HEADLINE NEWS
Scottsdale earns gold certification in the What Works Cities program. The city's exceptional use of data to inform policy decisions, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate program effectiveness, and engage residents were among the reasons Scottsdale has earned Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification at the Gold Level for 2023. Scottsdale leveled up from being named on the Honor Roll in 2018, to Silver certification in 2019 and recertification in 2020 and is among an elite group of 62 cities worldwide to have achieved certification.
Among recent accomplishments, the What Works Cities team spotlighted Scottsdale’s data-driven approach to tackling tough issues with short-term/vacation rental properties. The city’s Short-term Rental Resource Center allows residents to view the license status and understand the impact of short-term rentals in their neighborhoods. Other notable examples include the role of analysis and data in managing Scottsdale’s water resources and managing water policies, in evaluating and implementing compensation programs to ensure the city remains a competitive employer in critical public safety positions and other areas, and in expanding ways to engage residents through technology such as the new Speak Up Scottsdale platform. Learn more.
Live entertainment and fun for the whole family at Scottsdale's 10th annual 4th of July Celebration. Get ready for a fun evening of live entertainment and family-friendly activities as Scottsdale gears up for its 10th annual 4th of July Celebration at WestWorld, 16601 N. Pima Road. Taking place from 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, the festivities will culminate with one of the largest fireworks display in Arizona. Activities include a rodeo, medieval times junior knight training, slider eating contest, Disney characters, circus performers and the annual Parade of Heroes.
This year’s event aims to be zero waste -- knives, forks and paper and food waste will be composted through a partnership with Recycled City. This is a cashless event. Get more information and buy tickets at Scottsdale4th.com.
City announces July 4 information. Most city offices and facilities will be closed Tuesday, July 4, for Independence Day. Trash and recycling schedules will not be affected. Place your containers out the evening before or by 5 a.m. the morning of collection. Here’s important information:
To reduce the threat of wildfire, Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve will close at noon Tuesday, July 4. It will re-open around 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 5. All trailheads into the preserve will have “closed” signs posted. Scottsdale police and staff will patrol the area to advise visitors about the closure and fire threat. Violating the closure is a misdemeanor punishable by up to four months in jail and a $750 fine. Pinnacle Peak Park, 26802 N. 102nd Way, will be open from 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, July 4.
Although use of some consumer fireworks is permitted by state law in Scottsdale this holiday, their use in and near many sensitive desert areas remains illegal and violators are subject to substantial fines. Fire officials prefer fireworks be left to professional shows, which have safety personnel onsite to immediately address fire issues. Use of fireworks is prohibited in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Pinnacle Peak Park and all properties located within 1 mile of these fragile desert lands. The use of fireworks is also prohibited on all publicly owned properties, which include but are not limited to, city buildings, city parking lots, city parks, public schools and city streets. Get more information about firework restrictions and safety.
Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host. Here’s what’s coming up:
It’s the last week to celebrate June Days … enjoy all the things that make Old Town unique. Don't miss out, find fun events at OldTownScottsdaleAZ.com.
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The Fruit of the Poisonous Tree: Our storyteller is often asked, “What's your favorite Scottsdale crime story?” You'll find out when you attend this presentation. Learn about a plot hatched by some bad characters from Bisbee to kill a man in Scottsdale in the 1970s. When confronted by the police, the suspects tried to prove they were innocent, but inadvertently admitted their guilt. It's a remarkable story that has a surprise ending you'll have to hear to believe. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 27, Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. Free. Register.
Chug along to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park for Red, White and Choo Choo. All aboard for a mix of old-school attractions and modern family fun to celebrate Independence Day. The event takes place 4-9 p.m. Sunday, July 2, at the park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road. Activities include bounce houses, water slides, dunk tanks, family field games, pie-eating contests and a whole lot more. Free for kids 2 and younger, $5 for those 3-12 and $15 for 13 and older. Purchase tickets online. You’ll need to create an account if you’re not already registered for city programs. Learn more about the event.
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Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Spirit of Summer events: Tag along every Tuesday and Wednesday for an amazing lineup of seasonal activities for all ages.
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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. Tag along every Tuesday and Wednesday for an amazing lineup of seasonal activities for all ages.
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Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events throughout the year.
Scottsdale Senior Services seeks feedback. We want to improve your experience at the Granite Reef and Via Linda senior centers. Provide feedback on programming, events, workshops and more. Seniors can take the survey online or provide feedback at either center.
Senior centers bring back Saturday hours. Starting Saturday, July 8, Granite Reef and Via Linda senior centers will be open 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays. Both centers have been closed on weekends since the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn about senior services.
Scottsdale earns its 50th consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This highest form of recognition in government accounting and financial reporting is awarded by The Government Finance Officers’ Association, an independent panel of peer reviewers from across the United States and Canada. Scottsdale’s 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report met or exceeded standards to demonstrate a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story.
Job of the Week: Landlord Liaison. The person in this position serves as a primary contact for landlords/property owners, resolves conflicts and helps resolve issues. Benefits include: 12 paid holidays; sick leave; medical, dental and vision benefits; tuition reimbursement; participation in Arizona State Retirement System; and more. Learn more and apply.
