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AGENDA
2026 GENERAL PLAN COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ADVISORY GROUP
JOINT STUDY SESSION WITH THE FOLLOWING BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS:
TOWN COUNCIL, BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMISSION, HISTORIC
PRESERVATION COMMISSION, PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD, PLANNING AND ZONING
COMMISSION, STORMWATER UTILITY COMMISSION, WATER UTILITY COMMISSION, YOUTH ADVISORY
COUNCIL
October 16, 2023
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
Join via Zoom:
https://orovalley.zoom.us/j/87117039992?pwd=2WOe6p9Dk4Gkm2Ccw34Z230dANMYGN.1
Meeting ID: 871 1703 9992
Passcode: 1234
Dial by telephone: 1-669-900-6833
REGULAR SESSION AT OR AFTER 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
REGULAR SESSION AGENDA
1.DISCUSSION ONLY WITH TOWN COUNCIL, BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS, YOUTH
ADVISORY COUNCIL AND PUBLIC ATTENDEES REGARDING THE PROJECT IDENTITY,
INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE UPCOMING GENERAL PLAN
ADJOURNMENT
POSTED: 10/12/23 at 5:00 p.m. by dt
When possible, a packet of agenda materials as listed above is available for public inspection at least 24 hours prior to the meeting in the Town
Clerk's Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Town of Oro Valley complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If any person with a disability needs any type of
accommodation, please notify the Town Clerk’s Office at least five days prior to the Commission meeting at 229-4700.
2026 General Plan Community Engagement Advisory 1.
Meeting Date:10/16/2023
Requested by: Bayer Vella, Community and Economic Development
Case Number:Not Applicable
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION ONLY WITH TOWN COUNCIL, BOARD AND COMMISSION MEMBERS, YOUTH ADVISORY
COUNCIL AND PUBLIC ATTENDEES REGARDING THE PROJECT IDENTITY, INCLUDING THE NAME OF
THE UPCOMING GENERAL PLAN
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for discussion purposes only.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The General Plan is a community-driven long-range policy document intended to guide town decisions. Per State
law, the General Plan must be readopted – with or without changes - every ten years. The Town’s current
General Plan, ratified by voters in 2016, must be acted upon no later than 2026.
In preparation for a town-wide kick-off, inviting all residents to participate online or in-person later this month, a
resident advisory board has been tasked with guiding the project's identity. This includes the name, colors, logo,
tagline, fonts and graphics that will create a complete branding package. The branding package will be used not
only on the plan itself but on various items such as stickers, signs, brochures, banners, t-shirts, and more. The full
branding package aims to encourage the community to participate, collaborate, share ideas about Oro Valley's
future.
Most branding efforts are guided by focus groups but detailed by marketing experts to create a cohesive package.
The most effective brands are:
Inviting and appealing
Memorable and recognizable
Cohesive and designed for use on multiple items
They do not include jargon (e.g., the words General Plan), are too long or wordy, or focus on one aspect such as
the name or logo.
The resident advisory group, composed of board, commission, youth advisory, and Town Council members acted
as the focus group for this effort.. On September 28, they discussed key phrases, core values and the look and
feel of the next General Plan. Key takeaways included:
Togetherness, OV's unique natural beauty, and forward momentum are all words describing the General
Plan effort.
Messaging should inspire collaboration, accountability and community.
The branding must be authentic by showcasing Oro Valley residents, nature and landmarks.
Staff and Gordley Group took this feedback from the advisory group to create a cohesive and complete branding
package that will be presented to the advisory group on October 16. At the meeting , the advisory group will
discuss the complete branding package and how it relates to the feedback from the previous meeting. Based on
the discussion, the project's brand will be finalized and announced to the broader community during the State of
the Town on October 25.
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
All aspects of the General Plan, including the name, must be transformed from an esoteric technical planning tool
into an effort for residents and stakeholders to take ownership of and further develop. Community participation is
critical to the plan’s success and longevity. Therefore, the project identity must resonate with the community
and encourage participation.
To achieve this, all members of the Town Council and the following boards, commissions and groups are
encouraged to participate in the advisory group.
Board of Adjustment
Budget and Finance Commission
Historic Preservation Commission
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Planning and Zoning Commission
Stormwater Utility Commission
Water Utility Commission
Youth Advisory Council
Based on the advisory group's feedback, a complete branding package will be developed. This step is in
preparation for the General Plan to be kicked-off with the broader community later this month. It will start with the
results of this effort being presented to the community during the State of the Town on October 25.
DISCUSSION:
The Community Engagement Plan (Attachment 1) provides the foundation for the upcoming General Plan effort. It
was created by the resident advisory board and based on a town-wide survey. It includes guiding principles, or
must-do's, that must be reflected during all aspects of the process, including the project's identity.
Meeting #1
Using the principles as a guide, the advisory group role is focused on the broader concepts that will guide the
project's complete branding package. Prior to the first meeting, the advisory group members took a short survey
to gather some preliminary information (see Attachment 2). Some key points include:
Family-friendly, community-oriented, safe, and natural beauty best describes Oro Valley. Similarly, the "look
and feel" of the General Plan should be welcoming, fun, proud, and organized.
Working together, forward-thinking, visionary and achievable are words to describe the General Plan.
However, the term General Plan should not be used as it does not resonate with the community.
Branding that explains the benefit and value of getting involved is critical to reaching people. The plan
should inspire the community to be sustainable, economically stable, and a place to live, work and play.
On September 28, 2023, the advisory group shared words to describe the community, progress, and Oro Valley.
Words that were most popular are a bolder color in the image to the right. This includes "together, forward, future,
community, beauty" and more.
The advisory group also discussed core values that should be exemplified in the messaging and branding of the
next General Plan (see Attachment 3). The image below shows the most popular values discussed during the
meeting (the value is shown with the number of participants in agreement next to each one).
Lastly, the advisory group discussed the look and feel of the next General Plan. The main takeaways were the
graphics and branding must be authentic to Oro Valley, clear, and organized (see Attachment 4).
Meeting #2
Staff and Gordley Group took the advisory group's feedback from the survey and meeting to develop a complete
branding package. The branding package includes all aspects needed to start the community conversations to
shape Oro Valley's future. This includes:
Name
Logo
Tagline
Fonts
Color scheme
Graphics (for use online, brochures, presentations, videos, t-shirts, stickers, and more!)
Key elements from the advisory group and public attendees discussion that was used to build the brand, include:
Community, unity and togetherness
Accountability
Collaboration
Environment, nature, beauty
Forward, future, and improvement
The complete branding package will be presented to the advisory group on October 16 (for agenda, see
Attachment 5). Although not finalized, this discussion will help staff and Gordley Group understand if the
proposed brand is reflective of the survey and meeting #1 discussion. The group will discuss how each element
works together and its potential effectiveness.
Next Steps:
The final branding package will be announced to the broader community during the State of the Town on October
25. An interactive website and several opportunities to join the community conversation to help shape Oro Valley's
future will kick-off soon after.
FISCAL IMPACT:
NA
SUGGESTED MOTION:
This item is for discussion only.
Attachments
ATTACHMENT 1 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN
ATTACHMENT 2 - SURVEY REPORT
ATTACHMENT 3 - CORE VALUES EXERCISE
ATTACHMENT 4 - GRAPHICS EXERCISE
ATTACHMENT 5 - AGENDA FOR 10.16.2023
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN
FOR THE ORO VALLEY
2026 GENERAL PLAN
March 2023
Community Engagement Plan
2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Oro Valley Town Council
Mayor Joseph Winfield
Vice Mayor Melanie Barret
Councilmember Tim Bohen
Councilmember Harry Greene
Councilmember Joyce Jones-Ivey
Councilmember Josh Nicolson
Councilmember Steve Solomon
Planning & Zoning Commission
Jacob Herrington, Chair
Joseph Nichols, Vice Chair
Commissioner Anna Clark
Commissioner Kim Outlaw-Ryan
Commissioner Skeet Posey
Commissioner Dan Sturmon
Advisory Group Members
All Town Council, board and commission members were invited to participate in the advisory group.
Special thanks to the following contributors:
Board of Adjustment
Joseph Affinati • Thomas Gribb • Stephen Roach
Budget and Finance Commission
James Beasley* • Jennifer Carr
John Fortunato • Heather Laird
Historic Preservation Commission
Auvie Lee • Michael Paul • Joan Pliego
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Joanne Moothart • Phillip Saletta
Gary Temple • Matthew Wood
Planning and Zoning Commission
Hal Bergsma* • Anna Clark • Jacob Herrington
Joseph Nichols • Kim Outlaw-Ryan • Skeet Posey
Dan Sturmon
Stormwater Utility Commission
Richard Hawkinson • Gary Mattson
Water Utility Commission
Kay Lantow • Tom Marek
Youth Advisory Council
Kennedy Blanchard • Kenna Brock • Liam DaDeppo
Tanish Doshi • Riley Goodwin • Elena Hendrix
Emma Kim • Allison Kuester • George Li • Amiya Lotun
Alexei Mendez • Faith Ryan • Jaden Wu
Town Council
Mayor Joseph Winfield • Vice Mayor Melanie Barret
Councilmember Tim Bohen • Councilmember Harry Greene
Councilmember Joyce Jones-Ivey
Councilmember Josh Nicolson
Councilmember Steve Solomon
*Terms ended during this process.
