HEADLINE NEWS

General Plan item on Aug. 25 City Council agenda has been withdrawn. Item 16 (Scottsdale General Plan 2035: Targeted Policy & Implementation Alignment) is being withdrawn from the Monday, Aug. 25, Scottsdale City Council agenda (PDF).

City Manager Greg Caton, in consultation with Interim City Attorney Luis Santaella, directed that the item be withdrawn from the agenda because the revised focus of updating the General Plan is limited to aligning it with recent changes in state statutes.

Because the focus is now on state statutes that the city is already in compliance with, there is no requirement or need for the City Council to initiate these changes (and thus, no need for the agenda item).

Due to legal timing constraints related to the Open Meeting Law, the online agenda and the agenda physically posted inside City Hall cannot be updated to note the withdrawal.

Want to speak at a Scottsdale City Council meeting? Here’s what you need to know. The city has released a guide on public comment and meeting decorum — covering who can speak, time limits, and the importance of civility in discussions. Read the full guide to understand how you can participate and ensure your voice is heard.

As a reminder — new security procedures at City Hall are in place 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.

Nominations for the Scottsdale Salutes program are open. 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.”

In addition to seeing their banners displayed in Old Town, Scottsdale Salutes honorees will be guests of honor at a special reception held in November and invited to walk in the annual Parada del Sol Historic Parade.

Learn more.

Most city offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day. Recycling and garbage collection will not be affected. Place your containers out by 5 a.m. the morning of collection or the evening before. 

The Scottsdale Trolley will not provide transit services on Labor Day. Valley Metro bus, light rail and streetcar services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Normal service will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

WestWorld of Scottsdale’s record-breaking events; $163.6 million economic boost in focus at City Hall. WestWorld of Scottsdale continues to shine as a premier event destination and major economic driver. In fiscal year 2024/25, the 386-acre venue hosted 80 events — from equestrian competitions to auto auctions and art shows — spanning 257 event days. Nearly two-thirds of the year, multiple events ran simultaneously, highlighting the site’s flexibility.

A new ASU study found WestWorld generated $163.6 million for Arizona’s economy in fiscal year 2023/24, fueled largely by tourism spending on hotels, dining, shopping, and transportation. Scottsdale City Council reviewed WestWorld’s operations, improvements, and future growth during an Aug. 18 work study session.

Learn more.

Scottsdale invests in Fire Department’s future as it marks 20 years of service. As Scottsdale Fire Department marks its 20th anniversary, the city is strengthening its commitment to public safety with major investments outlined in the fiscal year 2025/26 budget. Guided by City Council and city leadership, these investments include: opening a new station near the Airpark, adding a second engine company at Station 601, expanding ambulance service with three new units, enhancing firefighter training and specialty teams, and boosting wildfire mitigation efforts through dedicated funding. These initiatives ensure Scottsdale Fire remains one of the most advanced and responsive departments in the region.

Learn more about Scottsdale’s public safety investments.

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. 25:

• City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25
• City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26
• Planning Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27

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

• Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting and Work Study Session: 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4
  

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 Decade of Western Spirit. Experience “A Decade of Western Spirit” as we look back on ten remarkable years of innovation and inspiration. On display in the museum lobby, this large-scale timeline highlights the groundbreaking exhibitions and remarkable achievements that have established us as one of the nation’s best Western museums.

Join us in celebrating the unforgettable moments and milestones that continue to shape our legacy and ignite the spirit of the West. 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.
• Find McDowell Sonoran Conservancy events.
• Discover Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities.
• Get Scottsdale Sister Cities events.

Get more events information.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

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. 27, at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road.
• This is a free event.

Register for 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.

FYI

ADOT advises drivers to plan for ramp and road closures as part of Loop 101 Pima Freeway improvements:

• The Raintree Drive southbound off-ramp will close beginning Wednesday, Sept. 3, and remain closed for approximately two months.
• Raintree Drive is scheduled to close for paving on Saturday, Sept. 6, for one day.
• Frank Lloyd Boulevard southbound off-ramp will be closed nightly from Sept. 2-5.

Job of the Week: Electrician. Scottsdale is seeking an electrician to maintain and enhance the electrical systems that power our community’s facilities, parks, and public spaces. From ensuring safe, well-lit recreational areas to keeping critical systems running in city buildings, this position directly supports the quality of life for Scottsdale residents 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:

Take off with Podsdale! Scottsdale has an airport, and it’s busier than you might think.

This episode of Podsdale takes you behind the scenes with Aviation Planning and Outreach Coordinator Kelli Kuster to explore how Scottsdale Airport connects our community to business, tourism and economic growth. You’ll also get a sneak peek at what’s ahead through the airport’s long-term master plan. Whether you’ve flown out, driven past or just wondered what happens at the airport, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on one of Scottsdale’s most unique assets. Listen now.

Scottsdale Fall Festival is getting a makeover! The annual celebration is getting a complete redesign and a new location – Scottsdale Civic Center! The festivities take place from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.

Parks & Recreation’s event staff shared the news in this fun video reel on Facebook - give it a watch, like and share!

QUICK LINKS:

• City Call Center – 480-312-3111
• Report things that need to be fixed, or submit other requests via Scottsdale EZ
• Traffic Restrictions Map
• Stay in the loop, subscribe to ADOT Loop 101 construction updates
• Brush and Bulk Schedule
• Scottsdale Weather