Prop 454: It's All About Sports Tourism

The term "sports tourism" has been bandied about in Oro Valley.  It is used when people refer to the Aquatic Center; the tennis courts at the El Conquistador Country Club; and now Naranja Park-Prop 454.

By now you should have read enough on LOVE's pages to know exactly what Prop 454 is. Our shorthand version: It is a property tax to pay for a bond whose proceeds will be used to accelerate the development of Naranja Park.

The effort to convince residents to vote "Yes" is funded entirely by the development community. This funding includes the "usual suspects" who funded the campaigns of current council members. The driver behind the effort, as unveiled on LOVE, is Mayor Hiremath. From personal experience, we know that he does not always tell you everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision.

So, what if this accelerated development isn't really about us, the residents having an opportunity to use these parks. What if it's really about making Oro Valley a sports tourism destination. In other words, it may not be about the "kids" at all. It may be about "...takin' care of business."

In October of 2014, the late Bill Adler opined his thoughts on sports tourism in Oro Valley at a council meeting. We thought you would want to hear his words.  Bill was a 'patriot' for Oro Valley. He believed that town government should be about serving residents above all else.

In speaking of the plans the town had constructed for Naranja Park, Bill pondered:

"Is the objective [of Naranja Park] to serve people who live here or is the objective to create an economic development incentive to create revenue. I think these are two different things."

We know what sports tourism means to Oro Valley. We have an aquatic center. It is used by a handful of residents at a fairly high cost per season. It is also used for swim meets. And, of course, there the annual Oro Valley Triathalon is staged there. For the ordinary Oro Valley citizen, however, the aquatic center has no direct value.

So what of these improvements at Naranja Park?

Will they too be used by only a handful or residents and sports teams?

We don't know. We can, however, look to other communities. The town of Westfield, Indiana spent millions on sports fields so that they could become a "sports tourism" destination. Residents are disillusioned because they can't use the fields unless they are part of an organized effort. In addition, the facility has fallen far short of revenue projections such that the town has had to support it to the tune of $6 million out of pocket in one year!  Read about their dilemma. Losses like this when added to the losses of the Oro Valley Community Center money pit would be disastrous!

So, vote as you wish; but just be aware the "things are not always what they appear to be.

Tomorrow: Sports Tourism In Mayor Hiremath's own words
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Residents Wary of Town's Travel and Leisure Study

Need to evaluate and plan a viable path ahead for the town's destination marketing efforts
The Oro Valley Town Council discussed a Leisure and Travel Study the town has undertaken. The discussion was one of many topics at the council's February strategic planning study session. The study is an attempt to develop an effective destination marketing strategy and program. The study is badly needed because the town is...

"Babes in the Woods" when it comes to destination marketing

The town took over destination marketing from Visit Tucson last March. It did so without a plan and without experience. Since then, the town hired a destination marketing manager, developed a mobile app, and launched digital marketing efforts (Source). However, results have been minimal regarding significant leads, leading the two resorts most affected by the change to rejoin Visit Tucson on their own.  The town simply was not capable of or prepared to effectively engage in destination marketing. It should have done this study long before it made the change.

There are so many questions to be answered...questions that should have been answered before the town took on this reponsibility

At the February meeting, council members:

• Expressed interest in understanding how the $522,000 previously allocated to Visit Tucson are currently being used before committing to additional tourism investments. 
• Suggested that rather than increasing marketing efforts, the town should focus on evaluating existing programs to determine their effectiveness.
• Identified areas that could benefit from enhanced tourism investment like Steam Pump Ranch NS Sports Tourism
• Discussed upgrading recreational facilities to attract tournaments and large-scale events. Additionally, expanding arts and cultural programming was highlighted as a way to increase community engagement and strengthen Oro Valley’s identity as a destination for arts and outdoor experiences.
• Consider partnering with nearby communities that do not use Visit Tucson, such as Marana, Sahuarita, and Green Valley, to develop a regional tourism strategy... perhaps even engaging a shared tourism consultant

Town plans structured study process
Town has hired consultant CSL International to lead the study and established an internal steering committee, including
• Town Manager Jeff Wilkins
• Community and Economic Development Director Paul Melcher
• Destination Marketing Manager Crystal Franke
• Parks and Recreation Director Rosalyn Epting
• Tohono Chul Executive Director Jamie Maslyn Larson
• SAACA Executive Director Kate Marquez

But will that be enough? Some residents do not think so
Although there has been no public discussion of this study, some residents have expressed concern to regarding the study's focus, transparency, and execution. Some believe town staff may not fully understand the economic benefits of a well-structured tourism strategy...that they may not know what one is. The current Path Forward draft suggests increasing tourism to support resorts, hotels, and businesses, but critics argue that the true purpose of tourism should be to generate tax revenue for town services by attracting outside dollars into the local economy.

The cancellation of Visit Tucson without input from key stakeholders, particularly Oro Valley’s two world-class resorts, has also led to skepticism about the town’s ability to develop an effective tourism strategy internally. Group business, such as corporate meetings and events, generates far more tax revenue than leisure tourism, yet this is not reflected as a priority in the study.

Long timeline for completion
The study is expected to take six to eight months to complete, after which recommendations will be presented to the council. The first update is expected in April, which will provide a clearer picture of how the study aligns with Oro Valley’s long-term tourism strategy. At that time, concerned residents may have an opportunity to voice their thoughts on the process and its direction.

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Mayor Hiremath's View of Sports Tourism In Oro Valley

Mayor Hiremath discussed Oro Valley's sports tourism objective in his 2017 "State of The Town" Speech.  In these remarks, Mayor Hiremath defines Prop 454 as an economic development initiative. The following is excerpted from his speech.
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“Earlier this year, members of the community—including youth sport parents, athletes and Oro Valley user groups—asked Council to take action to construct additional sport fields at Naranja Park. While the Town Council adopted a 2015 Naranja Park Master Plan, our pay‐as‐you‐go approach to phased development was progressing too slowly to keep pace with user demand. So, after many conversations with user groups, stakeholders and a design firm, a proposal that meets the community’s request was presented, along with a plan for financing.

The proposal is a partial build‐out of the Master Plan, and includes only the elements that the community and park user groups have identified as being in greatest demand. The project would be funded through the issuance and sale of $17 million in general obligation bonds to be repaid through a secondary property tax, which sunsets after 20 years.

By law, Town Council cannot impose a property tax—only the voters can. So, this November, Oro Valley voters will decide on Prop 454.

I’m not going to advocate that you vote for or against this bond. But I am going to advocate that you learn the facts of Prop 454 so that you can make an informed decision on Election Day. Please visit the Town’s website to learn what’s included in the project and what it will mean for Oro Valley taxpayers. The fact that this item is even on the ballot for voter consideration is a direct result of Council’s willingness to adapt to the community’s needs. Whether or not it passes will be entirely up to the voters.

