Scottsdale Update - March 30, 2026

Scottsdale invites public to Fire Station 618 ambulance annex groundbreaking.

The new ambulance annex will expand the Scottsdale Fire Department’s ability to respond quickly and efficiently to both emergency and non-emergency calls in southern Scottsdale. The project supports the city’s transition to a city-operated ambulance program, launched in 2024 to enhance service delivery and system coordination. The $9.5 million project will serve as a dormitory and operational base for ambulance personnel. The facility will include essential interior spaces such as offices, kitchen, dining area, restrooms and medical storage, along with three vehicle bays to house two ambulances and a supervisor vehicle.

• 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, at 1901 N. Miller Road.

Learn more.

Help Scottsdale seniors beat the heat.

Scottsdale is seeking donations for its annual Beat the Heat Program, which provides homebound seniors in need with essential supplies to stay safe and cool during the extreme heat of summer.

Donations are being accepted through May 15.

Donated items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road.

Monetary donations are also being accepted online.

Learn more about the program and the items needed.

Final open house planned for Environmentally Sensitive Lands/Fire Code Text Amendment - Treatment of Fire Defensible Space.

Learn more and provide comments about the updated text amendment language regarding the treatment of fire defensible space within the Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) Overlay areas of the city.

The purpose of the text amendment is to modify sections of the ESL Ordinance and the Fire Code to establish adjusted fire-defensible space areas to address recent environmental changes and key issues identified in the existing ordinance.

Comments and questions submitted at the previous three open houses were considered for inclusion in the final draft ordinance text provided in the case info sheet.

• 4-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, at Fire Station 613, 26380 N Hayden Road.

SkySong marks 20 years as a driver of innovation and economic growth in Scottsdale.

SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary, marking two decades of transforming southern Scottsdale into a hub for technology, entrepreneurship and global business. Developed through a partnership between Arizona State University, Plaza Companies and the city, the campus has attracted international companies, supported thousands of high-quality jobs and helped startups connect with research, talent and mentorship. The 42-acre mixed-use development was designed to foster collaboration and has generated an estimated $58.2 billion in economic impact over 30 years. SkySong continues to grow, with more than 300,000 square feet of additional commercial space planned to support future job creation and business expansion. City leaders say the project remains a model for innovation-driven economic development and will continue to shape Scottsdale’s economic future.

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 March 30:

• Veterans Advisory Commission: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, April 2
• Paths and Trails Subcommittee Regular Meeting: 5:15 p.m. Thursday, April 2

Week of April 6 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 8

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

Find more public meetings.

Bunnanza rides back into town!

Saddle up and head to Scottsdale Civic Center for a western-style spring celebration the whole family will love. This free event features egg hunts, food trucks, vendors, hands-on activities, crafts, and live music. The city's largest egg hunt kicks off promptly at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 4, with over 10,000 eggs for kids to collect. New this year -- help celebrate the 75th anniversary of Scottsdale with a special hunt for 75 golden eggs, each filled with prizes hidden throughout the event. Don’t miss the Cocktail Garden and a chance for kids to meet Sheriff Jack.

Grab your boots and join the fun!

Gear up and go: April is Valley Bike Month.

Save the date for the 20th anniversary of Cycle the Arts, the city’s bike tour of select public art pieces. This year’s 10-mile bike ride will feature nine art stops with presentations by artists, community volunteers and Scottsdale Arts staff. The free event will be held on Sunday, April 19.

Registration is required.

Keep the momentum rolling by making plans to attend Bike to Work Scottsdale on Wednesday morning, April 22 (an event map with pit stop locations will be available online soon). Original artwork from Arizona artist Ariana Enriquez will be featured on Scottsdale Bike Month t-shirts, stickers and backpacks. Want more Bike Month? Visit Valley Metro for a complete list of Bike Month events.

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.

Government 202: Behind the scenes with Scottsdale City Court.

Do you know what happens every day at your City Court? What types of cases are heard? What proceedings are being held? Do I have to serve jury duty? Are there other types of trials? Where does all the money from fines and fees go? Who works at the City Court and what do they do? What does it mean to be a “separate branch of government?”

