Scottsdale reports major water savings following Rio Verde standpipe termination.

Scottsdale is reporting significant water savings after the city's interim agreement to supply water to the Rio Verde Foothills standpipe district expired in December 2025. The change is projected to conserve nearly 30 million gallons of water annually, or about 92 acre-feet per year—enough to supply roughly three Arizona households for a year per acre-foot, according to the Arizona Department of Water Resources. City data shows water hauling dropped dramatically, from more than 2 million gallons in December 2025 to just 23,880 gallons in January 2026. Officials say the reduction confirms Scottsdale's system is no longer supplying meaningful volumes to the standpipe district and strengthens the city's long-term water reliability. City leaders noted the move supports broader drought management efforts and responsible stewardship of the community's water resources.

Scottsdale expands cancer screening program for firefighters

Scottsdale City Council has approved a new cancer screening program for members of the Scottsdale Fire Department aimed at improving early detection and long-term health monitoring. Cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide, responsible for about one-third of firefighter fatalities due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxins and carcinogenic materials during emergency responses. The program will provide advanced screening tools that go beyond traditional medical guidelines, including whole-body MRI scans, lung CT scans, blood testing and skin exams tailored to firefighter risks. Screenings will be conducted by Vincere Physicians Group, which specializes in firefighter cancer detection and treatment coordination. Eligible firefighters will be screened on a rotating schedule, with about one-third of personnel participating each year as part of a three-year cycle.

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 9:

• Budget Review Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m. Monday, March 9
• Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 11
• Brown Avenue Parking Structure Expansion Public Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, March 12
• PSPRS Police Local Board Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, March 12
• PSPRS Fire & Police Local Boards Joint Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, March 12

Week of March 16 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 18
• Airport Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 18

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

Find more public meetings.

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.

Learn more.

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: More Stories from the Files of the Scottsdale Police Department.

Join us for more stories of crime that happened in Scottsdale. First, about a business that offered financial investments that were too good to be true, and the second is a deep dive into the most famous homicide in Scottsdale's history.
Presenter: Bruce Wall, city of Scottsdale.

• 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, inside the Mustang Library Auditorium, 10101 N. 90th St.
• Register online.

WIMBY: What's in My Backyard?

Get answers to that question at a relaxed community open house with food, kid-friendly activities, a fire station tour and the chance to talk one-on-one with city staff. Learn about projects, services and events happening in your neighborhood while connecting with friends and neighbors close to home.

• 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 16, at Scottsdale Fire Station 608, 9598 E. Cactus Road
• Register online.

Neighborhood College: HOA/Condo Board Roundtable March.

This is for board members of HOA and condominium associations only. This one-hour session will have a special guest in the first 30 minutes, and for the second, we'll talk about what you want, and we'll brainstorm solutions together! Special guest: Citizen Service.

• 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, inside the Book Discussion Room at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St.
• Register online.

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 invites community input on draft Shade and Tree Plan.

In an effort to enhance shade throughout the city, the Scottsdale Shade & Tree Plan for the Built Environment was developed to serve as a guide for the community to implement, expand and maintain shade infrastructure across both private development and public spaces.

The plan aims to create cooler, more comfortable outdoor spaces by providing practical guidance for selecting and placing trees, integrating water-harvesting practices, and using shade structures across different locations and contexts.

The city is soliciting public input before finalizing the plan. Residents and community members are encouraged to learn more by visiting the project website or attending one of the scheduled open houses:

• 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at Mountain View Park Community Center
• 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 26, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio

Comments may be submitted through the project's engagement website by April 17. Learn more and submit comments.

Job of the Week: Summer Intern - City Treasurer's Office.

This position provides valuable support to Scottsdale's budget team through research, analysis, and project coordination. During this part-time, temporary internship, the intern will assist with administrative and financial projects that support city operations. Responsibilities may include collecting and interpreting data, preparing reports and studies, and collaborating with city staff to help identify solutions that improve efficiency and service delivery.

Learn more and apply.

Station 612 welcomes Cub Scout Pack 848 for station visit.

Last week, Scottsdale Fire Station 612 hosted more than 80 Scouts and family members from Cub Scout Pack 848 for an engaging and educational visit. The Cub Scouts program, designed for boys and girls in grades K-5, focuses on character development, leadership skills, community service and practical life lessons through hands-on activities and teamwork. During the visit, firefighters shared safety tips and answered questions — helping inspire the next generation of community leaders and perhaps even future firefighters. Check out the photos from their tour.

Behind the scenes: Scottsdale staff at work.

As the week kicked off, city of Scottsdale employees were already out in the community, from maintaining parks and streets to supporting residents through human services. Their work keeps daily operations running seamlessly and strengthens the quality of life residents count on. Though much of what they do happens behind the scenes, their impact is visible across Scottsdale every single day. Take a moment to see some of the faces behind the work.

Safety reminder: think before you toss!

Last week, a Scottsdale Solid Waste truck caught fire after hazardous household waste was placed in a curbside container. Items like lithium-ion batteries, pool chemicals, and propane cylinders can ignite quickly when compacted, putting drivers at risk, damaging equipment, and disrupting service across the community. Learn what qualifies as hazardous household waste and how to safely schedule a drop-off.