And in case you hadn’t heard: Major League Soccer has arrived in Oro Valley!

Thanks to our ongoing partnership with FC Tucson, the Hilton Resort and Visit Tucson, Major League Soccer rolled into Naranja Park in 2016 with Sporting Kansas City and Columbus Crew. And earlier this year, the New York Red Bulls used our fields for practice, and put on a free scrimmage game against FC Tucson.

I am pleased to announce that Major League Soccer will once again return to Naranja Park in 2018!

And here’s some news hot off the press: I’ve just learned that the finish line for the 2018 Tucson Marathon will now be right here, in Oro Valley.

Whether you’re a sports fan or not, it’s important to remember that these major events are coming to Oro Valley because we have invested in the development of recreational facilities that are of such high quality, they meet the standards for national competition, and when they aren’t in use for competition, our residents have daily access to those very same, world‐class facilities.

More importantly, sports tourism is a 9 BILLION dollar industry nationwide. These events bring thousands of athletes and guests into our hotels, restaurants and shops, where their sales tax and bed tax dollars are invested right back into the Town of Oro Valley.

That translates into financial resources to fund Town services and amenities. This is why the Town of Oro Valley continues to invest in economic development opportunities that support our businesses and attract visitors, all while simultaneously improving quality of life for our residents.”

Source: "2017 State of the Town" Speech
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Consolidate Needs-Emphasize Tourism Are Key Elements of Oro Valley's PREC Draft Strategy

Oro Valley's Parks and Recreation Department has created a draft strategic plan. The draft was reviewed the Parks and Recreation Commission in January.  The draft calls for meeting the needs of both Oro Valley's residents and those it can attract to play in Oro Valley.

The strategy identifies 3 areas of emphasis:

Consolidate Needs

According to the draft, Oro Valley Valley's recreational facilities are scattered all over the town.

"Currently, the use of the athletic fields within the Town’s two current active use parks (James D. Kriegh and CDO Riverfront) is very fractured and puts added stress on users, as well as on the maintenance staff. For example, there are softball fields at both parks; a family with children of differing ages could be shuttling between two parks for both practices and games, making it extremely inconvenient. In addition, the maintenance requirements for the types of fields at both parks mean that often staff needs to make changes such as moving outfield fences, and rotating fields to allow them to “rest.” These periods of non‐field use often result in unhappy teams who are forced to practice or play their games elsewhere."

The draft strategy calls for consolidating the needs of large user groups. Once the fields at Naranja are completed, Kreigh Park fields would be converted to little league baseball fields. Riverfront fields would be converted to softball only fields. The tennis court at Riverfont Park would be converted to a second basketball court, pending the town's purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club.

"While this consolidation plan for park uses will result in dedicated parks for certain types of activities, it is the goal of the Department to ensure that there is a net gain of fields during and after the transition, rather than a loss in capacity."

Tourism Emphasis

According to Parks and Recreation Department Director Kristy Diaz-Trahan, the town has identified promoting tourism to bring dollars to Oro Valley. Oro Valley wants to promote events. such as those at the aquatic center.

"In addition to its primary purpose of meeting the recreational and programming needs of its residents, the Town has placed an additional emphasis on tourism as a revenue source for the future."

This includes sports tourism, historical and cultural tourism and eco-tourism.

The strategy notes that: "The Department must be cognizant of this additional focus in determining the mix of facilities for the future, as bed tax revenues play an integral part in providing funding for Departmental goals in the absence of a property tax on residents."

Park Facility Acquisitions

The strategy also identifies opportunistic acquisition of property as a way of growing the parks and recreation infrastructure.

"Many of these opportunities may appear in a manner which requires a timely response, such as in the case of new development or a property sale." Perhaps this is in reference to Oro Valley's planned purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club. If the purchase is consummated, it will add tennis and golf recreation to Oro Valley's public offerings.

The draft strategy will be reviewed a second time by the Parks and Recreation Commission in March. It will then be reviewed with the Oro Valley Town Council later that month. Once approved, the Parks and Recreation Department will use it to create a master parks and recreation plan.
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Inside Oro Valley’s Economic Playbook: What’s Working, What’s Not, and What’s Next (Part 1)

Economic development is essential to the long term financial viability of Oro Valley 

On Thursday, Mayor Winfield will deliver a “State of the Town” address. We suspect that a key focus of his remarks will be on the town’s economic viability.

Oro Valley cannot simply raise sales taxes to boost revenue. This makes economic development and careful fiscal management essential to the town’s long-term financial health. Over time, Oro Valley must continue to revitalize its economy to sustain the revenue needed for its services.

Oro Valley has tried many things in the past to spur economic development. Some things have worked. And some have not.

Oro Valley has long pursued diverse strategies to drive economic development, in its efforts to sustain financial viability. From accelerating business approvals to expanding housing options, the town has explored multiple pathways to attract businesses and residents alike. Some approaches, like developing sports tourism and maintaining a strong public safety record, have shown tangible benefits.  Others, such as efforts to streamline planning or create shovel-ready business sites, have encountered challenges. Here's what's been tried over the years. Click the links to learn more about each.

1. Streamlining development approvals
The EEZ (Economic Expansion Zone)
This strategy aimed to speed up development in Innovation Park by simplifying the approval process for businesses in Innovation Park; notably removing neighborhood meetings and Planning and Zoning Commission reviews. Although intended to reduce delays, it hasn’t led to noticeable new developments in Innovation Park, suggesting limited effectiveness.
Integrating the Planning and Zoning Department with Economic Development
Former Town manager Mary Jacobs made an organizational change that attempted to allign planning and zoning and economic goals by placing the Planning and Zoning Department under the Economic Development Department. This has created a situation in which planners also become mediators between developers and residents.

2. Preparing infrastructure for building
Shovel-Ready Lots in Innovation Park
By preparing land for quick business setup, the town hoped to attract companies ready to establish themselves. Despite the investment, the initiative hasn’t drawn interest from businesses, partly because available lots don’t meet the scale or accessibility requirements many businesses desire, such as highway access or larger parcels. After all, in reality, more of all is 10 miles from interstate 10 whether you travel west or south.

3. Housing expansion
Increasing rooftops
Based on the idea that more housing would attract businesses to serve a larger population, this approach has expanded Oro Valley’s residential community but hasn’t attracted significant business diversity beyond healthcare and other personal services. This trend highlights that more rooftops alone do not meet business attraction goals.
Adding multifamily dwelling units (apartments)
A similar approach focused on increasing rental options to attract employees for potential high-paying jobs. However, demand is currently lukewarm; For instance, the Linda Vista rentals have had substantial vacancies, suggesting that the need for upscale apartments may be overestimated.

