Scottsdale Update - July 28, 2025
HEADLINE NEWS
New e-bike safety rules take effect July 31.
Starting Thursday, these new Scottsdale ordinances will improve safety for young e-bike riders and educate buyers about legal use.
Key changes:
- Riders under 16 are banned from operating class 3 e-bikes (those capable of 21+ MPH) or electric motorcycles on city property, including parks and multiuse paths.
- Electric motorcycles must be titled and registered to be used on city roads.
- E-bike sellers must post warning signs, provide city-issued safety materials at the time of sale and place permanent identification stickers on class 3 e-bikes.
Violations carry a minimum $100 fine. These new rules clarify responsibilities for buyers and sellers and support safe riding through education and enforcement.
Scottsdale welcomes Jenna Kohl as new preserve director. Kohl will oversee the stewardship of Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve — a permanently protected, sustainable desert habitat that spans more than 30,000 acres. She will officially join the city Sept. 22.
Most recently, Kohl served as executive director of DC Ranch, where she guided capital improvements, sustainability efforts and operational priorities in close partnership with appointed boards and cross-functional teams.
“The preserve is one of Scottsdale’s most treasured community assets, and Jenna’s leadership will ensure we continue to protect, manage and enhance it with the care it deserves,” City Manager Greg Caton said. “We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.”
Scottsdale sets the standard for proactive policing. With strong backing from City Council and City Manager Greg Caton, Scottsdale Police are demonstrating the impact of sustained investment in public safety. Strategic funding in the fiscal year 2025/26 budget supports officer compensation, adds 22 new positions and enables fully staffed specialty units that proactively prevent crime and enhance community safety.
From dismantling a national burglary ring to mentoring students and addressing short-term rental concerns, Scottsdale’s specialized police units focus on early intervention and long-term public safety. Chief Joe LeDuc credits city leadership for enabling the department to stay ahead of threats and build meaningful community connections.
THINGS TO DO
Learn life-saving skills at Scottsdale’s Safey Luau. Bring the whole family for a fun and educational evening at Scottsdale Aquatics annual Safety Luau 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Eldorado Aquatic Center, 2301 N. Miller Road. Practice your hula skills, enjoy open swim sessions, and cap off the night with a dive-in movie showing of Surf's Up.
Get ready to make a splash at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s coolest summer event—Slide the Rails! Join us for a morning packed with water-filled fun for the whole family.
We’re turning the park into a mini water park, complete with:
- Giant inflatable water slides
- Splash zones and foam pit
- Water balloon activities
- And more ways to stay cool!
Food trucks on site: Kona Ice and Poffcakes
Your $10 ticket includes unlimited access to all water attractions as well as train and carousel rides throughout the event. Children 2 and under are free.
Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen, and towels—Slide the Rails is the perfect way to beat the heat and celebrate summer!
Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 29, at TheRailroadPark.com.
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
Fall activities registration is open for Scottsdale residents. Registration for non-residents opens at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 31.
- Register online.
- View the activities brochure.
FYI
Beloved Scottsdale Police horse Aiden Retires after 13 years of service. A 20-year-old Percheron/Thoroughbred cross known for his calm demeanor, strength and playful personality, Aiden patrolled Old Town, supported crowd control during major events like the WM Phoenix Open and Super Bowl, and brought smiles to thousands through school visits, parades and community events.
Aiden is now beginning a new chapter as a therapy horse at Camelot Therapeutic Horsemanship, where he’s already made a meaningful connection with a retired police officer. His legacy of service continues — this time in a healing role that suits the gentle giant perfectly.
Join Scottsdale Police Citizens Academy. The Scottsdale Police Department is now accepting applications for its 2025 Citizens Academy, a 10-week interactive program that gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at police operations.
Classes take place 5–8 p.m. every Wednesday starting Sept. 10. Locations vary weekly, and a full schedule will be provided upon acceptance.
The academy includes hands-on experiences and presentations that offer insight into how Scottsdale Police works to protect and serve our community.
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: Solid Waste Equipment Operator II. Looking for a hands-on role that makes a real difference every day? Operate heavy-duty sanitation vehicles and provide essential service to Scottsdale residents by collecting brush, bulk items and uncontained debris.
This role is more than operating equipment — it's about work that matters, helping keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful.
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