year, LOVE reported that the State’s newer approach could give Oro Valley more influence over permitted uses and planning than under the earlier process. But greater Town involvement may conflict with the State’s financial objective. 

When the property was formally discussed by the State in March 2025, the development concept included a master-planned approach, a mix of residential densities and housing types, commercial and other nonresidential uses, flexible allocation of residential and commercial development among parcels, and Planned Area Development zoning. The State also contemplated Oro Valley completing General Plan and zoning approvals before parcels were auctioned, giving future buyers greater certainty.

The development concept is still far from settled
We can trace versions of the proposed land use back eight years. In 2018, the annexation and rezoning concept for State land contemplated as many as 3,200 dwelling units, including single-family homes, apartments and townhomes. Today, OV’s Path Forward identifies the Tangerine 852 area as “Master-Planned Community” and says it is included in the Town’s Annexation Strategy for potential annexation in cooperation with the Arizona State Land Department. It also says that future land-use changes would occur through a cooperative public process. That gives the Town a framework, but it does not tell residents what ultimately would be built there.

Diminishing CAP water is big issue
Last year, LOVE published many unanswered questions that were posed by the council regarding this annexation. Providing water to the annexed land was the big one. At that time, Water Utility Director Peter Abraham told Council that full build-out of the State Trust Land could require roughly 1,000 acre-feet of water a year.  That is 10% of Oro Valley’s current CAP allocation. He said that the property would rely entirely on CAP water, not groundwater, and noted that nearly all of the Town’s existing CAP supply is already committed to current customers. Abraham warned that future CAP reductions would make that level of service unsustainable. The CAP situated has worsened since then. Last week, we reported that there is a 14% CAP water reduction starting in 2027. 

According the Abraham speaking at that time, the issue is not simply whether Oro Valley can physically deliver water. It can. The issue is committing that much CAP water when it is likely to become more scarce and at a time when the state has developed a firm plan for a sustainable alternative water source.

October 7 should move the discussion beyond where it was last year
LOVE has followed this proposal for nearly a decade, and we followed its return to Council in detail last October. The question now is no longer simply whether Oro Valley should take another look at the 550. That already happened. The October 7 discussion should tell residents whether the Town is prepared to move beyond preliminary exploration and, if so, what development, water, infrastructure and financial conditions Council would require before pursuing annexation any further. 

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Publisher Note: Town materials have historically referred to the broader property as the “880-acre” State Land area, although those same materials describe its two components as approximately 550 acres south of Tangerine and 302 acres north of Tangerine.

Bits and Pieces

Almost a year now and Gephart still does no know how huge construction sales tax forecasting error happened
LOVE has written for almost a year that the Town badly overestimated FY2025-26 construction sales tax revenue, budgeting about $5.1 million and ultimately collecting only about $2.7 million. At Wednesday’s Council meeting, we learned that staff made a large error in the opposite direction on building permits: residential building permit revenue reached $1.55 million, while total license and permit revenue exceeded budget by nearly $684,000. 

Vice Mayor Melanie Barrett asked the obvious question: How could the Town significantly overestimate construction tax revenue while simultaneously underestimating the permit revenue associated with development? Finance Director David Gephart responded, “I don’t have a good answer for you at this point,” adding that he would have to “go back and look at how the budget was formulated.” 

When Barrett asked for a report explaining the discrepancy, Gephart agreed. 

The construction sales tax problem had been apparent for months, making it reasonable to expect Gephart to already understand how the original assumptions had gone so wrong. The issue is no longer simply that two forecasts missed badly in opposite directions. It now raises a broader question: Is Gephart providing the level of financial oversight the Council should expect?

Council and residents appeal staff zoning decision; Board of Adjustment hearing October 5

The Oro Valley Town Council and nearby Rancho Vistoso residents have appealed a staff zoning interpretation involving the proposed senior-care development on the vacant commercial parcel north of Safeway Vistoso Plaza. The disputed interpretation, issued by the Planning and Zoning Administrator, determined that a “sanatorium” is a permitted use in the Rancho Vistoso PAD’s C-1 commercial zoning district. Under Town procedures, appeals of zoning interpretations are heard by the Board of Adjustment, which acts as a quasi-judicial body and makes the Town’s final decision on the matter. Oro Valley The appeal is scheduled for a Board of Adjustment hearing on October 5. (learn more here)

Town launches pre-approved home plans to cut time and cost

Oro Valley’s new Community Model Homes program is now live, giving residents access to Town pre-approved designs intended to make building a guest house, casita or home faster and less expensive. The initial library includes accessory dwelling units and single-family homes, with duplex and triplex plans expected beginning in 2027. The plans are created by local design professionals and builders and are available for use by interested residents. The Town says the program is intended to expand housing options while reducing permitting time and costs. Visit the town program home page to learn more.

Oro Valley expects 14% CAP reduction in 2027 — but says local supplies are secure

Oro Valley Water Utility says the federal government’s new Colorado River operating framework is expected to reduce the Town’s Central Arizona Project allocation by about 14% beginning in January 2027. Water Utility Director Peter Abraham says Oro Valley is positioned to absorb that reduction because its CAP allocation exceeds what it normally needs, allowing the Town to store excess water underground, and because it has accumulated long-term storage credits that can be used if future CAP deliveries decline further. The Utility also points to its diversified water portfolio — groundwater, CAP water and reclaimed water — and regional partnerships as additional protection against future shortages. (Town of Oro Valley Water, "Behind the meter," Fall 2026 issue)

Fall pavement preservation work underway across Oro Valley

Oro Valley has started its fall 2026 pavement preservation program, with work scheduled from September through November on streets and in neighborhoods throughout town. The Town says the work is intended to extend the life of existing pavement before more expensive reconstruction is required, with streets selected based on pavement condition and prior treatment history. Among the larger areas on this fall’s list are Naranja Drive from La Cañada to First Avenue, Vistoso Commerce Loop, Vistoso Estates and Tangerine Heights, along with numerous neighborhood streets. Work is generally scheduled between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., and residents in affected neighborhoods will receive notice before construction begins. (Source: Town of Oro Valley Media Release)