Marana and Oro Valley growth

By Brian J. Pedersen By Danielle Sottosanti

The Northwest Side towns of Marana and Oro Valley had similar ideas in mind when each incorporated in the 1970s. Both wanted to form their own boundaries to prevent fast-growing Tucson from ever coming up to grab them, and in doing so each hoped to create its own identity.

But those identities have changed over the years, as Marana no longer considers itself just a farm town and Oro Valley would rather not be viewed as just a haven for retirees. And changing an image in the public eye isn't as simple as rewriting a slogan or putting together a flashy public relations campaign.

Marana Mayor Ed Honea calls his town a "progressive, inclusive community" that has some of the best attractions and amenities the Tucson area has to offer. He cited the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship golf tournament and the planned Ritz-Carlton resort, both in Dove Mountain, as ways Marana is getting noticed.

"I think Marana is establishing itself as a leader in the region," Honea said. "The fact Accenture is using Marana instead of Tucson in their advertising is very big."

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