ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (KGUN) — Oro Valley is inviting residents behind the scenes of Town Hall with its 28th Annual Community Academy, a free, nine-class series that offers a primer on how the town runs — and how neighbors can help shape it.
The academy begins Thursday, Oct. 2, and runs through Nov. 5 at Oro Valley Town Hall, 11000 N. La Cañada Drive. Sessions are 6–8 p.m. In-person is encouraged, but an online option is available.
“This is about making information accessible, digestible and compact,” Town Manager Bayer Vella said in an interview. “We can get folks up and running for effective engagement after nine classes.”
Organizers say the highly interactive series walks residents through:
- The town’s 10-year community action plan
- How development and roadway projects come together
- Town finances and essential services
- Parks, recreation and trails
- Public safety, plus water resource planning and conservation
- New this year: tourism and water planning topics
Participants who attend at least half the classes are eligible to graduate during a Nov. 5 Town Council meeting, which includes a celebratory dinner and certificate. Many graduates go on to serve on town boards, commissions or the resident working group for OV’s Path Forward.
Registration: The town says there’s still time to join even though the academy begins Thursday. Residents can register on the town’s website.
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Kenny Darr is a reporter for KGUN 9. He joined the team in January 2023. Before arriving in Arizona he was an Anchor and Reporter at KADN in Lafayette, LA. Share your story ideas with Kenny by emailing kenny.darr@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
