HEADLINE NEWS
Scottsdale's budget: Your tax dollars at work. Scottsdale's city budget is the foundation for providing safe neighborhoods, beautiful parks and open spaces, and delivering on the city's mission statement: Simply Better Service for a World-Class Community. Watch to learn more about different elements of the city's revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2023/24. Dive deeper here where you’ll find Scottsdale’s award-winning budget book, citizen-friendly annual reports and more.
Scottsdale City Council approves temporary and long-term efforts to address housing insecurity. The council approved a plan to provide temporary bridge housing for those in need, as well as construction of up to 28 affordable housing units at the Paiute Neighborhood Center. The council's discussion of the bridge housing program was the final step in accepting state grant funding to continue providing temporary lodging (30 to 120 days) for people who have been displaced from their homes in Scottsdale. The program will not take U.S. immigration referrals through Title 42, and participants are evaluated to ensure their individual needs and circumstances are a match. Last year, this program assisted 120 individuals in Scottsdale – a number the city expects to duplicate in 2023.
The Residence at Paiute will comprise a combination of studio and two-bedroom units provided at low or no-cost to seniors and persons with disabilities, with a number of units dedicated to case-managed temporary bridge housing for people working toward independent stable housing. Learn more here.
Netflix documentary series explores Blue Zones. Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, a four-part Netflix documentary series launched Aug. 30, just a few months ahead of a Blue Zones Project Scottsdale community kickoff. The series takes viewers around the world with Blue Zones founder, a National Geographic Fellow and New York Times best-selling author, Dan Buettner, to discover five unique regions of the world where people live extraordinary long and vibrant lives. The people in these five regions, blue zones, share similar characteristics: a plant-based diet, natural movement, and putting family first, which have been proven to promote longevity and health in residents. Viewers will explore the original blue zones, be immersed in their culture and lifestyles, and see how Blue Zones is applying the research in communities across the United States, now including Scottsdale. Learn more.
Commemorate the McDowell Sonoran Preserve's month. On Oct. 3, 1994, the Scottsdale City Council formally dedicated the first lands for the preserve. The "Day One" preserve was 4.5 square miles consisting of three parcels of city-owned land. Today, this permanently protected, sustainable desert habitat encompasses 47 square miles … about one-third of Scottsdale's land area. The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy is commemorating this month with plenty of activities, including bird walks, bike rides, fitness sessions and crafting. Get details: McDowellSonoran.org, search “events”
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:
Get your caboose to McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s Railfair this weekend. This annual celebration of trains features model train displays, exhibits, a wide selection of the park’s seldom-seen vintage railroad equipment, along with special presentations on railroad and Arizona history. Admission is free to the event which runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. Paradise & Pacific Railroad and Charros Carousel rides are $3 each; free for ages 2 and younger riding with a paying adult. Learn more.
Fall in Love with Scottsdale Civic Center. The city officially unveils the much-anticipated Scottsdale Civic Center remodel — a comprehensive renovation of the area that has served as the city’s civic and signature special event and gathering space for 55 years. This celebration features more than 70 activities taking place in and around the center and throughout Old Town from Tuesday, Oct. 3 through Wednesday, Nov. 22. Get a complete list.
Get schooled at September Neighborhood College classes. Neighborhood College offers four tracks: HOA/Condo, Good Neighbor, Stories of Scottsdale History and Scottsdale 360, a virtual learning series that highlights the people, policies and programs that shape our community. Register for one class or all.
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Top Ten Estate Planning Mistakes, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, Community Design Studio. Are you among the many Americans who have put your estate planning on the back burner? Don’t delay, get this important information.
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Conflicts of Interest and How to Avoid Them: 9-11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 9, Community Design Studio. Discover the importance of having a clear understanding of what constitutes a conflict of interest, the problems they can create and how your association and board of directors should address/ avoid them.
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HOA/Condo Symposium, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, Community Design Studio. Learn the right way to amend your CC&Rs, how to conduct fair and legal board elections, and what to do if your association is in crisis. Lunch will be provided.
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Pinnacle Peak History, 11 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 19, virtual. From geology to golf, the greater Pinnacle Peak area has something for every interest. Register to get the link to participate.
Stories of Scottsdale History Series:
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Scoundrels, Rascals & Cutthroats, 1-3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, Holland Center. Hear about the stories of famous and infamous crimes that happened in Scottsdale. You’ll learn more … like how the mail was first brought from Phoenix to Scottsdale, why an Arizona high school has a unique mascot and what investigative tools were available to the police at various times.
You won’t lose with GAIN – Getting Arizona Involved with Neighborhoods. Formerly known as National Night Out, GAIN encourages residents to get together in their respective communities to promote safety, neighborhood communication and celebrate the successes of crime prevention through community involvement. GAIN 2023 takes place Saturday, Oct. 14. Register your neighborhood no later than Monday, Oct. 3, if you’re planning to host a block party that day or evening.
Investing in Our Scottsdale: The 124th Street Underpass at Shea Boulevard is open. The tunnel connects two segments of the Mountain View Trail, making one complete trail from the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to the Central Arizona Project Canal. The underpass and path also provide critical non-motorized links to the surrounding neighborhoods, schools, equestrian properties, and the existing non-motorized network of bike lanes and routes. The tunnel eliminates the need to cross Shea Boulevard, creating a safer way get to the other side. Learn more about Scottsdale’s trails system.
Scottsdale libraries recognize “Banned Books Week,” Oct. 1-7. Launched in 1982, Banned Books Week draws attention to the harms of censorship and celebrates the value of free and open access to information. All Scottsdale library branches will display books that have been banned by various schools, libraries and bookstores. If you check out one of these books, be sure to request a sticker. Learn more at BannedBooksWeek.org.