4. Tourism and sports attractions
Use Parks and Recreation facilities to attract visitors to the town
Oro Valley has invested in sports venues to attract visitors, and while there’s limited town data, activities like aquatics events do bring non-residents to the area. Sports facilities have had success in driving local economic activity, particularly in hospitality and dining sectors.
Make Oro Valley a destination or visitors
Recently, Oro Valley took over as its own Destination Marketing Organization, aiming to bring more tourists directly rather than relying on regional efforts. Early efforts, including partnerships for sports events and planning public art tours, are underway, but it’s too soon to assess the overall impact.

5. Expansion through annexation
Annex for growth
Oro Valley has used annexation to incorporate nearby areas, both residential and commercial. Commercial annexations bring tax revenue and support public services, while residential expansions provide initial fees but may add long-term service costs without corresponding revenue.

6. Developing a knowledge economy
Incubate businesses
Through a partnership with the University of Arizona, the Oro Valley Innovation Center serves as a business incubator. The aim is to foster startups that remain and grow within the community, though progress is gradual due to the incubation timeframe and risk of external acquisitions relocating businesses.

7. Public Safety as an economic incentive
Maintain strong public safety
Oro Valley’s reputation for safety is a draw for both residents and businesses, exemplified, years ago, by Rancho Vistoso’s willingness to be annexed for dedicated police coverage. Public safety remains a foundational element of Oro Valley’s appeal.

8. Digital promotion and policy adjustments
Build an award-winning website for businesses to explore the town
The “Choose Oro Valley” website serves as a digital face for the town’s economic efforts, recognized for excellence in design and functionality, aimed at attracting potential investors and residents. We have no idea if this generation significant leads. But it appears to be a good start.
Amend the General Plan to switch from residential to a commercial and back
Historically, General Plan amendments allowed for changes in land use. These are changes that allow the land to be used in a manner that was not approved by the voters. These changes are made in response to whatever the current market supposedly supports. The approach has shifted under different administrations, with fewer amendments in recent years, reflecting an adherence to the voter approved 2016 general plan.

Here's what's really worked

Over the past decade, Oro Valley has experienced notable population growth. Combined with significant inflation and the taxation of internet purchases, this population growth has increased town sales tax and state shared revenues. Yes. We think that many people moved here did so because of the Town's terrific public service presence.  We have not seen, however any significant new businesses that offer . What we have seen is something that should've been anticipated: An increase in medical and personal service businesses.

Tomorrow we take a look at Oro Valley's current community and economic development plan, a plan that was put in place five years ago. It is a bit different from what the Town did historically.

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Bits and Pieces

Mark Your Calendars: April 11-Oro Valley Celebrates Settler's Day

Come One! Come All!

Oro Valley's Settler's Day Festival is a week from tomorrow, April 11,  from 9am-3pm at Steam Pump Ranch. It looks like a good time for all.  Celebrate Oro Valley's heritage.  There will be lots going on!

Oro Valley Police Department Donates $15,000 to Children's Museum Oro Valley Oro Valley Police Department

The Oro Valley Police Department has donated $15,000 Children's Museum Oro Valley. The check was presented on April 1, 2015 at 6 p.m. at the Oro Valley Town Council meeting. The money donated is from its forfeiture funds, which are proceeds received from the forfeitures of criminal activity.

OVCOG Nears Recall Petition Goal--Seeks More than Needed

According to a press release of April 1, Oro Valley Citizens For Open Government ("OVCOG") has nearly reached its goal of collecting sufficient signatures for recall election of the Majority-4. "The Residents of Oro Valley are speaking loud and clear their desire to recall these four Council members. Our deadline is April 27th - we are on the home stretch." The election would be held in November if sufficient signatures are gathered and approved by the Oro Valley town clerk and the pima county elections office.

The group is seeking more than sufficient signatures. You can visit the OVCOG web site for days, times and locations to sign the petitions if you wish.

Lamonna: Ironic. El Conquistador Shop Not Collecting New Sales Tax

Resident Shirl Lamonna spoke to the Oro Valley Town Council Wednesday regarding her observation that some Oro Valley merchants are not collecting the new half penny sales tax increase. Ironically, one of those merchants is the El Conquistador hotel which is now owned by HSL properties.  The purpose of the sales tax is to pay for operating the El Conquistador Country Club facility that the town is buying from Lopez.

Council direct Town Manager Caton to look into it.

Rotary "Splash For Cash" Is April 26

The Rotary Club of Oro Valley is sponsoring a "Splash For Cash" event at the Oro Valley Aquatic Center on April 26 from 1-4pm. It is billed as a "Fun competition between the five Oro Valley High Schools."

Events include a 200 yard Tarzan Relay and an aquatic obstacle course. TV4 anchor Tom McNamara will be the event MC. Tickets for the event can be purchased at the aquatic center or by clicking here.

The Rotary will donate the all funds raise to Oro Valley charitable causes.

Adler: Shorten Council Meetings. Get More Citizen Input, Consider The General Plan

Oro Valley resident Bill Adler observes that Oro Valley town council meetings can be shortened and more resident-input focused. Speaking at Wednesday's call to audience, Adler noted that things like town department reports could be eliminated. After all, these are already available to council.

Adler is concerned that this council is simply not seeking and therefore not getting sufficient citizen input. Later in the meeting Adler noted that the town was using a non voter approved "strategic plan" for decision making and not using the voter approved 2015 General Plan.

In an email to us, Bill clarified his comment at the meeting:

"The General Plan revision that is on going now and is relying upon 'guiding principles' as the basis for policies and action is not the basis for the plan for parks. This whole idea of sports tourism, signature events, economic development from 'national and international sports teams' is not reflected in guiding principles." He asks: "How do we sell a General Plan to voters that doesn't have language relating to sports tourism, but that is a direction the Town has taken based upon another document citizens had nothing to do with?"

LOVE has observed that on many occasions, the Majority-4 has asserted that the general plan is a guide. They do not consider it policy. They follow what they call the "Strategic Plan." This is a document they created supposedly based on the "guidance" of the 2015 General Plan. However, they consider this general plan out-of-date and not of use.

Guest View-Tony D’Angelo: “Let’s Boost Tourism In Oro Valley”

Given the assets, Oro Valley has over Marana, I believe an opportunity to grow revenues within Oro Valley lies with a more robust tourism strategy. Tourism does not require more building or annexation. It brings visitors to town who will spend money and then go home. The downside may be some traffic, but it is relatively a clean industry and can be managed with limited negative impact on the environment. 

I believe there are two major themes the Town can leverage to increase tourism to Oro Valley: One is Environmental / Cultural; the other is Recreational / Sports. 