Community Engagement Plan
3
I. Introduction ...............................................................................................................4
I. Purpose ......................................................................................................................6
III. Creating the Community Engagement Plan .................................................................8
IV. Changes in the Community .......................................................................................10
V. Community Engagement Guiding Principles ..............................................................12
VI. Key Stakeholders ......................................................................................................13
VII. Communication Methods and Techniques ................................................................14
VIII. Accessibility and Accommodations ...........................................................................21
IX. Strategy for Community Engagement ........................................................................22
X. Accountability and Changes to the Community Engagement Plan .............................24
Attachment #1 – Community Stakeholders in the General Plan Process ...........................25
Attachment #2 – Terms & Definitions for Community Engagement Methods ...................30
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Community Engagement Plan
4
I. INTRODUCTION
The Town of Oro Valley is preparing for the General Plan process. The General Plan is a community-driven, 10-year
policy document guiding long-term decisions for the Town’s future. The process to develop the General Plan will be
completed over a three-year period, culminating in a public vote to ratify the Town Council’s adopted General Plan
in 2026.
The initial step in the General Plan process is creation and adoption of a Community Engagement Plan. Community
input is critical, even this early in the process, and helped shape this document. The contents in this plan reflect
and incorporate the work of a resident advisory group, composed of Town Council, board, and commission
members, and results from a community survey.
The General Plan is the “community’s action plan” to further enhance Oro Valley’s high quality of life. It must be
transformed in the public eye from an esoteric technical planning document into an actionable planning tool, from
its name to its final content.
The General Plan process is a unique opportunity for residents and stakeholders to engage with the Town to
establish priorities and guide the future of their community. When people from all walks of life come together to
discuss, debate and listen to one another, the Town gains a larger understanding of who it represents and how
community members want to move forward. The planned project phases are:
PHASE 1 (LET’S TALK)
Significant community outreach will be
used to create dialog within the community
to share information and gather input on
the vision and priorities that will guide the
development of the General Plan.
PHASE 2 (LET’S THINK)
A draft of the General Plan will begin to
take shape with goals and policies for the
elements identified during Phase 1. The draft
Plan will be reviewed by the community,
committees, boards, commissions and
stakeholders.
PHASE 3 (DO IT! MAKE IT SO)
Adoption of the updated General Plan will occur through a formal public review process:
1. Final draft review by committees
2. Review by agencies identified in state statute
3. Opportunities for community review
4. Public hearings by the Planning & Zoning Commission
5. Public hearing and adoption by the Town Council
6. Ratification: A community outreach education campaign resulting in informed voting on the updated
General Plan by Town voters.
Community Engagement Plan
5
THIS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN IS DESIGNED TO:
• Provide the community and stakeholders with diverse and meaningful opportunities to voice their ideas
and concerns.
• Target the Town’s full range of demographics using a variety of ways to consult and collaborate with
them.
• Instill a high level of confidence to prioritize completion of identified General Plan action items over the
next ten years.
• Help translate intensive community awareness and involvement into a high voter approval margin
results in 2026.
Understanding what residents’ concerns are and the aspirations they hold for their community are essential to the
success of the General Plan process. Using the Community Engagement Plan as a guide will promote a sense of
community ownership ultimately resulting in an improved, supported, and sustainable General Plan.
The 2026 General Plan aims to replace the Town’s current General Plan called Your Voice, Our Future that was
adopted and ratified by voters in 2016. The General Plan will guide public policy and actions that both define the
character and shape Oro Valley’s future.
Community Engagement Plan
6
II. PURPOSE
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
An Arizona state law known as the Growing Smarter Act mandates community planning. In terms of process,
Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 9-461.06 requires that a municipality’s General Plan be readopted or a new one be
adopted every ten years by the voters. The current Your Voice, Our Future General Plan will expire in November
2026. The goal is to have the new General Plan adopted by the Mayor and Council in time to be placed on the
ballot in 2026.
This Community Engagement Plan establishes strategies that exceed the state mandates in the Growing Smarter Act.
ARS § 9-461.06 requires that municipalities’ “governing bodies shall adopt written procedures to provide effective,
early and continuous public participation in the development and major amendment of general plans from all
geographic, ethnic, and economic areas of the municipality.” Furthermore, the “procedures shall provide for:
a. The broad dissemination of proposals and
alternatives
b. The opportunity for written comments
c. Public hearings after effective notice
d. Open discussions, communications programs and
information services
e. Consideration of public comments
Community Engagement Plan
7
IMPORTANCE OF THE GENERAL PLAN
This Community Engagement Plan was designed to support the Town’s primary goal of developing a community-
driven, consensus-based and voter-ratified General Plan. To generate vision, goals and policies that resonate with
the community and are broadly endorsed by voters, the Community Engagement Plan will promote the creation of
a General Plan that:
• Sets the values, vision, goals and priorities that build on Oro Valley’s quality of life
• Builds a sense of community by reflecting the diverse perspectives of all residents
• Provides a roadmap that guides Town decisions
• Provides continuity and certainty that results will be achieved
• Identifies shared priorities of all age groups
• Is a living document, ensuring flexibility and relevance over time
• Represents the community’s proposed action plan
The Community Engagement Plan outlines the steps to encourage and solicit community involvement in the
process. It identifies specific methods and techniques that motivate members of the community to:
• Be informed about what the General Plan is, how it is prepared and how it is used
• Communicate needs and expectations for the future
• Work together on ways to address key community issues or goals for the future
• Contribute to achieving voter ratification
Community Engagement Plan
8
III. CREATING THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ADVISORY GROUP
All key elements to develop this Community Engagement Plan were derived from a Community Engagement
Advisory Group (CEAG) and a public survey promoted to residents throughout the month of January 2023. The
result is a sound Community Engagement Plan with proven techniques to engage stakeholders as well as new
methods to reach and involve more of the community. The CEAG comprised members of the Town Council and the
following Town of Oro Valley boards, commissions and advisory groups:
• Board of Adjustment
• Budget and Finance Commission
• Historic Preservation Commission
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Stormwater Utility Commission
• Water Utility Commission
• Youth Advisory Council
The Community Engagement Advisory Group (CEAG), February 2023
Community Engagement Plan
9
The Oro Valley residents who formed the advisory group were tasked with shaping the upcoming General Plan
community engagement process. In collaboration with Town staff and a local engagement firm, Gordley Group, the
advisory group:
• Shared knowledge about the importance of the General Plan and identified changes in the community
since the previous General Plan effort
• Provided opinions regarding key areas of focus for the next General Plan
• Identified key stakeholders and community engagement principles
• Analyzed results of a community survey and helped shape a communications strategy to reach Oro
Valley’s broad demographic range
• Selected a preferred communication strategy among three community engagement levels
• Collaborated to create customized community engagement strategy
• Achieved consensus on the community engagement plan
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
Community input is foundational to the General Plan process. A community-wide survey was published to identify
the best ways to engage the community. The survey was promoted through:
• The Town’s Vista Newsletter
• Explorer Newspaper print ad and article
• Social media
• Citizen blogs and social media posts
• Direct emails to Community Academy graduates and stakeholder groups
• Rancho Vistoso Newsletter and other HOAs
• The Town’s Boards and Commissions
The Community Engagement Survey was completed by 706 people. The overall results have a precision of at least
+/- 3.7 percent at the 95 percent confidence level (meaning there is 95 percent confidence that the survey results
reflect the overall opinions of Oro Valley residents who are like the survey respondents to within plus or minus
about 4 percentage points on any answer).
The results of the survey were reviewed by the advisory group to guide decision-making, and the results were
incorporated into this plan. Notable survey takeaways include:
• Notification methods: Residents currently receive information about Town programs and events
through various methods. They prefer to receive information via email or a website. To bridge the
current notification methods with the preferred methods, a variety of options must be used throughout
the General Plan process.
• Community input: Methods that provided flexibility and convenience were top choices. This includes
online surveys, an interactive website and informational videos. Respondents also preferred opportunities
to provide input at businesses or events they are already attending. To ensure everyone’s voice is heard, a
multi-layered approach must be used to gather community input.
ADOPTION
The advisory group incorporated the survey results to create the primary components of this plan. This includes
the communication methods, tools and an engagement strategy that was selected from multiple options. The
group achieved consensus on the engagement strategy and plan that will be considered by the Planning and Zoning
Commission on March 7 and the Town Council on March 15, 2023.
