Oro Valley Eyes a Bright Future with New Developments
The people of Oro Valley have spoken loud and clear through the Your Voice, Our Future General Plan. They envision a thriving community where residents can live, work, shop, play, and learn—all while enjoying a unique sense of identity and belonging. So, what does this vision mean for the future of our beloved Oro Valley?
As the town nears its development peak, with only 15% of buildable land remaining, we’ve seen encouraging growth in business and retail sectors alongside strong residential development. Our safety, tight-knit community, and stunning natural landscapes are unmatched in the region, drawing tourists year-round. However, a key focus remains on expanding high-quality job opportunities, as outlined in the General Plan.
Oro Valley has long aimed to bring well-paying jobs to the area. This commitment has already borne fruit with Innovation Park, hosting companies like Ventana/Roche, Securaplane, and Icagen. Despite these efforts, only 13% of our residents both live and work within town limits. Many commute to places like the UA Tech Park/Raytheon on Rita Road, Downtown Tucson, and The University of Arizona.
To boost local employment opportunities, Oro Valley must leverage its achievements and highlight its attractions. Our town collaborates with partners like Sun Corridor, Inc. to enhance competitiveness on national, regional, and local fronts. Here’s a look at how the town is working to draw high-quality jobs.
Creating Ready-to-Build Sites
Tech employers often seek communities with available sites that can be developed within nine to 15 months. The Economic Expansion Zone (EEZ), launched in 2012, was designed to promote development in Innovation Park. Recently, the Town Council expanded the EEZ, boosting the potential of tech park-zoned properties. This expansion streamlines the site development process while maintaining Oro Valley’s standard of quality. Businesses like Securaplane have already benefited from this initiative.
Attracting Young Professionals
Oro Valley’s Main Streets project aims to create a vibrant town center where people can enjoy a walkable, unique experience. This effort is part of a strategy to attract millennials—the largest generation in the U.S.—and other young professionals who look for a community alongside job prospects. It’s vital to adapt to these changes and draw fresh talent to our town.
A key aspect of building a complete community is offering diverse housing options. As the priciest sub-market in the Tucson region, Oro Valley is known for its single-family homes. Young professionals starting their careers need a range of housing choices, as they may not yet afford or want to settle in a permanent home. The town is exploring ways to broaden housing options, catering to different stages of life and promoting community health.
Collaborative Efforts
Attracting high-quality employers is highly competitive. Oro Valley works alongside Sun Corridor Inc. and neighboring communities to pique employer interest in Southern Arizona. By joining forces, we can maximize the economic benefits of job growth across the region.
Oro Valley is committed to integrating residents’ ideas and feedback into our future plans. Embracing the vision and principles of the Your Voice, Our Future General Plan will be crucial in shaping Oro Valley as a complete community. With continued focus on job growth and attracting young professionals, our town’s future looks promising.
Sources
Oro Valley General Plan
Oro Valley Main Streets Project
Sun Corridor, Inc.