The panel [at right below] is a map of the assets the Town already has that can be leveraged beyond what they are doing today. 

Tourists actually generate more tax dollars to the Town than residents / day because the items they purchase are almost all taxable to the Town. A significant percentage of resident spending is not taxable (groceries) or is done outside Oro Valley. Tourists on the other hand who stay at our hotels, resorts and short-term rental homes will pay directly to Oro Valley a 6% bed tax and a 2.5% sales tax on their rooms. Plus meals out, concessions, gifts, etc. at 2.5%.

With regards to the Environmental / Cultural side of tourism, Oro Valley is incredibly rich in Sonoran Desert assets. It’s all about packaging and marketing. On the Recreational / Sports side, we also have enviable assets. It is one of the reasons I am so passionate about leveraging Pusch Ridge Golf as a visual and gateway for tourist consideration.

If you get a chance, go to the government websites for Sedona and Indian Wells, CA. I believe both of these towns offer good models that Oro Valley can use to promote tourism. You will see on both Town home pages links to visitor information. Neither OrovalleyAZ.gov or ChooseOroValley.com make it easy to access any visitor information. Oro Valley Chamber and ILoveOV.com are not much better.

There is no magic bullet for drawing adequate revenues to the Town without some negative consequences to the status quo. Tourism will not be enough but it can be a net positive contributor.

Guest View-Tony D'Angelo: What's Next For Community Center Operations

What’s Next for Community Center Operations?
There are two very different aspects of Parks and Recreation in Oro Valley. There are the traditional amenities—playgrounds, ball fields, trails, multi-use paths, and cultural venues like Steam Pump Ranch. Most of these assets are paid for by tax proceeds and grants. Only about 10% of operating costs and capital investments come from user fees.

Fee-Based Recreational Facilities
The other part of Parks and Recreation includes amenities for which users pay fees. These include the Community Center health club, the Overlook Restaurant, El Conquistador Golf, El Conquistador Tennis, pickleball courts, and the Aquatic Center. Because these facilities are owned and operated by the town, they are not considered “for profit” but are managed with the goal of offsetting most expenses through user fees. Currently, user fees cover approximately 60% of the costs associated with these assets. Not only do these assets meet the needs of Oro Valley residents, but they also attract and serve visitors. Should both aspects of Parks and Recreation be managed together and in the same way?

A Shift in Oro Valley's Growth
We are at a point in the evolution of Oro Valley where growth through land development is reaching its limit. To meet the future needs of our community, Economic Development is exploring alternative ways to generate revenue. Our fee-based community recreational assets already contribute to a tourism strategy.

Investing in Fee-Based Assets
Leveraging fee-based assets requires investments to maintain the quality needed to attract the desired audience. These facilities must be well-maintained, aggressively marketed, and managed in ways that balance their use to serve both residents and visitors. To achieve this, we should consider creating an enterprise entity for fee-based recreational assets to ensure they are mostly self-funded. This could involve establishing a separate taxing authority. Fees need to remain affordable for residents while being sufficient to cover operating costs and future capital needs to maintain the quality expected to attract and serve visitors and businesses in Oro Valley.

Current Management vs. Revenue Potential
Currently, revenue-generating assets are managed in the same way as non-revenue-generating facilities that are freely accessible to the community. The distinction between these types of assets is clear. For example, Kriegh Park is a general-use facility for baseball and softball, with a playground and walking path—all mostly free. In contrast, the adjacent Aquatic Center is a revenue-generating facility that hosts swim meets and supports the town’s sports tourism strategy.

Enhancing Economic Development
Revenue-generating facilities should be strategically used to support the town’s economic development, specifically through sports and recreational tourism. These facilities need focused attention to ensure they achieve the goal of bringing visitors and their spending to the community.

Proposal: A Commission That Reports to the Council
Assigning an accountable commission that reports to the council to oversee fee-based facilities from a business perspective is more appropriate than using valuable Town Council resources to discuss operational details, such as dust abatement on the El Conquistador Course. Many communities have established enterprise funds or similar oversight organizations to manage user-fee-based recreational operations. This model could be applied in Oro Valley.

The Challenge Ahead
Our Parks and Recreation staff does an excellent job managing a diverse range of assets. The challenge going forward is determining whether it is realistic for them to manage everything in a way that best serves both residents and the town’s economic future.

I believe exploring this alternative is worth debating.

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Tony D'Angelo is a long-time Oro Valley resident and President of the Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf. 

Council Appropriates $3.2 million More For Naranja Park Buildout

Council appropriated $3.2 million reserves for Naranja Park Buildout
On November 16, the Oro Valley town Council appropriated $3.2 million to “complete” the build out of Naranja park amenities. The approval is exactly what Town staff wanted and includes all of the value engineering changes town staff recommended.  In addition, the council earmarked $509,000 of development impact fees to cover the overrun.

Bond project items that will not be funded at the moment are detailed in our posting of November 16. These will be subject to “pay as you go” spending. 

Nicolson: Sports Tourism is "front and center"

One of the key areas considered by the Council was sports tourism. This concept was introduced to council by former Mayor Hiremath. Councilmembers Nicolson and Jones-Ivey want a world-class pump track that can be used for competition. They think that it will bring people from out of town who will stay in the hotels that have yet to be built. During the one hour discussion, Nicolson, focused only on the pump track. He spoke of nothing else. Clearly, Nicolson wants his pump track.

Musette Drive Connection from Tangerine

Barrett: Borrowing was a good deal when we did it

Vice mayor Barrett commented several times during the meeting to justify why borrowing money to finance the park was good idea. The town received a favorable interest rate on the $25 million in borrowing. The amount of funding to build out the amenities was estimated to be $33 million. Yes. The amount ballooned to well over $50 million, Barrett noted. 

Mayor Winfield claimed that there was no way to predict the overrun

According to Winfield, the original estimate was provided by an engineering firm. This is not the case. It was provided by a Parks Consultant. In addition, the council was advised on several occasion by Public Works Director Keesler that there were materials shortages and that costs were rapidly inflating. 

Solomon: Council ignored statistically valid survey regarding parks priorities

Councilmember Steve Solomon said the same thing that he has said every time this subject is on the agenda. His assertion is that the amenities that are being built don’t follow what people want because they don’t in any way sync with the statistically valid survey that the town did 18 months ago. No one asked for a skate park. Or a splash pad. Residents want trails. Solomon is correct. But that ship has sailed!

Bohen: Last election validates doing this

Councilmember Bohen pointed out that we had a recent election of four people. These are the same four people who proposed the bond. They were reelected. Obviously, the community felt they were doing the right thing.

