Scottsdale Update - April 22, 2024

HEADLINE NEWS 

Scottsdale primary election: Candidate lineup and deadlines. With the candidate field set for Scottsdale’s July 30 primary election, voters should take note of important deadlines. The voter registration deadline for the primary election is July 1. Early voting begins July 3. The last day to request an early ballot is July 19. Early ballots should be mailed back no later than July 23; however, you may vote early in person through July 26.

If you are registered as Independent or Party Not Declared, you must request a party or city-only ballot to participate in the July 30 primary election. Those who vote by mail will receive a postcard in early May asking which ballot they want to receive. If voting in person, the poll worker will provide the ballot a voter wishes to vote. 

  • Visit BeBallotReady.Vote to verify your registration status and ensure your information is correct.

  • Visit Scottsdale.Vote to learn more about the candidates for mayor and City Council.

Nov. 5 General Election Information. The City Council has referred two items to the November ballot for Scottsdale voters to consider - a city proposal to replace and reduce an expiring sales tax, and an adjustment to the city's state-imposed spending limitation.

Learn more about these ballot items and the argument filing process at Scottsdale.Vote.

Scottsdale's first Community Sustainability Plan is open for public feedback until April 30. The plan aims to enhance the city’s natural environment and economic vitality by inspiring new approaches in key areas such as energy, water, waste, air quality and heat management. 

It also provides a comprehensive roadmap with specific action steps, aligning with the 2035 General Plan and reaffirming the city's commitment to environmental stewardship.

This draft has been created over the past two years through a series of studies, public meetings, plan review and feedback from residents, City Council and the Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission.

The plan is an aspirational document and not a mandate, so there are no penalties for not achieving the targets. Review and comment on the draft at ScottsdaleAZ.gov search “sustainability plan.”

Learn about ADOT’s Pima Freeway overnight closures taking place April 25-26.

  • Eastbound Princess Drive/Pima Road, between Hayden Road and Trailside View; and westbound Princess Drive/Pima Road, between Loop 101 and Hayden Road, will be closed from 9 p.m. Thursday, April 25, to 5 a.m. Friday, April 26, for pavement striping. 

  • The north- and southbound Loop 101 frontage roads also will be closed at Princess Drive/Pima Road. The westbound Princess Drive/Pima Road to northbound Loop 101 on-ramp will remain open.

Access to businesses and local streets will be maintained during the closure.

In addition, the northbound Cactus Road off-ramp will be closed to realign the ramp for 60 days starting Monday, April 29. The Shea Boulevard on-ramp remains closed through mid-June.

This is part of 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.

Listen to the smooth sound of music at the Jazz Festival: Blues and Brews. Grammy award-winning contemporary jazz and rhythm and blues superstar Norman Brown headlines this signature event 4-10:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, at Scottsdale Civic Center. Other artists include New Orleans jazz saxophonist Donald Harrison and vocalist Nayo Jones. Food showcasing the flavors of New Orleans will be on hand as well as a beer garden. See the lineup and buy tickets.


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 April 22:

Week of April 29 (Posted so far; check back next week for the full list):

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


THINGS TO DO 

Scottsdale Earth Week celebrates city’s commitment to sustainable future. From volunteer road cleanups and guided nature walks in our beautiful preserve, to edible garden and green building presentations, Scottsdale has a full lineup of events for everyone looking to recognize our planet. Here’s what’s happening this week. Listen to the Podsdale podcast about Earth Week and sustainability efforts. 

Enjoy senior talent at Entertainment Extravaganza. This event features senior citizens singing, dancing, doing magic and performing comedy acts. Attend at 4 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. Second St.  

Western Spirit hosts Adventure and Discovery – The Incredible Anza Expedition from Mexico to San Francisco (1775-1776). Scottsdale Sister Cities, in partnership with Western Spirit, presents Sonoran historian Juan Carlos speaking about the epic journey of the Anza Expedition which contributed to the legacy of many Southwest landmarks we know today.The program also includes the journey of the expedition shared via short stories from historical novel, “North with De Anza.” The program runs 6-7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, at the museum. Get details.

McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park kicks off Summer Concert Series. Enjoy free concerts 7-8:30 p.m. Sundays, April 28-June 23, with a variety of local bands. Bring a blanket or chair and pack a picnic or enjoy something tasty from Hartley’s General Store or one of the onsite food trucks Admission is free; train and carousel rides are $3 each with children two and younger ride free with a paying adult. Get details.

Learn how Scottsdale became an arts mecca at Hometown Happy Hour. Scottsdale Historian Joan Fudala will discuss how the post-WWII artisans launched Scottsdale as the arts and crafts center of the Southwest. The free presentation starts at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, at Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St. Enjoy a photo-rich presentation highlighting the artists, craftspeople, fashion designers and entrepreneurs who turned farm town Scottsdale into a world-renowned art and cultural center.

Experience the best of both worlds at WestWorld: Equestrian Elegance and Adventurous Excursions. Enjoy the grace of Arabian horses and the thrill of exploring the latest recreational vehicles. 

  • Region 7 Arabian Horse Show – April 29-May 5: Arabian horses from Arizona, Utah and part of Nevada will compete in the Region 7 Arabian Horse Association Show: 

  • La Mesa RV Show – May 2-5: Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or a first-time buyer, this show offers a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends, innovations and models.

Ongoing: 

Get more events information.


PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

Learn a new hobby … or brush up on an old one. Registration for Scottsdale Parks and Recreation spring programs began today for Scottsdale residents. Nonresidents can register beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, April 25. View Scottsdale Life online (PDF). Or browse classes and register here

Prescription Drug Take Back available at two Scottsdale locations Saturday, April 27. The collections – which take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 27 – are part of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s annual National Prescription Drug Take-Back. Bring your unwanted, unneeded or expired pills for disposal to the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, or the Foothills District Police Station in the Market Street Plaza at DC Ranch, 20363 N. Pima Road. Please do not bring liquids. Many abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, often from the home medicine cabinet.  

Embark on a transformative journey of understanding and inclusion at a Neurodiversity Awareness seminar. This free two-part seminar is open to the public and designed to cultivate awareness and appreciation for neurodiversity in the workplace. Attendees will learn about the fundamental concept of neurodiversity, unraveling its complexities and shedding light on the diverse spectrum of conditions it encompasses. The city’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Mayo Clinic present the first part from noon- 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West 3830 N. Marshall Way. Part two will be at noon, Tuesday, June 25, location to be determined. Read the flyer (PDF).

Investing in Our Scottsdale: Railroad Park improvements are underway. Scottsdale is adding features to the much beloved McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park which will make it even more popular during the hot summer months, including an indoor train-themed play structure and splash pad. Construction will take approximately a year to complete.

The new Roundhouse building will focus on train-themed play, its centerpiece a huge play structure shaped like a locomotive. Other improvements include a splashpad play area and new restrooms, pathways, lighting and trees.

The indoor play structure is being purchased by the Scottsdale Railroad & Mechanical Society, the park’s non-profit partner. The remainder of the project is funded by the city’s general fund, park revenues and tourism funds. Learn more at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search, “railroad park improvements.”


FYI

Get a rapid roundup of Scottsdale news in the latest Fast Five. April is Volunteer, Bike and Earth Month. Join us in celebrating our amazing volunteers and the many benefits of biking. You also will learn more about the city's conservation efforts. These are just a few things happening in Scottsdale right now and highlighted in this month’s episode of Fast Five. Watch now.

Job of the Week: Water/Wastewater Treatment Plant Apprentice. Under the guidance of our experienced water/wastewater treatment plant operator II or III, you'll dive into a variety of skilled tasks related to operating and maintaining our city's water or wastewater treatment plant equipment. Learn more and apply.


QUICK LINKS: 


Scottsdale What Works Cities 2023 Gold certification

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