Issues & Positions
Responsible Development & Land Use
Oro Valley is 95% built out with 3,100 new residential units already zoned but not yet built. Fifty percent of those unbuilt units are apartments. This unbuilt housing supply will meet Oro Valley’s residential growth needs through 2040.
Recently, there have been numerous proposals to rezone commercial properties to high-density residential (apartments). However, I believe the projects currently approved should be completed first to ensure that growth is managed responsibly.
Another problematic issue with recent development is maintaining our scenic views. For example, the 5-story La Posada at Pusch Ridge project on First Avenue was approved by a prior council and is visible from Oracle Road, First Avenue, Lambert Lane, and the historic Steam Pump Ranch. The height of this building does not fit the character of our town. A 75-foot apartment building was also proposed for the Oro Valley Marketplace but was denied. We must remain vigilant to ensure developers that seek rezonings, variances, and conditional use permits do not destroy the picturesque beauty of our community.
Protect Our Water Resources
Oro Valley’s water portfolio is secure due to effective water management practices. I believe every aspect of our future planning should be viewed through the lens of water availability to ensure we remain a thriving, sustainable community.
A Safe Community
Oro Valley is consistently ranked by Safewise, Travel Safe, Elite Personal Finance, and others as one of the top ten safest cities in Arizona. Our Police Chief Kara Riley is ranked as a Top Community Leader by The Best of the Northwest and the Greater Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce.
I fully support Chief Riley and all members of the Police Department who provide a safe and secure community for residents and visitors to our town. As a parent, Amphitheater substitute, and PTO officer, I understand the value of the Oro Valley Police Department’s School Resource Officers (SRO) Unit to ensure our school campuses remain a safe place for students to learn.
Recreational Open Space
Oro Valley’s recreational open space is a unique feature of our town. These areas are not only an investment in the wellbeing of our residents but also maintain our scenic beauty.
Naranja Park
I support the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve where residents and visitors walk, jog, and ride bikes in a safe and beautiful setting. The restoration of this special green space from a former golf course to a nature preserve contributes to the conservation of our Sonoran Desert, while promoting ecological diversity for wildlife in a sustainable natural environment.
Vistoso Trail Nature Preserve