MARANA, AZ (April 10, 2026) — Delivered under the theme “Building the Town of Tomorrow,” Marana’s 2026 State of the Town address highlighted a year of growth, community engagement, and major infrastructure planning, while underscoring the town’s effort to preserve the character that has long defined it. Mayor Jon Post told attendees that Marana is “built on a strong foundation,” crediting town employees, business leaders, and residents as the driving force behind the community’s continued momentum. The luncheon was held on Thursday, April 2, at The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain.
Town leaders framed that approach as both strategic and inclusive, emphasizing that Marana is guided not only by master plans and long-range strategy, but by participation from residents, businesses, and community partners. The message was that growth is being managed deliberately, with a focus on proactive planning, regional collaboration, and strategic infrastructure investment.
Transportation remains a central focus. Tangerine Road Phase 2B will extend from Marana Tech Drive to Dove Mountain Boulevard, strengthening a key east-west corridor to Oro Valley, while a new Moore Road interchange is planned to improve access and reduce congestion. Several of Marana’s major transportation priorities are also being advanced through RTA Next, including the Moore Road and Cortaro Road interchanges at Interstate 10, the modernization of Ina Road from I-10 to Thornydale, and the widening of Thornydale Road from Cortaro to Tangerine.
At the Tangerine interchange, officials highlighted both short-term and long-term improvements. Interim work known as the “Great Tangerine Squeeze” is adding lanes and improving traffic flow beneath the overpass, while a future flyover interchange is planned to eliminate the railroad crossing and provide a more permanent solution similar to Twin Peaks. Additional road improvements are also planned along Silverbell Road and the Tangerine Farms Road extension.
But the town’s message was not simply about building more roads. Officials tied those investments to connectivity, quality of life, and the goal of creating a community where people want to live, work, and spend time. That same philosophy is reflected in the Barnett Linear Park project in north Marana, which combines major drainage infrastructure with recreational space and a connection to the Chuck Huckleberry Loop. Mayor Post described it as an example of “the Marana approach,” turning something functional into something that also enhances quality of life.
Airport improvements also fit that broader vision. Construction of a new control tower at Marana Regional Airport is expected to strengthen operations, improve safety, and support future economic development. The town also noted that Marana Regional Airport recently earned Airport of the Year honors from the Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group.
Community amenities remain another important part of the equation. Expansion of the Marana Aquatic & Recreation Center (the MARC), including aquatics improvements, year-round operations, additional lifeguard staffing, and new facilities, reflects Marana’s effort to keep pace with growth by investing in facilities that support families and daily life. The town also highlighted the creation of an in-house stormwater maintenance team to improve efficiency and long-term service.
Just as important, Marana continues to reinforce its identity through recognition and civic engagement. In addition to outlining major infrastructure and growth priorities, the town used the event to honor residents and organizations making a difference in the community, including Lyla Grubbs, who received the Youth Legacy Award; Strength & Shield, which received the Branding Iron Award for Organization; Joe Kiser, who received the Branding Iron Award for Individual; and Councilmember Patti Comerford, who received the Mayor’s Branding Iron Award. Those recognitions reinforced the town’s emphasis on volunteerism, leadership, and community connection even as Marana continues to grow.
Support for local business and regional collaboration also remained part of the message. The sold-out event was held in partnership with the Marana Chamber of Commerce, and Chamber President and CEO Amanda Wiggins highlighted record membership and the importance of alignment between business and local government.
Taken together, the projects outlined in the address suggest Marana is trying to strike a careful balance: accommodating growth while protecting the qualities residents value most. The town’s message was that infrastructure, recreation, drainage, airport investment, and economic development are not simply expansion projects, but part of a broader effort to keep Marana connected, resilient, and grounded in its community spirit.