Community Engagement Plan
10
IV. CHANGES IN THE COMMUNITY
ACHIEVEMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
The Your Voice, Our Future General Plan was ratified by the
voters in 2016. Extensive public outreach was conducted
over a three-year process, which resulted in thousands of
comments, numerous events and committee meetings (see
graphic). This resulted in a plan that resonated with the
community and was supported by 71 percent of the voters.
Several things were done well with the last General Plan
effort. This included a comprehensive and interactive
website, booths at existing events and businesses people
frequent and a survey provided in multiple formats.
The recent survey conducted in January 2023 indicated that
307 of the 709 survey respondents did not participate in
the 2016 General Plan process. Of those 307 indviduals, 55
percent were not Oro Valley residents at the time, and 40
percent were unaware of the General Plan. This provides an
opportunity to increase awareness and transparency of the
General Plan effort.
DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES
Oro Valley’s population is increasing with notable changes to the Town’s demographic profile. As a result, the
communication methods outlined later in this Community Engagement Plan have been adapted accordingly to
meet the communication needs and preferences of the community.
Table 1 below shows the Town’s population grew by nearly 15 percent from 2010 to 2020, according to U.S. Census
data. This population growth was driven mainly by increases in racial and ethnic minority groups. The average age
of Town residents is at 54 years of age, an increase of 4 years between 2013 and 2021. This, combined with the
decreases in the average people per household and households with minor children indicates that the Town has a
slightly lower percentage of family households than was seen during the last General Plan update process.
Table 1: Demographic Changes 2010 2020 % INCREASE
TOTAL POPULATION 41,011 47,070 15%
RACE AND ETHNICITY
One race 40,029 42,008 5%
White 36,825 37,448 2%
Black or African American 617 776 26%
American Indian and Alaska Native 179 228 27%
Asian 128 2,043 1,496%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 54 57 6%
Some other race 1,070 1,456 36%
Two or more races 982 5,062 415%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)4,808 7,141 49%
Not Hispanic or Latino 36,401 39,374 8%
Source: U.S. 2020 Census
Community Engagement Plan
11
The 2013-2021 data also revealed that the Town’s education and income are higher than the other jurisdictions
in the region. Median income increased by 29 percent to over $92,000 per household. Not shown in the table but
very important to community engagement planning is that Town residents are also highly connected digitally, with
more than 93 percent of households having internet access.
COMMUNITY CHANGES
Beyond analyzing demographics, the advisory group noted the following changes in Oro Valley over the
past 10 years:
• Increased traffic but fewer accidents due to
roadway improvements and street design
• Street maintenance and more multi-use
paths, bike, and nature trails
• Park improvements, including the opening of
the Aquatic Center and expansion of Naranja
Park, and more open space areas
• More schools, healthcare facilities, primary
employers, restaurants, and experience-
based businesses
• Opportunity to build on Oro Valley’s tech
industry with changes in the workplace
• Limited land availability leading to more
redevelopment
• Increase in the number of houses and a
decline in affordability
• Increased water consumption with growth
• High quality of Oro Valley’s architecture,
landscaping, cleanliness, etc.
• Increased public strife and stronger opinions
about government
Based on these changes, the advisory group identified the following topics likely to be focal points of community
discussion. This list was updated to incorporate the results from the survey. It is important to note that the actual
topic areas will evolve throughout the community engagement process as we learn from a broad cross-section of
residents and stakeholders.
• Water
• Environment and Open Space
• Development, Growth and Housing
• Transportation
• Public Safety
• Parks and Recreation
• Climate and Sustainability
Community Engagement Plan
12
V. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GUIDING PRINCIPLES
To meet the Town’s goal for a voter-ratified General Plan, this Community Engagement Plan is designed to connect
residents to the Town and to each other. This connection will result in broadly-supported and more sustainable
decisions.
The advisory group established the following guiding principles for community engagement. These guiding
principles are a set of values incorporated into this plan that will provide direction throughout the community
engagement process.
• Be Inclusive and Prioritize Community Input
• Ensure that community engagement for all residents remains the highest priority and provides
opportunities for everyone to be involved and share their input.
• Plan for a variety of outreach options—including meeting people at places they already
frequent—to reach a broad range of audiences, especially those who aren’t typically engaged.
• Be Engaging and Effective
• Make outreach efforts sincere, creative, collaborative, interactive and fun.
• Be intentional, with clearly stated objectives and messaging.
• Be Organized, Efficient and Timely
• Maximize the use of existing resources and add resources that improve efficiency and
effectiveness.
• Provide regular public updates throughout the General Plan development process.
• Be Fair and Open
• Provide a comprehensive and equitable process that yields meaningful, purposeful and
authentic results.
• Provide Understandable and Accessible Information
• Utilize open communication and transparency to show results and impact.
• Ensure information and opportunities are accessible to all geographical areas of the community
and to residents of all ages and abilities.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Inclusivity Inclusive of all ages Inclusive Inclusive of all rep-resented groups
All age groups are included
Disabled are includ-ed Inclusion Diversity Inclusive Diverse Enlists participation by citizens Outreach
must be
inclusive to
reach a broad
and diverse
audience
Includes people from all parts of the community
No one feels left out
Find people who do not normally get involved
Inclusive Broad Diverse
Includes different demographics and regions
Reaches all ages Inclusive of all rep-resented groups
Includes all stake-holders
Who-Level of ParticipationInvolves as many people as possible
Everyone is included High participation There is opportunity for involve-ment
Public involvement
Space for unheard members of the com-munity
Covers everyone Everyone can provide input
Focus on OV residents
High % of the population is included
Public
involvement
is the highest
priority and
must include
everyone
in the
community.
Participants are invested in the community
Focus on HOA to encourage participa-tion
Available to all Everyone is involved Participa-tion is high Many people participate
People have gone through the development process
People live here and invested in the community
Community Engagement Advisory Group Meeting #2
Community Engagement Plan
13
VI. KEY STAKEHOLDERS
The Town’s residents are the primary stakeholders in the community engagement effort. There are also subgroups
that include people and organizations with shared interests ranging from subject matter experts to regulatory
agencies. The Community Engagement Advisory Group refined the list of stakeholders by reviewing those identified
during the last General Plan process and updating the list to ensure an inclusive process
The Growing Smarter Act defines a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The law requires that the governing body
“Consult with, advise, and provide an opportunity for official comment by public officials and agencies, the
county, school districts, associations of governments, public land management agencies, the military airport…
other appropriate government jurisdictions, public utility companies, civic, educational, professional and other
organizations, property owners and citizens generally to secure maximum coordination of plans and to indicate
properly located sites for all public purposes in the general plan.”
This mandate aligns with the Town’s objective to be inclusive. Attachment 1 contains the updated comprehensive
stakeholders’ list identified through the development of the Community Engagement Plan. Each will be contacted
and invited to participate. Because it is important that the Town pays attention to the best ways to reach and listen
to all groups, stakeholders will be asked to identify additional stakeholders, groups, organizations and opportunities
for community involvement.
The advisory group also prioritized and established the roles of each stakeholder group in the General Plan Process
below:
• Priority 1 – Work closely together with residents to involve and
reach consensus on the community’s vision, values, goals and
elements of the General Plan.
• Young adults (16-24)
• Workforce (25-64)
• Older adults (65+)
• Priority 2 - Work together with interested parties and field experts to share ideas and information.
Below is a list of major subgroups of stakeholders currently identified.
• Parks and Recreation Groups
• Water and Resources Groups
• Environment / Open Space Groups
• Public Health and Safety Groups
• Business / Employment Groups
• Development / Growth / Housing
Groups
• Faith-Based Organizations
• Schools
• Arts and Culture Groups
• Transportation Groups
• Other Interest Groups (e.g.,
Homeowner Associations, Rotary
Clubs, etc.)
• Priority 3 - Work with regulatory groups to gather information and consult on goals, policies, and
actions.
• Government agencies (State, local, etc.)
• Regional jurisdictions
All boards, commissions, advisory groups and councilmembers will be routinely updated throughout the General
Plan process and invited to participate in all the engagement methods described in the following section.
Community Engagement Plan
14
VII. COMMUNICATION METHODS AND TECHNIQUES
In keeping with the Community Engagement Plan’s guiding
principles, communication methods and techniques are
designed to reach a broad spectrum of residents and
stakeholders and educate the community about the
process, garner meaningful input and ultimately, obtain
voter ratification.
Engaging the community will provide a sense of
ownership for the General Plan and build trust in the
Town, resulting in quality participation and a greater
likelihood of voter support. Building a General Plan that
stays relevant as it guides Town decisions over the next
10-years must also be is reflective of the community’s
broad range of demographics.
To provide ample opportunity for residents and
stakeholders to participate, a variety of communication
methods and techniques will be employed. Singular
methods or techniques tend to resonate with only a
portion of residents. Rather than use a “one size fits all”
approach, multiple methods and techniques are necessary
to include everyone in the conversation, ensuring
participation by Oro Valley’s diverse age demographics.
