Scottsdale Update - Aug. 24, 2026

Scottsdale evaluating impact of new Colorado River rules.

Scottsdale Water is reviewing new federal rules for managing the Colorado River after 2026, emphasizing that the announced reductions do not translate directly into the same percentage reduction for Scottsdale’s water supply. The city is working with the Central Arizona Project and other agencies to determine which supplies will be affected, how reductions will be allocated and what the changes mean for Scottsdale’s overall water portfolio. Scottsdale has multiple water sources, including Colorado River, Salt River Project, reclaimed water and groundwater, and has stored water underground for future use while typically using only a portion of its available Colorado River allocation.

Learn more.

Scottsdale opens new Thompson Peak Dog Park.

Scottsdale has opened a new 3.5-acre off-leash dog park at Thompson Peak Park near Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway, adding another recreation option for residents and their pets. The $6.1 million, voter-approved bond project includes three fenced play areas that can be rotated for turf maintenance, along with shade canopies, benches, water fountains, pet waste stations, additional parking and a new restroom. The park also features four public art panels by Scottsdale artist Shachi Kale inspired by dogs, local plants and the surrounding mountain landscape.

Learn more.

Scottsdale earns two national AI 50 Awards for innovation and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The citywide approach combines AI governance, cybersecurity, data stewardship and responsible-use practices to improve services, support employees and strengthen operations. The award-winning short-term rental tool uses AI and geospatial analytics to monitor thousands of properties, increasing short-term rental tax and licensing revenue by 40% while giving residents easy access to license status and emergency contact information. The recognition reflects Scottsdale employees’ commitment to using AI thoughtfully and securely to improve efficiency, transparency and outcomes for the community.

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. 24:

• City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24
• City Council Special Meeting: 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25
• City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25
• Industrial Development Authority Regular Meeting: 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26
• Economic Development Committee Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26

Week of Aug. 31 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee: 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31

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

Find more public meetings.

Reel West Sundays – Featured Film: Silverado.

Western Spirit Museum: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West invites guests to enjoy classic Westerns on the big screen for Reel West Sundays as part of its Summer on the Trail series. The featured film for Sunday, Aug. 30, is Silverado (1985) starring Scott Glenn, Kevin Kline, Danny Glover and Kevin Costner.

• 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at 3830 N. Marshall Way
• Learn more.

Screening of Scottsdale’s documentary, “Diamond in the Dust.”

Join Scottsdale community historian Joan Fudala for the premier screening of the documentary Diamond in the Dust created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the city of Scottsdale. You'll be educated and entertained with information and images from the founding of the city to present day. Joan will add to the experience with additional photos and commentary based on her years as a Scottsdale historian.

• 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, at Western Spirit Museum: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way
• Register online.

Scottsdale Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival.

This annual arts and crafts event at WestWorld of Scottsdale celebrates sewing, quilting, needle art and related crafts. It’s a major gathering for makers, hobbyists and professionals, offering a wide range of supplies, tools and inspiration from both local and national vendors.

• 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sept. 3-4
• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sept. 5
• Learn more.

Explore galleries during Scottsdale ArtWalk.

Scottsdale is home to more than 50 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from Arizona and around the world. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. most Thursdays throughout the year. 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.

Register for fall Neighborhood College classes.

Strong neighborhoods start with engaged residents. Scottsdale’s Neighborhood College gives residents, neighborhood groups and homeowners associations the knowledge, resources and tools to help address community issues and become effective neighborhood leaders.

Learn from professional and volunteer instructors through classes covering city programs and services, volunteer opportunities, personal safety, HOA guidelines and more. Classes are free, but registration is required.

View the class schedule and register online at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Neighborhood College.”

Brown’s Ranch Trailhead remains closed during construction, and visitors are asked to stay out of the trailhead and all surrounding closed trails.

Heavy equipment, open trenches, exposed utilities and other construction hazards make the area unsafe for hikers and cyclists and can be difficult to anticipate or navigate. These temporary closures are essential to protect both the public and construction crews, and Scottsdale Police is monitoring the site and addressing violations. Project completion is anticipated for October, pending weather. The improvements will include an updated parking lot and a new gathering and trail dispersal area designed to improve access, safety and reduce trail congestion.

Learn more.

Job of the Week: Police Civilian Investigator.

Help bring investigations to closure as a police civilian investigator with the Scottsdale Police Department. You’ll manage an investigative caseload while supporting detectives and police officers with research, interviews, evidence and records review and other investigative activities. By supporting the investigative process from follow-up to case closure, you’ll help ensure crimes are properly investigated and contribute to a safer, more secure community.

Learn more and apply.

Meet Scottsdale’s Emergency Manager, Jacob Johnson!

Scottsdale’s Emergency Manager Jacob Johnson is a hometown native who has dedicated his career to helping the community he’s always called home. From wildfires and severe weather to major events, Jacob helps Scottsdale prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies. His story highlights the people and passion behind the city’s emergency management efforts.

Celebrating Scottsdale’s nonprofit community.

The city of Scottsdale recognized National Nonprofit Day by celebrating the organizations, staff and volunteers who help strengthen the community. From supporting local programs and services to filling important community needs, nonprofit organizations play a meaningful role in helping Scottsdale thrive.

Training together. Responding together.

Scottsdale Fire Department and Daisy Mountain Fire & Medical Department recently trained side-by-side to strengthen the teamwork and coordination that are essential to the region’s automatic aid system. Crews used the opportunity to become familiar with each other’s equipment, apparatus, hose layouts and procedures while building relationships that can help them work more effectively across jurisdictional boundaries. That preparation ensures firefighters are better equipped to communicate, integrate and respond quickly when an emergency happens.