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Office of Communications

Nov 17, 2025

Scottsdale Update - Nov. 17, 2025

HEADLINE NEWS

Scottsdale is strengthening food security efforts through expanded partnerships. The Scottsdale Food Bank has increased its weekly capacity to 120 households, supported by fresh food donations from local grocers and 120 emergency food boxes from St. Mary’s Food Bank. Human Services is also working to broaden distribution through satellite locations at Paiute Neighborhood Center, Granite Reef Senior Center, Vista del Camino and Via Linda Senior Center. Community donations are funding the retrofit of a new box truck with refrigeration, which will allow safe transport of fresh and perishable food. Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, HonorHealth and the Scottsdale Firefighters Association contributed a combined $29,652 toward this effort.

Learn more.

Scottsdale has earned national recognition for having some of the safest streets in the country. During a Nov. 3 City Council work study session, staff outlined how the city’s Traffic Management Center (TMC) and photo enforcement program work together to reduce crashes and improve traffic flow. The TMC oversees 307 signalized intersections, 243 live-feed cameras and more than 226 miles of fiber-optic cable, allowing engineers to adjust signal timing in real time based on congestion, collisions, construction or major events. This coordination extends to police, fire and communications teams during large events to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. Scottsdale’s targeted photo enforcement program uses just 15 cameras-the lowest density in the Valley-but has delivered significant safety gains. A 2023 analysis showed crashes down 12% at enforced intersections, with severe and fatal collisions reduced by nearly 50% and red-light crashes by more than 40%.

Learn more.

View preliminary plans for improvements to Main Street in Old Town Scottsdale Wednesday. The city is beginning design work on streetscape and pedestrian improvements along Main Street, between 69th Street and Scottsdale Road. This project will make walking in the area safer and more comfortable with new sidewalks, better lighting and refreshed landscaping. Join us for a community meeting at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, 3830 N. Marshall Way. Come learn what the project is about, view preliminary plans, and tell us what you think. For more information, please visit the project website.

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 Nov. 17:

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

Find more public meetings.

THINGS TO DO

Save the date for Scottsdazzle! Experience a month-long holiday celebration like no other - complete with dazzling decor, exceptional dining and shopping, festive tours and unforgettable events. The magic kicks off 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, with the Jingle & Jazz Tree Lighting Spectacular.

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:

Get more events information.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Veterans AZ: Steve Ziomek, USCG rescue pilot continues to honor military aviation in Arizona. Steve Ziomek is a United States Coast Guard veteran and Scottsdale resident who spent over a decade flying rescue helicopters and other aircraft in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable. After transitioning to a successful civilian career, Steve recently turned his attention to preserving a piece of overlooked history - Thunderbird II Field in Scottsdale, where more than 5,500 pilots prepared for combat overseas during World War II.

In this conversation, we talk about the missions that shaped his service, the teamwork that saved lives, and the passion driving his mission to ensure the stories of WWII aviators are never forgotten. Steve was also a previous Scottsdale Salutes honoree and former Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commissioner.

How to Avoid the Top 5 Medicare Mistakes. This educational seminar will bring clarity to the fundamentals of Medicare and enable you to make informed decisions associated with when to enroll in Medicare, how to evaluate coverage, and how to ensure cost efficiencies going forward after you've enrolled. Presented by Allison Lubenow from Senior Advisors.

  • 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Appaloosa Library, 7377 E. Silverstone Drive, Meeting Room 1 & 2
  • Registration isn’t required.

Government 202: Behind the Scenes with Scottsdale Water. Join us for an evening with Scottsdale Water, recognized as a pioneer in advanced water treatment. Hear from the experts who ensure your tap water is clean, reliable and sustainable. Learn what’s really happening on the Colorado River and how it affects Scottsdale-and see how your local water stewards are preparing for the future. Get answers to your biggest questions, discover the science behind advanced water purification, and find out why Scottsdale is the only utility in Arizona to hold a permit for it. Come curious, leave confident - and maybe even impress your friends at your next soirée with your newfound water wisdom!

  • 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, at Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road.
  • Register online.

FYI

Scottsdale Trolley pauses for Thanksgiving holiday. The Scottsdale Trolley will not operate on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27; service will resume on Friday, Nov. 28. Please visit the Valley Metro website for information on their holiday service.

Sustainable Scottsdale awards deadline extended. Have you made a positive environmental impact in Scottsdale? Apply to be recognized with the Sustainable Scottsdale Award. The awards recognize innovative individuals, businesses, associations, educational institutions and organizations that demonstrate exceptional sustainability efforts directly enhancing the quality of life in Scottsdale and contributing to an environmentally friendly city.

Learn more and submit an application by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “ Sustainable Scottsdale Awards.” Applications are due Nov. 21.

City seeks feedback on new parking structure in the northeast quadrant of Old Town. Design work is underway on a new public parking structure that will be located in the northeast quadrant of Old Town Scottsdale. Last week the city held a public meeting to present three exterior concepts to the community for feedback. The presentation and comment form are on the project page and the city is seeking feedback though the end of November. The new parking structure will be located on a surface parking lot owned by the city and located north of E. 6th Avenue, east of N. Wells Fargo Avenue and west of N. Civic Center Plaza.

Scottsdale launches new community survey to connect with residents. Scottsdale has launched a new community survey tool designed to better understand resident concerns and strengthen trust between the city and residents. Developed in partnership with software platform Zencity, the survey gives residents a convenient way to share feedback on important topics such as public safety, affordable housing, transportation and education. Insights gathered from the survey will help Scottsdale refine programs and services to better meet community needs.

A random selection of residents will be invited to participate, helping the city gather input from a wide range of community voices. The survey is official, secure, and residents are encouraged to share their feedback.

Job of the Week: Recreation Leader II – Adaptive Recreation. Are you passionate about inclusion and making a difference through recreation? Join the city of Scottsdale’s Adaptive Recreation team-a dedicated group creating meaningful, accessible experiences for individuals with disabilities.

As a recreation leader, you’ll play a key role in delivering programs that promote independence, connection, and joy. From organizing Special Olympics sports to coordinating social events and community outings, your work will empower participants to thrive in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Learn more and apply.

NEW ONLINE:

Scottsdale honors our veterans. Last week, Scottsdale held its annual Veterans Day Commemoration at the City Hall Memorial Lawn, recognizing the heroes in our community who have served - and continue to serve - in the U.S. Armed Forces. Watch the highlights to relive the moments of honor, pride and gratitude.

Scottsdale Spotlight: Andrew, Scottsdale’s first data scientist. From studying how ants collaborate to helping Scottsdale make smarter, data-driven decisions - Andrew’s journey is all about turning information into innovation. His work supports projects that improve city operations, enhance services, and build a more connected community. Learn more on how Andrew’s work is shaping the future of Scottsdale.

You can borrow that many books?! No need to hold back - your Scottsdale Public Library card lets you check out up to 30 books for free! Get inspired for your next visit.

The more you know! Think palm trees are “real” trees? Think again! Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Maintenance Worker Joe breaks down the difference between palms and other trees - it all comes down to seeds.

QUICK LINKS:

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Office of Communications

Nov 17, 2025

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