By ensuring opportunities are welcoming and convenient,
the pool of participants will be expanded. To that end,
social media tools and small gatherings in convenient
locations are key engagement methods. This approach will
be supplemented with traditional community outreach,
such as community open houses.
Public and stakeholder meetings, focus groups, small
group gatherings and other activities will be organized to
produce results. The following strategies will be used to provide an efficient, effective and transparent process:
• Participants’ roles and anticipated time
commitment as well as proposed activity
outcomes will be clearly defined
• Facilitators will ensure there is time for
participants to get acquainted with each
other, the issues, and the process
• Activities will be designed so that participants
have the time to understand different points
of view and resolve issues that may arise
• Participants will be encouraged to develop a
common sense of purpose and definitions of
challenges faced by the community
• Participants will be encouraged to connect
with and educate one another
• Each meeting will show how previous public
input has been incorporated into the General
Plan
• Next steps will be clearly outlined
Purple stars were
added by the
advisory group
Youth
(18-24)
Workforce
(25-64)
Older
Adults
(65+)OutreachAmbassadors
Digital Ads
Print Ads
Online EngagementWebsite
Info Videos
Social Media
Online Surveys
E-newsletters
Online/hybrid
meetings
In-personFocus Groups
Committees
Instant Polling
Topic-based
open houses/
booths in the
community
Small group
meetings
Community Engagement Advisory Group Meeting #3,
purple stars added by group
Community Engagement Plan
15
The tables on the following pages include a toolbox of recommended methods and techniques, with the
corresponding target audiences. The methods are broken out between general awareness efforts and those
that are intended to target and engage specific groups. Attachment #2 includes a description of key terms and
definitions used in the tables.
The timing of communication methods and techniques is a key to success. Each will be strategically implemented
during targeted phases of the project to maximize effectiveness, and key milestones in the process will be
appropriately acknowledged and celebrated.
Community Engagement Plan
16
PHASES
Objective: Increase awareness, inform, and educate
the entire community about the General Plan, its
process and ultimately the result to be voted on by
the public.
Let’s
Talk
Let’s
Think
Make it
So!
General Plan interactive website/web page continuously
updated as a “hub” for information and engagement:
Integrated with Town’s main website and includes videos,
maps, idea walls, discussion boards, comment sections,
surveys, etc
X X X
Informational and educational videos or webinars to provide
convenient information:
• Long-form videos over 3 minutes
• Short-form videos and clips under 3 minutes
X X X
Social media to provide continuous updates and information
to all age groups:
For example: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and/or Nextdoor.
X X X
Advertisements placed at various levels throughout the
process:
Print and digital ads in the following publications:
• Explorer Newspaper
• Sun City Tipster
• Digital ads and sponsored social media posts
• Vista Newsletter
• Water Utility bill inserts (through mail and email)
• Oro Valley Style Magazine
X X X
Articles or interviews to educate and celebrate key
milestones:
• Vista Newsletter
• Pitch stories to media outlets, including print,
television and radio
X X X
Other Town resources to provide updates at key milestones:
• Media releases
• Parks and Recreation email blast
• Oro Valley Police Department Citizen Academy and
volunteers
• Community Academy graduates
• Town’s main website: featured content and calendar
of events
X X X
1. GENERAL AWARENESS FOR ALL STAKEHOLDER GROUPS
Community Engagement Plan
17
Other potential promotional tools:
• Signs posted at community gathering areas and key
intersections.
• Vehicle signage – car magnets on Town vehicles and
available for the community
• Clickable banners at the bottom of Town emails
• Flyers/handouts at community events and
gatherings
X X X
Promotion at meetings or events out in the community:
• Public meetings and open houses
• State of the Town Address
• Town events
• At gathering areas or community organizations (e.g.,
parks or the library)
X X X
Ambassadors and advocates:
• Phases 1 and 2: Residents and/or representatives of
all age groups, HOA, etc. who attend and/or speak
at events throughout the community. The aim is
to invite the community to participate and gather
feedback for the General Plan process.
• Phase 3: Community volunteers and leaders
whose purpose is to help advocate community
participation and “get out the vote.”
X X X
Educational updates via organizations’ emails and
communications:
• Citizen blogs and social media groups (e.g., Let Oro
Valley Excel or Take Back Oro Valley)
• Homeowner associations (e-newsletters, meetings,
etc.)
• OV Chamber of Commerce (e-newsletters and
events)
• Schools (e-newsletters, school clubs, PTAs, etc.)
• Faith-based organizations (bulletins, e-newsletters,
etc.)
• Community organizations (OV Historical Society,
sports and recreation groups’ emails and events,
etc.)
• Other similar groups
X X
Direct correspondence at key milestones and engagement
opportunities
• Postcards mailed to all homeowners and/or voters
• Text messages to subscribers
X X
Community Engagement Plan
18
Priority 1: Residents PHASES
Objective: Work closely together with residents to
involve and reach consensus on the community’s
vision, values, and goals and elements of the
General Plan.
Let’s
Talk
Let’s
Think
Make it
So!
Young Adults
(18-24)
Ambassadors X X X
Phone and online surveys X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Focus groups X X X
School clubs, classes or presentations X X X
Website X X X
Committees X
Workforce
(25-64)
Ambassadors X X X
Phone, online and print surveys X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Website X X X
Topic-based open houses / booths at events
in the community (e.g., coffee shops,
restaurants, country club, community
centers, schools, etc.)
X
Booths at existing events and businesses X X
Committees X
Older Adults
(65+)
Ambassadors X X X
Phone, online and print surveys X X X
Focus groups X X X
Website X X X
Topic-based open houses / booths at events
in the community (e.g., coffee shops,
restaurants, country club, community
centers, schools, etc.)
X
Small group meetings at their locations X X
Committees X
2. TARGETED ENGAGEMENT
All groups included in targeted engagement will be informed through the methods used for general awareness.
The tools provided below are potential ways to gather information and feedback for the General Plan effort.
Community Engagement Plan
19
Priority 2: Field Experts and Community Groups/
Organizations PHASES
Objective: Work together with interested parties and field
experts to share information and ideas.
Let’s
Talk
Let’s
Think
Make it
So!
Development,
Growth or
Housing
Groups
Representation at their meetings or events X X X
Neighborhood gatherings X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Focus group meetings (e.g., with realtors,
landowners and apartments)X X X
Forums or Summits X X X
Open houses or booths in community gathering
areas X X X
Committee participation X
Parks and
Recreation
Groups
Representation at their meetings or events X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Focus group meetings X X X
Committee participation X
Business and
Employment
Groups
Representation at their meetings or events X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Focus group meetings X X X
Forums or summits X X X
Open houses or booths at businesses X X X
Committee participation X
Water
Resource
Groups
Representation at their meetings or events X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Focus group meetings X X X
Committee participation X
Environment
and Open
Space Groups
Representation at their meetings or events X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Focus group meetings X X X
Committee participation X
Public Health
and Safety
Groups
Representation at their meetings or events X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Focus group meetings X X X
Committee participation X
Community Engagement Plan
20
Arts and
Culture
Groups
Representation at their meetings or events X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Committee participation X
Transportation
Groups
Representation at their meetings X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Committee participation X
Churches
Representation at their events X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Member led booths at events or meetings X X X
Focus groups X X X
Committee participation X
Schools
Representation at their events X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Youth led booths at events or meetings X X X
Focus groups with PTA, clubs, etc. X X X
Ambassadors X X X
Homeowner
Associations
Representation at their events X X X
Member led booths at events or meetings X X X
Ambassadors X X X
Other
Community
Organizations
Representation at their events X X X
Instant polling at meetings X X X
Member led booths at events or meetings X X X
Priority 3 – Regulatory Groups PHASES
Objective: Work with regulatory groups to gather
information and consult on goals, policies, and
actions.
Let’s
Talk
Let’s
Think
Make it
So!
Regulatory
Groups
Final review X X X
Representation at their meetings or events X X X
Committee participation X
Community Engagement Plan
21
VIII. ACCESSIBILITY AND ACCOMMODATIONS
When planning public and stakeholder meetings, small gatherings, focus groups and other outreach activities,
opportunities will be made as accessible and convenient as possible while considering available resources. For
example:
• In-person meetings and events will be held in locations accessible to people with disabilities and
whenever possible
• Outreach opportunities will be scheduled at different times, including non-traditional business hours
such as weekend and evening events, and every effort will be made to avoid conflict with other
community activities
• When possible, activities will be scheduled in conjunction with other Town or community activities to
maximize participation
• Community engagement opportunities will occur in different areas throughout the Town to reach as
many people as possible. Opportunities will be actively mapped and evaluated throughout the process
to ensure equitable distribution, balance and inclusion.
