HEADLINE NEWS

Scottsdale celebrates Travel and Tourism Week, recognizes $3.5B industry impact. This annual celebration recognizes the vital role travel plays in powering economies, supporting communities and enriching the lives of residents and visitors.

In 2024, travel generated $2.9 trillion in economic output across the U.S., supported more than 15 million jobs and contributed $190 billion in tax revenue. Scottsdale’s share of that impact is significant – the city welcomed 11.2 million visitors who poured $3.5 billion into the local economy.

Old Town Scottsdale continues to be a major draw, with 45% of overnight travelers making it part of their stay in 2023. Visitors enjoy a unique mix of cultural attractions, including seven museums, three performing arts theaters, over 45 public art installations, more than 50 galleries and hundreds of restaurants, bars, boutiques and retailers – many of them locally owned.

But tourism’s impact on Scottsdale goes far beyond visitors. It generates nearly $74 million annually in local tax revenue, helping pay for essential services like police, fire, transportation infrastructure, public events and capital improvements. And in 2023 alone, Scottsdale-based hospitality workers generated an estimated $1.9 million in sales tax revenue.

Learn more.

Scottsdale's popular water conservation rebates are back - save water and money by upgrading your landscape or irrigation system. Homeowners can receive up to $5,000 for removing grass, as much as $1,500 for removing a pool and up to $250 for installing a WaterSense-labeled irrigation controller. Rebates for commercial properties and HOAs with common areas are project based.

A written Notice to Proceed from Scottsdale’s Conservation Office and a pre-inspection are required before starting any grass removal, pool removal, commercial or common area rebate project.

Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “rebates” to apply.

A partnership between the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community and the city of Scottsdale is bringing a much-needed upgrade to a critical stretch of roadway. This comprehensive improvement project, taking place from McDowell Road north to Via Linda, will enhance more than just the road. It will also improve pedestrian and bicycle access and modernize flood control infrastructure to benefit all who live, work, and travel in the area.

Pima Road serves as a vital connector in Scottsdale, linking nearly 12,000 daily drivers to their commutes, local businesses, neighborhoods and regional freeways.

Improvements include:

• Expanded capacity to ease congestion and improve daily commutes.
• Raised landscaped medians to enhance aesthetics and traffic safety.
• New bike lanes from McDowell Road north to Krail Street, resulting in a nearly 7 mile stretch of continuous bike lanes along Pima Road.
• Improved pedestrian features to make the corridor more walkable and accessible.
• Upgraded intersections and stormwater management systems to prevent flooding and maintain road integrity during storms.

Learn more.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

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 5:

• City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 6
• City Council Regular and Work Study Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 6
• Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 7
• Independent Ethics Review Panel Special Meeting: 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 8
• PSPRS Fire Local Board Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, May 8
• Scottsdale Housing Agency Governing Board Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday,
• May 8
• Human Services Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8

Week of May 12 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Judicial Appointments Advisory Board Regular Agenda: 6 p.m. Monday, May 12

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

Find more public meetings.

THINGS TO DO

Mother’s Day Tea. Come together to sip tea, indulge in sweet pastries, and celebrate mothers and mother figures.

• Noon Tuesday, May 6, at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road
• Tickets are $10 for residents; $13 for non-residents
• Register online

Scottsdale’s Veterans Advisory Commission is meeting at Scottsdale Airport to learn about the Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial. The commission will meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, in the Stearman Room at Scottsdale Airport (15000 N. Airport Drive) – the meeting is open to the public. While a number of standard items on the commission’s agenda will be handled, the primary speaker is Steve Ziomek, Founder & Chairman of the Board of the Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial, a non-profit organization aimed at preserving the history and culture of aviation in Scottsdale. Scottsdale Airport was originally “Thunderbird Field II,” which graduated over 5,500 pilots during World War II, many of whom saw military action in Europe and the Pacific. Learn more about Scottsdale’s Veterans Advisory Commission.

Tracks & Tunes – rock ‘n’ roll at the Railroad Park is back! Enjoy free concerts every Sunday evening from a variety of local bands. With Motown, disco, rhythm and blues and retro 90s, we’ve got a little something for everyone.

Bring a blanket or chair and relax in the park. Pack a picnic or enjoy something tasty from Hartley’s General Store or one of the food trucks that will be onsite.

For band and food truck information, please visit therailroadpark.com.

The Scottsdale Concert Band will conclude its 2024-25 season with a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Scottsdale Community College Performing Arts Center. Titled “Life, Love & Latin Colors,” the concert will feature south-of-the border sounds and rhythms that will make you want to dance.

Included in the performance will be “San Antonio Dances” by Frank Ticheli; Alfred Reed’s “Second Suite for Band (Latino Mexicana)”; “Paconchita” by Oscar Navarro; and “Danzas Cubanas” by Robert Sheldon.

Also, the band will perform “One Life Beautiful” by Julie Giroux, written in memory of Heather Cramer Reu, daughter of former Indiana University Band Department chairman and Marching Hundred director Ray Cramer, whose life tragically ended in a car crash.

Shop a wide variety of organic produce and seasonal specialties at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market. The market features more than 100 Arizona growers.

• Old Town Scottsdale - 3806 N. Brown Ave.
• 8 a.m. - noon
• FREE admission
• Event details

Ongoing:

• Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events 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

When it comes to protecting and serving Scottsdale, the city’s police department doesn’t go it alone — they have some furry, four-legged partners helping them out. From powerful patrol horses to sharp-nosed K-9s and comforting crisis dogs, the Scottsdale Police Department’s service animals play a key role in keeping the city safe, secure and supported. These animals are more than just part of the team — they’re trusted companions who help foster stronger connections between the department and the public.

Learn more.

Learn about efficient irrigation techniques. Did you know 70% of Scottsdale’s residential water use occurs outdoors? Join Scottsdale Water Conservation staff for an in-depth workshop on Efficient Irrigation Techniques, designed to help homeowners optimize their water usage. This workshop will cover best practices for irrigation scheduling, troubleshooting common irrigation problems, and making simple adjustments to save water and maintain healthy landscapes.

• 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, at the Civic Center Library auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Please register to reserve a spot.

Shred It! Protect your identity by bringing your personal and/or commercial documents to the "Shred It" event. Shredding costs $5 per box or bag.  

• 7-10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, at the Scottsdale Police Department, District 1, 7601 E. McKellips Road

Provide your feedback on WestWorld’s services. The city of Scottsdale is partnering with Keen Independent Research to develop a strategic plan for WestWorld. Input is being collected to gain a better understanding of your perceptions of the venue and how it can best serve the community.  

Learn more about the strategic plan (PDF) and provide feedback.

Scottsdale Senior Services is seeking donations for its annual program that provides homebound, in-need seniors with necessary items for summer relief. Donations for the annual “Beat the Heat” program can be dropped off 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, through May 17, at Via Linda Senior Center, 10440 E. Via Linda. Critical items needed:

• Water bottles
• Brita water pitchers with filters
• Nutritional drinks

Find a full list of items needed (PDF).

FYI

Job of the Week: Civil Engineer. The civil engineer position serves a critical function in protecting and enhancing the quality of life in Scottsdale. By applying technical expertise and sound engineering judgment, you help ensure new developments align with Scottsdale’s codes, public safety standards, and community expectations. Your work ensures that essential services like drainage, transportation, and water infrastructure are efficient and capable of supporting Scottsdale’s long-term growth.

City employees enjoy competitive benefits while working in a supportive, high-performance organization focused on delivering on our mission – Simply Better Service for a World-Class Community. 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