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Scottsdale Update - Aug. 18, 2025

HEADLINE NEWS

Tourism in Scottsdale: More than 11 million visitors fueled a $3.7 billion economic impact in 2024. The latest numbers from an annual analysis led by Scottsdale’s Tourism and Events division show that the city’s tourism sector is thriving, generating $3.7 billion in economic impact in 2024 while supporting more than 36,000 local jobs in hospitality and related industries.

“Scottsdale has made very strategic investments in public facilities and operations, which have shown positive returns on investments in the form of increased economic activity – much of it in the form of the tourism growth and impact that our latest visitor study shows,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “We strive to deliver the highest-level programs, facilities, and services to our community, and visitors are clearly attracted to the same high-quality environment that our residents enjoy year-round.”

In fiscal year 2024/25, Scottsdale spent an estimated $54.7 million to provide municipal services to visitors. Visitor-generated tax revenue exceeded that cost by $22.8 million. For every $1 of municipal service costs attributable to visitors, the city received $1.42 in revenues.

Learn more.

Scottsdale Stadium welcomed nearly 140,000 fans during the 2025 Spring Training season according to the Cactus League, marking its highest attendance since 2019.  The 15-game season showcased improvements to the stadium’s Left Field berm, where fans experienced a new shaded patio area and expanded trees (and shade) across the outfield lawn. The renovations are part of a phased modernization plan that began in the 2019 offseason, with the goal of maintaining Scottsdale Stadium’s status as a leading venue in the Cactus League.

Behind the scenes, the Scottsdale Charros — a fixture of local baseball since 1961 — turned game-day energy into community impact. While fans often see the Charros hosting guests in the Charro Lodge or selling programs and 50/50 raffle tickets on the concourse, their work extends far beyond game day.

Through Spring Training operations and year-round programs, the Charros and the Charro Foundation contributed nearly $1.4 million to organizations and initiatives benefiting residents citywide. More than 100 local organizations received funding, including 100 Club of Arizona, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Family Promise, Scottsdale Arts and Scottsdale Community Partners.

Learn more.

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. 18:

Week of Aug. 25 – 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

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West presents - A Fistful of Colors! Embark on a vibrant journey through the American West in A Fistful of Colors! This captivating exhibition explores how Western artists have harnessed the rainbow to portray the majestic landscapes, bold personalities, and thrilling stories that define our iconic region. From the sun-drenched tones of impressionist paintings and the vibrant Technicolor of classic film to the stark contrasts of black-and-white photography and the dazzling silver and gemstones of indigenous jewelry, the exhibition illustrates the rich array of styles and traditions that have colored our perception of the West.

On display at Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art - Alida Sun: Biophony. Biophony is a hand-coded generative synesthesia environment created by Berlin-based artist Alida Sun. Grown from an ongoing algorithmic practice of code as embodied ritual and resistance, the audiovisuals evoke local and extinct soundscape ecologies. Creating a sensory space for reflection and respite, Biophony questions how technology may aid in archiving and connecting us with wildlife and the land.

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

Conserve and save with WaterSmart. This workshop is intended for current Scottsdale Water customers. Register to receive a virtual meeting link where you will learn how to use Scottsdale’s free WaterSmart portal. Scottsdale water customers will see a demo on how to navigate the portal, track their water use, and also be provided with practical tips to reduce water waste and proactively watch for unplanned use. Please register, and a link to the virtual meeting will be sent to you the week of the workshop. A recording will also be sent to all registered users.

  • Noon Wednesday, Aug. 27, via Microsoft Teams.

FYI

The Old Town Pavement Improvement Project has been expanded to include more roadways, alleys and parking lots in Old Town Scottsdale. When complete, business owners, residents and visitors will enjoy a smoother and safer driving experience and enhanced curb appeal.

The work will include a variety of pavement preservation improvements including crack fill, fog seal, micro seal and mill and overlay. Construction is already underway and will occur in several phases through the end of October. Visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Old Town Paving” for additional information.

Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard ramp closure. The southbound Loop 101 off-ramp at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard will be closed nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Sunday, Aug. 24, and ending the morning of Friday, Aug. 29, for painting.

  • Detour: Drivers may consider using the southbound Loop 101 off-ramp at Princess Drive/Pima Road and using the southbound frontage road to access Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard.

Raintree Drive closure. Westbound Raintree Drive will be closed at Loop 101 from 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, to 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, for sign work.

  • Detour: Drivers can use northbound 90th Street to westbound Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard to southbound Hayden Road to Raintree Drive or southbound 90th Street to westbound Thunderbird Road to northbound Northsight Boulevard to Raintree Drive.

The Loop 101 Improvement Project between Princess Drive/Pima Road and Shea Boulevard is adding one general-use lane in each direction and providing other improvements along Loop 101 and at interchanges within the project’s boundaries.

For more information on the project, please visit azdot.gov/Loop101PrincesstoShea.

Job of the Week: Assistant Human Resources Director. Scottsdale is seeking an assistant Human Resources director to serve as a trusted partner to the senior director in planning, directing, and administering comprehensive human resources programs. This leadership role ensures that Scottsdale recruits, supports, and retains talented employees who provide high-quality services—from public safety and community development to parks, libraries, and infrastructure.

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:

“City Hall Selfie Day” recap. Last week the city of Scottsdale recognized its employees during “City Hall Selfie Day,” an annual celebration of public service coordinated by nonprofit organization Engaging Local Government Leaders. Check out some of the creative selfies from our employees!

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