• When applicable, online or hybrid meetings will be conducted
• When possible, meetings and/or events will be recorded
• When possible, QR codes will be printed on marketing material that guides people to the website,
survey, etc.
Every effort will be made to accommodate people with special needs who would like to participate. Notifications
for public meetings will include the following language or similar Town-approved language:
“For accommodations, materials in accessible formats, foreign language interpreters
and/or materials in a language other than English, please contact [person] and [phone
number] or [email address] at least five business days in advance of this scheduled
event.”
Key information, such as a statistically valid survey, will be made available in Spanish. Additional Information related
to the General Plan process will be made available in languages other than English, as requested.
Community Engagement Plan
22
IX. STRATEGY FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
All key elements used in the development
of this Community Engagement Plan
were reviewed and discussed by the
Community Engagement Advisory Group
(CEAG). The result is a sound plan with
a blend of up-to-date techniques to
engage the public in a variety of methods
including in-person, virtually, in print and
online, with outreach efforts specifically
intended to reach and inform more of the
community than were involved in prior
efforts.
Three community engagement scenarios
were developed containing increasing
levels of community outreach (base,
intermediate and comprehensive). The
CEAG reviewed the scenarios selected
and customized their preferred strategy
during their meeting on February 16,
2023, as shown below:
Consultant Services and Website Quantity
Brand development ✓
Creative materials, displays, templates ✓
Design and publishing of General Plan ✓
Research, compiling information, drafting and review ✓
Marketing/Media planning, strategy, placement ✓
Community engagement, strategy, planning and project administration ✓
Interactive website 1
Consultant designed video 2
Statistically valid survey 1
Advertising Quantity
Explorer Newspaper Ad - Full Page 1
Explorer Newspaper Ad - Half Page 3
Explorer Newspaper Ad - Quarter Page 20
Digital advertising schedules 3
Water Utility bill insert 1
OV Style Magazine ads 4
Strategy for Community Engagement
Has everything you want
Has a good mix w/out overloading
Probably the best compromise
A good increase from the base last time
Good compromise w/ good engagement
Comprehensive is too big of a jump (base was successful last time)
Increase population = increased costs
Midterm election as well. So good compromise
Good compro-mise but need some compre-hensive level supplies
Better, more services for the money
Jump in price manageable from Base to Intermediate
Good value, but large difference between this and compre-hensive costs
Good balance, but be judicious
Opportunity to re-evaluate if things should change or not workout
Community Engagement Advisory Group Meeting #4
Community Engagement Plan
23
Vista Newsletter Multiple
E-newsletter (Town and stakeholder groups)Multiple
Social media (Price to sponsor is included in digital ads)Ongoing
Town website Ongoing
Media releases Multiple
Banner on Town emails Ongoing
Info videos 10
Informal paper or online surveys 10
Text messaging (to people opted in)Y
Promotion and Supplies Quantity
Ambassador rewards and incentives 48
New retractable banner stands 1
Retractable banner inserts for Town-owned banner stands 2
Tablecloths 2
Branded polo shirts or sweatshirts 175
Advertising on Town vehicles 60
Event promotional items (stickers, pens, small car magnets)5000
Signage for streets and community gathering places 24
Printing and Mailing Quantity
Postcards mailers 3*
Materials printing 3.5 years
* Two mailers to all households and 1 mailer to registered voters only.
Meetings and Events Quantity
Instant polling 3.5 years
Rental fees for space 3
Speaker in a box 24
Small meetings (stakeholder group meetings, interviews and 1:1, focus groups, school clubs,
and Town dept. meetings)20
Medium-sized meetings (Board/Commission workshops, neighborhood gatherings, forums,
summits, and open houses)35
Committee meetings 36
Stakeholder meetings 20
Large meetings or events (Kick-off, open houses, community events)39
Personnel and Training Quantity
Senior Planner (Temporary position)✓
Office Specialist (PT- temporary position)✓
Training ✓
Community Engagement Plan
24
X. ACCOUNTABILITY AND CHANGES TO THE COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT PLAN
ACCOUNTABILITY
The Community Engagement Plan was created by an advisory group with input from other residents through
their participation in an online survey. Throughout the process, accountability for plan implementation will be
maintained and presented to the community and the advisory group.
All community engagement methods will be documented for future use and understanding of how the program
was conducted, how the public responded and how the results of the outreach were used in the development of
the General Plan. Documentation will be updated online throughout the process and will include:
• The final adopted Community Engagement Plan
• Copies or links to information and educational materials
• List of earned media/publicity obtained and, to the extent possible, links to or copies of news articles,
stories, display ads, etc.
• Summaries and recordings, when possible, of public and stakeholder meetings, focus groups and small
group gatherings to show outcomes
To ensure that the process is inclusive and is achieving the Community Engagement Plan goals, the following
evaluation system will be utilized:
• Staff administering this Community Engagement Plan will review the effectiveness of implementation on
a regular basis to confirm it is meeting goals and the guiding principles identified herein as well as the
requirements mandated by state law.
• Updates on the Town’s progress in implementing the Community Engagement Plan will be made to the
Planning & Zoning Commission and Town Council at the end of each phase.
• As part of the General Plan process, a report will be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission
and Town Council analyzing the results of public engagement efforts at the end of the process..
CHANGES TO THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PLAN
As the Town implements the Community Engagement Plan, flexibility is a necessary component. Opportunities for
feedback regarding community engagement activities will be provided through the project website, surveys, social
media, meetings, forums, open houses, and other methods identified in this plan. Feedback will be reviewed, and
adjustments will be made where warranted.
This plan is a living document that may need to be changed to respond to lessons learned during implementation.
If one method proves more or less effective than another, resources will be adjusted accordingly. Town Council will
be informed of any significant changes to the program.
Community Engagement Plan
25
ATTACHMENT #1 – COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IN THE
GENERAL PLAN PROCESS
Priority 1 - Work closely together with residents to involve and reach consensus on the community’s vision,
values, goals and elements of the General Plan.
Residents: Total Population: 47,070
Older adults/retirees (65+): 34%
Workforce (25-64): 42%
Students (24 & under): 24%
Total households: 20,754
Households with children: 20%
Households without children: 80%
Households with people 60+: 60%
Hispanic/Latino community
Housing Choice voucher holders
McKinney-Vento Act: Homeless people,
including those not living on the street.
Casas Adobes area
Veterans
Part-time residents
Retirement homes/assisted living
Priority 2 - Work together with interested parties and field experts to share ideas and information.
Development / Growth / Housing Groups
*Regulatory:
Arizona Commerce Authority
Arizona State Land Department (ASLD)
Bureau of Land Management
County and local planning departments
Pima County Flood Control District
Other:
Metropolitan Pima Alliance
Southern Arizona Home Builders
Association (SAHBA)
Home builders
Tucson Association of Realtors
Owners of vacant land – large and small
Site selectors
Consultant groups
Arizona Multi-housing Association
Arizona Housing Coalition
Institute of Real Estate Management
Homeowner Associations
Community Engagement Plan
26
Parks and Recreation Groups
*Regulatory:
U.S. Forest Service
National Park Service
Arizona State Parks & Trails
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and
Recreation
Santa Catalina Ranger District
Catalina State Park
Coronado National Forest
Other:
Users of parks and rec facilities
El Conquistador Country Club Golf Association
Governing Board
Other boards affiliated with golf courses in or
adjacent to Oro Valley
Southern AZ Hiking Club
Representatives for The Loop
Sports (including youth) groups.
