Scottsdale Update - Oct. 12, 2026

Scottsdale named one of the 2026 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America.

The city of Scottsdale has been named one of the 2026 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America, recognizing its commitment to employee health and well-being. Scottsdale employs more than 2,800 people and supports employees through its Live Life Well program, which includes wellness incentives, paid parental leave and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellness. The national recognition evaluates employers on areas including leadership commitment, strategic planning, communications, wellness programming and results, adding to Scottsdale’s history of recognition as an outstanding place to work.

Learn more.

Council unanimously backs stronger license plate reader safeguards.

Scottsdale City Council voted unanimously 7-0 to direct staff to draft an ordinance strengthening safeguards around the city’s use of automated license plate readers, with the proposal expected to return Dec. 1. The proposed requirements include independent audits, annual user training, reviews of data retention and access, and a public webpage explaining law enforcement technologies, while also evaluating alternative vendors and the city’s Flock Safety contract. The council’s direction seeks to balance the technology’s public safety benefits with stronger protections for privacy, data ownership and information sharing, including consideration of a transition away from Flock.

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 Oct. 12:

• Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14

Week of Oct. 19 – Check back next week for the full list:

• City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20
• City Council Regular and Work Study Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20
• Airport Advisory Commission Special Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21

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

Find more public meetings.

Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo.

Desert Dog Police K9 Trials & Public Safety Expo, hosted by Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA), welcomes fans and followers to WestWorld of Scottsdale in the largest Police K9 competition in the country. These furry, four-legged officers will show off what it takes to be a canine in active duty in an action-packed two-day K9 competition!

Fans will witness the talent of 70 canine teams from across the country, as they take over the Tony Nelssen Equestrian Arena and test their skills through exhilarating on-field obstacles, simulating real life scenarios that law enforcement encounters daily.

• 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, at WestWorld of Scottsdale
• Learn more.

Scottsdale Fall Festival.

This free, family-friendly event takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Scottsdale Civic Center, and features a live DJ, magic show and cocktail garden. Kids can fill their bags in Trick-or-Treat Alley, explore a festive pumpkin patch and enjoy more than 25 carnival-style games, crafts, face painting and hands-on activities.

Plus, visit booths hosted by city departments to learn about upcoming projects and chat with staff. Costumes are welcome (but not required).

Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market.

The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market is a crowd favorite on Saturday mornings in Old Town Scottsdale! Bustling with locals, it features over 100 local growers and specialty food producers. Whether it is the aroma of freshly baked bread that you can't resist or you are on the hunt for seasonal ingredients, you are sure to find it at the market.
Please note: The farmers market has moved to its new location at the Scottsdale City Hall parking lot.

• 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturdays starting Oct. 3, at 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.
• Learn more.

Join the Scottsdale 75 Picture Scavenger Hunt.

Never been to Taliesin West? Or the Mustang Wall at Mustang Library? The Scottsdale 75th Anniversary Picture Scavenger Hunt is underway, offering a fun way to explore places you’ve never visited and revisit longtime favorites across the city. This all-ages community challenge highlights the people, places and history that have shaped Scottsdale.

Using the Seeker app, participants visit 75 designated locations, take selfies to earn points and can pick up some city swag while learning more about the West’s Most Western Town. Complete all 75 stops and bonus activities to be entered to win grand prizes.

To play along, create a free account. Be sure to send it out to your family and friends to participate as well.

Explore galleries during Scottsdale ArtWalk.

Scottsdale is home to more than 50 galleries, dedicated to exhibiting the finest visual art from Arizona and around the world. Stroll at your own pace. 7-9 p.m. most Thursdays throughout the year. 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.

WIMBY: What’s in my backyard?

Get answers to that question at a relaxed community open house with food, a tour of the fire station and department vehicles and the chance to talk one-on-one with city staff. Learn about projects, services and events happening in your neighborhood while connecting with friends and neighbors close to home.

• 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at Fire Station 607, 11230 N. 132nd St.
• Register online.

Government 202: Understanding and connecting with your city.

What is Scottsdale's form of government? Where can you find information about city projects and initiatives, or about City Council, board or commission meetings? Who handles city elections and how does one begin their journey to run for office? How can you offer input or get more involved? These are just a few of the topics that will be covered in "Government 202: Understanding and connecting with your city." This deep dive session will feature presentations and discussions with the Scottsdale City Clerk and Community Involvement.

