Scottsdale Update - July 13, 2026

Election Day is almost here.

Scottsdale's Primary Election is July 21. Make sure you're ready:

• Check your voter registration status.
• Find your polling place.
• Review the candidates and issues.

On Election Day, all voting locations throughout Maricopa County will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can vote at any location, request a replacement ballot, or drop off your voted early ballot. Find the nearest location at Locations.Maricopa.Vote or call 480-312-2412.

Visit Scottsdale.Vote for more information.

Scottsdale breaks ground on critical WestWorld drainage project.

The approximately $4.1 million project will replace an undersized drainage channel with a new 96-inch storm drain, reducing flood risk for WestWorld facilities, nearby roads and surrounding properties while enhancing the campus' reliability during severe weather. Construction is expected to be completed before the 2027 event season and marks the first of three drainage projects designed to improve WestWorld's long-term resiliency and support its continued economic impact.

Learn more.

Scottsdale prosecutor receives statewide felony prosecutor award.

Scottsdale Senior Assistant City Prosecutor Jared Johnson has been named the 2026 Small Jurisdiction Felony Prosecutor of the Year by the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys' Advisory Council for successfully prosecuting a complex conflict case involving a fatal 2023 commercial vehicle crash in La Paz County despite significant evidentiary challenges. His evidence-based prosecution resulted in a 2025 plea agreement on one count of manslaughter and multiple counts of aggravated assault, with the defendant sentenced to 17 years in prison followed by five years of supervised probation. The statewide honor recognizes Johnson's legal expertise and public service while highlighting Scottsdale's reputation for prosecutorial excellence.

Learn more.

Scottsdale strengthens 911 system to keep emergency resources available.

Scottsdale City Council approved Ordinance No. 4704, effective Aug. 1, making it a Class 1 misdemeanor to intentionally, knowingly or recklessly misuse the city's 911 system while protecting residents who call in good faith during emergencies. The ordinance provides a legal tool to address repeated or intentional abuse of the nearly 100,000 emergency calls the city's 911 Communications Center receives each year, helping ensure dispatchers and first responders remain available for true emergencies.

Learn more.

Construction underway on voter-approved Old Town parking project.

Construction is underway on Scottsdale's voter-approved Brown Avenue Parking Structure expansion, a project that will add 185 public parking spaces in Old Town and is expected to open in spring 2027. Scottsdale City Council approved the final $12.46 million construction contract, keeping the project on schedule while incorporating community-informed features such as Western-inspired architecture, shaded pedestrian amenities and new public art that complement Old Town's historic character. Funded through the 2019 Bond Election, the project is designed to support businesses, residents and visitors by increasing parking capacity with minimal traffic impacts during construction.

Learn more.

Bubble Disco.

Join us as we celebrate Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary with an evening of family-friendly fun at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park Splash Pad!

Cool off and celebrate this historic community milestone with live music from DJ Transl8r, exciting foam cannon fun, giant bubbles and plenty of activities for all ages. Whether you’re dancing in the foam, playing in the splash pad or simply enjoying a summer evening with friends and family, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

• 6-8 p.m. Friday, July 17, at 7301 E. Indian Bend Road

Join us at McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center and Eldorado Aquatic Center for Sunset Swims.

If you're looking for a cool way to spend your summer evening, join us for some poolside fun as the sun sets over Scottsdale.

• 6-9 p.m. Friday, July 17, at McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center
• 6-9 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Eldorado Aquatic Center

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.
• Discover Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities.
• Get Scottsdale Sister Cities events.

Get more events information.

Scottsdale Water reopens water conservation rebates to help save water where it matters most.

The program offers financial incentives to help residents, businesses and homeowner associations reduce outdoor water use. The rebates support water-efficient upgrades including low-water-use landscaping, smart irrigation controllers, leak detection devices and pool removal for homeowners, while HOAs, multifamily communities and commercial properties may qualify for up to $50,000 to replace water-intensive grass and improve irrigation efficiency. The program is part of Scottsdale's long-term water strategy to conserve water, lower utility costs and strengthen the community's long-term water reliability.

Learn more.

Raintree Drive paving project.

A mill and overlay pavement preservation treatment will begin on Thursday, July 16, on Raintree Drive between Loop 101 and Thompson Peak Parkway. Daytime work (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.) is scheduled on weekdays from July 16 – 24. Nighttime work (9 p.m. to 5 a.m.) is scheduled to start on Sunday, July 26, and will continue through July 30.

One travel lane, in each direction, will remain open during construction and business access will be maintained throughout the project. Please use caution when traveling near the work area, follow detour signs and plan ahead to avoid delays. Learn more about Scottsdale’s Pavement Preservation Program. For project-specific information, call the Raintree Drive project hotline at 480-898-4100.

Job of the Week: Library Manager.

In this leadership role, you’ll oversee innovative programs, outreach initiatives and staff training while managing budgets, leading teams, building community partnerships and developing services that inspire lifelong learning. By expanding access to educational programs, strengthening community partnerships and empowering staff to deliver exceptional service, the library manager helps enrich the lives of Scottsdale residents every day.

Learn more and apply.

Meet the leader helping keep Scottsdale pools safe.

This week’s #ScottsdaleSpotlight features Eva, an assistant pool manager with Scottsdale Parks & Recreation, whose journey came full circle from swimming at city pools as a child to helping lead aquatics operations today. Beginning as a lifeguard, she built a career centered on water safety and now oversees daily operations, supports staff training and reinforces safety protocols across the city's pool system. Watch Eva’s inspiring journey and see how Scottsdale’s aquatics team works behind the scenes to keep the community safe all summer long.

Honoring Scottsdale's firefighters.

In recognition of International Firefighters’ Day, the city honored the dedication of Scottsdale Fire personnel who respond to fires, rescues and medical emergencies around the clock. The video highlighted the unique challenges firefighters face, from extreme summer heat to monsoon storms, and showcased the teamwork and training required for every response. See how Scottsdale firefighters prepare to protect the community every day.

Rotary Park playground gets a fresh new look.

Scottsdale Parks & Recreation announced that construction is beginning on a major playground renovation at Rotary Park as part of Park and Recreation Month. Funded by the voter-approved Prop. 490 Parks & Preserve Sales Tax, the project will transform one of Scottsdale’s oldest playgrounds into a more modern, inclusive and accessible space for visitors of all abilities. Learn more about the project and how Prop. 490 is benefiting the community.