Season of Gratitude and Thanks
Published on November 18, 2025
By Oro Valley Town Manager Jeff Wilkins
As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, I want to extend warm wishes to you and your loved ones. This is a special time of year to pause and reflect on what we’re thankful for.
Here in Oro Valley, there’s plenty to appreciate. Every day, I’m reminded that the heart of this community resides in its people: the neighbors who lend a hand, the volunteers who give their time, the businesses that keep our economy strong and provide services we need, and the Town staff who serve with pride. Together, you make Oro Valley a place where people love to live, work and play.
A caring and connected community
Oro Valley is home to hundreds of resident volunteers who contribute thousands of hours each year to support our Police Department, Boards and Commissions, parks and community events. From our Citizen Volunteer Assistants Program (CVAP) to those that serve on advisory committees, we are deeply grateful for the time, energy and expertise you share with us.
This fall, our community came together for our Russian Thistle weed-pull events at the Vistoso Trails Nature Preserve, where more than 60 volunteers—including three Councilmembers and several Town staff—rolled up their sleeves to protect our open spaces.
We also saw tremendous support for families in need through the annual Oro Valley Community Food Drive. Town staff donated 1,551 pounds of food to Interfaith Community Services (ICS), continuing a 16-year tradition of giving back.
Other examples of staff giving include blood donations to benefit the American Red Cross, participating in the Children’s Advocacy Center’s annual toy drive, hosting 5K events to support the Town’s Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund, and raising funds through a first responders' charity kickball tournament.
Each engagement or opportunity to contribute represents caring and connection across the community. We’re also grateful for your participation in OV’s Path Forward, OV Trails Connect, the Community Academy and the OVPD Citizens Academy. Your involvement helps guide our future.
A Community of Excellence
We’re thankful to be known as a Community of Excellence, especially in public service. Our staff continues to deliver award-winning work that reflects professionalism, creativity and care.
Deputy Parks and Recreation Director Matthew Jankowski was named 2024 Professional of the Year by the Arizona Parks and Recreation Association.
Deputy Town Manager Chris Cornelison earned the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, joining approximately 1,300 professionals nationwide.
Our Finance Department earned its 13th consecutive GFOA Triple Crown for excellence in reporting.
The Communications and Marketing Division received a national 3CMA Award of Excellence for “Best Use of Humor” in promoting the annual Hot Cocoa 5K race that occurs each Jan. 1.
The Planning Division earned PRSA and Granicus awards for the branding and engagement behind OV’s Path Forward.
Naranja Park and the Oro Valley Aquatic Center were voted “Best in the Northwest” for the second year in a row by Tucson Local Media readers, reflecting community pride and staff dedication.
Gratitude amidst challenge
We’re especially thankful for those who shop locally and participate in the Chamber’s Shop Local programs, including the upcoming Holiday Ornament Hunt. Starting Black Friday, shoppers can collect up to 20 limited-edition Oro Valley wooden ornaments, each handmade by CDO High School students, by visiting participating retailers. (For details, follow the Chamber on social media, visit OroValleyChamber.com, or stop by the Chamber’s office on Innovation Park Drive.)
Now, as Oro Valley nears buildout, growth-related revenues like construction sales taxes are naturally declining. With limited land left to develop, our future depends more on local spending. Sales taxes fund the services our community values most, like police, roads and parks.
That’s why we encourage residents and visitors to shop here. Every dollar spent locally supports the high quality of life that makes Oro Valley such a special place. There’s a direct connection between residents’ quality of life and the impact of shopping locally. And our partnership with the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce and local businesses promotes shopping locally, ensuring that dollars spent in Oro Valley stay in Oro Valley.
The Town, like many across Arizona, faces funding shortfalls and rising operational costs. Staff continue working diligently to do more with less, maintaining roads through our Pavement Preservation program and supporting police officers who help keep Oro Valley among the safest communities in the state.
Sometimes, that means making difficult decisions, such as adjusting taxes and user fees or considering new revenue sources for the first time in many years. These decisions are not made lightly, but they reflect our shared commitment to maintaining the quality services residents have come to expect. I’m grateful for those who understand these changes could help sustain our community’s quality of life amid stagnant revenues and rising costs.
Looking ahead: How to help
As we enter the holiday season, I invite everyone to continue supporting this community we all love.
- Shop local: Every dollar spent in Oro Valley helps fund core services such as roads, parks and public safety.
- Get involved: Volunteer for a Town event, join a resident working group or attend a public meeting. Your engagement shapes our future.
- Stay connected: Follow Town updates, share ideas and help celebrate the people and programs that make Oro Valley shine.
2025 has been a remarkable year of progress, service and connection. From award-winning achievements to volunteer efforts and everyday acts of kindness, there is much to be thankful for.
As we plan for the future, I’m filled with appreciation for everyone who makes this Town what it is: residents, councilmembers, staff, businesses and partners alike. Thank you for your continued trust and support.
On behalf of the entire Town of Oro Valley, I wish you a safe, joyful and meaningful Thanksgiving season. Together, we’ll continue building an even brighter future for Oro Valley.
About Jeff Wilkins
Jeff Wilkins has operated as Oro Valley’s town manager since 2023. A government official for nearly 30 years, he has served communities in Illinois, Michigan, Indiana and Ohio in roles like County Administrator, City Manager, Assistant Town Manager and Director of Administration and Treasurer. He has helped each community with strategic leadership, intergovernmental relations, economic development, capital planning, budget and finance, team building and HR and staff development.
Wilkins strives to build teams and collaboration for internal and community initiatives. His teams plan together for goals and celebrate together when accomplished. Wilkins earned his master’s degree from Indiana University and bachelor’s degree from DePauw University. Wilkins and his wife, Gina, are proud parents of two children, and they enjoy time with their two rescue dogs and rescue cat.