[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6650059,"mediaKeyId","2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107","parentId",2510701,"title","Oro Valley releases first retail gap analysis using Placer.ai; staff recommends shop‑local program and targeted recruitment","audioSeconds",896,"startMs",9571000,"endMs",10467000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107&start=9571&end=10467","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107/thumbnail_9571000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6650059/Oro-Valley/Pima-County/Arizona/Oro-Valley-releases-first-retail-gap-analysis-using-Placerai-staff-recommends-shoplocal-program-and-targeted-recruitment","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650059-d8be8f0effa080f50742a5ef8a4267a4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149215&Signature=gR~SkVNrA5kKzhspNHujq~OMfu4cYUleaWf3qGdjPkGBNamwoL5Gy7lYTjJMiQfE6yGP96JVXZXUe5ANqB0iSnBqLizakxe-ghY146M5zAAdn8gNlH-sjMJe3HlypFQIpopMxqn6DIbTBa6NPhgWDL7jmwzPijekw5VSUdLlPbGiQjirO8Wjje9mYW9Tcb5cy686oHnQN8nF8pv72NjVKnwZYV8vjeGEu3X3VCctUGJfHguCVUjtxD~vaw6cp6VbuDSucbMoNG1o0kBsn7etVIEh8OkPOlZFgE~-UqS6D88FGatG~ylzkRyQkpVquxJFk-xXcntULbI31siF92kJWQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Oro Valley","date","2025-03-05T00:00:00Z","article","The Oro Valley Community and Economic Development Department on March 5 presented a retail gap analysis — the town’s first — using Placer.ai mobility and spending data, and proposed a two‑part strategy to reduce retail and restaurant sales “leakage.”

Director Paul Melcher and Economic Development Specialist Margie Adler said the study identifies where Oro Valley residents make retail and dining purchases outside town and which regional “attractors” draw the most visits. \"Community shopping centers outside the town and large attractors like Costco and the Tucson Auto Mall generate the most outbound visits by our residents,\" Melcher said.

Findings and recommendations

- Leakage drivers: The analysis found major outbound spending categories include automobile dealers, general merchandise and building/material supplies. The Tucson Auto Mall, Costco and the Foothills Mall emerged as regional attractors that draw Oro Valley residents.
- Quantities: Using the Placer.ai outputs, the staff report estimated very large unmet needs in some categories; for example, automobile sales by Oro Valley residents were shown as a substantial amount because no full‑service dealers exist inside town limits.
- Two‑pronged response: Staff recommended (1) a targeted shop‑local program that uses customer‑profile advertising and trackable promotions and (2) targeted recruitment of retailers and restaurants whose visitor profiles match Oro Valley demand.

Melcher told council Placer.ai updates its data every three days; that timeliness allows staff to measure the effect of shop‑local campaigns and adjust recruitment pitches to property owners and national brands. \"We can track results in near real time to see which programs meaningfully increase visits and sales locally,\" Melcher said.

What council asked and next steps

Councilmembers praised the data approach and asked staff to move from analysis to programs. Staff said they will work with the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce and the town’s ExploreOV promotion platform to design pilot shop‑local programs, craft tailored messaging for distinct shopper profiles, and begin targeted outreach to potential retailers. Melcher said even small recapture percentages would yield material revenue — a 1% recapture of identified leakage would translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars in local sales tax potential over time.

