Scottsdale Update - Aug. 4, 2025
HEADLINE NEWS
Scottsdale has been named one of the safest cities in the nation for drivers in the 2025 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report. The city placed No. 7 nationwide and earned the top spot in Arizona. This recognition highlights Scottsdale's long-standing commitment to safe, innovative transportation planning and community investment.
Key to this success is Scottsdale’s data-driven approach, which includes real-time traffic monitoring through the city’s Traffic Management Center and ongoing collaboration between traffic engineers and the Scottsdale Police Department. The city also empowers residents to help improve neighborhood safety through programs like the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
This year Scottsdale launched the Safe Streets Scottsdale initiative—focused on reducing serious and fatal crashes through targeted improvements and community input.
Open houses planned 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, to expand the ability for ADUs to be constructed citywide on all lots or parcels zoned for residential use.
Two open houses are planned for the public to learn more and provide comments:
- 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at One Civic Center, Community Development Conference Rooms, 7447 E. Indian School Road.
- 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.
New Scottsdale Trolley route connects residents to food bank and community resources. Beginning Thursday, Aug. 7, the city of Scottsdale will launch a new Scottsdale Trolley route that connects three vital community service locations: the Scottsdale Food Bank, Granite Reef Senior Center, and Vista del Camino Community Center. The new route is designed to improve access to critical nutrition and support services for Scottsdale residents—particularly seniors and individuals experiencing food insecurity.
The new trolley service runs from 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays and operates on a 30-minute loop with stops at:
- Granite Reef Senior Center (north parking lot)
- Vista del Camino Community Center (existing trolley stop)
- Scottsdale Food Bank, now located at 7601 E. McKellips Road, Building C
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. 4:
- Development Review Board Regular Meeting: 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7
- Paths and Trails Subcommittee Regular Meeting: 5:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7
- Historic Preservation Commission Regular Agenda: 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7
Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.
THINGS TO DO
Sippin’ Series: Craftsman Spirits. Sample specially designed cocktails made with small-batch, locally hand-crafted spirits from Craftsman Distillers! Sippin’ Series participants explore a variety of spirits or cocktail concepts with professionals from local distributors in an intimate, fun, and educational setting. This event is for adults 21 and older.
- 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Dayton Fowler Grafman Atrium, 7380 E. Second St.
- Tickets: $59
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
Show your love of Scottsdale by volunteering to be an Old Town Ambassador. Be a welcoming face to all who visit Old Town Scottsdale and one of more than 100 volunteers who provide a friendly smile along with area maps, special events information and brochures about local businesses and attractions. Learn more and register.FYI
Eastbound travel for McKellips Road between the State Route Loop 101 and 92nd Street will re-open with one lane of travel. Westbound travel on McKellips Road remains open for motorists.
Please watch for work crews, obey all traffic control signs and follow reduced speeds in the work zone. For more information on the project and the latest on travel restrictions, please visit the project website.
Schedule
- Where: McKellips Road between Alma School Road and the State Route Loop 101.
- When: New travel restrictions begin at 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 through early September.
- Work Hours: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday - Friday. Travel restrictions will be in place 24 hours a day and seven days per week.
Occasional weekend or holiday work may occur if required.
Work hours may begin earlier during the spring/summer months.
Schedule is subject to change for reasons beyond MCDOT’s control, including: weather, equipment failure or other circumstances.
Questions: call the Project Hotline at 602-506-3342, or email: [email protected]
MCDOT Project Number: TT0342
Construction of the Roosevelt Street storm drain is scheduled to begin in September; learn more at an Aug. 7 open house meeting. This is a joint project by the cities of Tempe (lead agency) and Scottsdale and the Flood Control District of Maricopa County.
The project includes trenching and installation of storm drain pipes, manholes, lateral pipes and catch basins along Roosevelt Street/Continental Drive beginning at Miller Road and working west to 68th Street/College Avenue. The improvements will increase storm drain capacity, improve water capture, upgrade flood protection and direct stormwater runoff to serve right-of-way landscaping.
An open house meeting will take place from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Vista del Camino Community Center, 7700 E. Roosevelt St.
Job of the Week: Old Town Specialist. Are you ready to be part of a dynamic, fast-paced team that values collaboration, creativity, and community impact—all while working in the vibrant heart of Old Town Scottsdale? The city is seeking an Old Town specialist to help maintain, enhance, and promote the continued success of one of Arizona’s premier destinations. The Old Town specialist position includes helping coordinate special events, manage contracts, and resolve community concerns.
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.
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