I went to a very interesting and informative talk last week, led by Marana, AZ officials. Marana is just NW of the metropolitan area of Tucson, AZ. Some of the speakers included:
- Terry Rozema, Town Manager – Town of Marana
- Dr. Dan Streeter, Superintendent, Marana Unified School District
- Captain Roberto Jimenez, Marana Police Department
- Chief Brad Bradley, Northwest Fire District
- Jason Angell, Development Services Director, Town of Marana
- Curt Woody, Economic Development & Tourism Director, Town of Marana
Terry started off the presentation a very thought-provoking message. He said,
"What and how becomes a burden without Why"
He went on to explain that Marana views themselves as public servants and are a purpose driven community. Their mission is to help people have a better day and to provide 5 star service. He did point out that the Ritz Carlton Resort in Dove Mountain, Marana, is the only 5-star resort in Arizona...
It was interesting to learn that in towns over 30,000, Marana is the second safest town in Arizona. (Oro Valley, to the east, is number 1 in the recent study)
Other key notes I took away were:
Marana Unified School District covers 550 square miles and their bus drivers drive over 11,000 miles a day. 18 schools, 13,000 students, 1600 employees
Arizona is an open-enrollment state, but capacities often are full.
NW Fire services 160 square miles with 11 stations
There is still a housing shortage in Arizona. Home permits are down, but planning is up. Planning is the infrastructure before communities are formed.
*There still isn't a major grocery store planned in NW Marana - specifically Gladden Farms area. This has been ongoing. (There are great stores in the Continental Ranch area, and further east along Tangerine, but just one small local store in the area)
If you'd like more information about Marana, I'm happy to share. I've worked the area as a REALTOR for 17 years and am happy to get you moving in the right direction!
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