The department said recruitment and site development are longer‑term efforts if new construction is needed, but shop‑local measures could produce measurable results more quickly.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Oro Valley - Town Council Regular and Study Session - Mar 05, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Community and Economic Development presented the town’s first retail gap analysis, built with Placer.ai data. Staff recommended a two‑pronged approach: data‑driven shop‑local outreach to recapture small percentages of leakage and targeted recruitment of businesses that match Oro Valley demand and shopper profiles.","taxTitle","Oro Valley, Pima County, Arizona","taxId",55016,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6650063,"Residents press Oro Valley for action on Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve maintenance, seek buffer guidance",303,1185000,1488000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107&start=1185&end=1488","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107/thumbnail_1185000.jpg","/articles/6650063/Oro-Valley/Pima-County/Arizona/Residents-press-Oro-Valley-for-action-on-Vistoso-Trails-Nature-Preserve-maintenance-seek-buffer-guidance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650063-9b437d373c6929aa9b33b200be559825/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149215&Signature=QXrgRKpNS9un0v2xC4whgSWj9TkqeEvtVeltn0p42ZLQwX2iWhwlN9QiZ-xYVev9r18Uy2oKRY1tgK8BhBqJ-t~9SR0ikcJL5KygMIxAEZvok~7ICEHjsgJ7UvD8K29F32UGjxXNdvS8sEzq~ZyIy5KbOlZ53qg3ojLKnFeaNg6cAf8a78Nae7rk79S9ZSvVNewxWIe5RHpHq3ISIXSGd-31o3FfQ4fS5Unrv~R4GS2n-N7HGdLlZOw7OK~JZBgrUuDig5XDflazGqdGnx3Sw1f1IOdldebpvZLxkaJYrAqvUbAPi1zP~SnO9-PvMOeVur-rlpdSpglk3EBFatHDqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Multiple speakers at the March 5 Town Council meeting asked for faster action and clearer guidance for homeowners bordering the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, citing overgrown vegetation, pests and wildfire risk along preserve edges.

Bill Sugars, who said he serves on the board of Preserve Vistoso, told council that homeowners who helped preserve the property deserve a timely response. \"We hope the consultant and the council will let us know what's going on in the near future,\" Sugars said, and he requested a meeting involving staff, Archaeology Southwest and Preserve Vistoso to draft a short document homeowners can use to protect property values and reduce hazards.

Sugars said Archaeology Southwest produced a draft document in November that council rejected and that Preserve Vistoso has repeatedly requested a follow‑up meeting. He called for a working session that could produce an initial draft within a few hours and be before council by mid‑April.

Other speakers described the pond and adjacent landscape fronting Stosso Highlands as overgrown and unkempt. Lynette Mock called the area \"a disgrace to our town,\" and said she would accept grass, cactus or other landscaping but asked the town to address the condition sooner rather than later. Pat Thibault said the preserve became town property about four years ago and residents were told action would begin this year; he urged council to move more quickly.

Town staff and next steps

During call to audience, Mayor Winfield noted staff had scheduled further discussion of Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve with consultant presentations planned for April 16. Town staff previously referenced Archaeology Southwest memos; Preserve Vistoso said it has repeatedly sought a joint meeting with staff and council members to develop homeowner guidance on buffers, defensible space and pest control.

Speakers asked for a concise, actionable document homeowners and HOAs can use to reduce overgrowth, limit encroachment of weeds and grass, and help reduce wildfire and pest risks. Preserve Vistoso said a draft could be prepared quickly for staff review and council consideration.","Preserve Vistoso and neighborhood residents asked council to convene staff, Archaeology Southwest and stakeholders to draft guidance protecting private property values and reducing wildfire, pest and overgrowth risks adjacent to the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6650070,"Dozens of residents and church members speak for and against Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene height variance; P&Z denial stands until council review",1039,1717000,2756000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107&start=1717&end=2756","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107/thumbnail_1717000.jpg","/articles/6650070/Oro-Valley/Pima-County/Arizona/Dozens-of-residents-and-church-members-speak-for-and-against-Oro-Valley-Church-of-the-Nazarene-height-variance-PZ-denial-stands-until-council-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650070-3acd43a32bc212904103f78a851d892a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149215&Signature=BXVWHFs-4v6ES1oU9szeBRW4iPFOV5FOgoUDW1yWUaHb3Pr0Ezw~flvwkZcURqo3lDk6OFqa-gzO~9rtW-R08xTbZAzNmtm7gGaYdsu-60nHjBIffgR~0Qu-yuJ6Sq8oz7bX8LrXKkF1ErPTMBy-Kwk-3ugZBc67oU7p7HOX5qmxWxnskkrfzUR162H4w4cnduIFFkFPjqstrf3-ag5GAflZ07NOIo4SK3yfqPRy9aF6QlhKqEiiHABiRY9ujXen-8E4FgFOcnRJYwZaGdOD-zkDgAG4OJUatFRlRKoQGFBHCd1iSQfEhl9m1lWxPu7nL7JW5fL1NGf8f66FX5N9kA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","More than a dozen speakers addressed the council March 5 about an appeal by the Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene for an increased building height for a proposed new sanctuary. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously denied the height request 7‑0; the council is scheduled to consider the appeal at a future meeting (speakers referenced an April 2 or April date during public comment).

