Oro Valley is truly a community that loves to stay involved. This summer, we saw over 700 people attend meetings, showcasing the town’s vibrant spirit of engagement. Such enthusiasm is a big reason why Oro Valley is celebrated as an award-winning community. Often, when residents are passionate about an issue, they dive into public meetings for the first time. It could be a local board, a commission meeting, or even a Town Council gathering. For newcomers, this experience can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming.
For more than two decades, the Town has hosted its Community Academy, helping residents learn about local government and community dynamics. I remember my first academy back in 1999, and it’s amazing to see how it has grown and become such a key part of Oro Valley’s identity. The academy kicks off again in early October, and the best part? It’s free!
The Community Academy began as the Citizen Planning Institute (CPI) in 1997, created by two town planners and Town Council members. They wanted to give residents the tools to participate effectively. They noticed that many people attending meetings weren’t familiar with the rules or didn’t understand the processes involved. The goal was to encourage early community involvement in planning and other governmental processes.
Oro Valley was the first in Arizona to launch such a program, and it’s been popular ever since. Initially focused on planning and zoning, the academy has evolved to cover broader topics, like civil discourse, negotiating with developers, and making effective presentations. Over time, the program encouraged Town Council and Planning and Zoning Commission members to participate, eventually becoming mandatory for board and commission members. That’s when it was renamed the Community Academy.
One of the key moments at the academy is when participants realize just how complex town issues can be. They often say, “Wow, I didn’t know so many factors were at play.” Whether it’s planning, zoning, or water utility, various factors from different departments influence the decision-making process. The academy teaches that decisions involve balancing laws, community expectations, and multiple elements.
Milini Simms, the Town’s Principal Planner and academy facilitator, highlights what makes this program special: “It brings Town directors face-to-face with citizens. The Community Academy allows important discussions in an engaging and informal setting.”
This atmosphere fosters a two-way exchange between participants and staff. While staff teaches, they also gain insights into what matters most to residents. Over the years, based on feedback, the Town has streamlined the schedule. This year, the academy runs from Thursday, October 3, through Thursday, October 29. Sessions are twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m., in the Hopi Room at the Community and Economic Development building at Town Hall. Here’s the lineup for this year:
– Thursday, October 3 – Town Strategic Leadership Plan
– Tuesday, October 8 – History of Oro Valley
– Thursday, October 10 – Town Infrastructure and Services
– Tuesday, October 15 – Town Water Resource Planning
– Thursday, October 17 – Planning for Community, Economic Vitality, and Future Growth
– Tuesday, October 22 – Legal Parameters of Zoning
– Thursday, October 24 – Development Review Process
– Tuesday, October 29 – Roundtable Discussion
– Wednesday, November 6 – Graduation with Town Council
These sessions cover key topics like planning, infrastructure, water, and economic development, all of which are vital to Oro Valley. For town staff, it’s wonderful to see residents realize how easy it is to get involved and make a difference. In Oro Valley, residents truly have the power to effect change. Space is limited, so register by September 27. For more details or to sign up, visit OVprojects.com. Questions? Contact Milini Simms at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) or call (520) 229-4836.
Sources:
– OVprojects.com
– [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])