Scottsdale Update - May 26, 2026

Scottsdale’s Short-Term Rental Team sets the standard for enforcement and innovation in Arizona.

Scottsdale continues to lead Arizona in addressing short-term rental challenges through a coordinated, technology-driven enforcement strategy focused on accountability and neighborhood quality of life. Since creating a Short-Term Rental Working Group in 2021, the city has developed a multidisciplinary team to improve enforcement, communication and compliance. A major part of the effort is the city’s AI-powered Short-Term Rental Resource Center, which uses real-time data, geospatial analytics and machine learning to identify rental properties, monitor compliance and streamline enforcement operations. Recent enforcement efforts have included stronger officer training, proactive identification of illegal gatherings and a shift toward issuing citations instead of warnings for violations.

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WestWorld to become home of SCC’s expanded equine science program.

Scottsdale Community College, in partnership with the city of Scottsdale, officially broke ground on a new permanent Equine Science facility at WestWorld that will expand hands-on workforce training opportunities in Arizona’s growing equine industry. The 22,000-square-foot facility, expected to open by summer 2026, will include horse stalls, round pens, equipment storage and a dedicated farrier station to support real-world instruction. City Manager Greg Caton said the partnership strengthens WestWorld’s legacy as a premier equestrian destination while creating meaningful opportunities for students and supporting workforce development and economic vitality. SCC leaders said the new centralized facility will enhance student access to clinical instruction and industry events while building on the college’s more than 40-year legacy in equine education.

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From community centers to the Preserve, Nick Molinari leads with purpose.

Nick Molinari, Scottsdale’s senior director of Parks and Recreation and the Preserve, has spent nearly three decades helping shape many of the city’s most important community spaces, including its parks system, sports complexes and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. After moving to Scottsdale in 1980 and later beginning his career with the city as a recreation leader, Molinari rose through leadership roles overseeing community centers, senior services, WestWorld and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park before expanding his responsibilities last year to include the preserve. He credits Scottsdale’s strong culture of employee development and collaboration for helping guide his career and support major projects such as Civic Center redevelopment and improvements to northern Scottsdale sports complexes. Molinari emphasized the importance of parks, recreation spaces and the Preserve in building community connections, protecting Scottsdale’s desert character and maintaining the city’s high quality of life. He also highlighted continued reinvestment in the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, neighborhood parks and preserve stewardship as key priorities for Scottsdale’s future.

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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 25:

• Neighborhood Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 27
• Planning Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 27
• Human Services Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 28

Week of June 1 – Check back next week for the full list:

• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, June 4

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

Find more public meetings.

Enjoy all the things that make Old Town unique during June Days.

Daily activities and events include wine tastings, art exhibits, crafting workshops, live performances and family-oriented outings. Plan your June Days at OldTownScottsdaleAZ.com.

Take a tour of Scottsdale Stadium.

Whether you are a history buff, baseball fanatic or simply curious, you will not want to miss this behind-the scenes tour of Scottsdale Stadium. Led by stadium team members, attendees will uncover the inside scoop on Scottsdale Stadium’s history, get up close to where favorite players train and discover the stories behind one of Old Town Scottsdale’s prime destinations.

This 60-minute walking tour will lead you through stadium spaces, stopping to learn fun facts in favorite spots including The Fieldhouse, Banyan Room, Press Suite, Charros Lodge and more.

• 6-7 p.m. Friday, June 19. Register online for June 19
• 9-10 a.m. Saturday, June 20. Register online for June 20

You’re invited to Scottsdale’s 75th Anniversary Birthday Bash!

Guests will enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast to start the morning. The program will feature the unveiling of a video documentary highlighting Scottsdale’s history, remarks from guest speakers, and a special performance by the Pinnacle Peak Presbyterian Choir.

Attendees also will have the opportunity to explore a variety of exhibits and activities, including:

• Exhibit boards highlighting Scottsdale’s historical timeline
• A 1976 Plymouth Fury patrol car used by Scottsdale Police officers from 1973-78
• Sonora the Horse, an interactive activity where guests can share their Scottsdale memories
• Selfie stations featuring cowboys from across the decades

Doors open at 9 a.m., and the celebration begins at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, at Scottsdale Stadium, 7408 E. Osborn Road.

Registration is requested.

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.
• Discover Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities.
• Get Scottsdale Sister Cities events.

Get more events information.

Scottsdale Stories & Sweets - Week 1: The History of the Community Design Studio.

The Scottsdale Community Design Studio is likely a building you've passed many times. Located on the northeast corner of Indian School Road and 75th Street, this iconic building has had many lives and is home to several fun public art pieces. Seventy-four years ago, the Ascension Lutheran Church opened for Sunday service, but quickly outgrew the building and moved away. During this presentation, learn how the building was used 30 years before the city's purchase and how it is used today. Those aged 13 and older are welcome. Treats available while supplies last. Please register to help us plan for food quantities.

• 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road

Sign up for Scottsdale Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Challenge.

This challenge is open to all ages – your goal is to reach 1,000 points by July 20! Points can be earned by reading, attending library programs, completing activity challenges and entering secret codes. Earn fun prizes along the way, including a free book when you complete the challenge.

• Register online.

Scottsdale seeks residents to serve on city boards and commissions.

The city of Scottsdale is encouraging residents to apply for volunteer openings on several advisory boards, commissions and committees that help guide important community decisions. Current openings include positions on the Board of Adjustment, Building Advisory Board of Appeals, Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, Historic Preservation Commission and Loss Trust Fund Board. These groups provide recommendations and community insight to the Scottsdale City Council on a variety of city issues and initiatives. Residents interested in serving must submit an online application by Friday, May 29. Following the review process, City Council will conduct interviews and appoint new members in June, with selected applicants required to complete board training and comply with the city’s Ethics Code before beginning service.

Learn more.

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: Contracts Coordinator.

The contracts coordinator plays a key role in supporting Scottsdale’s world-class parks, recreation facilities and public spaces by managing the contracts that help keep them running smoothly. In this position, you’ll coordinate service, commodity, and performance contracts; develop bid documents and Requests for Proposals; oversee vendor relationships; and ensure projects meet city standards, timelines, and regulations. Working closely with staff, contractors, and community partners, you’ll help guide contracts from planning and procurement through completion and final invoicing.

Learn more and apply.

Scottsdale talks summer emergency preparedness.

In the latest episode of Podsdale, members of Scottsdale’s Emergency Management team discuss how the city prepares for wildfire season, monsoon storms, flooding and other summer emergencies. Lauren and Jacob share insights into the behind-the-scenes work emergency managers do to keep the community informed and prepared when conditions change rapidly. Learn more about what this episode offers and how you can tune in.

Meet Ploy: Scottsdale’s search and rescue K-9.

Scottsdale Police recently introduced K-9 Ploy, a highly trained member of COSSAR, the city’s specialized K-9 Search and Rescue Team. Ploy is trained to track human scent across challenging desert terrain and remote preserve trails, helping locate missing or injured hikers. As part of Scottsdale’s emergency response efforts, she plays a critical role in search operations throughout the preserve system. See Ploy in action and learn how this skilled K-9 helps keep hikers safe in Scottsdale’s desert trails.

Training together for water safety.

Scottsdale Parks & Recreation and the Scottsdale Fire Department recently teamed up for collaborative water safety training as part of Water Safety Month. The session focused on strengthening skills, building partnerships and preparing crews to respond effectively around the water. The reel also highlights important reminders for residents as pool and swim season ramps up across Scottsdale.