Scottsdale Update - Aug. 10, 2026

Scottsdale Water Citizen Academy registration opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12.

Over six sessions, participants will get a behind-the-scenes look at Scottsdale's water system through facility tours, hands-on demonstrations and conversations with the experts who keep our water flowing.

Learn more at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search "Water Academy.”

Scottsdale begins Thomas Road sewer infrastructure improvements ahead of major corridor reconstruction.

Scottsdale has started a $2.5 million sewer infrastructure project along Thomas Road to improve wastewater reliability and increase system capacity before a major roadway reconstruction begins. The work includes installing about 1,200 feet of new sewer main, rehabilitating 16 existing manholes and will be followed by new waterline construction. Completing these utility upgrades first will prevent future excavation of newly paved roads and prepare the corridor for a separate $24.4 million reconstruction project that will rebuild Thomas Road between 56th and 73rd streets.

Learn more.

Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host.

Week of Aug. 10:

• Planning Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12
• PSPRS Fire Local Board Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 13
• Budget Review Commission Special Meeting: 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13

Week of Aug. 17 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19
• Airport Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.

Find more public meetings.

Neighborhood Nights at Cala.

Join Cala Scottsdale every week for Neighborhood Nights, a midweek dining experience designed to bring people together over great food, wine and conversation.

Enjoy a thoughtfully curated three-course dinner for $55 per person, featuring seasonal flavors inspired by the Mediterranean and Cala's signature approach to hospitality. For an enhanced experience, add an optional wine pairing for $30, selected to complement each course.

• 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at Cala Scottsdale, 7501 E. Camelback Road

Learn more.

Live Artist Fridays.

As part of Western Spirit’s Summer on the Trail Series, experience creativity in action as local artists Anton Nowels, Kathy Howard, Paul Steele and Milly Guthrie paint live throughout the museum galleries. Watch the artistic process unfold up close, meet the artists and gain insight into their techniques and inspiration.

• 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14, at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Learn more.

Sip + Shop Summer Market Series - Celebrity Chef Dinner.

Elevate your weekend with a paired dinner from two names familiar to Arizona’s culinary community: Chef Beau MacMillan and Mixologist Jason Asher.

Experience an exclusive three-course dinner including a meet-and-greet, paired cocktails and live demos. Twenty-five percent of proceeds will be donated to our friends at the Ronald McDonald House. Tickets are $149 (plus tax and gratuity).

Learn more.

Explore galleries during Scottsdale ArtWalk.

Scottsdale is home to more than 100 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from around the world and locally. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays. Specialty-themed Gold Palette ArtWalks are held 6:30-9 p.m. about once a month.

Ongoing

• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, live performances throughout the year.
• Discover Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities.
• Get Scottsdale Sister Cities events.

Get more events information.

Job of the Week: Contracts Coordinator.

Help bring Scottsdale’s parks, facilities and community spaces to life by coordinating the contracts that keep them operating at their best. You'll manage the full contract lifecycle, from developing bid documents to overseeing project compliance. Working closely with city departments, contractors and community partners, you'll help deliver high-quality projects and services that enhance Scottsdale’s parks, recreation programs and public facilities.

Learn more and apply.

A friendship that grew with Scottsdale.

Scottsdale recently celebrated International Day of Friendship by sharing the story of Ross and Alex, whose friendship began as students at Mohave Middle School and continued throughout their careers with the city. After starting as recreation leaders, each pursued their own career path, with Ross now serving as Constituent Services manager and Alex as communications supervisor. Their story highlights how lasting friendships, teamwork and shared experiences can grow alongside a career in public service.

Scottsdale Fire supports wildfire response in Oregon.

Scottsdale Fire Department personnel worked alongside Arizona Task Force 7 and firefighters from across the West to battle active wildfires in Oregon. The Facebook post highlighted the prep and defend strategy, showing crews preparing a home by deploying hose lines, clearing vegetation and conducting strategic firing operations to help reduce fire intensity and protect the structure. Their efforts demonstrated the importance of mutual aid and regional partnerships in protecting lives, homes and communities during large-scale wildfire incidents.

Know the ABCs of water safety.

Scottsdale Parks & Recreation recognized August as Drowning Impact Awareness Month by reminding the community that simple safety measures can help prevent drownings. The reel encourages practicing the ABCs of Water Safety: adult supervision, barriers around pools and CPR and swim classes. This is especially important as the back-to-school season brings new routines and distractions. It also highlights Scottsdale Aquatics' swim lesson opportunities for all ages throughout August, September and October.