HEADLINE NEWS

Scottsdale announces new Senior Director of Economic Development & Tourism. The city of Scottsdale has appointed Kevin Burke as its new Senior Director of Economic Development & Tourism, citing his proven leadership and track record in fostering business growth. In this role, Burke will oversee the strategic direction and management of the city’s Economic Development and Tourism departments, which support business recruitment, expansion, small businesses, tourism, events, and domestic and international economic development efforts. He will also advance priority projects focused on high-quality job creation, sustainable growth, and long-term economic vitality.

Burke brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development and municipal leadership, most recently serving as Executive Management Advisor and Deputy Director of Economic Initiatives for the city of Tucson, where he led the city’s economic development strategic plan and managed initiatives across a $2.4 billion organization. Burke will begin his new role on Dec. 29.

Learn more.

Scottsdale honors its 2025 Employee & Volunteer Award winners. Scottsdale celebrated the people behind the city’s exceptional service on Dec. 10 at the 2025 Scottsdale Employee & Volunteer Awards, recognizing individuals and teams whose dedication, innovation and compassion make a daily difference in the community. Employees were nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of previous award winners.

This year’s honorees represent every corner of the organization - from water engineering and library facilities to adaptive recreation, public safety and aquatics.

Learn more about the 2025 award recipients and highlights of their contributions.

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 Dec. 8:

• Judicial Appointments Advisory Board Regular Meeting: 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15
• Tourism Development Commission Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16
• Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17
• Budget Review Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18

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

Find more public meetings.

THINGS TO DO

Holiday Stocking Decorating.  Enjoy an hour of crafting Holiday Stocking Decorating from 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Via Linda Senior Center. This activity is sponsored by Home Instead.

• The event is free, but registration is required.

Public Menorah Lighting. Gather around the beautiful 9-foot Menorah and join Valley of the Sun J and other community organizations for a family-friendly evening celebrating Hanukkah. Enjoy music, singing and kids crafts.

• 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at the Soleri Bridge, 4420 N. Scottsdale Road.
• The candle lighting begins at 6:30 p.m. 

Meet Santa at the Farmers Market. Scottsdale’s beloved Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market continues with a festive twist and a special holiday guest! Santa will be joining the wide array of farmers and vendors to make for a very special Saturday morning. Children of all ages and furry friends too can sit with Santa and receive a printed photo to cherish for years!

Be sure to visit all the local merchants and artisans to see their deliciously fresh produce and offerings, perfect for the holiday table. You just may find gifts for everyone on your list!

• 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market, 3806 N. Brown Ave.

Scottsdazzle Stroll & Shop. Wander through Old Town Scottsdale’s own winter wonderland and stroll to the beat of local musicians! Get enveloped in the spirit of the season while meandering along the canal banks of the Scottsdale Waterfront, which is illuminated with holiday lights and stunning decor. Stop by the stunning 36-foot Scottsdazzle Tree for a selfie or a family photo, enjoy concerts and live entertainment and warm up with hot cocoa and seasonal snacks. Wander through Old Town Scottsdale’s own winter wonderland and stroll to the beat of local musicians!

• 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, at the Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank, 7135 E. Camelback Road

Scottsdazzle Toyland. Join Scottsdale’s elves at their enchanted workshop and be whisked away into the magic of the season! Have fun decorating Christmas and Hanukkah crafts and writing letters to Santa.

At 2 p.m., gather ‘round for a jolly Library Storytime reading of The Gingerbread Man and dance and sing along with the festive Jingle Belles performing trio.

• 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at Scottsdale Civic Center

Public Hanukkah Celebration. Gather around the larger-than-life Menorah and join the Chabad of South Scottsdale for a family-friendly public menorah lighting. Enjoy music, singing and kids crafts.

4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at the Soleri Bridge, 4420 N. Scottsdale Road.

All aboard for Holiday Lights at the Railroad Park! Holiday Lights will take place 6-9:30 p.m. through Tuesday, Dec. 30, at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. The park will be transformed into a festive winter wonderland featuring dazzling light displays and train rides aboard the Paradise & Pacific Railroad. With limited capacity to enhance the guest experience, this popular event offers residents and visitors a chance to enjoy Scottsdale’s holiday spirit and create lasting memories with family and friends. Purchase tickets online.

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

Essential Estate Planning. This is an objective look at the differences between will-based plans and trust-based plans. We will explore the key elements of both and try to decipher who needs which plan.

Brought to you by a non-profit organization dedicated to providing communities with a consistent resource through unbiased classes that are free of sales.

• 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the SHC Program Room inside Civic Center Library

FYI

McDonald Drive/Pima Road intersection closure. The intersection of McDonald Drive and Pima Road is closed through Dec. 16 for paving and new traffic signals. The northbound and southbound Loop 101 off-ramps to McDonald Drive are also closed. If you’re driving on Loop 101, take the Talking Stick Way/Indian Bend Road or Chaparral Road exits to reach Pima Road. For updates and more info, visit pimaroadimprovements.com or call 480-442-1087.

Donate to Scottsdale Fire Department’s Annual Toy Drive. Scottsdale Fire is now collecting unwrapped toys and gift cards through Dec. 22 at all fire stations and headquarters to support families in need. Each year, the effort gathers around 10,000 toys, helping more than 1,000 families. Donations are distributed to organizations such as Vista Del Camino, HonorHealth, Family Promise, Fosters Alliance and Harvest Compassion Center. Donors are especially encouraged to give items or gift cards suitable for children ages 7–12 and 13–18, which are often harder to shop for. For fire station locations, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “About Scottsdale Fire.”

Job of the Week: Project Coordinator – Preserve Management. Join the team that protects Scottsdale’s treasured landscapes. As a project coordinator in the Preserve Division, you will play a key role in advancing projects that support the long-term health, accessibility, and sustainability of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park—two of the community’s most natural assets. In this role, you’ll conduct frequent project site visits, meet with staff to determine project scope, and establish preliminary design requirements and cost estimates. This position directly benefits Scottsdale by preserving desert ecosystems, enhancing trail infrastructure, and ensuring safe, meaningful outdoor experiences for residents and visitors.

Learn more and apply.

NEW ONLINE:

Holiday cheer on patrol at DC Ranch Cocoa Stroll. Scottsdale Police joined the community at the 2025 DC Ranch Cocoa Stroll, sharing cocoa, conversation, and plenty of festive fun. From sparkling lights to smiling families, the event offered a warm and welcoming start to the holiday season while building meaningful connections between officers and residents. See the holiday magic unfold and catch the moments that made this stroll so special.

Public safety takes the tee. The Scottsdale Fire and Police Departments teed off for the annual Battle of the Badges Golf Tournament, blending friendly competition with camaraderie and community support. Thanks to Desert Mountain Golf and local partners, this beloved tradition showcased teamwork, trust, and the strong bond that helps keep Scottsdale safe every day. Who took the win—the firefighters or the officers? Catch the highlights.

Make Scottsdale’s parks merry and clean! Scottsdale Parks and Recreation is spreading holiday cheer—and a friendly reminder! While pets are always welcome, picking up after them keeps parks safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone. With conveniently placed pet waste bags and trash cans, it’s easy to make a difference, one scoop at a time. See how you can help make this wish come true—and keep tails wagging in Scottsdale’s parks!

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