By Dave Perry, Inside Tucson Business Contributor
In his sixth State of the Town address, Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield saluted the “remarkable milestone” of the town’s 50th anniversary, while looking ahead to an “even brighter future.”
The second-term mayor talked about public safety, parks and recreation, business, new community investments and much more during remarks given Oct. 31 to nearly 700 guests at the Oro Valley Chamber-sponsored event at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort.
“Our Golden Valley is celebrating its Golden Anniversary, and in these 50 years, we have built more than a town; we’ve built a community where every day we strive for excellence,” Winfield said.
“Our 50th anniversary is not just a reflection of our past but also a springboard into our future,” he continued. “Over the last year, we haven’t just celebrated, we’ve built and invested in projects that will benefit our community for generations to come.”
Winfield spoke in detail about the $20 million-plus expansion of Naranja Park, paid for with issuance of $25 million in bonds at a “record 2.3% interest rate.”
“I visit Naranja Park nearly every day and find great satisfaction in seeing our citizens of all ages using these facilities,” the mayor said. “The smiles on their faces and the community building I witness remind me about why I ran for office.”
Projects moving forward
Use of bonding has allowed investment in other recreation facilities, he added.
In early 2025, the town expects to complete installation of an elevator, as well as entryway renovations, at the “very popular” Oro Valley Community and Recreation Center. When finished, the La Canada center should be more accessible “for users of all abilities,” Winfield said.
Bids will be solicited in 2025 for a new, $3 million multi-use path now in design on the north side of Naranja Drive between La Canada and First Avenue.
“Oro Valley’s path system is a treasured gem that attracts many people to our community,” Winfield said. He lauded Pima County Supervisor Rex Scott and the Pima County Flood Control District for early completion of levee augmentation and path resurfacing along the Canada del Oro Wash this summer.
Winfield is particularly proud of the town’s commitment of $2 million to “help advance revegetation efforts, repurpose the pond area” and “improve the pathways” at the 202-acre Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.
The preserve is “a capstone for me personally, and one of our town’s legacies, something to be cherished for generations to come,” Winfield said.
Public safety
The Oro Valley Police Department “continues its legacy of excellence” under the leadership of Chief Kara Riley, Winfield said. OVPD is about to earn a third accreditation from the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police, becoming one of two agencies in Arizona to complete all three requirements.
“Maintaining a high level of public safety contributes to Oro Valley’s attractiveness as a safe community for families and businesses,” the mayor said.
Public safety goes beyond police; “it is an ecosystem that involves holding criminals accountable through a just court system,” Winfield said. Toward that end, Oro Valley is completing lobby, jury deliberation room and “sally port” improvements at its municipal court.
At a press conference following his speech, Winfield said he wants to ensure “our police department is fully supported,” with the “personnel and resources they need.”
Water ‘a key priority’
Over the last 20 years, population within the Oro Valley Water Utility’s service area has increased 14%, but water consumption has decreased by 12%, the mayor said. And the utility has reduced its groundwater pumping by 60%.
“We recognize that there are still challenges in preserving our aquifer,” Winfield said.
This year’s budget includes nearly $52 million for water utility capital projects, to include $23 million for the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System. NWRRDS is going to bring additional Central Arizona Project water to the community, further reducing groundwater pumping. It will “help us protect this precious resource for generations to come,” the mayor said.
Oro Valley Mayor Joe Winfield addressed a large audience Oct. 31 at El Conquistador Tucson, A Hilton Resort. He gave his sixth State of the Town address.
Growth
In the last year, Oro Valley welcomed 145 new businesses, among them 35 brick-and-mortar operations, 66 home-based businesses and 44 in shared and cooperative spaces.
Business growth is “incredibly important for a variety of reasons,” Winfield said after the luncheon. “A large portion of our budget relies on sales tax.” Businesses also “provide services and products” for residents “without having to leave Oro Valley.” And many businesses “are engaged with our community.”
“Things have changed substantially from when our family moved here in 1996,” the mayor told reporters afterward. “Businesses add so much to our community.”
With less raw land and higher prices for homes, materials and construction, single-family residential growth “continues in a ‘new normal’ pattern,” the mayor said.
Oro Valley expects to issue 95 single-family home permits in the fiscal year that began July 1. Construction is anticipated on two apartment communities, two senior living communities and a hotel. Town staff is reviewing plans for the Hampton Inn and Suites at Oro Valley Marketplace. It may be ready to open in mid-2026. Apartments may follow at the Marketplace in 2027, the mayor said.
Annexation
Annexation “remains an important tool for the town’s future expansion, and we will continue to vigorously pursue all annexation opportunities that can be justified environmentally, economically, and socially for the benefit of Town residents,” the mayor said.
After the luncheon, he told reporters “opportunities to annex undeveloped land will continue to be a priority.” Oro Valley has previously had conversations with the State Land Department about annexation and development of 880 acres of state land west of the community, the so-called Tangerine 880.
OV’s Path Forward
Winfield has two years remaining on his second four-year term. He was asked what he’d like to achieve through 2026.
“I’m in a pretty fortunate position,” the mayor said. “A lot of those boxes have been checked for me. What continues to be a priority for our residents is public safety, our natural beauty, a high regard for open spaces, and businesses flourishing.”
Oro Valley’s next general plan, OV’s Path Forward, is “really important to me,” the mayor said. “It’s definitely a priority.”
“Thus far, we’ve had phenomenal community input,” with more than 9,000 contributions from citizens. He invited people to join one of the general plan’s five working groups.
Winfield noted Oro Valley “has always had a strong reputation for community involvement.” OV’s Path Forward has “taken that to a new level.” He credits town staffers Bayer Vella, Milini Simms and Rene Olvera and their effort “to go where people are, not necessarily asking people to come to us.” As a result, “the plan will really be a reflection” of the public’s desires, Winfield said.
OV’s Path Forward goes to the voters in 2026.
“Oro Valley’s journey has always been shaped by its people — a community bound by a shared vision for excellence,” the mayor said in concluding remarks. “Together, we’ve honored our past, thrived in the present, and laid a strong foundation for an even brighter future. With every project, partnership and accomplishment, we carry forward the legacy of those who came before us. Here’s to the next 50 years as we continue building a community that we are all proud to call home.”
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By Dave Perry, Inside Tucson Business Contributor Oro Valley mayor looks ahead | News www.insidetucsonbusiness.com
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