HEADLINE NEWS
Scottsdale City Council amends Prop. 490 ballot language. The Scottsdale City Council Aug. 20 amended the official ballot language for Prop. 490, a 0.15% city sales tax rate ballot measure, during a special open public meeting at Scottsdale City Hall.
This action followed the Court of Appeals ruling that Scottsdale's ballot measure could not proceed as written.
The City Council amended the ballot question language pursuant to the court’s order. With that change, the city will send the updated ballot language to Maricopa County so that Prop. 490 remains on the Nov. 5 General Election ballot for Scottsdale voters to consider.
- View the Aug. 20 Special City Council Meeting agenda and revised ballot language. (PDF)
- Residents can learn more about Prop. 490 and find all official city of Scottsdale election information at Scottsdale.Vote.
Most city offices and facilities will be closed Monday, Sept. 2, for Labor Day. Trash and recycling collection will not be affected. Place your containers in their typical spot by 5 a.m. the day of collection or the night before.
We will issue Scottsdale Update Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Scottsdale launches promising new scholarship program for residents
The future of affording higher education can be scary for some high school students and their families.
That’s why the city of Scottsdale is excited to announce its brand-new scholarship program, Scottsdale College Promise – an educational initiative that supports Scottsdale residents in achieving their higher education goals.
Scottsdale College Promise is a collaborative effort among the city of Scottsdale, Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale Unified School District and the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation. This last-dollar, needs-based program provides financial assistance to eligible Scottsdale residents and graduates of Scottsdale high schools, helping them pursue higher education at community colleges within the Maricopa Community Colleges.
The program is specifically tailored to benefit current residents of Scottsdale or graduates from a Scottsdale-based high school who qualify for in-county tuition, registration, and fees. While students are able to attend any school within the Maricopa Community Colleges, Scottsdale Community College serves as the anchor institution for the program.
As a last-dollar and stipend program, Scottsdale Promise provides financial support after all other grants and scholarships have been awarded.
For more information on the Scottsdale College Promise, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, visit Scottsdale Promise.
Former Councilman Robert Pettycrew passed away unexpectedly. A celebration of life in his honor will be at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at the Eldorado Bar and Grill. Please consider carpooling or ridesharing as parking is limited.
Pettycrew, 66, was elected to his first term on the Scottsdale City Council in February 1994 and reelected in March 1998.
A graduate of Coronado High School, Pettycrew began his community service work with the Scottsdale Unified School District. He served on the Parent-Teacher Association boards at Tonto and Yavapai Elementary Schools and chaired the “Save Tonto Elementary School” effort.
Preservation of Scottsdale's Sonoran Desert environment and of established neighborhoods were priorities for Councilman Pettycrew, demonstrated by his work as a member of the McDowell Sonoran Land Trust Advisory Board and Scottsdale Community Council. He also served on the Scottsdale Human Services Commission from 1990 to 1992 and the Planning Commission from 1992 to 1994. In addition, Councilman Pettycrew worked as coordinator of the B.J. Kline Fund, educating the community on the need for bone marrow transplant donors.
PUBLIC MEETINGS
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 Aug. 26:
- Tourism Development Commission: 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28
- Planning Commission: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28
- Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission: 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28
- Scottsdale Housing Agency Governing Board Special Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29
- Human Services Advisory Commission Special Meeting: 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29
Week of Sept. 2 – Check back next week for the full list:
- No meetings are scheduled for this week.
Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.
Find more public meetings.
THINGS TO DO
WestWorld hosts events that blend crafting and cowboys. Whether appreciating the artistry of quilting and crafting or enjoying the excitement of the rodeo, WestWorld of Scottsdale offers a weekend filled with creativity, culture and community. Don't miss these events:
- Quilt, Craft and Sewing Festival, Aug. 29-31: This three-day festival is for sewing, quilting, and crafting enthusiasts. With an extensive range of exhibitors showcasing the latest tools, fabrics and supplies, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of inspiration.
- Arizona Black Rodeo, Aug. 30-31: The fun takes center stage in the Equidome with more than just a rodeo. It’s a celebration of African American heritage and culture. As one of the largest African American events in the state, activities draw fans who will witness thrilling rodeo competitions and enjoy the rich traditions of the Western lifestyle.
Celebrate Chaparral Pool's anniversary at “Chap from the Past” with a fun-filled birthday bash! This free family event runs 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, at 5445 N. Hayden Road. Enjoy swimming, a foam party, live entertainment, food trucks and more.
Ongoing:
- 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.
- Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts: Attend exciting, diverse events 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.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
Get schooled at the fall Neighborhood College classes. This program is a fantastic opportunity for residents to get engaged and informed about various aspects of our community. With three tracks available – HOA/Condo, Good Neighbor and Stories of Scottsdale History – there's something for everyone.
The program equips residents with the knowledge, resources and tools needed to become effective neighborhood leaders, which is crucial for fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration. Additionally, entertaining history classes add fun to the learning experience, making it both informative and enjoyable. Get dates, times, locations, class descriptions and registration information.
FYI
Scottsdale has been named the top dog – not once, but twice. The city took the No. 1 spot in two separate studies this month that compared the pet-friendliness of America’s largest cities.
Scottsdale was named the 2024 Most Pet-Friendly City by WalletHub and also took the top spot in LawnStarter’s recent rankings of 2024's Most Dog-Friendly Cities.
There’s no shortage of fun for you and your four-legged friends around here - from the dog-friendly hiking trails in the majestic McDowell Sonoran Preserve to the 3-acre dog park at Chaparral Park and the surplus of the local businesses that open their doors to you and your pups.
Happy #NationalDogDay, Scottsdale.
We’re doggone proud to serve you and your most loyal companions.
The Jane Rau Trail and equestrian parking lot at Brown’s Ranch will be closed for trail repairs through Aug. 30. The Brown’s Ranch Trailhead will remain open. Hikers also can use Pima/Dynamite, Fraesfield and Granite Mountain trailheads during this time. Learn more about preserve trailheads.
Multiple Loop 101 overnight bridge closures will take place at the following locations 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 22- 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23:
- East- and westbound Bell Road underpass
- Northbound Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard to Princess Drive/ Pima Road
- Northbound on-ramps at Shea Boulevard, Cactus Road and Raintree Drive
The project is part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's two-year project to add lanes and improve interchanges on Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road. “Stay in the Loop” by subscribing to project updates on ADOT's website.
Job of the Week: Water Safety Program Coordinator. The successful candidate develops safety programs, specific training to address unique Scottsdale Water facility requirements and manages the safety program for the Water Resources Division. He/she oversees the installation testing and maintenance of all security equipment required for the hardening and protection of water and wastewater facilities citywide.
The city offers a competitive benefits package including 12 paid holidays, vacation and sick leave accruals, health coverage, tuition reimbursement, pet insurance and more. Learn more and apply.
QUICK LINKS:
- City Call Center – 480-312-3111
- Report things that need to be fixed, or submit other requests via Scottsdale EZ
- Traffic Restrictions Map – We update this map weekly to include most road improvement projects. Stay in the loop for Pima Freeway construction.
- Brush and Bulk Schedule
- Scottsdale Weather