Greene voted "no" but gave no reason

Councilmember Mo Greene did not vote for the measure. He did not state the reason why he voted “no” since he did not speak. Our guess is that he was caught off guard when Solomon voted in favor. Generally, Greene votes the way Solomon votes.

Winfield's "sleight-of-hand" succeeds

Mayor Winfield is giddy over the fact that Naranja Park is going to be completed. He achieved what former Mayors Paul Loomis and Satish Hiremath were not able to get done. Both Loomis and Hiremath proposed that the town issue bonds that would be paid via a secondary property tax.  Residents voted “no” on that. 

Winfield, on the other hand, circumvented the entire “property tax thing” by issuing a bond that will be serviced from the existing sales tax. A rather clever sleight-of-hand. Oh yes… Winfield and his council also abandoned the “pay as you go” funding for parks improvements. This is a policy that his council at one time affirmed and that all council’s have followed.  The reason that policy prevailed is that is unwise to borrow to fund “wants.”

The "thing in the punch bowl:" Town has no idea what it will cost to maintain Naranja Park

What is lost in all of this is what it is going to cost to maintain the new Naranja Park. Ongoing maintenance cost of the facility has never been considered by this Council  This despite the fact that town ordinances require estimating maintenance cost before committing to build any facility. That is simply smart fiscal management. It is important to know what it is going to cost to maintain a new facility because that cost is borne in future budgets.

Parks and Rec Phase 1 Study Recognizes That Oro Valley is an Older Community With Senior Rec Needs

Consultant's study released
The Oro Valley Parks and Recreation department has released the Phase One report of a many months consultant study of town recreation facilities and future needs. This report will set the table for recommendations from the consultant and town staff to the Mayor and council.

The methodology included a statistical sampling of 443 randomly selected households. It also considered some “not so random” information from “stuff the box” town flash surveys to meetings with stakeholders. like the the men’s golf association and theCanada Hills HOAs.

Confirms Oro Valley's senior-dominant demographic
What really jumped out is the demographic data. For the first time, a town document recognized reality: Oro Valley’s residents are mostly over 55. We’ve been saying this for years. This was something we pointed to in 2013. However, then Mayor Hiremath was bent on telling everyone that Oro Valley was a younger community and that business should come here to employ these young people. He had the demographics wrong then. And the demographics have not changed.

More seniors coming
Indeed, this older group will grow larger in the future years with a coming wave of baby boomer new residents. Here are some points that caught our attention:

Facilities Currently Used

• In 2019, 48.7% of Oro Valley residents were over 55. That will grow to 55.2% in the next 10 years residents .
• Sports fields in Naranja Park are adequate for the town’s youth, when we look at real needs rather than promoting sports tourism. 
• There is a major unfilled need for paved paths and hiking trails for young families and seniors - highest rating 
• Performance venues and community celebrations at Steam Pump Ranch are strongly supported. 
• Archery has little support. 
• There is an unaddressed golf demand for lessons and play. Maybe our new golf operator, Billy Casper Sports, should court Oro Valley residents to grow outside play instead of marketing to Phoenix visitors 
• There is a strong demand for senior programs that have gone unaddressed. For example: Pickle ball is more in demand than our 30 tennis courts.

Steam Pump Ranch and multi-use paths most used amenities
Looking at the statistically valid survey chart Q4  (see panel above) shows that Steam Pump Ranch and the town multi-use path are the most used town facilities with 54% of respondents using these facilities in the past 6 months.

High Priority Wants and Needs

Survey respondents want more of the same
We've listed the high priority wants and needs expressed by the residents in the panel at left.

The consultant made a point that grants must be pursued if residents want to avoid property taxes.

However, our takeaway is that what residents really want- paths, trails, picnic ramadas, and more senior programs  require less capital than the professional sports fields we have installed in Naranja Park.

Plus paths don’t need to be irrigated like golf nor lighted to Fenway Park standards for MSL games so they will be financially sustainable.

We will wait to see if the town staff recommendations are in line with the study data, and hope they don’t massage the statistically valid survey data to blend it with “stakeholder” bias.
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Bits and Pieces

Messina GoFundMe campaign reaching goal… You can help put it over the top

Last Friday we reported that groundskeeper Rick Messina succumbed to injuries sustained from a bee atttack at the Pusch Ridge Golf Course; and that Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf started a GoFundMe campaign to help pay related expenses for Rick’s parents. The fund has $9,678 raised from 116 donations. The goal is $10,000. You can help put it over the top by contributing here.

Shocking but True: Budget and Finance Commission played no role in the 2025 budget yet it was supposed to do so 

The town’s Budget and Finance Commission played no role in the fiscal 2025 budgeting process. Although they received documents periodically, they did not discuss, analyze or comment on them. According to Finance Director David Gephart, speaking to the commission at the end of June: “I feel like we really haven’t provided you with an opportunity to go through a formal presentation on the budget and allowed you the opportunity to ask questions or provide comment.” This, despite the fact that one of the missions are the commission is to do just that.

“The Budget and Finance Commission is responsible for providing assessment and recommendations in regards to the town manager’s recommended budget and 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan.” (source) . The commission did review three policy changes, but we wonder: What is the purpose of this commission if it doesn’t get involved in the most important aspect of the town’s finances? 

Bohen: The “fat” is in the capital project budget
We noted Tuesday that the town council passed a $151.2 million budget for fiscal 2025. We also noted at that time that Vice Mayor Barrett attempted to demonstrate that the council was at least trying to control spending when she introduced a measure to reduce the across-the-board staff pay increases from 4% to 3%. Later in that same discussion, Council Member Bohen gave his opinion on where the fat is in the budget. According to Bohen, it's in the capital projects. He observed that it's very hard to get straight answers from Town staff on what projects are actually going to cost. We included a quote in the panel at right. 

Oro Valley Residents Advocate for Performing Arts Center to Boost Culture and Economy 
At the last town council meeting, Oro Valley residents and other community members advocated for the establishment of a performing arts center in the town. They emphasized that such a center would not only expand the town’s amenities but also support local arts organizations, provide a venue for youth theater programs, and serve as a vibrant community gathering place. The speakers highlighted the cultural and economic benefits, including increased tourism, enhanced local business revenue, and greater opportunities for residents to engage in the arts. They urged the council to consider this project as a valuable addition to Oro Valley’s growth and development, reflecting the community’s strong support for the arts and desire for enriched cultural experiences.

