Christine Byler

The Town of Marana's 2025 Annual Action Plan outlines the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from HUD to address local community development needs, particularly for low-to-moderate income residents. The plan, serving as the third year of a Five-Year Consolidated Plan, focuses on key objectives including housing rehabilitation, homeless prevention, public services, and planning and administration, aiming to benefit low and moderate-income persons and eliminate slums or blight.

The Marana Town Council convened to discuss and approve the rezoning of approximately 752.5 acres of land to establish the Cascada II Specific Plan. This plan consolidates undeveloped land regulated by the Cascada Specific Plan and the Cascada North Specific Plan, establishing appropriate land uses, zoning, and development regulations. The council reviewed recommendations from the Marana Planning Commission, including conditions related to traffic, drainage, water infrastructure, and compliance with town codes and ordinances. Approvals and requirements for traffic impact analysis, roadway improvements, and utility service agreements were also discussed.

The resolution is regarding the adoption of the Town of Marana Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) Pension Funding Policy for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. It communicates the council's pension funding objectives and its commitment to the sound financial management, formally accepting the assets, liabilities, and current funding ratio of the Town's PSPRS trust funds. The goal is to achieve a 100% funding ratio by June 30, 2036, through maintaining the full ARC payment from operating revenues and considering additional measures such as pre-payment of the estimated combined ARC amount or additional payments above the ARC.

The public hearing was held to discuss the extension of the alternative expenditure limitation, also known as the Home Rule option. The state-imposed expenditure limitation, established in 1979-80, was reviewed, noting its flaws in relation to the town's current needs and population. The Home Rule option would allow the local government to establish a budget based on available resources, providing more flexibility. The hearing also covered the impact of consolidated elections on the timing of the vote and emphasized the importance of public education and communication regarding the ballot measure.

The community conversation in Marana covered several topics including growth, RTA Next, and data centers. Discussions included addressing questions about the rate of growth, the types of businesses being developed, and the importance and benefits of RTA Next for the town. The conversation also covered data centers, their impact and benefits to the community. The panel discussed land use, zoning, and the development process, as well as strategies for economic development, including attracting specific industries such as information technology, advanced manufacturing, supply chain logistics, and healthcare.