Scottsdale Update - May 11, 2026

City of Scottsdale encourages smart water use ahead of summer demand increase.

As warmer temperatures arrive, Scottsdale is encouraging residents to practice smart water-use habits to help manage seasonal increases in demand while maintaining the community’s quality of life. The city’s water system is designed to meet higher summer usage through a diversified supply that includes Central Arizona Project water, groundwater resources and advanced recycling and recharge programs. However, ongoing drought conditions affecting the Colorado River make long-term conservation efforts increasingly important.

Residents are encouraged to take simple voluntary steps such as adjusting irrigation schedules, watering during cooler times of day, checking for leaks and using drought-tolerant landscaping. Since outdoor irrigation accounts for up to 70% of residential water use, even small adjustments can significantly reduce unnecessary consumption.

Learn more.

Scottsdale Water graduates latest Citizen Water Academy class, announces fall program dates.

Scottsdale Water recently graduated its latest Citizen Water Academy class, concluding a five-week program that gives residents an in-depth look at how water is sourced, treated, managed and conserved in the Sonoran Desert. Participants toured facilities including the Scottsdale Water Campus, CAP treatment plant, Water Quality Lab, Advanced Water Treatment Plant, Chaparral Water Treatment Plant and Xeriscape Garden.

The program explored Scottsdale’s diversified water portfolio, infrastructure investments, conservation efforts and long-term planning to maintain water reliability in a challenging desert environment. Participants also learned about the city’s use of surface water, groundwater and recycled water, along with strategies to manage demand and support sustainability.

The next Citizen Water Academy is scheduled for Sept. 16 through Oct. 14, with registration opening Aug. 12.

Learn more.

Scottsdale celebrates Travel and Tourism Week, recognizes $3.7 billion industry impact.

Scottsdale celebrated National Travel and Tourism Week by recognizing the tourism industry’s major impact on the local economy and community. In 2025, Scottsdale welcomed 11.7 million visitors who contributed $3.7 billion to the local economy and generated nearly $75.8 million for the city’s general fund, helping support services such as police, fire, infrastructure and public improvements. Tourism also supports more than 28,500 local jobs, including positions with major employers like Choice Hotels and the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

City leaders highlighted Old Town Scottsdale as a key attraction, featuring museums, theaters, public art, galleries, restaurants and new developments such as The REMI Scottsdale, AC Hotel and Din Tai Fung.

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 May 11:

• Council Subcommittee on Community Safety: 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
• Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
• Planning Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 13
• Human Services Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 14

Week of May 18 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, May 18
• Airport Advisory Commission Special Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 20

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

Find more public meetings.

Guardians of Tomorrow to honor SUSD students enlisting in U.S. Armed Forces.

Scottsdale for Veterans will host “Guardians of Tomorrow,” a special recognition event honoring SUSD students who are enlisting in the U.S. Armed Services. Students will receive a stole representing their branch of service to wear at graduation, along with a custom set of ID tags. Families, friends and community members are invited to celebrate the students’ commitment to military service.

• 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, at Scottsdale Community College – ICC Building, 9000 E. Chaparral Road
• Register online.

Dive-In Movie.

Dive into the fun at the Eldorado Aquatic Center from 6-9 p.m. May 23, for Scottsdale Parks and Recreation’s free event, as part of Indian Bend Wash Celebration Month!

Join us for an evening of swimming and entertainment as we screen a movie on our inflatable screen under the stars shortly after sunset. Bring your swimsuits and enjoy a splashing good time with friends and family!

• 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at Eldorado Aquatic & Fitness Center, 2301 N. Miller Road
• Register online.

Shop a wide variety of organic produce and seasonal specialties at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market.

The market offers more than 100 local growers and specialty food vendors at 3806 N. Brown Ave. Shoppers can enjoy the market every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon. Please note: market hours will change in June.

Learn more.

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.

Last call to donate to the Beat the Heat Program.

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.

Measles cases rise in Maricopa County; residents urged to check vaccination status.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed three new locally transmitted measles cases, bringing the county’s total to 13 cases in 2026. Health officials are urging residents to confirm they are up to date on their MMR vaccinations and monitor for symptoms if they may have been exposed. Measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a blotchy rash that typically starts on the face. Residents can check immunization records through myIR or learn more about exposure sites and prevention at Maricopa.gov/measles.

Open house planned for Stormwater Management Master Plan.

Learn more about the city’s proposed Stormwater Management Master Plan.

The proposed master plan evaluates the effectiveness of the existing drainage system and identifies possible improvements to further mitigate and manage future storm events in Scottsdale.

Open house attendees will be introduced to the proposed plan and view the results of stormwater studies via display boards and other project information. The public is invited to review information on the objectives, process and the preliminary findings, provide input and engage directly with project representatives.

• 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E Indian School Road

Visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “stormwater” to be directed to the project website.

Job of the Week: Court Clerk.

The court clerk is a vital part of Scottsdale City Court operations, helping ensure court services run smoothly, accurately, and professionally. In this role, you’ll manage case information, maintain confidential records, process payments, schedule hearings, support courtroom proceedings, and assist the public both in person and over the phone. Working across public service, court support, and courtroom operations teams, court clerks play a key role in delivering efficient customer service while supporting judges, attorneys, jurors and court staff.

Learn more and apply.

Meet Fender: Scottsdale’s comfort K9.

The city recently featured a spotlight on Fender, a Crisis Response K9 with the Scottsdale Police Department, who helps bring calm and comfort during high-stress situations. Whether supporting officers or connecting with the community, Fender plays an important role in public safety and well-being. This reel offers a unique, first-person look at his day, highlighting the impact these specially trained K-9s have across Scottsdale.

Honoring Scottsdale firefighters in action.

Last week, the city recognized the dedication of its firefighters, who respond to a wide range of emergencies across the city at all hours. From extreme desert heat to intense monsoon conditions, crews rely on training, teamwork and quick decision-making when every second counts. As the community grows, investments like the new ambulance annex near Fire Station 601 will help strengthen response capabilities and support the needs of residents and visitors.

Indian Bend Wash Month brings the greenbelt to life.

Scottsdale Parks & Recreation is celebrating Indian Bend Wash Month, spotlighting the city’s iconic 11-mile greenbelt that runs through the heart of Scottsdale. Beyond its role in flood control, the Wash offers endless ways to get outside—from biking and walking paths to playgrounds, fishing lakes, aquatic centers and more. Throughout May, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore all the recreation opportunities this corridor provides. Watch the reel to see all the ways you can celebrate!