About GVC
The Green Valley Council, or “The Council,” as many refer to it, is the catalyst for community growth and development. Since 1973, the volunteer Council has served as the de facto local government. Though lacking legal jurisdiction, the cooperative spirit of our citizens has nurtured the Council’s development into a thriving, sophisticated model of cooperation and advancement for our community. The Council is incorporated as a 501 (c) (4) Arizona corporation. It’s influence derives from the memberships of 75 homeowner associations (HOA) representing about two-thirds of all the residents of Green Valley. The addition of 21 local organizations and businesses as Institutional Members, rounds out its attributes as a strong voice for the community.
The Council is the focused advocate of the 27,000, mostly retiree Green Valley residents. Coming from all 50 states and 19 foreign countries, their voices resonate in the Council’s Board of Representatives. Each HOA selects one of its members to sit on the Board. Every two years, the Board elects a president, a first and second vice president, a treasurer, a corporate secretary and four members-at-large. Except for a three-person staff, the Council is made up entirely of volunteers. Two of the permanent staff devote about three-quarters of their time to coordinating, editing and distributing the Green Valley Area Community Directory, the principal source of the Council’s income.
The Council serves the community in multiple ways:
- Administering standing committees
- Conducting regular open meetings of its membership with media present and time reserved for any citizen comment
- Compiling and distributing the Green Valley Area Community Directory, and
- Maintaining an office in the Green Valley Village year-round, Monday through Friday, except holidays, for assistance to its membership and the public at large.
Accomplishments!!
The Green Valley Directory – Each year, the GVC compiles and updates where necessary all of the data relating to residents, both new and old, and delivers that data to AT&T for the ultimate publishing of the Directory. The GVC then directs and coordinates the delivery of the Directory to some 30,000 residents in the Greater Green Valley area. The income from these two contracts amounts to two thirds of our annual budget, allowing us to keep member’s dues very low.
Solar Forum – The GVC organized and convened three (3) solar forums for the benefit of Green Valley residents to provide them with information about alternate power sources in an effort to help reduce their energy costs.
Household Hazardous Waste – Each year, the GVC sponsors the collection of household hazardous waste (paints, batteries, electronic equipment, etc.) for proper disposal. This event collected in excess of 20,000 pounds of waste products and is scheduled twice a year.
Dispose-a-Med Program – The GVC created, sponsored and launched this program to allow Green Valley residents to dispose of their out-dated or unneeded medicines into collection boxes located at the three (3) fire stations located in the area. This avoids the disposal of meds into the aquifer and possible contamination of our water supply. An average of 100 pounds of out-dated meds are collected and disposed of each month.
MedianGreen – The GVC created, sponsored and launched Median Green, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to replant and beautify the public medians located along our main thoroughfares in Green Valley for the benefit of both residents and visitors. Along with the County’s three and Median Green’s thirteen, this successful program has replanted 16 beautiful medians.
Health Fair – The GVC is a co-sponsor of the Green Valley Health Fair held each year for the benefit of all residents. Well attended, the event provides information on a variety of health issues and includes free screening and testing. Additionally, Health & Human Services has been instrumental in the on-going discussions with Carondelet in bringing a hospital to the Green Valley area.
Transit System – The GVC, working with the Pima Association of Governments/Regional Transportation Authority and the Town of Sahuarita, has established a public transit system that will travel throughout the Green Valley – Sahuarita area and into Tucson on a regularly scheduled basis. This program took over 10 years of persistance by the GVC Transit Committee before the first bus rolled out in Green Valley. Call 792-9222 for Sun Shuttle schedules and information or check out the online website www.suntran.com.
Candidates Forum – During an election year, the GVC creates a forum and invites the candidates for all pertinent offices to discuss their position on issues that could affect Green Valley residents. GVC does not take a position on political issues.
Road Maintenance –Our Traffic and Arroyos Committee meets monthly with the Pima County Department of Transportation officials to provide them with the details of public street repair and maintenance issues within Green Valley. This Committee handles over 100 Service Requests annually. And, also promotes needed road improvements coordinating with the county and state.
Environmental – The GVC through its Environmental Committee meets with and has ongoing dialogue with County and State officials to discuss issues relating to the environmental concerns of the community to include water, air quality and other environmental issues.
Planning and Architectural – As the name implies, GVC’s Planning and Architectural Committee is given the opportunity through the Pima County Department of Development to review and make recommendations on all proposed residential and commercial/industrial projects within the boundaries of Green Valley. Architecturally, the Committee protects the public interest and the appearance of Green Valley by reviewing proposed sub-divisions and commercial buildings as well as any commercial remodeling or signage. Recommendations are sent to Pima County officials.
GVC Workshops – The GVC provides workshops periodically for its members on such subjects as: Tenants in an HOA; Legal Issues within the HOA; Road Maintenance; Landscaping and other common issues. Each year, Officer training is offered to those new in leadership positions within their HOA.
In addition to the basic services provided as set forth above, the GVC through its Traffic and Arroyos Committee, has successfully facilitated construction and community participation in many road safety projects such as: the stop light at Abrego and Continental Rd; the rerouting of the West Frontage Rd and Continental intersection; and the Bike Subcommittee’s work on the multi-purpose lanes throughout Green Valley. Most recently, the Committee participated in the planning for the completion of the East Frontage Road to Canoa Road, as well as the construction of the Continental Road interchange to improve and ease transportation routes within the area for the benefit of pedestrians, bicycles and automobiles.