Evaluating the 880 Annexation:
Putting Oro Valley Residents First
Many residents have asked about the future of the approximately 880 acres of State Trust Land located west of Oro Valley along Tangerine Road, between St. Mark's Church and Thornydale Road. This property, commonly referred to as the "880," sits between Oro Valley and Marana and has been the subject of discussion for many years. This is a potential annexation area for the Town of Oro Valley, and has been pushed by many who support growth at all costs.
Prior to my election to the Town Council, plans were being discussed that could have brought approximately 3,200 homes and apartments to this area through annexation into Oro Valley. The proposal generated significant public interest and strong opposition from many neighboring residents. It was favored by the Town Council then in place who was funded by developers, and was nearly completed, though important questions and considerations remained.
Shortly after I took office, the Council held a study session to better understand the long-term implications of the project, including its financial impacts, water demands, and environmental considerations. Before any vote was taken, changes within the State Land Department led the State to withdraw from the annexation process.
Today, discussions about the 880 continue. I am neither for nor against annexation of this property. Instead, I believe any proposal must be evaluated carefully and must demonstrate a clear benefit to the current residents of Oro Valley. There are three critical areas of concern that must be addressed before any annexation should move forward.
Long-Term Financial Benefit to Oro Valley
One of the most important responsibilities of local government is ensuring that growth pays its own way and contributes positively to the community over the long term.
Oro Valley relies heavily on sales tax revenue to fund core services such as police protection, road maintenance, parks, and recreation. New residential development brings new residents who require these services, making the financial balance of any annexation critically important.
The challenge with the 880 is its location. The property is directly adjacent to existing commercial development in Marana, including retail centers along Tangerine Road and Thornydale Road. It is also located within the Marana Unified School District. As a result, future residents may naturally shop, dine, and conduct much of their daily business outside Oro Valley.
For the annexation to make financial sense, the property would likely need a substantial commercial component capable of generating long-term sales tax revenue. While commercial development could be required through zoning, there are legitimate questions about its viability given the commercial centers that already surround the property and the significant undeveloped commercial land that already exists within Oro Valley along the La Cholla and Tangerine corridors.
Before moving forward, residents deserve a clear understanding of whether this annexation would strengthen Oro Valley's financial position or create additional long-term obligations for existing taxpayers.
Water Sustainability
Water is perhaps the most important issue facing Arizona communities today.
Unlike some properties, the 880 does not come with its own independent water supply. Development of the property would rely entirely on Oro Valley's existing Colorado River allocation delivered through the Central Arizona Project (CAP).
As negotiations continue regarding future Colorado River allocations, uncertainty remains about the long-term availability of this water source. Providing water service to thousands of additional homes would require Oro Valley to dedicate a portion of its existing water resources to this development.
In addition, expanding water infrastructure and service areas could place increasing upward pressure on future water rates for residents.
Our Water Utility leadership has expressed concerns regarding expansion under the current water climate, and those concerns deserve careful consideration. Any annexation proposal must demonstrate that it can be supported without compromising the long-term water security of current Oro Valley residents.
Protecting the reliability and affordability of our water supply must remain a top priority.
Environmental Considerations
Oro Valley has long been recognized for balancing growth with environmental stewardship.
The Town's Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance (ESLO), negotiated before my service on the Council, provides protections for important natural resources while allowing carefully planned development. The ordinance identifies critical resource areas and protected plant species, including Saguaros and Ironwood trees, that are important components of our Sonoran Desert landscape.
Plant inventories conducted on the 880 indicate that significant portions of the property qualify for environmental protection under current Town standards.
Development at the density previously proposed could require modifications to existing environmental protections that residents have come to value. Any discussion about annexation must honestly address what environmental impacts would occur and whether those impacts are consistent with Oro Valley's longstanding commitment to preserving our desert character.
Growth should not come at the expense of the natural resources that make Oro Valley unique.
A Potential Data Center Site?
With data centers popping up around Oro Valley, residents have begun to question if this property may be used as a potential data center instead of just homes. With 880 acres at stake, and the state determined to sell to the highest bidder, it is certainly possible this could be on the table at some future date, particularly given the fact that Oro Valley has more water availability than neighboring communities.
I am not in favor of data centers in Oro Valley or adjacent to it. I am not supported by others who have voted for data centers in our region, and I am extremely cautious when it comes to our water supply and preserving our quality of life.
Thoughtful Leadership for Complex Decisions
The question before Oro Valley is not simply whether annexation should occur. The question is whether annexation can be structured in a way that benefits current residents while protecting the community's long-term interests.
Before any proposal moves forward, it must demonstrate:
A clear long-term financial benefit to the Town.
Sustainable and reliable water resources.
Respect for Oro Valley's environmental values and protections.
These are not simple questions, and they deserve more than simple answers.
Throughout my time on the Council, I have approached major decisions by asking difficult questions, examining long-term impacts, and ensuring that residents have the information they need before decisions are made. The 880 annexation deserves the same thoughtful and careful evaluation.
This is a critical example of how important it is that Town Councilmembers and leaders answer only to residents and not developers. I have never taken campaign contributions from developers or corporations, and am not seeking indiscriminate growth that fails to benefit the current residents of Oro Valley. I am cautious and thoughtful when it comes to issues like these. Several persons running in this election have previously advocated vociferously for this annexation or are supported by those who have.
If solutions can be found to these challenges, annexation may be worth considering. If they cannot, then it may not be in the best interest of Oro Valley residents. My commitment is to continue evaluating the facts and making decisions based on what best serves the people who already call Oro Valley home.