Annexation policy
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.
Under my tenure, the Town has developed a long term annexation strategy and policy. All areas near the Town are being addressed and considered as part of this policy.
One of the most important opportunities moving forward is the strategic annexation of the Ina and Oracle Road corridor, which the Town already has a plan in place we are working to execute.
A Vision for the Ina & Oracle Corridor
The Ina and Oracle Road intersection is one of the most active and economically valuable commercial corridors adjacent to Oro Valley. Thousands of Oro Valley residents already shop, dine, and use services in this area every day, yet much of the tax revenue generated there does not currently come back to support Oro Valley operations or infrastructure. I believe that should change.
My vision is to continue pursuing the annexation of key commercial parcels along the Ina and Oracle Road intersection, including the Whole Foods Plaza and Safeway shopping center area. Bringing these properties into Oro Valley would create a stronger and more unified commercial corridor, while significantly strengthening the Town’s long-term financial position.
Financial Sustainability Without Raising Taxes
The annexation plan for this corridor is projected to generate approximately $1.2 million annually in recurring revenue for the Town of Oro Valley. What is important is that this revenue would come from existing commercial activity—not from raising taxes on residents. In addition, this area would not utilize our water resources, which is a significant consideration when evaluating an annexation’s overall benefit to Oro Valley.
This annexation strategy is exactly the type of forward-thinking financial planning Oro Valley needs. By strategically expanding our commercial tax base, we can continue investing in public safety, roads, parks, recreation, and infrastructure, while maintaining Oro Valley’s strong fiscal position.
Planning Ahead for the Future
Oro Valley must continue diversifying and strengthening its revenue sources over time. Rather than waiting for future budget pressures to arise, I believe in planning ahead now. This past March, the current Town Council and Town staff convened a lengthy Strategic Planning Meeting to direct further exploration of the Ina Road corridor as our current annexation strategy. Identifying strategic annexation opportunities that capture existing retail centers make sense financially, improve continuity along our boundaries, and help secure the Town’s future for generations to come.
A Smart and Cooperative Process
Annexation is not something that happens automatically. Under Arizona law, more than 50% of property owners by assessed value must voluntarily agree to join the Town before annexation can occur. That requires relationship-building, collaboration, and a long-term strategy.
Over the past several years, we have made meaningful progress toward that goal with the annexation of the Westward Look Wyndham Grand Resorts and Spa on Ina Road, which provides the Town both bed tax and sales tax revenues. The addition of this property anchors our current annexation strategy along the Ina Road corridor, as we continue the effort to strengthen Oro Valley’s financial future through expansion into existing tax-generating areas adjacent to our Town.
Forward-Thinking Leadership
My approach to leadership has always been about looking ahead and solving tomorrow’s challenges before they become problems. The Ina and Oracle Road corridor annexation strategy is about more than boundaries on a map. It is about ensuring Oro Valley remains financially strong, economically competitive, and able to continue delivering the high quality of life residents expect.
As Mayor, I will continue pursuing thoughtful, strategic policies that strengthen Oro Valley’s future while protecting the character and values that make our community special.