Continued Leadership
for a Shared Future
Melanie Barrett for Mayor of Oro Valley
For the past eight years, I have had the honor of serving the residents of Oro Valley on Town Council, including as your Vice Mayor. My service has been guided by a simple principle: thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, and always putting Oro Valley residents first. With my legal background and my experience in land use planning and zoning, I have brought careful analysis, independent judgment, and practical problem-solving to every decision before Council. Whether strengthening public safety, turning around Town golf’s multi-million-dollar losses, helping deliver transformational investments like Naranja Park and Community Center improvements, or supporting long-term water sustainability projects, I have focused on results that protect taxpayers while preserving the exceptional quality of life that makes Oro Valley so special.
I first entered public service because I believed Oro Valley residents deserved strong, independent representation — leadership willing to ask hard questions, challenge assumptions, and make decisions based on what is best for our community, not outside interests. Throughout my time in office, I have worked to advocate for residents, protect Oro Valley’s beauty and views, and plan responsibly for our future through sound financial stewardship, strategic investment, and thoughtful long-term planning. As I run for Mayor, I am committed to building on that record of proven leadership to keep Oro Valley safe, fiscally strong, sustainable, and one of the best places in Arizona to live, work, and retire.
Her Commitment
to Oro Valley
Fiscal stewardship with no town property taxes
A safe community where police are supported and funded
Protecting the open spaces and quality of life that make OV home
The Community Center: A Turnaround that Allowed Investing in Recreation for Oro Valley’s Future
Vice Mayor Barrett and the Oro Valley Town Council turned a financially troubled facility into a modern Community Center through smart investments in accessibility, parking, golf infrastructure, and new recreational amenities for all residents.
The Oro Valley Marketplace: Putting Residents First
The Marketplace is owned by developers who frequently donate to the campaigns of council candidates who will advocate for their projects. The development rights they seek through candidates who support them are worth millions of dollars. Because I do not take developer campaign donations, I have always remained focused on protecting the interests of Oro Valley residents rather than simply approving every request brought forward.
Strengthening Oro Valley’s Future Through Strategic Annexation
One of my priorities as Vice Mayor has been planning for Oro Valley’s long-term financial future in a thoughtful and sustainable way. That means looking beyond short-term decisions and identifying opportunities that strengthen our Town without increasing property taxes on residents.
Fiscal Leadership
As your Vice Mayor for the past eight years, I have a sustained record of fiscal management working with multimillion-dollar budgets for the Town of Oro Valley. Proper fiscal management requires robust planning often in challenging economic situations. My record demonstrates a proven ability to analyze financial conditions and find win-win solutions, always ensuring the core values of our community are protected and funded.