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Office of Communications

Aug 11, 2025

Scottsdale Update - Aug. 11, 2025

HEADLINE NEWS

Scottsdale seeks nominations for Veterans recognition program. The city of Scottsdale is accepting nominations for its annual Scottsdale Salutes program, which honors veterans, active-duty military, and members of the National Guard and reserves with ties to the community.

Banners featuring selected honorees will be displayed on light poles in Old Town for two weeks in November, with a special reception recognizing them during Veterans Day events.

Nominees must live in Scottsdale, have lived here previously, or have a strong local connection, such as working in the city for at least five years. Nominations are open through Friday, Sept. 26, at ScottsdaleAZ.gov by searching “Scottsdale Salutes.”

The program, created by the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission, aims to publicly thank service members for their dedication and sacrifice.

Scottsdale Water Quality Laboratory celebrates 25 years of service. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Scottsdale Water Quality Laboratory, which has played a vital role in ensuring safe and clean drinking water, reclaimed water, and stormwater for the community.

Originally built in 1998 as part of the Scottsdale Water Campus, the lab began operations in early 1999 and received its first license from the Arizona Department of Health Services in 2000. Since then, the lab has processed over 210,000 samples and analyzed more than 1 million substances, providing rapid, in-house testing that replaced slower contract laboratories previously used.

In May 2025, the Scottsdale City Council approved an expansion of the laboratory to support increased testing capabilities, including new and upcoming regulatory requirements.

For more details, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search for “Water Quality Report.”

Open house this week for ADU zoning code change. A new state law (HB2928) changes how cities regulate Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and now requires Scottsdale to amend its zoning code. The new law differs from HB2720, which was passed last year - ADUs are now allowed citywide on all lots or parcels zoned for residential use.

The city is hosting an open house meeting where residents can learn more and provide comments on the proposed zoning code changes that will implement the new state law:

5 – 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at Mountain View Community Center, 8625 E. Mountain View Road.

View the case info sheet for more details or visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “ADU Zoning Code Amendment” to watch the video.

Apply to serve on a city board or commission. Scottsdale is seeking to fill seven open positions on various boards and commissions including the Airport Advisory Commission and Library Board. Residents looking for opportunities to volunteer and give back to their community are invited to apply.

Individuals interested in applying must complete an online application by Friday, Aug. 15.

Current openings include:

  • Airport Advisory Commission (1 opening)
  • Building Advisory Board of Appeals (1 opening)
  • Historic Preservation Commission (1 opening)
  • Library Board (1 opening)
  • Public Safety Personnel Retirement Boards (1 citizen member opening)

Tourism Development Commission (2-Scottsdale hotelier openings)

Detailed descriptions of each board and commission’s responsibilities can be found by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching for "Boards and Commissions."

Council returns from summer break with WestWorld discussion. As the Scottsdale City Council returns from summer recess for a work study session on Monday, Aug. 18, residents are reminded that new security procedures at City Hall have been in place since July  and those attending should allow extra time to pass through the screening process.

Similar to protocols introduced at Scottsdale’s One Civic Center, the measures include walk-through metal detectors, handheld screening devices and bag checks at designated entry points. Signage directs visitors to approved entrances and exits, where screenings are required.

Security officers are stationed on site to conduct safety checks and assist visitors. In accordance with A.R.S. § 13-3102 A, weapons are prohibited inside City Hall; a secure lockbox is available at the entrance for temporary storage of legal weapons.

Learn more about the new security measures.  

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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. 11:

Week of August 18 – Check back next week for the full list:

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

Find more public meetings.

THINGS TO DO

Sip & Shop Summer Market. Experience a free indoor market featuring local chefs, purveyors, and some of the Hotel Valley Ho’s favorite wines and spirits.

  • 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16, at Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St.
  • 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:

Get more events information.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Get schooled at the fall Neighborhood College classes. This program is a fantastic opportunity for residents to get engaged and informed about various aspects of our community. With several tracks available – HOA/Condo, Good Neighbor and Stories of Scottsdale History – there's something for everyone.

The program equips residents with the knowledge, resources and tools needed to become effective neighborhood leaders, which is crucial for fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. Additionally, entertaining history classes add fun to the learning experience, making it both informative and enjoyable.

Register online.

Join the Citizens Water Academy. Come learn all about one of the most advanced municipal water systems in the country with Scottsdale Water's Citizens Water Academy. This five-week course from Sept. 10 through Oct. 8 takes participants on a behind-the-scenes look at Scottsdale Water utilities, state-of-the-art facilities and innovative technologies.

Seats are limited to 35 participants, and you must be a current Scottsdale resident or Scottsdale business owner to apply and attend.

Registration opens at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14. Register.

Summer Memory Camp. Join us for our Summer Memory Camp, a shared session of activities and ideas for people with conditions impacting memory or cognitive functions and the people who care for them.

  • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, at Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 East Via Linda

This is a free event.

FYI

Scottsdale seeks input on updated smoking ordinance. The city is proposing updates to its Smoking in Public Ordinance to better protect public health, align with state law and create healthier community spaces. The changes would expand smoke-free areas at city-owned facilities — including playgrounds, bus stops, stadiums and swimming pools — and add e-cigarettes and vapes to the ban.

Learn more and share feedback.

Weekend waterpark hours. Eldorado and McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center will be open for waterpark hours from 1 – 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 30. The last day of waterparks hours at both centers will be Sept. 1.

Stay up-to-date on facility information and hours at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search "Aquatics."

Job of the Week: Traffic Engineer. Scottsdale is seeking a highly skilled and motivated traffic engineer to join our Transportation & Infrastructure department. In this role you'll apply advanced traffic engineering principles to support citywide mobility, reduce congestion, and improve public safety—all while helping to shape Scottsdale’s transportation future. As Scottsdale continues to grow, the traffic engineer is critical in ensuring that our transportation infrastructure meets the needs of our residents, businesses, and visitors.

At Scottsdale, we believe in Simply Better Service, and that starts with people like you. Be part of a team that values safety, teamwork and pride in public service.

Serve a World-Class Community and enjoy competitive pay, benefits and the chance to make a visible impact every day. Learn more and apply.  

NEW ONLINE:

Vintage Voice: Staying active and engage as you age! Join Jessica Rapp with special co-host, Greer Albaugh as they talk to the Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, Kevin McKee. In this episode they’ll touch on why it’s so important to stay active while you age. They’ll also talk about finding your purpose, no matter your age and how Scottdale’s Park and Recreation department can help you achieve those goals. Watch online.

Podsdale: Serving Scottsdale at our food bank. In this episode, we sit down with Scottsdale Food Bank staff to talk about their recent relocation to the McKellips Campus and what it means for operations, volunteers and the community. With nearly double the capacity, the new space is helping the Food Bank serve more residents, more efficiently. Listen now. 

“Don’t Trash Your Bin” recycle campaign. Scottsdale has launched a new social media campaign designed to help residents recycle smarter. Check out the latest video to learn about which items should and shouldn’t go in your mauve recycling bin. Visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “recycle” for the full list of accepted materials and recycling guidelines.

QUICK LINKS:

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Office of Communications

Aug 11, 2025

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