Oro Valley Emphasizes Resilience, Fiscal Discipline, and Economic Development at 2025 State of the Town

State of the Town

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (Nov. 26, 2025) — Mayor Joseph C. Winfield delivered the 24th 2025 State of the Town address with a clear message for business leaders and regional partners: Oro Valley’s continued success will rely on resilience, forward-looking governance, and disciplined financial stewardship.

Speaking to a full audience at the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, Mayor Winfield credited the Town’s strength to collaboration—among businesses, community partners, Town staff, and engaged residents. He highlighted that “Oro Valley’s strength has never come from any one individual—it comes from all of us,” setting the tone for a presentation centered on long-term community sustainability.

Economic Conditions: Strong Fundamentals with a Shift Toward Maturity

While Oro Valley remains one of Arizona’s most desirable communities—including a recent ranking as The Most Livable Place to Retire in the West—the mayor acknowledged the realities of a maturing Town approaching build-out. Limited developable land and construction-sector delays have slowed growth-related revenues in 2025, though Winfield emphasized this year’s shortfall reflects timing, not trend.

To prepare for a future with slower construction activity, the Town is taking proactive steps: pursuing strategic annexations, diversifying its economic base, and tightening long-term budget planning.

A key concern is retail leakage. A recent analysis found Oro Valley residents spend $1.2 billion per year outside town limits—an estimated $30 million in lost sales-tax revenue. To counter this, the Town is targeting recruitment for missing business categories such as auto dealerships, larger retailers, and specialty restaurants. Partnerships with SaddleBrooke and the Chamber’s “Locals Eat Local” initiative are part of a renewed push to recapture local spending.

At the same time, the Town is sharpening its focus on high-wage employment sectors, prioritizing bioscience, aerospace, and emerging technologies. Optics and photonics were added this year as a new strategic target—supported by collaboration with the University of Arizona’s Wyant College of Optical Sciences and Optics Valley.

Small business growth remains strong, with more than 40 new businesses opening in the past year, including Ciao Down Pizza, Hooked Up Wellness Clinic, and The Picklr’s new 11-court pickleball facility.

Development & Redevelopment: Marketplaces, Tourism, and Strategic Annexation

One of the Town’s most visible redevelopment efforts—the revitalization of Oro Valley Marketplace—is now underway. The first phase includes new housing, improved intersections, safer pedestrian connections, and a public park, all aimed at repositioning the underutilized center into a modern mixed-use destination.

Tourism is expanding as a core economic driver. Since receiving Destination Marketing Organization status last year, Oro Valley has launched a new tourism commission, begun developing a dedicated tourism website, and engaged CSL International on a long-term strategy. Events like the Legendary Women’s Cup, Fine Art & Wine Festival, Pickle-icious Jingle Jam, and the Tucson Bicycle Classic continue to elevate the town’s profile as a regional outdoor venue.

A major economic milestone this year was the long-sought annexation of Westward Look Resort, bringing immediate sales and bed-tax revenue with minimal service demands. The deal also rezoned 17 acres for future high-density development, strengthening the Town’s tourism and hospitality base.

Fiscal Resilience: Strategic Savings and Infrastructure Investments

Despite rising costs and slower revenue growth, Oro Valley remains on strong financial footing. Over the past two years, the Town has reduced operating costs, postponed nonessential projects, and saved nearly $4 million, adding only one new full-time position—a police officer.

Major investments continue to shape long-term financial stability:

  • $33 million to fully fund the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (saving taxpayers an estimated $20 million through 2038).
  • Acquisition and renovation of a new, cost-effective police station.
  • Major upgrades to Town Court and ongoing roadway preservation.
  • Significant parks improvements including shade, misting systems, and new event spaces.
  • A transformative $50 million water-resilience investment via the Northwest Recharge & Recovery Delivery System, securing 4,000 acre-feet of renewable water annually—enough for 12,000 homes.

The Town also secured $3 million in WIFA grants and additional state awards for Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, Steam Pump Ranch, and Naranja Park improvements.

Winfield reaffirmed that new tax categories—such as telecommunications, commercial rental, or commercial use taxes—are not “short-term fixes” but part of a balanced, long-term strategy shared by neighboring jurisdictions.

Planning for the Future: General Plan Update & Regional Mobility

Oro Valley’s 10-year General Plan update, OV’s Path Forward, is nearing completion and reflects more than 9,000 community comments collected through a three-year award-winning engagement process. The 60% draft is now available for public review through October 31, with the final plan scheduled for the November 2026 ballot.

Winfield also highlighted his role as Chair of the RTA Board, emphasizing that the upcoming RTA Next vote in March 2026 will determine regional transportation priorities for the next 20 years.

Looking Ahead

The mayor closed by reiterating that Oro Valley’s next chapter will be defined by strategic governance, community engagement, and disciplined investment. “With resilience and forward-looking governance,” Winfield said, “Oro Valley stands today as one of Arizona’s most livable and sustainable towns.”

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https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/documents/mayor-and-council/state-of-the-town/2025-state-of-the-town-address-transcript.pdf