Tucson Off-Road Cycling & Activists (TORCA)
Arizona Heroes Memorial
Friends of Pusch Ridge
Oro Valley Sports Alliance
Southern AZ Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery
Bicycle clubs
Running groups
Visitors/Tourists
Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists
Water and Resources Groups
*Regulatory:
Arizona Department of Water Resources
Bureau of Reclamation
Other:
Santa Cruz Watershed
Sonoran Institute
Tucson Water Department
Metropolitan Water District
Southern Arizona Leadership Council (SALC)
Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
(ADEQ)
Environment / Open Space Groups
*Regulatory:
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan
Arizona State Land Department
Other:
Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection
Tucson Audubon Society
Sonoran Institute
Dark Skies Association
Sierra Club
Center for Biological Diversity
Friends of Catalina State Park
Preserve Vistoso
Community Engagement Plan
27
Public Health and Safety Groups
*Regulatory:
Pima County Health Department
Other:
Oro Valley Police Department
Oro Valley Hospital
Medical Clinics
Private Medical Practices
Rural Metro and Golder Ranch Fire District
Business / Employment Groups
*Regulatory:
Arizona Commerce Authority
Other:
Sun Corridor Inc. (previously TREO)
Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce
Roche Tissue Diagnostics
Amphitheater Unified District
Simpleview
Oro Valley Hospital
El Conquistador Tucson
UA College of Veterinary Medicine
Grocery and retail stores
Employees
Small or local businesses
Faith-Based Organizations
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church
Saint Odelia Catholic Church
Church of the Apostles
Oro Valley Church of the Nazarene
Oro Valley United Church of Christ
St. Mark Catholic Church
Pusch Ridge Christian Church
Vistoso Community Church
King’s Cross Anglican Church
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Resurrection Lutheran Church
Dove Mountain Lutheran Church
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
Zion City Church – OV Campus
Canyon Del Oro Bible Church
Chabad of Oro Valley
North Valley Baptist Church
Summit Ridge Community Church
Community Engagement Plan
28
Other Interest Groups
*Regulatory:
Town of Oro Valley
Amphitheater Unified District
Marana Unified School District
Town of Marana
City of Tucson
Catalina Coordinating Council
Pima Council on Aging
Worker Connection
Other:
University of Arizona
Pima Community College
Oro Valley Rotary Club
Oro Valley Optimist Club
Catalina-Oro Valley Lions Club
Oro Valley Citizen Advisory Boards and
Commissions
Let Oro Valley Excel (LOVE) Blog
Take Back Oro Valley
Public libraries and patrons
Friends of the Oro Valley Public Library
Oro Valley Democrat and Republican
organizations
YMCA
Jewish Federation Northwest
Charitable organizations in OV
AARP
TEP
Community Foodbank of Southern AZ
TV and Radio Stations
Bond holders
Senior centers
Special groups or associations
Rotary, Lions and Kiwanis Clubs
Schools
Casas Christian School
Wilson K-8th School
Pusch Ridge Christian Academy
Basis Oro Valley
Ironwood Ridge High School
Canyon del Oro High School
Painted Sky Elementary School
Immaculate Heart Academy
Resurrection Lutheran Child Development
Center
La Cañada KinderCare
Leman Academy Oro Valley
Innovation Academy Oro Valley
UA College of Veterinary Medicine
Nearby schools outside of OV (e.g., Cross Middle
School)
Kids and students
PTOs
Sports teams
Student Councils
Government classes
Topic related clubs (e.g., environment or art
clubs)
Community Engagement Plan
29
Arts and Culture Groups
Southern Arizona Arts & Cultural Alliance
(SAACA)
Oro Valley Historical Society
Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Alliance
Tohono Chul Gardens/Galleries and Bistro
Tourism groups
Southern Arizona Arts Guild
Sun City of Oro Valley
Oro Valley Theatre Company
Transportation Groups
*Regulatory:
Pima Association of Governments (PAG)
Regional Transportation Authority (RTA)
Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)
Pima and Pinal County Departments of
Transportation
Other:
Tucson Airport Authority
Living Streets Alliance
Amtrak Tucson Station
SunTran
* Priority 3 - Work with regulatory groups to gather information and consult on goals, policies, and actions.
Community Engagement Plan
30
ATTACHMENT #2 – TERMS & DEFINITIONS FOR COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT METHODS
Ambassadors: A community member who acts as a
representative or promoter of the project.
Boards & Commissions Workshops: Individual
sessions with all Town boards and commissions
to invite participation, identify issues and review
General Plan items. Topics will be oriented toward
the specific focus of each board and commission.
Committee(s): Each committee comprises Oro
Valley residents and is categorized by specific topic
areas. Committees are responsible for reviewing
drafts developed by staff.
Citizen Academy: A cohort of citizens that participates
in a twelve-week program that provides them
information about Oro Valley’s Police Department
to dispel suspicions and misconceptions within
the community and provide officers and staff with
feedback and concerns.
Community Academy: An educational program
that provides residents with the opportunity
to learn more about their community and local
government.
Community Engagement: A general category of
methods used to engage the larger community for
sharing and receiving information. Also known as
Community Outreach and Public Participation.
E-Newsletters: An electronic report containing
news updates provided by a particular agency or
group.
Focus Group(s): Group meetings convened to
discuss topics with special training and interest in a
specific topic.
Informal Surveys: Surveys that are created to
directly gather input at specific events or online by
self-selected respondents.
Instant Polling Tool: A program that supplies quick,
informal polls or surveys that can be used to gauge
understanding at various points during the learning
or engagement process.
Interactive Website: A site that promotes
interactions with users. Rather than a traditional
website that is more of a one-way form of
communicating information, an interactive
website encourages two-way communication
and engagement among visitors using interactive
elements.
Neighborhood Gatherings: Neighborhood block
meetings organized by interested residents.
Ambassadors or staff members will initiate
discussions regarding the vitality of the community.
Media/News Release: Media alerts to invite
participation and share important milestones in the
process.
Newspaper Article: Articles inviting participation,
analysis of key community issues and reporting
general plan update progress.
Open House: Opportunity for residents to meet
with staff and community leaders to discuss quality
of life issues and/or elements of a draft General
Plan.
Orovalleyaz.gov: The Town’s primary website,
which will be used to display General Plan
information, meeting announcements and
background reports.
Paid Newspaper Ad (e.g. Explorer, OV Style):
Paid or sponsored print advertising to increase
participation in event, meeting, survey and web-
based discussion opportunities.
Pitched Stories: A story idea sent to a news
reporter or media outlet intended to convince
them to publish a story on the topic or subject
described.
Ratify/Ratification: Voters’ formal consent of the
Town’s adoption of the General Plan through a
general election ballot measure, which makes the
adoption valid and allows the Town to implement
the plan.
Community Engagement Plan
31
Postcards: Mailed cards to invite participation in
events, electronic surveys and voter ratification.
Public Meetings: An established way for people
to come together to express their opinions, hear a
public speaker or proposed plan, engage in shared
learning about a topic, or work together to develop
solutions. Public meetings do not have to follow
any specific script or agenda.
Social Media: Web-based platforms that provide
for content creation and information sharing,
which will be used to invite residents to participate
and share input. Also, notices and updates may be
posted to inform and collect comments.
Stakeholder Meeting(s): Staff meeting(s) with key
stakeholders to discuss potential issues or concern.
State of the Town Address: An annual event of
approx. 650 attendees and hosted by the Oro
Valley Chamber of Commerce, at which the Oro
Valley Mayor provides an update on the Town. The
event attracts a broad cross-section of community
leaders and stakeholders.
Surveys in the Explorer Newspaper: Published
(printed) survey to identify community values and
needs that respondents mail back to the Town. The
aim is to reach a broader audience than can be
anticipated at meetings.
Targeted Digital Ads: A web-based advertisement
that is served to a specific audience, which could
be a particular demographic, a group or an
individual.
Targeted Participation: Methods used to “target”
specific community groups, locations, and/or
topics; rather than the community as a whole.
Technical Reports: Baseline information such as
census or housing data to use in decision-making.
Town Department Review: Internal review process
involving Town agencies to ensure timeliness and
validity.
Town Hall I: Project Kick-off & Future Search:
A large event for residents to define project
objectives, invite participation and discuss quality
of life issues.
Traveling Mobile Display: An informational display
booth to be used at various events throughout the
process.
Vista Newsletter: Monthly newsletter published by
the Town of Oro Valley. It is distributed in hard copy
form as a Water Utility bill insert, posted online and
emailed to a subscriber list.
Voter Education Postcards or Newsletter: Mailer
used to describe the General Plan ballot measure.
Water Utility Bill Inserts: A printed piece of
collateral inserted in monthly OV Water Utility bills.
1
General Plan Community Engagement Advisory
Group Survey Report
Overview
The General Plan is a community-driven, 10-year action plan that guides Town decisions for the next 10
years and must be ratified by the voters.
All aspects of the General Plan, including the name, must be transformed from an esoteric technical
planning tool into an effort for residents and stakeholders to take ownership of and further develop.
Community participation is critical to the plan’s success and longevity. Therefore, the project identity
must resonate with the community and encourage participation.
To guide this effort, all board, commission, youth advisory and Town Council members were invited to
complete a short survey. The survey was a precursor to a larger, more focused discussion about the
project’s identity.
Methodology
A link to the survey was emailed to all board, commission, youth advisory and Town Council members.
The purpose of the survey was to start a conversation about the 2026 General Plan’s project identity.
The results of the survey were paired with the feedback gathered during the advisory group meetings to
create the complete branding package which includes the name, logo, tagline and more.
Key Takeaways
• Family-friendly, community-oriented, safe, and natural beauty best describes Oro Valley. Similarly,
the "look and feel" of the General Plan should be welcoming, fun, proud, and organized.
• Working together, forward-thinking, visionary, and achievable are words to describe the General
Plan. However, the term General Plan should not be used as it does not resonate with the
community.
• Branding that explains the benefit and value of getting involved is critical to reaching people. The
plan should inspire the community to be sustainable, economically stable, and a place to live, work
and play.
2
Survey Responses
Participants
Question 1: What board, commission or council do you represent?
There were 16 responses to the survey representing the following:
Question 12: What is your age?
Question 13: What is your gender?
50%
25%
25%
69%
31%
3
Core Values
Question 2: When you think of Oro Valley, what descriptions do you identify with?
