Scottsdale Update - April 6, 2026

Scottsdale advances new diversion and probation compliance program to strengthen public safety.

Scottsdale is advancing a new Diversion and Probation Compliance Officer Program within the City Attorney’s Office to strengthen accountability, improve public safety and support rehabilitation. The initiative responds to a gap identified by the City Council’s Community Safety Committee, where limited compliance monitoring has created challenges for courts, prosecutors and victims. The program will add a dedicated compliance officer to track adherence to diversion and probation terms, improve data collection and provide consistent communication and oversight. City officials say the effort is expected to reduce recidivism, increase transparency and build greater confidence in the justice system. The proposed position will be considered in the fiscal year 2026–27 budget, with recruitment and implementation to follow if approved.

Learn more.

Government 202: Behind the scenes with Scottsdale City Court.

Do you know what happens every day at your City Court? What types of cases are heard? What proceedings are being held? Do I have to serve jury duty? Are there other types of trials? Where does all the money from fines and fees go? Who works at the City Court and what do they do? What does it mean to be a “separate branch of government?”

• 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at 3700 N. 75th St., Court Room 5
• Register online

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 6:

• Library Board Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 8
• PSPRS Police Local Board Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, April 9
• PSPRS Fire Local Board Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Thursday, April 9
• Scottsdale Housing Agency Governing Board Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, April 9
• Human Services Advisory Commission: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9
• Budget Review Commission Regular Meeting: 10 a.m. Friday, April 10

Week of April 13 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Airport Advisory Commission Special Meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, April 13
• Airport Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 15
• Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15

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

Find more public meetings.

Tents by the Track.

Pitch your tents by the tracks and experience a night of fun and adventure while camping at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. All you’ll need are your tents and sleeping bags to enjoy an evening of family fun underneath the stars. We will have a variety of activities suitable for all ages, including a full catered dinner, a movie, breakfast and of course, train and carousel rides. Hartley’s General Store will be open for ice cream and other treats.

• 2 p.m. - 10 a.m. April 11-12
• Learn more and reserve a space online.

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.

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 10 - Efficient Irrigation Techniques & Controller Programming
• April 24 - Scottsdale's Xeriscape Garden Tour
• May 26 - Converting Grass to Xeriscape

Learn more and register.

Job of the Week: Wastewater Collections Operator II.

The wastewater collections operator is a skilled, hands-on professional who helps keep Scottsdale’s critical underground infrastructure running safely and efficiently. In this role, you’ll operate and maintain more than 1,500 miles of sewer lines, lift stations, and pump facilities, using specialized equipment like hydro-jetter trucks to clean, inspect, and repair the system. This work helps keep neighborhoods clean, supports sustainable water management, and ensures Scottsdale remains a safe, healthy, and well-functioning community.

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.

Automatic aid brings crews together.

Last week, Scottsdale Fire crews assisted Phoenix Fire on a first-alarm house fire, showcasing the effectiveness of the Valley’s automatic aid system. By dispatching the closest available units regardless of jurisdiction, the system ensures faster response times and improved outcomes. Scottsdale and Phoenix firefighters worked seamlessly together to control the fire and protect lives and property, highlighting the strength of regional partnerships. See how crews worked together in real time.

Scottsdale Mayor's Youth Council explores the courtroom.

Last week, members of the Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council participated in a mock trial at Scottsdale City Court in partnership with the City Prosecutor’s Office. Students took on roles including attorneys, witnesses, judge, and jury to simulate a social media bullying case tied to their theme of social media use and addiction. Working alongside city prosecutors, participants gained hands-on insight into the legal process and courtroom procedures. Presiding Judge Marianne Bayardi also spoke with the group, offering valuable perspective on the court system. Take a look at this unique learning experience.

Scottsdale fields delivered a championship month.

Last month, Scottsdale Parks & Recreation played a key role in hosting the Triple Crown Sports Arizona Spring Championships, bringing major tournament action to local parks. The event welcomed 848 teams and more than 10,000 players from over 20 states and Canada, with 1,600 games played across 28 Scottsdale fields. Each four-day tournament weekend generated more than $5 million in economic impact and supported dozens of local jobs, filling hotels, restaurants and shops across the city. Behind the scenes, Parks & Recreation maintenance crews ensured fields were in top condition throughout the month, helping make the tournaments a success. See the scale of this incredible event and the teams behind it.