The Oro Valley Community Academy provided exceptional insight into how our Town operates. The detailed explanations of municipal functions and the opportunity to meet the dedicated staff who keep our Town running smoothly made this program invaluable. Meeting these public servants in person was a highlight. I strongly encourage residents and business owners in Oro Valley to participate in this program – it offers a unique opportunity to understand what makes our great Town work. The Community Academy demonstrates the commitment to transparency and community engagement that makes Oro Valley special.
Michael Burns
Publisher ILoveOV.com
Oro Valley Community Academy: Shape Your Town’s Future!
Ever wonder how Oro Valley decides what gets built, how the Town budget works, or who keeps the water flowing? The Town’s award-winning Community Academy is a fun, hands-on way to find out.
The 2026 program runs September 15 through October 21. Classes meet in the Council Chambers at Town Hall from 6 to 8 PM, mostly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can attend in person or join online, though online participants get a more limited experience, and Town staff strongly recommend attending in person.
Over ten sessions, you’ll hear directly from Town staff on a wide range of topics. The program kicks off with a look at Oro Valley today and the residents’ plan for the future, OV’s Path Forward. From there, it moves through Town finances, annexations, history and public art, economic development and tourism, development and roadways, public safety, parks and recreation, and water resource planning and conservation. A celebration dinner on October 19 wraps up the classroom portion.
Attend at least half of the classes, and you’ll graduate. Graduates receive a certificate of recognition at the Town Council meeting on October 21. It’s also a real advantage if you’ve ever thought about serving on a Town board or commission, since graduates are uniquely informed to apply.
The program has already started, but you can still join. To register, contact Milini Simms at msimms@orovalleyaz.gov or 520-229-4836.
Discussions about our community’s future.
When & Where:
- Every session runs 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Town Hall Council Chambers
September 15: Welcome to Oro Valley: A View of Oro Valley Today
September 17: Part 1: OV’s Path Forward: the residents’ plan for the future
Part 2: Maintaining Financial Stability and Services
September 22: Annexations
September 24: Oro Valley’s History and Public Art
September 29: Economic Development and Tourism
October 1: Development and Roadways
October 8: Public Safety: OV Police Department and Town Courts
October 13: Parks and Recreation
October 15: Water Resource Planning and Conservation
October 19: Beyond Community Academy and Celebration Dinner
October 21:Graduation at the Town Council Meeting
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