Consultant: Sahuarita general‑plan update drew 225 survey responses; community workshop set for Nov. 19

Matt Kliesico, a consultant with Michael Baker International, told the Town of Sahuarita council the town's 10‑year general plan update has included a mix of in‑person and virtual outreach and a community survey that produced 225 responses. "We had a total of 225 responses when we did close the survey," Kliesico said, summarizing resident input on priorities and concerns.

The consultant said outreach has included a July in‑person workshop, an online version of the same workshop, booths at town events, targeted staff technical meetings and coordination with HOAs; the process is intended to capture a cross‑section of the community. Kliesico said respondents ranked neighborhoods, community size and infrastructure among the attributes that make Sahuarita a desirable place.

Council members and staff highlighted infrastructure, broadband and the availability of restaurants and retail as recurring themes. Anna Cassidy, community development director, confirmed the project will continue with three near‑term public events: a Planning & Zoning study session on Nov. 4, a youth workshop on Nov. 5, and a second community workshop on Nov. 19 at La Posada. The project team will then open a second community survey and host outreach at the town's Winterfest on Dec. 7.

The presentation emphasized that the general plan update is community driven and that staff and consultants will use survey and workshop feedback to draft goals and policies for subsequent review. The report and full survey results are posted on the project website, listed in the meeting as SawaritaGP.com. The council did not take formal action on the plan at the meeting; staff said they will return with draft goals and policies for additional public comment.