Oro Valley’s Tourism Transformation: A New Focus on Business and Sports Events 

In a strategic shift, Oro Valley is redefining its tourism approach by prioritizing business and sports event travel, significantly impacting the local economy. Led by the Community and Economic Development (CED) Department, the town is enhancing its group bookings strategy for major resorts like El Conquistador Tucson and Westward Look. Now functioning as the official Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Oro Valley has already identified over 600 potential event prospects and developed comprehensive plans to support extended stays and return visits. These efforts include collaboration with local stakeholders and leveraging grant funding opportunities, marking a new era of tourism for the town. Read more about what is behind this transformation here! (Source) 

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Tackling Key Challenges in Oro Valley’s Latest Five-Year Financial Forecast

Reasons for optimism

Yesterday, we discussed the town’s latest five-year financial forecast and highlighted the challenges ahead. Today, we focus on what the town can do to meet these challenges.  We think there's reason for optimism.

Returning Operating Fund reserves to historic levels would eliminate the capital fund "deficit"

The town maintains a General Fund reserve of 30% of General Fund expenditures, an increase from the previous 25% level implemented five years ago to address economic uncertainty from the pandemic. 

At the meeting Vice Mayor Barrett suggested that reducing the reserve back to 25%, which could free up approximately $2.5 million as a one-time boost for capital projects. Gephart acknowledged this benefit but warned that “it doesn’t address the long-term closing of our excess ongoing revenues over ongoing expenditures” in the general fund. However, what it does is to release funds that more than cover the shortfall of $1million in the 2030 projected balance of the capital fund. 

Bond financing would provide needed spending for major items 
Unlike last year, there was no significant discussion of bond funding for capital projects in this year's discussion. However, there were indications that bonds might be issued to finance a new police facility study next year. The town’s latest grant request status report includes a $3.8 million request from the Department of Justice - Byrne Discretionary (Law Enforcement), a fund designed to support community justice projects. The grant is pending.

The town could sell for capital projects that will not be covered by grants. This is a common use of bonding and the town's current debt service [panel above] decreases substantially by 2027.  In addition, the town's future debt service projection indicates a substantial drop in debt service funding, thus freeing up the capacity to bond future projects.

Annexing retail rich areas can improve the General Fund sales tax revenue "picture"

We have not seen a recent Town of Oro Valley annexation plan. The last one we saw was in 2021. That plan identified a number of areas that are target rich for Oro Valley. Here are a couple of areas; and we've added in one of our own.

As for the General Fund and the shortfall in sales tax revenues, move forward to annex retail rich areas for annexation. One area is the east side of Oracle north of Ina that has Guadalajara Grille and other retail already in place. A second area is to annex the retail businesses on Oracle south of Ina Road. Retail there includes Safeway and Whole Foods. 

In the longer term, focus on annexing the "New Foothills Mall".  The town considered this almost 20 years ago. The town concluded that it just wasn't a good idea at that time. That was before the La Cholla Blvd became a "highway".  Now La Cholla Blvd as a giant siphon for bringing business out of Oro Valley. That's because it's far easier for residents who live in that area to quickly get to shopping rather than traveling across town to get to Oracle Road, which is where most of the retail is  located in Oro Valley.

"Reducing retail leakage" will help too

One area on which the town is focused is finding ways to reduce “retail leakage.” That is when residents spend money outside of Oro Valley instead of supporting local businesses, leading to lost sales tax revenue that could fund town services. The town has already identified challenges such as significant retail leakage in categories like automobile dealerships, clothing stores, gasoline stations, electronic shopping, and general merchandise, with total estimated lost revenue exceeding $776 million. Some of the actions the town is considering include educating residents about the benefits of shopping locally, targeting specific audiences for year-round campaigns to promote local shopping and dining, and strategically recruiting businesses that align with local consumer demand. The next steps include setting recapture goals, aiming to reduce the leakage gap by a percentage through a combination of shopper retention efforts and attracting new businesses to meet local demand. (Source: Presentation to Town of Oro Valley Town Council by Economic Development Director Paul Melcher, 3-5-25)

Bringing focus to revenue generating touring is another avenue 

Oro Valley is conducting a Leisure and Travel Study to develop a tourism strategy after taking over destination marketing from Visit Tucson in March 2024. Initial efforts, including hiring a marketing manager and launching digital campaigns, have shown limited success, leading two major resorts to rejoin Visit Tucson independently. The study, led by CSL International and a town-appointed steering committee, aims to assess the effectiveness of current tourism investments, explore sports and arts tourism, and consider regional partnerships with nearby communities. Some residents are concerned about the study’s focus, transparency, and the town’s lack of experience in tourism management. Critics argue the strategy should prioritize generating tax revenue rather than simply increasing visitors and note that the decision to leave Visit Tucson was made without consulting key stakeholders. The study, expected to take six to eight months, will present its first update in April. (Source)

And remember

Financial forecasts are conservative planning tools rather than definitive predictions. The future is almost never what is predicted. In addition, town leadership is actively seeking alternative funding sources, including federal grants and strategic fiscal policies, to ensure continued support for essential community projects. With thoughtful planning and careful adjustments, Oro Valley can navigate these financial hurdles effectively in the years ahead.

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Key Developments and Community Updates from Oro Valley Town Manager September Report To Council

Oro Valley’s September 2024 Highlights: A Month of Progress and Community Engagement
September 2024 has been a month of continued accomplishments and initiatives in Oro Valley, underscoring the town's commitment to enhancing community life, ensuring safety, and fostering economic growth. The following are some of the key highlights and achievements from this month.

Emergency Preparedness and Community Engagement
As part of Emergency Preparedness Month, Oro Valley has focused on raising awareness and equipping residents with the knowledge to handle potential disasters. The town encouraged residents to register for local emergency alerts, prepare evacuation plans, and review insurance policies. Additionally, the 27th annual Community Academy is now open for registration, offering residents a chance to learn about town operations, growth management, and public safety over ten sessions starting in October.

Police Department: Ensuring Safety and Recognizing Excellence
The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) has been active in maintaining public safety, with notable operations that led to the arrest of a wanted fugitive and the safe resolution of a potentially dangerous domestic situation. The department also celebrated its officers' achievements, with commendations for Officer Andrea Keena for her work on Drug Awareness Day and Officer Michael Kleinberg for his role in organizing the town’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. Furthermore, Officer Trey Brown was honored by MADD Arizona as the OVPD Officer of the Year for his efforts in removing impaired drivers from Oro Valley's roads.

Water Utility: Commitment to Quality and Conservation
The Water Utility department received high praise from the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality for its excellent maintenance and operations, with no violations found during the triennial survey. The department continues to expand its WaterSmart program, with 37 new users added in August, bringing the total to 7,856. The Water Utility’s fall newsletter, which includes important information on water management and infrastructure, was distributed to customers, further emphasizing the town’s commitment to water conservation.  Progress on NWRRDS [panel right], the project that will bring water from Avra Valley directly to Oro Valley, continues.

