There are still spots available for Government 101 Citizens Academy.

Want to know more about city government and how it works? Registration is open for the spring 2026 session of the Government 101 Citizens Academy, a free series of classes about the inner workings of city government. The academy covers a wide range of topics, from understanding the fundamentals of local government to exploring the intricacies of public policy, programs and resources. Each session is presented by city leaders and department heads combined with both small and large group where you will be engaged in group discussions and hands-on activities to enhance your understanding of the inner workings of the city. Classes take place once a week for 10 weeks, from 8 a.m. to noon, Thursdays, beginning March 5.

Register online.

Scottsdale Fire strengthens leadership team.

The Scottsdale Fire Department has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of three new assistant fire chiefs, joining Assistant Chief Clint Steeves to form an executive group with nearly 100 years of combined experience. The team brings extensive expertise across emergency operations, wildland response, prevention, major event planning, budgeting, logistics and workforce development. The assistant chiefs have each advanced through the ranks, holding key leadership roles in operations, training, labor relations, resource management and fire prevention. City leaders say the strengthened executive team will provide continuity, innovation and steady guidance as Scottsdale continues to grow and host world-class events.

Learn more.

Scottsdale Airport to host final Master Plan workshop March 12.

Scottsdale Airport will host its final public workshop on the Airport Master Plan Update from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at the Aviation Business Center, giving residents, pilots and business owners a chance to review the recommended development concept, proposed capital improvements and updated economic analysis. The plan evaluates how to safely accommodate the next generation of business aircraft with larger wingspans while maintaining the airport's current operational profile and aligning with Federal Aviation Administration standards over the next 20 years. Following the workshop, the draft plan will move to the Airport Advisory Commission on April 15, a City Council work study session June 23 and anticipated final council action in July. Community members can review materials and submit feedback through the project website.

Learn more.

Scottsdale approves new three-year agreement with Scottsdale Arts.

Scottsdale City Council has approved a new three-year agreement with Scottsdale Arts to continue managing the city’s arts programs, public art and major cultural events from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, with two optional one-year extensions. City Council also approved $6,297,114 in funding for fiscal year 2026/27 to support operations, arts education, public art conservation, community arts grants and destination events. The partnership, in place since 1987, includes oversight of city-owned venues such as Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Scottsdale Civic Center, as well as major events like Canal Convergence. The updated agreement follows a 2024 city audit and adds clearer performance expectations, stronger financial reporting and enhanced oversight, with City Council maintaining annual approval of funding.

Learn more.

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 Feb. 23:

• City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 3
• City Council Regular Meeting: 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 3
• Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4
• Development Review Board Regular Meeting: 1 p.m. Thursday, March 5
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, March 5

Week of March 2 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 11
• Brown Avenue Parking Structure Expansion Public Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, March 12

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

Find more public meetings.

Rodeo Scottsdale.

Also known as the “Parada Del Sol Rodeo,” this PRCA-sanctioned rodeo event is four days long. The dates for the 72nd Annual Rodeo Scottsdale are March 5-8, at the Westworld of Scottsdale Equidome Arena.

The rodeo performances are at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

Gates open two hours prior to each performance. It's highly recommended to get to the arena at least one hour early so parking and seating can be situated without missing any of this great rodeo action!

Learn more.

Arizona Outdoor Expo.

The Arizona Outdoor & Overland Expo is an event that celebrates the outdoor lifestyle, overlanding, and adventure travel. It typically brings together enthusiasts, exhibitors, and experts in outdoor gear, off-road vehicles, adventure travel, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The expo serves as a hub for exploring the latest trends, technologies, and products in these fields, while also providing opportunities for education, networking, and entertainment.

• 9 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at WestWorld of Scottsdale
• Learn more.

Sun & Sounds.

Food, drinks and free music under the Arizona sun at noon on Sundays at Scottsdale Civic Center!

Each week, enjoy live musical performances by Arizona artists, a new cocktail bar and shop crafty and artistic vendors at the Merchantile Market.

• 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, at Scottsdale Civic Center
• Register online.

Play ball! Spring training is happening at Scottsdale Stadium.

Catch the San Francisco Giants in Cactus League action before beginning their regular season. Scottsdale Stadium is the spring training home of the San Francisco Giants and offers a game experience like no other.

For spring training tickets, visit MLB.com/SpringTraining.

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.

Neighborhood College: Laws and Community Associations - How to Avoid a Fair Housing Lawsuit.

This is the class that every HOA/Condominium board needs to attend this year! Fair housing lawsuits and Attorney General complaints are something no HOA/condo community wants. Unfortunately, they can be easily violated if you do not fully understand them. This seminar will discuss federal and state fair housing laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and how to avoid fair housing lawsuits and Attorney General complaints.
Presenter: Shaw & Lines Law Firm.

• 6 p.m. Monday, March 2, at Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road
• Register online.

Neighborhood College: The Scottsdale Waterfront - From Desert to Destination.

The waterway that brings life to Scottsdale and much of the Valley passes through Old Town. In the 1980s and 1990s, Old Town was transformed into an economic engine that made the canal a showpiece. Learn about the visionaries who transformed Old Town into the vibrant downtown that is still growing and developing.
Please note: This presentation is about the Arizona Canal and not the Indian Bend Wash.
Presenter: Bruce Wall, city of Scottsdale.

• 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road
• Register online.

Job of the Week: WestWorld Maintenance Worker II - CDL.

This position plays a hands-on role in preparing and maintaining WestWorld of Scottsdale, one of the nation’s premier equestrian and special events venues. The maintenance worker performs a wide range of event setup and operational duties to ensure spaces are safe, clean, and ready for action. From preparing precise arena footing for various equestrian disciplines to operating heavy equipment, this role is essential to the success of events hosted across the 386-acre facility.

Learn more and apply.

Sheila Williams shares how The Helping Hub connects residents to support.

In this informative reel, Scottsdale Human Services staff member Sheila Williams explains how The Helping Hub makes it easier for residents to access local resources and support. Offered as a free, drop-in service at Civic Center Library, The Helping Hub provides one-on-one conversations with a social worker — no appointment needed. Learn how to get connected.

The ancient story behind Pinnacle Peak.

Scottsdale recently spotlighted the remarkable geology of Pinnacle Peak Park. Towering 3,169 feet above sea level, Pinnacle Peak is composed of massive granite boulders formed nearly 1.4 to 1.8 billion years ago. Over millions of years, weathering and erosion shaped the rounded boulders seen today, while decomposed granite now forms the park’s well-traveled trail. Hikers can still spot sparkling mica and bright quartz embedded in the rock, a reminder of the peak’s ancient origins. Take a closer look at these incredible formations.

“What year were you born?”: SPD edition.

Scottsdale Police joined the “What year were you born?” trend, asking staff members to share their birth year in a lighthearted, fun video. While the responses brought plenty of laughs, the department also shared an important reminder: personal details like your full birth date, address, and full name are best kept offline. Check out the responses from staff members.