By Jeff Wilkins, Town Manager
Nearly two years ago, I was truly honored when the Town Council chose me to serve as your Town Manager. My journey in public service started with a simple belief: great communities are not just formed by chance—they’re molded by individuals who genuinely care about their neighbors. Throughout my career in local government, I’ve witnessed how leadership, teamwork, and a common vision can create meaningful change.
At the heart of my role is the commitment to keeping Oro Valley a welcoming place for everyone to live, work, play, and visit. This involves delivering high-quality services, maintaining fiscal responsibility, and ensuring our local government is responsive and accessible. But more than that, my focus is on problem-solving—assisting residents in navigating challenges and finding thoughtful solutions that strengthen our community as a whole.
Here in Oro Valley, as we manage the present, we’re also planning for the future.
Celebrating our accomplishments
The celebration of Oro Valley’s 50th Anniversary was a significant milestone for us all. Over the past year, we took time to reflect on how far we’ve come and the progress we’re making together. Our recent achievements showcase our shared commitment to enhancing and preserving the quality of life in our town:
These accomplishments not only highlight what we’ve achieved but also demonstrate how we’re preparing Oro Valley for the next 50 years.
Challenges met and overcome
With progress come new challenges. While Oro Valley’s population growth has slowed down, the demands on our infrastructure and services are still evolving. Additionally, updates to Arizona’s revenue-sharing model require us to be even more strategic in how we fund community priorities.
The state’s revenue share with Oro Valley is expected to decrease over the next few years. In response, we’ve tightened our operating budget and reevaluated all capital investments.
We also encourage residents to shop locally in Oro Valley. Every dollar spent here supports essential services like police protection, parks, road maintenance, and recreational opportunities.
Planning for a responsible budget
Our fiscal strategy is focused on effectiveness, structural balance, and resilience. Thoughtful planning today gives us greater flexibility for tomorrow. That’s why the proposed budget for the new fiscal year includes a reduction in overall spending while still preserving core services and advancing strategic priorities.
Key elements of the upcoming budget include:
These measures ensure that we’re being prudent with taxpayer dollars while keeping our sights on long-term excellence.
Strengthening our financial future
To maintain what makes Oro Valley special, we’re prioritizing initiatives that matter most and making targeted investments for lasting impact:
The future of our Town is not solely dictated by the government; it is also shaped by our residents. Oro Valley truly thrives when residents engage and participate. I encourage you to take part in community celebrations, volunteer opportunities, planning events, or share your feedback with us at [email protected]. Together, let’s continue to build the community we all cherish and call home.