Scottsdale Update - May 4, 2026

Scottsdale launches Experience Passport to guide visitors through Old Town.

Scottsdale has launched the Experience Passport, an interactive program designed to help visitors explore Old Town while supporting local businesses. The program encourages participants to visit participating locations, collect stamps and enter weekly drawings for $100 prizes. Organized around five themes, the passport helps visitors build personalized itineraries and experience Old Town’s charm, public art and local shops.

Forty businesses are participating, many offering special promotions such as discounts and buy-one-get-one deals. The program also includes a bonus activity encouraging visitors to take selfies with iconic public art installations.

Learn more.

Scottsdale City Council appoints Luis E. Santaella as City Attorney.

The Scottsdale City Council unanimously appointed Luis E. Santaella as City Attorney, officially removing the interim title he held for the past 10 months. Santaella brings more than 20 years of experience with the city, having served in multiple roles since joining in 2001, most recently as deputy city attorney overseeing Prosecution and Victim Services and advising key departments. As City Attorney, he will provide legal counsel to the City Council and city departments while overseeing prosecution, civil litigation, victim services and risk management. City leaders praised his experience and commitment to public service as he steps into this key leadership role.

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 May 4:

• City Council Regular and Work Study Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 5
• Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 6
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7

Week of May 11 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Council Subcommittee on Community Safety: 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
• Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
• Human Services Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14

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

Find more public meetings.

Shop a wide variety of organic produce and seasonal specialties at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market.

The market offers more than 100 local growers and specialty food vendors at 3806 N. Brown Ave. Shoppers can enjoy the market every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon. Please note: market hours will change in June.

Learn more.

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.

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.

Pima Road overnight paving underway through May 18; southbound lanes closed.

City paving crews are applying a micro seal pavement preservation treatment on Pima Road from Lone Mountain Road to Stage Coach Pass. Work began May 3 and will continue through May 18. Crews are working overnight from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Southbound Pima Road will be closed during work hours; one northbound travel lane will remain open during construction. Consider using Scottsdale Road for southbound travel and Lone Mountain Road, Westland Road, or Stage Coach Pass for east/west access to and from Pima Road. Please use caution when traveling near the work area; follow detour signs and plan ahead to avoid delays.

This work is being scheduled as part of the city’s pavement maintenance program, which improves deteriorated streets and alleyways in Scottsdale. Visit the city’s Pavement Preservation webpage for more information.

Job of the Week: Senior Fleet Mechanic.

In this role, you’ll diagnose, repair, and maintain a wide range of gasoline, diesel, CNG, and specialty vehicles, from fire apparatus and sanitation trucks to heavy construction equipment. You’ll also take on a leadership role by training and guiding fleet technicians, monitoring work quality, and ensuring repairs meet high safety and performance standards. This work supports faster emergency response, dependable infrastructure maintenance, and efficient daily operations, helping ensure Scottsdale remains safe, responsive, and well-served.

Learn more and apply.

Night training builds firefighter readiness.

Recruits from Scottsdale Fire’s Regional Academy Class 26-1 recently completed an intensive live night fire training alongside crews from Tempe Fire Medical Rescue and Superstition Fire & Medical District. The hands-on training pushed recruits to operate in low-visibility conditions, strengthening communication, teamwork and situational awareness. These realistic scenarios help prepare firefighters for the high-pressure environments they may face in the field, building confidence and reinforcing regional coordination. See how recruits train in the toughest conditions.

Paws up! A new dog park is on the way.

Scottsdale Parks & Recreation is bringing a new dog-friendly destination to life with the Thompson Peak Dog Park now under construction. Funded through the 2019 Bond, the 3.5-acre park is designed to create a fun, safe and welcoming space for the community. Completion is expected in late summer 2026. Get a sneak peek of what’s coming!

Bike Month in motion.

Scottsdale Parks & Recreation highlighted the power of biking through Daniel’s story during Bike Month. As an adaptive recreation participant, Daniel now bikes five miles to work at Home Depot—an accomplishment made possible through practice, determination and support from his dad. He also rides along the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt to visit family, showing how Scottsdale’s biking network fosters both independence and connection. With more than 160 miles of paths, trails and bike lanes, the city continues to support riders of all abilities as a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community. Watch Daniel’s inspiring journey.