Descriptions that depict community were favored most. The other response included, “Suburban:
relatively small, relatively affluent, insulated, wide split between liberal and reactionary.”
Question 3: How would you describe life in Oro Valley to a friend or new resident?
Key themes from the responses to this question were family-friendly, a community that cares, safety,
natural beauty, and views. A list of individual responses is included in Appendix A.
4
Look and Feel
Question 4: Please select your top three words to describe how you envision the “look” of the General
Plan:
5
Question 5: What should the community feel or think when they see the General Plan? Please rank
the following word groups from least descriptive (1) to most descriptive (5).
Friendly, Welcoming, Outgoing
Conscientious, Down to Earth, Sustainable
Lively, Vibrant, Energetic, Fun
6
Steady, Proud, Bold
Branding and Messaging:
Question 6: The Your Voice, Our Future name resonated with the community because it established
ownership, instilled collaboration and was future focused. What are some phrases or key terms you
think should be in the next General Plan’s name?
Key phrases from the responses are provided below with individual responses in Appendix A.
• Working together
• Community
• Forward thinking
• Future of the community and growth
• Beautiful and unique
• Change and participation
• Visionary
• Achievable
Question 7: Effective names are short, concise, and easy to remember. Using your ideas from the
previous question, what are your ideas for the next General Plan’s name?
Other ideas included: Sustainable by Design; Our Voice, Our Future; All About the Future; Our Voice,
Their Future.
7
Question 8: What are the biggest challenges we face in encouraging people to get involved in the
General Plan process?
Key themes from the responses are provided below with individual responses in Appendix A.
• Term general plan is not encouraging and unknown
• Time – must meet people where they are
• Value – must show benefits of getting involved (achievements)
Question 9: What motivates you to participate in community planning activities?
Key themes from the responses are provided below with individual responses in Appendix A.
• Pride and love for the community
• Sharing experiences and expertise
Question 10: Oro Valley is celebrating its 50th birthday in April. What are your long-term aspirations
for our community?
Key themes from the responses are provided below with individual responses in Appendix A.
• Sustainability
• Stability
• Protection of beauty and values
Question 11: Are there any additional comments you would like to add relating to the Town of Oro
Valley’s general plan or the naming thereof? If so, please leave your responses below.
• Community General Plan - A living document for the next generation to utilize and learn what it
means to have a community that's organized and planned.
• I was here for the last one and don't remember ever being asked to engage, that has to change
• The best place on earth
• I want our community to be the place that all want to live, visit, play and shop.
8
Appendix A
Individual Responses
Question 3: How would you describe life in Oro Valley to a friend or new resident?
• I would describe Oro Valley as a community where residents are encouraged to be truly
engaged in their Town government. I would also share that Oro Valley is a great place to live.
• Pretty easy: moderately paced, no traffic to speak of amenities close by, many second-home
owners
• Gorgeous views of the Catalina and Tortolita Mountains. Exceptional outdoor recreation
opportunities (multi-use paths, natural surface trails, bike lands, sidewalks, etc.).
• Smaller town with all the benefits of a larger city. Clean.
• A safe community. Great public, charter, and private schools.
• A variety of entertainment venues (music, movies, theater, etc.). Excellent parks and programs.
Community and school events throughout the year. Farmers market. Steam Pump Ranch,
Catalina State Park, Tohono Chul, Honeybee Canyon, and Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve.
• A variety of restaurants and shopping opportunities.
• Close to other attractions such as Mt. Lemmon, Saguaro National Park, Sabino Canyon, and
others. Relatively moderate traffic. It's relatively quiet but getting louder. Great services and
growing employment opportunities. Moderate weather but summers are hot. Friendly people.
• People actually care about their community.
• Safe. Good schools.
• Transitioning from a retirement community to a young family friendly. Could develop more
commercial options for food, bev, and entertainment.
• Clean, safe, and beautiful town with a strong community spirit. The residents support an
excellent infrastructure, and outstanding police department. The residents are diverse in age,
and the town offers many benefits to its seniors and families.
• Modern, progressive, and attention to detail. Dedicated to providing good and viable services
for the community - e.g., street maintenance.
• Oro Valley is a beautiful, peaceful city with a strong sense of community. With many local events
and opportunities to be involved with the community, Oro Valley creates a friendly image with a
great community spirit.
• I would say to that friend that Oro Valley is one of the safest places you can be. I would tell them
about how friendly and welcoming the community is here.
• The town itself feels safe and quiet and feels detached from the busy nature of city life since a
lot of the land remains untouched and still full of the natural desert vegetation. While the town
may feel small, the Oro Valley Marketplace and that surrounding area provides for all daily
needs.
• Slow, dark, quiet, family friendly, great outdoors and beautiful
• Beautiful, warm, safe, and clean.
• Mostly quiet towns, with lots of open space, the people are considered in town decisions.
• Friendly and beautiful…
• Urban life is at its best.
• Friendly, year-round activities and the best schools in the area.
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• It's close enough to Tucson to enjoy activities there.... without the larger city issues. Plenty to
keep you entertained locally, so you don't' need to go very far for dinner or an event.
Question 6: The Your Voice, Our Future name resonated with the community because it established
ownership, instilled collaboration and was future focused. What are some phrases or key terms you
think should be in the next General Plan’s name?
• I think the name we currently use is appropriate.
• Your Voice, Our Future is a hard name to replace. I'm not coming up with other options at the
moment. A name may emerge as the planning process unfolds.
• Working together for our community
• "Decisions are made by those who show up.
• Be the change you want to see in the world. "
• Visionary, community (resident) written, achievable.
• Forward thinking. Progressive planning... Concerned about the community's planned future.
Community involvement. Anticipation of future growth.
• I like the current name
• I think community and flourish are some key terms that should be in the General Plan's name.
• Your Voice, Our Future
• Next generation, sustainable, value, explore, livable
• I'm satisfied with the name as it stands.
• It's all about the Future
• Keeping Oro Valley beautiful
• We are Oro Valley, unique, community oriented, reflects desert living at its finest.
• "By design" shows we have a vision for the future not just hoping.
Question 8: What are the biggest challenges we face in encouraging people to get involved in the
General Plan process?
• Most residents are not familiar with the Arizona requirement that Oro Valley shall have a
General Plan.
• General lack of interest associated with the words "general plan."
• "You have to make it easy for people and go where they already are without disrupting too
much with what they are doing.
• I think it may be helpful to illustrate how the community's involvement has made a difference in
terms of achieving the vision for the 2016 General Plan."
• Not knowing how to get involved. Social media may be key here
• Accessibility and visibility. QR codes should be everywhere - public parks, multi-use paths,
schools, commercial areas, public meeting notices etc.
• Apathy; contentment with the status quo; lack of free time; disinterest.
• Getting the community's attention to take the time to digest the need for a general plan and
information to help community leaders manage Oro Valley's future.
• Getting the word out
• We face hearing the voices of the younger generation and their input.
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• If people do not see immediate personal benefit, they may not feel incentivized to get involved.
Also, people may not see the benefit of taking time out of their busy life to help out.
• Marketing, understanding, time
• High property turnover and rentals. People don't seem to care.
• Communication and personal outreach. People in my area seem unaware or just not concerned
in the big picture
• Time
• Consensus!!!
• Apathy! We need to get them excited and will have to make it easy for citizens to give us their
ideas.
Question 9: What motivates you to participate in community planning activities?
• I learn about what engaged members of our community actually want to see happen in our
future and why.
• Lending my experience (in other places), my expertise, and my perspective.
• I care about my community and want to have a role in determining what kind of community we
become.
• Contributing to the overall wellbeing of the community
• Being a role model for my kids to encourage their participation in civic activities.
• Need for “getting involved”; need for being informed; need for “giving back to the community”;
satisfaction gained in being involved in the last general plan.
• Being aware of the community's direction.
• The idea that I have a voice and opportunity to engage and benefit our community
• What truly motivates me to participate in community planning activities is the satisfaction of
seeing the product of our plans in action.
• I enjoy helping the community grow and develop into communities that truly reflect what
people want.
• my resume, to have input for the next generation
• As a full time, resident, I have a vested interest in owning a home in Oro Valley
• As a recent retiree but 15-year resident it was time for me to give back
• Pride, love Oro Valley
• "Strong desire to have a community that reflects my needs.
• Housing, work and play."
• I missed the 2016 [process] so I thought it would be a good idea to be involved in 2026.
Question 10: Oro Valley is celebrating its 50th birthday in April. What are your long-term aspirations
for our community?
• Oro Valley was founded in 1974. One of the main motivations was to avoid an unwelcome
annexation of Pima County residents by our larger southern neighbor Tucson. But today, a two-
time former Mayor of Tucson is our Town Council attorney. I hope that our community will
thoughtfully revisit why this Town was founded in the first place. Thus, my aspiration is to
11
continue independent resident focused governance of this until now successful independent
community.
