Scottsdale Update - April 13, 2026

Scottsdale proposes lower, fiscally conservative budget with strong investment in public safety and infrastructure.

Scottsdale has proposed a $2.119 billion fiscal year 2026/27 budget that reflects a fiscally conservative approach while prioritizing public safety and critical infrastructure investments. The plan is $84.7 million lower than the current year, maintains a balanced General Fund and projects a strong $214.4 million ending fund balance, with cost-saving measures including efficiency reviews and reduced staffing. Public safety remains the top priority, with investments in police and fire services, ambulance operations, workforce development and pension liability reduction. The budget also includes a $956.1 million five-year Capital Improvement Plan, with significant funding for transportation, water and wastewater infrastructure to support long-term reliability. City leaders say the disciplined approach positions Scottsdale to navigate economic uncertainty while continuing to deliver high-quality services.

Learn more.

Scottsdale, SUSD partner on purchase of Main Street office building.

The city of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Unified School District are advancing a partnership for the city to purchase a district-owned office building at 7575 E. Main St. for $3.7 million. The 0.97-acre property includes a 13,328-square-foot building and would support the city's efforts to manage facilities and provide workspace for its workforce, potentially housing administrative functions such as Human Resources. The proposal highlights strong collaboration between the two public agencies and will require approval from both the City Council and the SUSD Governing Board. The agreement includes standard due diligence and escrow processes, with closing expected after feasibility review and formal approvals. If completed, the acquisition would return the property to city ownership while supporting operational needs and strengthening intergovernmental partnership.

Learn more.

Scottsdale experiences increase in trash truck fires, urges safe disposal practices.

Scottsdale is warning residents about a recent increase in trash and recycling truck fires caused by improper disposal of hazardous materials. City officials say many of these fires are preventable and can put sanitation workers, first responders, nearby homes and desert areas at risk, sometimes requiring crews to dump burning loads into the street to contain the danger. Common causes include lithium-ion batteries, rechargeable devices, household chemicals, propane tanks and other flammable items. Residents are urged to properly dispose of hazardous waste by using designated recycling locations, scheduling household hazardous waste pickups and never placing these materials in curbside bins. City leaders emphasize that simple actions can significantly reduce fire risks and help protect the community, workers and the surrounding desert environment.

Learn more.

Scottsdale announces matching marketing funding program for Old Town businesses.

Scottsdale's Tourism & Events Department has launched a Matching Marketing Program to support Old Town Scottsdale businesses by providing dollar-for-dollar funding for tourism marketing efforts. The program offers up to $5,000 per eligible business, with collaborative applications from multiple businesses eligible for up to $20,000 and is designed to increase visitation and strengthen the local economy. Eligible participants include businesses located in Old Town or associations of Old Town businesses, and funds can be used for advertising, digital marketing, social media, print materials and other promotional efforts. City leaders say the initiative helps businesses maximize their marketing impact while supporting broader efforts to promote Old Town as a destination. All funded projects must be completed before June 30, and applications are available online.

Learn more.

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 13:

• Airport Advisory Commission Special Meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, April 13
• City Council Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 14
• Parks & Recreation Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 15
• Airport Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 15
• Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15
• Budget Review Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m. Thursday, April 16
• Transportation Commission Regular Meeting: 5:15 p.m. Thursday, April 16

Week of April 20 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Neighborhood Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 22
• Budget Review Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m. Thursday, April 23

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

Find more public meetings.

The Inaugural Cattle Track Tour.

Discover the story of Cattle Track, a historic arts enclave where creativity has thrived for generations. During this first-ever Cattle Track Tour, registered guests will participate in a privately guided tour through historic spaces, including studios, workshops, and historic structures.

You'll meet resident artists and engage with up to 25 guest artists who will be showcasing and selling their work.

• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at 6105 N. Cattletrack Road
• Admission is free, but capacity is limited. Secure your tour time by registering online.

Scottsdale Airport Movie Night.

Please join us for a screening of “Star Wars: A New Hope.” Remember to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the food trucks, static aircraft display and a viewing of the ARFF vehicle! No pets or outside food and beverage will be permitted and we recommend utilizing ride share as much as possible to assist with parking.

• Saturday, April 18, at 15000 N. Airport Drive
• Gates open: 5 p.m.
• Movie starts: 7:15 p.m.

Valley Bike Month events in Scottsdale.

The city's month-long celebration of all things biking is shifting into high gear with signature events that showcase Scottsdale's public art collection and encourage biking for commuters and anyone looking to ride for fun or fitness. Original artwork for Scottsdale's Bike Month events was created by Arizona artist Ariana Enriquez; the artwork features bold colors, dynamic movement, and highlights the local flora and artwork cyclists experience in Scottsdale.

Cycle the Arts.

Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the city's bike ride and tour of Scottsdale's public art collection. The 10-mile bike ride includes stops at nine public art installations. The city and Scottsdale Arts work together to coordinate this uniquely Scottsdale event featuring presentations by artists and community volunteers at each art stop. Participants will receive commemorative event t-shirts, backpacks and stickers. The event is free; however, advanced registration is required and space is limited.

• 7 a.m. Sunday, April 19, at the Arabian Library, 10215 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Road

Bike To Work Day.

Bike commuters, and anyone else who loves to ride, are invited to visit designated pit stops throughout the city to celebrate Bike to Work Day. Check out the map online and plan your ride. Each pit stop has its own personality and charm - you may want to swing by more than one stop. Breakfast snacks and door prizes, including Bike Month swag will be available at all stops.