Opponents said the proposed height and expansion are inconsistent with the surrounding rural‑residential neighborhood, would set an unwelcome precedent and could harm property values and wildlife. Tricia Tozier, a longtime resident, urged council to \"uphold the 7 to 0 P&Z Commission rejection of this organization's recent high height ask,\" and described noise and drainage impacts she said grew as activity at the site increased.

Supporters asked council to reverse the P&Z denial, saying the church serves wide community needs. Ray Hahn, who identified himself as a volunteer and financial supporter of OVCN but not an employee, listed the church’s community services — from training events with public safety agencies to monthly food and coat drives — and said, \"If OVCN is allowed to expand, it will positively impact even more individuals and family than it currently can.\"

What the Planning and Zoning action was

Multiple speakers cited the January Planning and Zoning Commission action that denied the height request by a 7‑0 vote. Several opponents referenced the P&Z decision and asked council to respect that body’s findings. Supporters noted the request is limited to building height and said other development issues such as drainage, lighting and landscaping would be handled in later permitting stages.

Range of concerns and claims

- Opponents (Tricia Tozier, Doug Dalby, Tim Terrace, Trendy LaForge and others) described concerns about scale, noise from events, traffic, lost views, and possible future acquisitions of residential lots. Dalby asserted that some images shown by the church to neighbors were misleading and that the church had already altered nearby rights of way and vegetation for parking.
- Supporters (Ray Hahn, Chris Baird, Robert Sabo and others) described the church’s volunteer programs, youth sports, food‑packing efforts and use of its facilities for public‑safety training, and asked council to weigh community benefits in its decision.

Process and timeline

Speakers emphasized the two‑stage municipal review: the height variance is part of an initial discretionary approval; later stages will address traffic, drainage, landscaping and other site‑specific conditions. Council members did not act on the appeal at the March 5 meeting; several speakers urged council to overturn the P&Z denial when the appeal is scheduled for council review.","Public comment at the March 5 meeting focused on an appeal by Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene (OVCN) for a height increase. Speakers for and against the project described neighborhood impacts, community services, and past Planning and Zoning Commission action (7‑0 denial). Council will consider the matter at an upcoming meeting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6650075,"Finance staff warn of tightening capital fund, highways needs in five‑year forecast",2463,4237000,6700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107&start=4237&end=6700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107/thumbnail_4237000.jpg","/articles/6650075/Oro-Valley/Pima-County/Arizona/Finance-staff-warn-of-tightening-capital-fund-highways-needs-in-fiveyear-forecast","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650075-e6ec5660c76dfcdb89c784ca0930326e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149215&Signature=RNxE8lVpKGKK2K9rSttXx0I1pG7zTV4qog9Pnggh1dIz6prVYNqn9Aiy0qu99PDhM0NOvuHlEzI~hiiDsq7XGDCCfJnZtLU6j4eRKomffTuLSDJisSqP700NOKQFovxcvg9SOlYZDSl6opEWut7uM0lzPk1ZEXI8CaaSXtpn8Rm6ny9XbkbiGskqFTurVcSV3p2eNt0v5bQH9PGrZX56S6ZbV5mVPLzrES~yHa355HMk8mQYigjLbiVJcgBgE0DS37Q~9twBeHaYv6sw4nEke3N1eZwPjwNTP7s3F4uRGk5ji4knobhY52h6qdg55KIhHdbjRLvhoWLcXlzMTiIe~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Oro Valley staff told the Town Council on March 5 that recent declines and volatility in state shared revenues and flat local sales tax growth are squeezing the town’s ability to fund capital projects over the next five years.