• Constructively and positively work against NIMBYism.
• To protect what makes Oro Valley special and enhance or preserve those qualities (views, low
crime, close to home recreation, good transportation and roads, water quality and quantity,
parks, and recreation, quiet, friendly, progressive, etc.
• Community conversations and the ability to manage conflict respectfully
• Continued safety and recognition thereof, commitment to family-friendly neighborhoods and
community activities, and greater visibility to green/sustainability efforts.
• Continuing on the same path with regard to meeting residents’ needs and wants.
• Being noted as a "Model" for future builders and developers to know how future communities
should exist.
• To continue to grow and become more lively
• Some long-term aspirations I have for our community are to keep the community physically
active or to increase activity. Another aspiration I have for our community is to make
communication easier and more accessible.
• I hope that Oro Valley may see even more positive growth in the years to come.
• Sustainable and friendly
• Protecting its beauty.
• Learn to live within our means without excessive growth being seen as the only answer. More
affordable housing would be desirable but difficult to make happen
• Keeping it beautiful and friendly
• Economic stability
• I hope we age gracefully
Question 11: Are there any additional comments you would like to add relating to the Town of Oro
Valley’s general plan or the naming thereof? If so, please leave your responses below.
• Nice job!
• Community General Plan - A living document for the next generation to utilize and learn what it
means to have a community that's organized and planned.
• I was here for the last one and don't remember ever being asked to engage, that has to change
• The best place on earth
• I want our community to be the place that all want to live, visit, play and shop.
• This will take a lot of work by volunteers and staff, but the end result will be worth it.
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Appendix B
Survey
Town of Oro Valley - General Plan Advisory Group Survey
The Town of Oro Valley would like your input on developing a project identity for the next General
Plan. The General Plan is a community-driven, 10-year action plan that guides Town decisions for
the next 10 years and must be ratified by the voters.
All aspects of the General Plan, including the name, must be transformed from an esoteric technical
planning tool into an effort for residents and stakeholders to take ownership of and further develop.
Community participation is critical to the plan’s success and longevity. Therefore, the project
identity must resonate with the community and encourage participation.
To guide this effort, please complete the following five-minute survey and submit it by the end of
the day Thursday, September 21, 2023. If you have any questions or trouble with the survey, please
contact Milini Simms at msimms@orovalleyaz.gov or 520-229-4836. Thank you for your time!
1. What board, commission or council do you represent?
a. Town Council
b. Board of Adjustment
c. Budget and Finance Commission
d. Historic Preservation Commission
e. Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
f. Planning and Zoning Commission
g. Stormwater Utility Commission
h. Water Utility Commission
i. Youth Advisory Council
2. When you think of Oro Valley, what descriptions do you identify with?
a. Neighborly, Friendly, Community Spirit
b. Energetic, Fun, Entertaining, Eventful, Exciting
c. Evolving, Positive Momentum, Great Potential
d. Family-friendly, Safe, Peaceful
d. Other: Explain _______________
3. How would you describe life in Oro Valley to a friend or new resident?
4. Please select your top three words to describe how you envision the “look” of the General
Plan:
Traditional
Engaging
Collaborative
Shared
Partnering
Growing
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Vibrant
Friendly
Lively
Neighborly
Focused
Dynamic
Flourishing
Reimagined
Organized
Participatory
Thoughtful
Colorful
Image Driven
Abstract
Multicultural
United
Visionary
Diversified
Conceptual
Analytical
Other: _________
5. What should the community feel or think when they see the General Plan? Please rank the
following word groups from least descriptive (1) to most descriptive (5):
a. Friendly, Welcoming, Outgoing
b. Conscientious, Down to Earth, Sustainable
c. Lively, Vibrant, Energetic, Fun
d. Steady, Proud, Bold
e. Other
6. The Your Voice, Our Future name resonated with the community because it established
ownership, instilled collaboration and was future focused. What are some phrases or key
terms you think should be in the next General Plan’s name?
7. Effective names are short, concise, and easy to remember. Using your ideas from the previous
question, what are your ideas for the next General Plan’s name?
8. What are the biggest challenges we face in encouraging people to get involved in the General
Plan process?
9. What motivates you to participate in community planning activities?
10. Oro Valley is celebrating its 50th birthday in April. What are your long-term aspirations for our
community?
11. Are there any additional comments you would like to add relating to the Town of Oro Valley’s
general plan or the name thereof? If so, please leave your responses below.
The next section of the survey is completely optional, but it will help us to get a better understanding of
the responses shared.
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12. What is your age?
a. Under 18
b. 18-40
c. 41-65
d. Over 65
13. Please select your gender.
a. Male
b. Female
c. ________________
d. Prefer not to answer
Core Values
TIER 1 (Top 3)Accountability-15
TIER 2 (Top 5)
TIER (Top 10)Leadership-6 Dependability-5
In their own words.....Collaboration is......
-Bottom up and not top down
-Bringing different strengths and resources together to accomplish something
-Everybody works together
-Compromise
Accountability is.....
-related to leadership
-Holding each other to the same standards
-Knowing where to go if something isn't being done
-Mutual trust and respect in the community
-Definitive and predictable
-Decisions are grounded in the General Plan
-Trust in the document
-Reliability in the document
-
Communication is......
-Encompasses all core values
Environment is.....
-Makes OV different than other areas of the state
-Should include the man-made environment too
-Protecting the natural area
Environment-13
(Added after
survey)
Communication
-7
Collaboration-14Community-20
Connection-5 Commitment-3
Small
Town-3
(added after
survey)
Family-10 Adaptable-9
Pr o s Co n s Op p o r t u n i t i es Pr o s Co n s Op p o r t u n i t i es Pr o s Co n s
Serif font is
best
Best one
but where
are the
buildings
Simple not
flashy like
OV
Like the quote
but prefer one
from a
resident
Safe
Organized
Love the
color
scheme
Not
eye-catching
Professional
Aesthetic
Corporate
Boring
Dull
Afraid
Vague
Sleepy
Add
people
Bolder
Restoring our
environmental
community
Preserve
the beauty
of OV
Be more
authentic
Soft and
fuzzy - not
dynamic
Too stock Very pastel
Baby
shower
colors
Disingenuous
Not eye
catching
Highlights
environment
Like the
graphic
Good
artwork
Needs
community
aspect
Nature
Very
environmental
Add
people
Good
desert
colors
Environment
focused
Good start
The Color
palette
blends well
Environment
with
people/activity
Promote
art
Pleasing to
the eye
Captures
attention
Relaxed
Best one -
community
outreach
Good
Stylized
Cactus
and
roadrunner
+, sun -
Font is
hard to
read
Gimmicky
Missing community
aspect, focused on
environment adding
community will
make it perfect
Artwork is on
point, with some
modifications
small sun more
emphasis on
environment
Vague
Doesn't
represent
ov
Not
enough
people
Not a fan of
artwork -
prefer photo
of people
Too
colorful -
distracting
Good but
not for this
Boring
Cactus out
of place
Use real
poeple not
symbols
Too
distracting
Not
enough
natural
area
Inconsistent
between left
and right
side
Political
Generic
Inauthentic
images
Not relatedCollaborative
Engaging
Fun
Progressive
Modern
Inclusive
to
everyone
Best visual
message
Best
Bright eye
catching
Like
graphic/layout
Diversity
People will
know it is the
General Plan
Community
and history
Community
and family is
key in OV
Family
friendly
People
focused
Our
Age
diversity
Not
focused
Font is
boring
Generic
Separation
The abstract
cartoon
people don't
represent OV
Pro: Diversity of
people and
community
Con: Seems generic
and too bold
Cons: Too focused
on environment. No
people. Font hard to
read.
Pros: Colors and
more representative
of OV
Pros: Font
Cons: Too stock and
not authentic or
representative of
OV
Board shows off
environment well
and idea of what
you'll see driving
in Oro Valley.
Represents
living in
Southern
Arizona
Family
friendly, the
diversity of
icons and
images uses
Captures different
age groups and
types of business
in the community
Represents
the type of
community
we are trying
to cultivate.
Oro Valley
landmarks should
be used like
Naranja Park,
Honey Bee Wash or
Pusch Mountains
Important for
people to know it
is the General
Plan. Not loss in
design or name
Needs pictures
to show all aras
of life in OV -
sitting at
restaurants, etc.
2026 General Plan Community Engagement Group
Meeting #2
Monday, October 16, 6-8 PM
Hopi Conference Room or Online via Zoom
1. Welcome and roll call 6:00 PM
2. Purpose 6:05 PM
3. Best practices for brand development 6:15 PM
4. Key takeaways from survey and meeting #1 6:30 PM
5. Reveal of the branding package 6:45 PM
6. Discussion about complete branding package 7:15 PM
7. Next Steps 7:50 PM
8. Adjournment 8:00 PM