Scottsdale Update - Oct. 20, 2025
HEADLINE NEWS
Plan for nightly closures on Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard at Loop 101. East and westbound Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard at Loop 101 will be closed through 5 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22, for bridge painting. Westbound Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard at Loop 101 will also be closed 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22 through 5 a.m. Friday, Oct. 24, for bridge painting.
The project is part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's two-year project to add lanes and improve interchanges on Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road. “Stay in the Loop” by subscribing to project updates on ADOT’s website.
What’s in my backyard? The first in a series of neighborhood outreach events created as part of the City Council’s 2025/26 priorities will be hosted from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at Fire Station 613, 26380 Hayden Road. Residents are invited to 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 to learn about projects, services, and events happening in their neighborhood while connecting with friends and neighbors close to home. This is the first in a series of WIMBY neighborhood outreach events, each tailored to a specific area. Registration is requested.
Help shape Scottsdale’s Transportation Safety Plan. Join one of four interactive walking events on Friday, Oct. 24, or Saturday, Oct. 25, to share your thoughts about getting around Scottsdale. These short, conversational walks are a chance to point out what works well—and what could be improved—when it comes to walking, biking, and driving in our city.
Each walk will cover about ¼–½ mile and last 45–60 minutes, including introductions and wrap-up. Everyone is welcome—mobility devices, strollers, and caregivers included. Space is limited, and participation is free, but reservations are required.
Scottsdale Water wrapped up 2025 Citizen Water Academy. Its conclusion marked another successful session of the award-winning program that gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s most advanced municipal water utilities.
More than 30 participants learned about Scottsdale’s water supply, treatment processes, and infrastructure through interactive presentations, tours of key facilities — including the Advanced Water Treatment Plant, and hands-on demonstrations with Scottsdale Water experts.
Scottsdale earns a top spot on Forbes list of Arizona’s best workplaces. Forbes named the city of Scottsdale the top public employer in Arizona and ranked it No. 8 overall on its list of the state’s 75 best employers. The ranking places Scottsdale alongside major national companies such as Apple, Microsoft and Costco, and it is one of only two municipal governments in the top 10, joined by the City of Phoenix. Forbes compiled the list by surveying more than 160,000 U.S. employees on workplace culture, benefits, compensation, and professional development opportunities.
Scottsdale City Council Subcommittee on Community Safety holds inaugural meeting. The subcommittee examines policies, initiatives and enforcement strategies to strengthen public safety in Scottsdale. Their work is expected to center on policy and operational conversations focused on reducing community nuisances, improving neighborhood livability and ensuring a coordinated, proactive approach to keeping Scottsdale safe.
The three City Council representatives on the subcommittee are Vice Mayor Adam Kwasman and Council members Jan Dubauskas and Kathy Littlefield. City staff supporting the subcommittee include City Manager Greg Caton, Interim City Attorney Luis Santaella, and Police Chief Joe LeDuc.
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 Oct. 20:
- Tourism Development Commission Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21
- City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21
- City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Neighborhood Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Airport Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22
- Planning Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 22
Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.
THINGS TO DO
Scottsdale Dia de Los Muertos. Take part in a time-honored tradition during Scottsdale Dia de Los Muertos from Oct. 23-26 at Scottsdale Civic Center. The festivities will feature a variety of events celebrated over four days, allowing visitors of all ages to engage in the rich cultural heritage of Dia de Los Muertos.
On Oct. 24, enjoy a special performance, “Danza de Los Muertos,” by the Huey-Colhuacan Folk Ballet Company, and on Oct. 25, observe the “Procession Desfile de Los Muertos,” as we honor the memories and lives of loved ones. Most of the events are free. Tickets to the “Danza de Los Muertos” can be purchased through Scottsdale Arts. Learn more.
Join Kevin Costner at Scottsdale Stadium Oct. 25 for Field of Dreams Movie Night. In a rare and special moment in sports, fans are invited to join actor Kevin Costner at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Scottsdale Stadium for a screening of the actor's Oscar nominated film “Field of Dreams” following the championship game at the Western Wiffle Ball Classic.
To get free tickets to the movie night and the championship game visit BLWWiffleBall.com. All seats are first-come, first-served. No assigned seats.
The Western Wiffle Ball Classic, which is attracting wiffleball players from around the country, takes place from 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Scottsdale Stadium.
Halloween Spook-Track-ula. Stop in for a spell as the Paradise & Pacific Railroad is transformed into a haunted park of fun for Scottsdale Parks & Recreation’s annual Halloween Spook-Track-ula at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park! This family-friendly event, featuring a spooky train ride, takes place 6-9:30 p.m. through Friday, Oct. 31.
Spook-Track-ula concludes Oct. 31 with a free special trick-or-treating night in the park’s Desert Arboretum, where kids can collect sweet treats in a festive, safe, family-friendly setting from 4 to 9:30 p.m.
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.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Irrigation Controller Programming. Take control of your irrigation! In this hands-on workshop, our irrigation specialist will walk you through how to program a typical irrigation controller for maximum efficiency. You’ll learn how to update your programs seasonally, make weather-based adjustments, and avoid common watering mistakes. All supplies are provided, just bring your questions!
- 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Civic Center Library Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
- Space is limited, please register to reserve a spot.
Scottsdale and the future: How are we handling AI? We are constantly hearing about AI and how it can impact our lives. If you would like to know what the city of Scottsdale is doing to harness the powers of AI and use it to improve city operations for residents and visitors, come and hear Kari Johnson, the city's AI whisperer as she explores the city's use of AI and how it makes a difference in Scottsdale every day.
- 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the SHC Program Room inside Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
- Registration isn’t required.
Neighborhood College: Seven Secrets to a Successful Community. A community association attorney will provide an in-depth analysis and practical tips concerning the seven key traits of a successful community association. These traits, when implemented, will help a community association not only properly serve its members but also steer clear of potential pitfalls and liability.
Presenter: Shaw & Lines Law Firm
- 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road.
- Register online.
Neighborhood College: The Basics of Effective Board Meetings – Open and Executive Sessions. This training will cover all an HOA/condo board needs to know about conducting effective board meetings, both open and executive sessions. Volunteers from the audience will be asked to participate in mock board meetings - both an open and executive session.
Presenter: Associated Asset Management
- 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road.
- Register online.
FYI
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 going to ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching “Sustainable Scottsdale Awards.” Applications are due Nov. 21.
Job of the Week: Senior Accountant. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting the city’s financial integrity and ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed responsibly.
The senior accountant performs complex accounting work across all areas of financial reporting and analysis. This role supports citywide operations through comprehensive financial management and consultation, helping ensure Scottsdale continues to be recognized as a well-managed, world-class community.
NEW ONLINE:
Happy birthday, K9 Cache! Last week Scottsdale Police gave a special birthday shoutout to K9 Cache, who recently turned five-years-old. Cache is a black Labrador who’s trained in suspect tracking, apprehension and sniffing out illegal substances.
Finnley is officially on duty! An adorable puppy named Finnley recently started his first day on the job with the Scottsdale Fire Department as a search and rescue canine. Finnley is partnered with Canine Search Specialist and Firefighter Jessica Olney and Canine Search Specialist Zane Webster. Check out this video to find out how Finnley’s first day went!
Are you tired of paying for books? Learn this hack from the Scottsdale Public Library so that you can get them for free!
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