• 7-8:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 22, at various locations

Saddle up for a month of fun: Valley Bike Month 2026.

Now is the perfect time to gear up for Valley Bike Month. Online registration is open for Scottsdale’s annual Cycle the Arts event, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The 10-mile guided bike ride and tour of the city’s public art collection will take place on Sunday, April 19, the event is free; however, advance registration is required and space is limited.

Put a new spin on your commute - make plans to attend Bike to Work Day on April 22. Bike commuters are invited to stop at one of five designated pit stoop locations on their way to work. Participants will receive commemorative Bike Month swag and breakfast snacks. The event is free and open to the public. An event map will be posted online soon. A complete list of Bike Month events is available on the Valley Metro website.

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.

Have your day in court at Scottsdale's Citizen's Prosecution Academy.

Scottsdale residents have a unique opportunity to step into the world of criminal prosecution with the Citizen's Prosecution Academy, hosted by the City Attorney's Office. This one-day event takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 16, in Courtroom #5 of the Scottsdale City Court, 3700 N. 75th Street.

Participants will get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at how the Prosecution Division of the City Attorney's Office works to uphold justice, protect the community and support victims. The highlight of the event? Two mock trials—one focused on domestic violence and another on driving under the influence—giving attendees a firsthand experience of courtroom proceedings.

Space is limited to 20 participants. Register online.

Help Scottsdale seniors beat the heat.

Scottsdale is seeking donations for its annual Beat the Heat Program, which provides homebound seniors in need with essential supplies to stay safe and cool during the extreme heat of summer.

Donations are being accepted through May 15.

Donated items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road.

Monetary donations are also being accepted online.

Learn more about the program and the items needed.

Spring into water savings with free conservation workshops.

Scottsdale is offering free Springtime Water Conservation Workshops to help residents create water-efficient landscapes, reduce utility costs and support long-term water sustainability. Hosted by Scottsdale Water, the expert-led sessions focus on practical strategies such as smart irrigation, selecting desert-adapted plants and designing low-water-use landscapes. With 65-70% of residential water use occurring outdoors, the workshops aim to deliver high-impact solutions homeowners can apply immediately. Sessions include topics like irrigation techniques, xeriscape garden tours and converting grass to desert-friendly landscaping.

• April 24 - Scottsdale's Xeriscape Garden Tour
• May 26 - Converting Grass to Xeriscape

Learn more and register.

Job of the Week: Librarian III - Appaloosa Branch Manager.

In this role, you'll oversee branch operations, lead and mentor staff and volunteers, and deliver engaging programs that inspire learning for all ages. As an information advocate, you'll connect people to resources, foster meaningful community dialogue, and guide the development of services that reflect the evolving needs of Scottsdale residents. By creating inclusive spaces for learning, exploration, and connection, this role strengthens literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.

Learn more and apply.

We need your home movies!

If you have videos from the 1950s through the 1980s featuring Scottsdale events or landmarks - such as Parada del Sol, the rodeo, the grand opening of Scottsdale Fashion Square or historic flooding - we'd love to include them in the Scottsdale 75 documentary celebrating the city's 1951 incorporation.

The documentary will be shown at the city's June birthday celebration and on Scottsdale Video Network.

Please send digital links to [email protected] with the subject line “75 Documentary.” Submissions are requested by April 30.

Scottsdale invites community input on draft Shade and Tree Plan.

The Scottsdale Shade and Tree Plan for the Built Environment was developed to guide how shade infrastructure can be implemented, expanded and maintained across both public spaces and private development throughout the city. The plan outlines practical strategies for increasing shade while maintaining Scottsdale’s commitment to desert sustainability. Recommendations include selecting desert-adapted trees, integrating water-harvesting practices and incorporating shade structures in a variety of public and private settings.

The city is seeking community input before finalizing the plan. Residents are encouraged to learn more and share feedback by visiting the project website. Comments can be submitted through April 17.

Learn more and submit comments.

Introducing the “S.C.R.A.T.C.H.” Unit.

Last week, Scottsdale Police had some fun for April Fool's Day by announcing the fictional launch of the S.C.R.A.T.C.H. Unit—Special Crimes and Tactical Cat Handler Unit. The reel playfully highlighted “highly trained” cats with stealth, agility, and even “laser-guided” abilities to assist officers in detecting crime and locating suspects. While clearly a joke, the creative concept showcased the department's sense of humor and ability to engage the community in a lighthearted way. Meet the “crime-fighting” cats and see the “paws-itively” hilarious details!

Rooted in history: Scottsdale's tree legacy.

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation shared a throwback to 1982, when Mayor Herb Drinkwater and City Council planted trees near City Hall—the same year Scottsdale earned its first Tree City USA designation. That moment helped grow a lasting legacy, with the city now celebrating 44 consecutive years as a Tree City USA community, the longest streak in Arizona. Today, Scottsdale maintains more than 31,000 trees across parks and public spaces, representing over 75 species and supported by a dedicated team of certified arborists. Take a look back at where it all started.

Where art, nature and design connect.

The city of Scottsdale highlights Soleri Bridge and Plaza as a unique blend of art, architecture and nature. Designed by renowned architect Paolo Soleri, the structure serves as both a pedestrian bridge and a solar calendar, creating a space that connects people with the environment and each other. As part of Scottsdale's 75th anniversary celebration, it reflects the city's long-standing commitment to public art and thoughtful, innovative design inspired by the Sonoran Desert. See how this iconic space comes to life.