Community and Economic Development: Growth and New Opportunities
Oro Valley continues to see steady growth, with five new single-family residential permits issued in August, bringing the year-to-date total to 117. The town also issued 149 permits in August, including for new businesses such as DiBellas Brunch-n-Booze and Pillar Speech Therapy. Economic development efforts included participation in statewide business attraction efforts, though the town faced challenges in responding to requests for large-scale facilities. Oro Valley and Marana were recognized at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism for their successful co-hosting of cycling events, further boosting the town’s reputation as a destination for sports tourism.

Public Works: Infrastructure and Safety Enhancements
Public Works projects continue to make significant progress. The Community and Recreation Center’s elevator installation remains on schedule, with completion expected this winter. The Oro Valley Town Court expansion is transitioning to the second phase, with the project remaining both on schedule and under budget. Additionally, the town is addressing subsidence issues in the Valley Vista subdivision with a comprehensive street replacement plan. Residents had the opportunity to learn more about this project at an open house on September 12.

Parks and Recreation: Enhancing Community Spaces
Parks and Recreation has been active in both event programming and facility improvements. The Aquatic Center has seen upgrades, including new refrigerators and planned replacements for ADA lifts and deck chairs. September marks the start of a busy swim season for local high schools, with the Oro Valley Aquatic Center serving as the home site for practices and competitions. The department is also preparing for a variety of fall events, including the popular Friday Night concerts at Steam Pump Ranch and the annual Bark in the Park dog event.
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Source: (Town Manager Report To Council, September 2024) 

"Visit Tucson" Reports: Oro Valley Hotel Occupancy At 55%...And Revenues Up About 16%

Visit Tucson delivered 26,500 room nights to Oro Valley hotels in 2021
In 2021, the regional marketing organization, Visit Tucson, brought “47 booking some 25,000 room nights” to Oro Valley’s hotels for groups. This according to Felipe Garcia, the organization’s new President/CEO. Garcia addressed his remarks to the Oro Valley Town Council at the February 2 Council meeting. It was the annual update to the Council on what Visit Tucson has done for the community. According to Garcia, sports tourism brought in an additional 13 bookings and almost 3,500 room nights.

Oro Valley hotel occupancy at 55%...and revenues up about 16%
Garcia compared 2019 and 2021 hotel occupancy rates for the last quarter of each year. Hotels in Oro Valley were just a bit over half filled in both quarters but the average hotel rate skyrocket from $118 to $146 per room. “That it's more money coming to the community.” By our calculations, total revenue would be up about 16%.  Garcia concluded that “Consumers are coming back to the community and realizing that it's a great place.”

Garcia believes that Oro Valley is a very attractive community because of its open space. People coming here from lockdown location simply enjoy all we have to offer: Hiking, bicycling, or simply walking in the great outdoors.

Visit Tucson has been actively marketing Oro Valley
The organization brought 28 event planners to town last fall. They met with Mayor Winfield. “When we bring them to the community, they see what is here.. and look at the mountains … it's very very easy sale for us,” according to Garcia. “In April, we will bring a group of journalists and clients from Canada to Oro Valley … will be going around the community eating in restaurants. I will be selling to them while they're here in our community.”  The Visit Tucson web site has an Oro Valley page.

$410,000 Funding from bed tax revenues
According to Town Manager Mary Jacobs: “We currently utilize Visit Tucson as our primary marketing group.” The 2021-22 budget includes $250,000 for Visit Tucson. That cost increased when the town annexed the Westward Look Resort. Visit Tucson has been receiving 50% of Westward Look’s bed taxes through an agreement with Pima County. So, the total in the budget, post Westward Look Annexation, for Visit Tucson is $410,000. (Source)

All funds come from the town’s bed tax revenues of 6%.

Lack of hotel responsiveness is a big challenge
It seems odd that the hotels that benefit from the efforts of the Town and Visit Tucson to increase hotel occupancy are unresponsive to opportunities that are presented to them. According to Garcia, hotel responsiveness to opportunities is a problem. “One of the biggest challenges we have is a lack of staffing in hotels. Many hotels are relying on a regional salesperson so we have to go and tell them they have pay attention to us here in Southern Arizona.”

Garcia is enthusiastic about 2022
Garcia noted that organizations are just now returning to offsite events. Much of the travel to date has been by individuals. He wants Oro Valley to “keep doing what you're doing. Keep building a very strong community that is unique.” While Oro Valley is doing that, Visit Tucson plans to complete updating its website; and to focus on social media as a way to get the word out about our community and about Southern Arizona in general. With that in mind, he requested that anyone who has decent pictures of the town please send it to him so that he can include them in presentations and on the website.
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About Visit Tucson

Visit Tucson is a regional marketing organization, with a goal of promoting tourism in Southern Arizona. It is a non profit organization. It is funded by three jurisdictions: The City of Tucson ($5million), Pima County ($2.2 million) and Oro Valley ($410,000). Marana and Sahuarita are not participants and provide no funding. (Source)  Private-sector revenue adds $277,450 in Visit Tucson’s 2021-22 [$7.9 million] fiscal year budget. "While the Town of Oro Valley contributes a set amount each year, Pima County and City of Tucson contribute a percentage of bed tax collections."  Council Member Josh Nicolson is the Oro Valley Town Council liaison to Visit Tucson.

Oro Valley's 2015-16 Budget Defines A Larger, Growth-Focussed Community

Oro Valley continues on the path of becoming larger, growth focussed community.

Tonight the Oro Valley Town Council's will approve by at 4-3 vote a record setting $119.6 million budget. The budget spends $83 million, or almost $2,000 per capita, as we reported Monday.  This spending pays for many items. It is, as we previously reported, a huge jump in spending. 

Oro Valley's Budget implements a vision of a much larger community

This year's budget should not be any surprise to anyone who reads LOVE.

The budget is the implementation of a vision shared by the Majority-4 (Mayor Hiremath and Council Member's Hornat, Snider and Waters). It is a vision of a much larger community.

It is a vision shared in their election in 2010. It is vision they shared in their election of 2014. It is a a vision that they embodied in the Oro Valley 2015 startegic plan. This is plan that they alone approved. It is a plan that states that Oro Valley will:

• Explore annexation opportunities
• Partner with existing high-tech and biosciences businesses to determine expansion and supplier needs.
• Explore the possibility of recruiting a satellite campus for a major university or other educational institution
• Evaluate the development of an entertainment district that includes music, sports, museums, and private/nonprofit galleries;

One of the goals of that plan is to: "Develop exceptional recreation and cultural facilities and programs that attract visitors and events that enhance residents’ quality of life and strengthens the economy."

Why does Oro Valley want to bring tourists to Oro Valley? According to conversation we had in September with Mayor Hiremath, about one-third of Oro Valley's sales tax revenues now come from people who live outside Oro Valley town limits. The mayor's theory is that increasing this percent to 50%, for example, will increase Oro Valley's sales tax revenues with less of a burden on Oro Valley residents.