Deputy Finance Director Wendy Gomez presented the fiscal year to date (through December 2024) quarterly update, noting general fund revenues at about 47% of budget and a 4% drop in local sales tax compared with the prior year. \"Local sales tax is down about 4% — roughly $500,000 — driven largely by a slowdown in construction sales tax,\" Gomez said.

Gomez said overall the general fund is still expected to end the fiscal year near budget. Staff estimated personnel savings of about $970,000 so far and projected a year‑end general fund balance just under $19.6 million, \"which exceeds council's 30% reserve policy by about $4.3 million,\" she said.

Gephart outlined the five‑year forecast and cautioned that the capital fund faces the most significant pressure. \"State shared revenues declined this year and are not expected to fully recover to fiscal year 2024 levels until fiscal year 2029,\" Chief Financial Officer Scott Gephart told council. That reduction, combined with modest assumed sales tax growth, contributes to a projected decline in capital fund balances; the forecast shows the capital fund turning negative late in the five‑year horizon.

Key figures and drivers

- General fund: FY2024 actual general fund revenues were $59.2 million; staff forecast FY2025 revenues at about $57.1 million (a $2.2 million, or 3.7% decline).
- Personnel and operations: Forecast assumes modest employee growth and step/merit increases; personnel costs projected to grow ~16% and O&M ~23% over five years without offsetting revenue increases.
- Capital and highways: Highway fund capital needs and road overlay projects exceed projected highway revenues; staff expects transfers in from other funds totaling roughly $13 million over the next five years to keep the highway fund positive. Pavement preservation needs were estimated at about $3.0–3.2 million per year in coming years.
- Capital fund outlook: With current assumptions the capital fund could show a negative balance approaching about $900,000 by fiscal year 2030, according to the forecast.

Council questions and context

Vice Mayor Barrett pressed staff for context on the state shared revenue changes; staff explained a one‑time bump in prior years tied to rate changes and an allocation increase that temporarily boosted receipts, and that the town is now seeing the expected decline. Councilmember Nicholson asked about recession risk; staff said the forecast assumes no recession but acknowledged economic variables could alter projections.

Gephart said the forecast is a baseline and that alternative fiscal scenarios remain under development; he noted the town has limited dedicated capital revenue sources and that transfers from the general fund have historically supported capital needs. He also said staff included a $5 million assumed cash contribution for a potential police facility in fiscal year 2027 in the forecast but did not show associated debt issuance.

What comes next

Staff presented the forecast earlier than in prior years to inform upcoming budget preparations and said alternative scenarios will be brought forward as the budget process proceeds. Council members raised the option of adjusting the 30% reserve policy to 25% to free one‑time funds for capital, but staff cautioned that lowering the reserve is a one‑time solution and would not close the structural gap between recurring revenues and recurring expenditures.