• 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road
• Register online.

Nominations for Spirit of Scottsdale Awards are open.

The city is accepting nominations to recognize those who strengthen our community through their commitment to and involvement in Scottsdale neighborhoods. The Spirit of Scottsdale Awards, presented by the Neighborhood Advisory Commission, celebrate residents and organizations that have shown dedication to enhancing neighborhood identity and addressing community needs by fostering productive dialogue and contributing time, effort, skills, and/or financial resources. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, Dec. 31. To learn more about the Spirit of Scottsdale Awards and to submit a nomination, visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search "Spirit of Scottsdale Awards."

Free fall workshops help Scottsdale residents save water.

Scottsdale Water is offering a series of free fall workshops to help residents conserve water, improve landscape efficiency, understand utility bills and learn more about the city’s long-term water supply. From September through November, workshops will cover topics including converting grass to xeriscape, selecting desert-friendly plants, detecting leaks, understanding rebates and learning about Scottsdale’s diversified water portfolio. The series also includes a guided tour of the Scottsdale Xeriscape Garden, where residents can see practical examples of water-efficient landscaping.

Learn more and register online.

Register for fall Neighborhood College classes.

Strong neighborhoods start with engaged residents. Scottsdale’s Neighborhood College gives residents, neighborhood groups and homeowners associations the knowledge, resources and tools to help address community issues and become effective neighborhood leaders.

Learn from professional and volunteer instructors through classes covering city programs and services, volunteer opportunities, personal safety, HOA guidelines and more. Classes are free, but registration is required.

View the class schedule and register online at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Neighborhood College.”

Via Linda resurfacing underway during fall break.

City paving crews began preliminary work last week on a mill and overlay road resurfacing project on Via Linda from Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd. to 124th Street. This work was scheduled during the Scottsdale Unified School District’s fall break to help alleviate congestion near Desert Mountain High School and Mountainside Middle School. Crews will work 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. One travel lane, in each direction, will remain open during construction. Work is scheduled to be completed by Friday, Oct. 23.

Loop 101 Princess Drive/Pima Road to Shea Boulevard Improvement project is complete.

The project added one general purpose lane in each direction and modified existing interchanges to improve traffic flow on Loop 101 and cross-streets. Most notable was the work to convert the Loop 101 and Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard interchange into a conventional diamond configuration. The final phase of the project, the diamond grind surface treatment, provides a smoother driving experience and reduced tire noise on the freeway. Work wrapped up Oct. 6, bringing to close more than 800 days of construction.

Learn more.

Job of the Week: Deputy Director – Tourism & Events.

This key operational position oversees day-to-day department activities, major tourism and cultural contracts, and coordination across special events, marketing, tourism programs and venue business development. You’ll lead teams, manage strategic partnerships with organizations such as Experience Scottsdale and Scottsdale Arts, monitor performance and fiscal accountability and translate city priorities into effective programs and operations. Your work helps ensure Scottsdale’s tourism and events programs are well-managed, accountable and aligned with community priorities.

Learn more and apply.

A hooting rescue.

Scottsdale Fire Department Ladder 608 recently responded to an unusual rescue involving a large owl that became stuck inside a chimney. Firefighters made a few adjustments to safely free the bird, which was unharmed and flew away after being rescued. The Scottsdale Fire Department’s reel also shares an important chimney safety reminder: a properly installed cap with wildlife-safe mesh can help prevent birds and other animals from getting inside.

Parks & Rec throwback tees.

Scottsdale Parks and Recreation staff brought back a piece of local history at the Parks and Rec Rewind 75 event, wearing replica shirts inspired by the department’s iconic 1980s look. The throwback tees offered a fun way to celebrate the people, programs and places that have shaped Scottsdale Parks and Recreation over the years. The city’s Facebook post gives a glimpse at the retro style as Scottsdale celebrates its 75th anniversary.

Old Town Ambassadors return.

Old Town Ambassadors recently gathered for their annual orientation at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, preparing for another season of welcoming visitors to Scottsdale. The volunteers learned about new Old Town businesses, upcoming events and what visitors can expect throughout the season. This month, Ambassadors have been out in Old Town helping visitors navigate the area, find must-see spots and make the most of their Scottsdale experience. The city’s Facebook reel highlights the volunteers and the important role they play in welcoming visitors to The West’s Most Western Town.