We'll talk about all this and more so bring your questions for an engaging dialogue.

• 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at 3700 N. 75th St., Court Room 5
• Register online.

Spring into water savings with free conservation workshops.

Scottsdale is offering free Springtime Water Conservation Workshops to help residents create water-efficient landscapes, reduce utility costs and support long-term water sustainability. Hosted by Scottsdale Water, the expert-led sessions focus on practical strategies such as smart irrigation, selecting desert-adapted plants and designing low-water-use landscapes. With 65-70% of residential water use occurring outdoors, the workshops aim to deliver high-impact solutions homeowners can apply immediately. Sessions include topics like irrigation techniques, xeriscape garden tours and converting grass to desert-friendly landscaping.

• April 10 - Efficient Irrigation Techniques & Controller Programming
• April 24 - Scottsdale's Xeriscape Garden Tour
• May 26 - Converting Grass to Xeriscape

Learn more and register.

Scottsdale residents can safely recycle old electronics Saturday, April 4, at the city's North Corp Yard.

It's important to properly recycle things like old computers, printers, phones, cameras, flat panel televisions/monitors and stereo equipment - and Scottsdale Solid Waste's free Electronics Recycling Event is the place to do it.

The event is from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 4, at 9191 E. San Salvador Drive. Proof of residency is required: such as a photo I.D. with your Scottsdale address or a city utility bill.

Learn more and register.

We need your home movies!

If you have videos from the 1950s through the 1980s featuring Scottsdale events or landmarks - such as Parada del Sol, the rodeo, the grand opening of Scottsdale Fashion Square or historic flooding - we'd love to include them in the Scottsdale 75 documentary celebrating the city's 1951 incorporation.

The documentary will be shown at the city's June birthday celebration and on Scottsdale Video Network.

Please send digital links to [email protected] with the subject line “75 Documentary.” Submissions are requested by April 30.

Scottsdale invites community input on draft Shade and Tree Plan.

The Scottsdale Shade and Tree Plan for the Built Environment was developed to guide how shade infrastructure can be implemented, expanded and maintained across both public spaces and private development throughout the city. The plan outlines practical strategies for increasing shade while maintaining Scottsdale’s commitment to desert sustainability. Recommendations include selecting desert-adapted trees, integrating water-harvesting practices and incorporating shade structures in a variety of public and private settings.

The city is seeking community input before finalizing the plan. Residents are encouraged to learn more and share feedback by visiting the project website. Comments can be submitted through April 17.

Learn more and submit comments.

Job of the Week: Police Logistics Technician.

The police logistics technician is the behind-the-scenes problem solver who keeps critical police equipment and vehicles ready for action. In this role, you’ll manage the issuance, maintenance, and repair of essential gear—from radios and in-car computers to breath testing devices—while coordinating closely with fleet, vendors, and officers. By ensuring officers have reliable equipment and fully operational vehicles, the police logistics technician plays a direct role in keeping Scottsdale safe.

Learn more and apply.

Different paths, one purpose.

In this reel, SPD staff share how old they were when they became officers, highlighting the many different paths that lead to a career in law enforcement. From early starters to those who joined later in life, each story reflects a shared commitment to service and community. Learn how their journeys began.

Granite Reef Senior Center celebrates 20 years.

Scottsdale Human Services marked a major milestone this past weekend, celebrating 20 years of Granite Reef Senior Center. The event brought the community together to reflect on two decades of memories, connection, and service to local seniors. Councilwoman Solange Whitehead joined the celebration, along with leadership from Scottsdale and McDowell Senior Living, to share remarks on the center's lasting impact. Take a look back at the celebration and the memories that made it special.

Don't spark fire season.

In this reel, Scottsdale Fire Captain Dave Folio shares critical fire safety tips for the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve as conditions begin to dry out. Smoking and any open flames are prohibited within Preserve boundaries, and fireworks are illegal both in the Preserve and within a one-mile perimeter. Visitors are also reminded to secure trailer chains to prevent sparks and to immediately call 911 if they see smoke. Learn how small actions can make a big difference.