There is every reason to believe that the Majority-4 will continue to move Oro Valley in the direction of growth and that growth will become a key element of the 2015 General Plan.

Not All Oro Valley residents want Oro Valley to grow into a tourist mecca

Oro Valley resident Shirl Lamonna spoke to the Oro Valley Town Council at the May 20 meeting. She share her view and desire that Oro Valley remain a vibrant, suburban community.

Lamonna moved to Oro Valley to enjoy "...a quiet suburban life with the beautiful views of the mountains and limited traffic.

Oro Valley has a great small town, suburban appeal. It’s been chosen as a top city for living, for families, for playfulness and even for launching a business. Oro Valley receives these awards because it offers better schools, public safety and an excellent quality of life – an escape from work, less traffic congestion, less crowding, opportunities for recreational and outdoor activities."

Lamonna is concerned that the strategic plan's emphasis on attracting tourism will change the community.  "I don’t know of any town resident that has ever expressed a wish that Oro Valley were a better tourist destination. Nor do I recall such a question ever appearing in any survey of what residents want the Town leadership to pursue."

Indeed, there is no mention of making Oro Valley a tourism mecca in the Oro Valley 2005 voter approved general plan.

"Our needs are simple," she observed: "A 2014 Oro Valley Parks and Recreation Department survey identified the amenities desired as playgrounds, picnic areas and sports fields for our families to use. We’re not asking for event centers and amphitheaters. We’re not looking to attract crowds that will ultimately cost us more for public safety, roads, operations and maintenance."

"We don’t want to become a Glendale whose bet on becoming the Phoenix area’s sports and entertainment hub resulted in higher taxes, firing of employees and rising penalties on its debt...Glendale is “a good example -- and hopefully a warning sign to others -- that when you deviate from your core purpose, you increase your risk.”

2015 General Plan Draft Lays Out Vision
Clearly, not everyone who lives in Oro Valley wants substantial growth. There are other options.

Read about what the 2015 draft general plan envisions for Oro Valley.

What kind of community do you want Oro Valley to be?

Mayor Hiremath: "The Town You See Today Has Been Intentionally Crafted Toward A Common Vision"

Mayor Satish Hiremath delivered his sixth annual "State Of The Town" address at the El Conquistador Country Resort and County club yesterday.

The address is a fundraising event for the chamber. Speaking to an audience of about 650 people, about a quarter of which were either visiting dignitaries or Oro Valley town employees, the mayor touted what he considers to be his key accomplishment during his term: Changing Oro Valley from a retirement community to a community for everyone.

Hiremath reveals the Oro Valley formula for success
According to Hiremath, Oro Valley faced a financial dilemma when he took office in 2010.  He adopted a bold strategy: Grow the town.

"State of the Town" Luncheon

In 2011, he sought passage of the environmentally sensitive land ordinance, an ordinance that encourages cluster homes and the set aside of contiguous undisturbed desert. This, he says, increased rooftops which drew retailers to the community. Increasing the number of retailers then resulted in increased sales tax revenues. The town also encourages sports tourism in Oro Valley. This adds more sales revenues. Growing sales tax revenues is important, according to Hiremath, because half of Oro Valley's general fund revenues are from the sales tax. Without sales tax growth, Mayor Hiremath believes the town would need a property tax.

Fact: In five years, sales tax revenues grew from $13.1 to $15.7 million, an increase of $2.6 million or 20%. This is a compound annual growth rate of 3.7%.

Hiremath wants to "accelerate" growth through a Pima County property tax increase
Mayor Hiremath points to an "understanding" between the town and Arizona State University as evidence that his growth strategies work. ASU will take space in a business accelerator. They will do so if and when one is built.

A business accelerator is a place for start-up companies. Its location in Oro Valley will bring jobs to Oro Valley, according to the mayor.

The mayor did not mention that getting this business accelerator requires voter approval of a property tax. The business accelerator building is included in the 2015 Pima County bond package.  Pima County voters will have to vote for this increased property tax in November's bond election in order to get the funds to build the facility.

Mayor Hiremath also points to a commitment by the University of Arizona to house a doctoral in veterinary medicine program in Oro Valley. This program is not yet operational. It requires that the State of Arizona fund it.

Hiremath stated that it was necessary to approve the building of almost 1,000 apartments during his terms in order to accommodate the living needs of mobile professionals. He asserts, as we have previously reported, that younger people no longer want to own homes.

"Who would ever have thought that one day both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona would have a strong presence in our community?"

Oro Valley is a community by design
"Deliberate decisions were made to insure that we would have the infrastructure and momentum for a collaborative community of innovators. These things don't happen by accident. They are by design...Everything that we have done since 2010 has been done with intention."

The purchase of the El Conquistador Country Club is a "game changing milestone in Oro Valley history"
"Our boldest move yet was purchasing the El Conquistador country club this year and converting it into the Oro Valley community and recreation center. This acquisition includes... a 50,000 square foot building". (ed. note: This calculation is the total of the basement space [golf cart storage], the first floor space, and the second floor space [restaurant and meeting room])

Hiremath refers to the El Conquistador Country Club purchase as a designed action even though, according to him last year, it came about suddenly and had to be approved immediately.

We wonder: Is plunging Oro Valley into competition with local restaurants and private golf clubs by design? If so, then this may have been a "bad design".

The Hiremath goal: Transform Oro Valley
Hiremath's community by design is the implementation of a vision of the town; a vision that he asserts is "shared" by the people. It is a transformation of Oro Valley from a retirement community to a community for everyone.

Hiremath: "Some believe that their individual rights supercede the rights of the greater good"
Mayor Hiremath vision of how things should work is defined as "collectivism." "Collectivism" is a "system" in which individual rights are subordinated to the "rights" of some group.

Hiremath asserted that those who disagrees with the vision or its implementation simply do not understand the "big picture." If they did, one could surmise, he thinks they would most certainly agree.

Those who disagree should, he asserts, go along with his decisions in order to serve the "common good;" even if they think it would be wrong for them as individuals.

Hiremath: "Great communities are created when 41,000 people act as one."

Hiremath: "Your entire council should be pulling in the same direction."
"It has been said that disagreement on council is good. I don't accept that. Discussion is good but constant disagreement is not. It is not consensus. It is not compromise. And it is not cooperation.... Once a decision is made, your entire council should be pulling in the same direction."

We wonder if the Mayor would say the same thing if he were always on the short-end of a 4-3 vote. Because, when you are the council majority, there is never the need for you to seek cooperation and accommodation with the minority. In other words, you never have to go along with something you think is wrong.

You can watch Mayor Hiremath's speech on line.