Steve Solomon

Councilmember

Councilmember Solomon Head Shot

Term expires: November 2024

Education: Bachelor’s degree, astronomy and physics, University of Arizona
Master’s degree, astrophysics, New Mexico State University

Biography:
In 1970, Steve came to Tucson from New York to attend the University of Arizona, where he obtained his undergraduate degree in astronomy. Like many people, he quickly fell in love with the community. Wanting to stay close to Tucson, Steve attended New Mexico State University for his graduate studies, where he would graduate in 1979 with an advanced degree in astrophysics.

Steve then took a special assignment to assist the Air Force at Edwards Air Force Base in California. He continued his career in the Los Angeles area as a program manager, supporting the Air Force Space Division in Advanced Projects and Long Range Planning. During that time he also taught math, physics and astronomy classes at the local community college.

Throughout his time in California, Steve was always looking to come home to Tucson. In 1991, he would achieve that goal by forming and operating Cañada Vistas, a local development and home building company that builds subdivisions exclusively in Oro Valley.

Cañada Vistas specializes in the development of unique neighborhoods in the Town of Oro Valley.  As such, it has been the leader in setting new standards of responsible development in the Town since 1994. His philosophy is to carefully consider each property’s characteristics with the goal of preserving its natural desert environment, existing land contours and views. These practices, along with consideration of what type of development best fits the property and neighborhood (as opposed to simply maximizing density), produces highly desirable developments that enhance the surrounding neighborhoods and the town.

Steve is particularly proud of the Vistoso Town Center development, where they created, preserved and donated the culturally significant Hohokam Honey Bee Village Archaeological Preserve. This project was selected to receive the Governor’s Archaeology Advisory Council Award in Public Archaeology, and the Common Ground Award from the Metropolitan Pima Alliance.

Throughout his time in Oro Valley, Steve has served on many Town of Oro Valley committees, including an appointment to fill a vacancy on Town Council from 2010 to 2012. He is also a Lifetime Charter Member of the Oro Valley Public Library.