The town will use the forecast to guide the FY2026 budget development and return with more detailed options and scenario analyses.","Deputy Finance Director Wendy Gomez and CFO Scott Gephart presented a quarterly FY2025 update and a five‑year financial forecast showing flat general fund revenues, a delayed recovery in state shared revenues, and a capital fund gap appearing by year five unless transfers or new revenues change.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6650080,"Oro Valley council sets public hearing on proposed water rate increases, approves notice of intent",1085,7914000,8999000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107&start=7914&end=8999","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2510701-e8655b2b5cff33501267195241886107/thumbnail_7914000.jpg","/articles/6650080/Oro-Valley/Pima-County/Arizona/Oro-Valley-council-sets-public-hearing-on-proposed-water-rate-increases-approves-notice-of-intent","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6650080-1a657a049dfdf36579af8d17bfab354d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771149215&Signature=BrmxbyJgjJk4HcbLdzhulPgD~K4kQxQgrYmXy7CdErcf8SVUpJPHoqGwct2GxroOXzRrOinsvTAi9HuPNdG1yGDvNBsmiu~HqIZcG1nwHT3kMz~kVYGAbFZFcErXd95glr3JDXWYIT0LYHYDrqdJWpeq1N3fuZ17tTSamTK3tNs6UdY2oC7kWZ7pAa-ttslVp1q57YKTa5lbq9APc2mtf73JIMlxo8Qex0qCFZYoE6odq1jv7~w1jkSl0iUYvDTmF1eYHnIouOY5XngNsvOrD-L9VYxmRlA2JNxKPxtLnKxkoCbU3ES0vH1PxTEcc0CLEPS1RjNuW4zjVOjOfPP4pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oro Valley Town Council on March 5 approved a resolution to publish a notice of intent to raise potable water base and commodity rates and set a public hearing for June 4, 2025, voting 7-0.

Town water utility director Peter Abraham said the increases are intended to cover rising Colorado River delivery costs and to “cash‑firm” the utility’s operating reserve. \"CAP's allocation price increased about $25 an acre‑foot this year — roughly an 8.9% increase — and that affects our commodity cost,\" Abraham said during the council meeting.

The notice does not itself change rates; it begins the statutorily required public review process. The town clerk was directed to publish the notice and the water rate analysis report; if the council adopts new rates after the hearing, staff said they would take effect 30 days after adoption, about July 5, 2025.

Why the change matters

Abraham told the council the two primary drivers are (1) higher Central Arizona Project (CAP) commodity costs and (2) a planned increase to ensure the utility meets its operating cash‑reserve target. \"We must ensure we have sufficient buffer for unplanned expenditures and sales volatility,\" Abraham said. He said the rates proposal would firm reserves and let the utility continue to cash‑fund much of its ongoing capital work.

What staff proposed

- A modest base‑rate increase that staff characterized as a resource‑access fee; 84% of customers, those with 5/8‑inch meters, would see a $1.11 per month increase in the base charge under the staff proposal.
- Small increases to the commodity charge in tiers 1 and 2; tiers 3 and 4 were not proposed to change after larger increases last year, a pause intended so staff can measure behavioral effects.

Abraham said the utility plans to cash‑fund existing system rehabilitation projects totaling roughly $10.8 million over the five‑year projection and will borrow only for the large Northwest recharge/recovery/delivery system (NWRRDS) project. He also said debt coming off the utility’s books in later years should reduce future rate pressure.

Council questions and vote

Vice Mayor Barrett suggested smoother, smaller increases over several years to avoid rate shock. Council members praised the water utility commission’s role in rate development; Councilmember Murphy thanked the commission for its work. The motion to publish the notice and set the hearing passed 7‑0. The motion was made by Mayor Winfield and seconded by Councilmember Green.

Next steps

Staff will post the full water rates analysis in the town clerk’s office and on the water utility website and will return to council for the June 4 public hearing. If council adopts rates after that hearing they would take effect about July 5, 2025.","Council approved a resolution to publish a notice of intent to raise potable water base and commodity rates and set a public hearing for June 4, 2025. Staff cited rising Central Arizona Project costs and a need to bolster operating cash reserves as drivers of the proposed changes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oro Valley releases first retail gap analysis using Placer.ai; staff recommends shop‑local program and targeted recruitment

Residents press Oro Valley for action on Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve maintenance, seek buffer guidance

Dozens of residents and church members speak for and against Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene height variance; P&Z denial stands until council review

Finance staff warn of tightening capital fund, highways needs in five‑year forecast

Oro Valley council sets public hearing on proposed water rate increases, approves notice of intent