Scottsdale Update - April 11, 2022

Proposed Fiscal Year 2022/23 budget reflects cautious optimism in city’s overall financial picture. City revenues spiked over the past year, caused by unusual circumstances related to the pandemic. Stimulus money was pumped into the economy, and the rising cost of goods resulted in higher sales tax collections. Pent-up demand and desire among the public resulted in higher revenue related to travel, entertainment and dining out. 

However, this budget proposal accounts for the pandemic’s continuing ripple effect on consumer spending, health care costs, financial markets, availability and cost of construction materials and fuel. In addition, positive revenue impacts were lessened to a degree because Scottsdale’s population, per the 2020 decennial census, decreased from its original estimate resulting in a reduction in population-based state shared revenues.

The FY 2022/23 budget recognizes the impact of these competing factors. General Fund revenues are expected to increase in FY 2022/23. However, city budget analysts are forecasting the additional stimulus funding to work its way through the economy and are projecting a decrease in revenues in FY 2023/24 with a return to a normal trend line through the five-year forecast.

The Scottsdale City Council will review and consider adopting the proposed budget in the coming weeks. Read the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Proposed Budget Transmittal Letter and review the entire proposed operating budget and capital improvement plan on the city’s Budget and Finance page.

City seeks additional input on Old Town Scottsdale Character Area Plan and Zoning Ordinance updates. The city continues updating the Old Town Scottsdale Character Area Plan as well as sections of the city’s Zoning Ordinance specific to the downtown area. Take an online, self-guided tour to provide input on topics such as the Old Town Plan Vision and Values, quality development, mixed-use development, building height, bonus provisions and public open space in Old Town. Each session includes a presentation and questions specific to each topic. Participate by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Old Town Updates.”

As we progress through the public and hearing processes, additional participation events will be offered, and draft content will be available to review. 

To all city volunteers, past and present … thank you! Mayor David D. Ortega has proclaimed April 17-23 Volunteer Appreciation Week in Scottsdale. In the last fiscal year, more than 2,300 citizen volunteers contributed 63,000+ hours of service citywide, saving taxpayers $1.7 million. Join us in celebrating volunteers and let them know they’re a treasured part of what makes Scottsdale a world-class community. Ready to lend a hand? Learn how.

THINGS TO DO

Learn about three pillars of sustainability: economic, environmental and social. The Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council invites you to discover how to impact our community with these efforts. The free program, which includes dinner and raffle prizes, runs 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road. Professor Dr. Scott Cloutier from ASU’s School of Sustainability is the keynote speaker. Learn more and register. 

Register for Earth Week activities, April 22-29. From volunteer road cleanups and tree giveaways, to a solar power presentation and green expo breakfast with the Mayor and City Council, Scottsdale has a full lineup of events for everyone looking to recognize Earth Day and make our city a better place. Get details on all the events and register.

Ongoing Events and Activities:

All Things Senior Expo and Tradeshow provides a free one-stop resource center. An extensive collection of exhibitors will provide products, resources and valuable services to the 50+ community. If you are looking for information about healthcare, senior housing, municipal services, recreation, technology, transportation or entertainment this is the place to be. The program runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, April 14, at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road. 

FYI

Scottsdale Road will be closed at Camelback 10 p.m.-5 a.m. Sunday, April 17, through Friday, April. 22. The closures are necessary to perform maintenance on the Arizona Canal bridge. Traffic detours will be in place for southbound travelers. Vehicles traveling south on Scottsdale Road will be directed to turn east or west onto Camelback Road at the intersection. Northbound travel will not be affected. Bus stops in the construction area will be relocated during construction. 

Provide your opinion about Scottsdale Parks and Recreation programs and services. Scottsdale Parks and Recreation works hard to bring beautiful open spaces, playgrounds, pools, walking and hiking paths, pools, community centers, sport courts, life-long learning opportunities and more to our residents. We’re developing a new Parks and Recreation strategic plan, and we need your input! Take the online survey, or attend one of several community meetings. 

View Scottsdale traffic restrictions. Access information in our map center.

COVID-19 by the numbers. Maricopa County has been tracking COVID-19 cases since Jan. 22, 2020. Review the latest numbers.