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Scottsdale reduces its budget and property taxes with a cautious eye toward the year ahead. Scottsdale’s Fiscal Year 2024/25 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan was adopted by the City Council Tuesday, June 4. 

While revenue growth in Scottsdale remains strong, the budget is a 9.4% net decrease from the current fiscal year. This reflects projected declines in residential rental tax and state shared revenues, continued inflation, and a slowdown in consumer spending.  

The budget, which goes into effect July 1, takes a fiscally cautious approach to the year ahead, focusing expenditures on covering inflationary increases impacting capital projects, ensuring the city remains a competitive employer among peer cities, and improving public safety services by staffing a new fire station and launching city ambulance service. 

Scottsdale’s budget is balanced and conservative, funding core services and community priorities, continuing high service levels, and keeping taxes and fees low.

Watch live! Scottsdale Video Network will be streaming City Council and Mayor Candidate Forums. The Scottsdale Independent is hosting a City Council candidate forum at noon Tuesday, June 11. Watch live. Replays run 2, 7 and 11 a.m.; and 3, 6 and 9 p.m. Saturdays. In addition, the media outlet also is hosting a mayoral candidate forum at 1 p.m. the same day. Watch live. Replays runs at 3 and 8 a.m.; noon; and 4, 7 and 10 p.m. Saturdays. Watch replays on Cox channel 11.

Get the candidate lineup and voting information at Scottsdale.Vote.

Scottsdale Video Network, as requested and within available resources, will televise candidate and ballot question forums for city, county and state elections. Election forums are hosted by organizations which do not endorse/oppose candidates or ballot issues in that election. For more information, see Section 8 of the City Council approved video programming guidelines (PDF). 

Deadline approaching: The city is seeking a resident to serve on the Development Review Board. The DRB is a body appointed by the City Council to help maintain the quality of development by reviewing architectural design and the layout of proposed plans for commercial development and preliminary plats for residential subdivisions. Board members must have professional experience in design, architecture or development.

Interested residents can apply by Friday, June 14, at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “Board and Commission Application.”

The City Council will review materials and nominate candidates for this opening in June. Interviews and an appointment will take place in July. Board and commission members are required to comply with the city’s Ethics Code and attend a training session before officially beginning their term.  

Join us for Scottsdale's 2024 Community Juneteenth Event: Celebrating a Culture of Resiliency. Celebrate freedom at Scottsdale’s free Community Juneteenth Celebration presented by Mayo Clinic from 2-7 p.m. Saturday, June 15, at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and Scottsdale Civic Center. This vibrant event promises a day filled with indoor and outdoor activities, delicious food, uplifting music, family-friendly entertainment, enlightening educational speakers, captivating art displays, wellness resources and much more. Learn more.

Juneteenth commemorates the abolition of slavery – more specifically the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas, who did not receive the news until June 19, 1865 – two years after abolition.  It is believed to be the oldest African American holiday, with annual celebrations in different parts of the country dating back to 1866.  

As part of Juneteenth, the city also is hosting “Breaking the Silence: Understanding Suicide in the Black Community.” Join Dr. Jacqueline Webster for a dynamic discussion about mental health equity and suicide in the Black community. The free program is Wednesday, June 19, at the Community Design Studio, 7506 E. Indian School Road. It begins at 6 p.m. with a networking session, followed by a 6:30 presentation. 

While Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that persist within the Black community. This presentation aims to shed light on the prevalence, contributing factors and prevention efforts surrounding suicide among Black individuals. Read the event flyer (PDF).

Reminder: While the city’s event is June 15, Juneteenth itself occurs every June 19, and is a federal and city holiday. Most city offices and facilities will be closed Wednesday, June 19. Trash and recycling collection is not affected. Place your containers in their usual spot by 5 a.m. the morning of collection or the night before.  

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 June 10:

Week of June 17 (Posted so far; check back next week for the full list):

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

THINGS TO DO 

June Days celebration continues … enjoy all the things that make Old Town unique. Daily activities and events include wine tastings, art exhibits, crafting workshops, live performances and family-oriented outings. Plan your June Days at OldTownScottsdaleAZ.com and listen to our June Days Podsdale podcast!

Highlights: 

  • Wellness Wednesdays: Enjoy poolside yoga, music by DJs Soloman and Louis IV, wellness vendors and a pool party. Bring your yoga mat and water bottle. 6:30 p.m. June 12, 19 and 26, Monarch Hotel, 4000 N. Drinkwater Blvd. $35 for two people.

  • Jewelry Pop Up: With more than 20 chains to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect link to create your personal bling. Appointments aren’t needed but allow 10-30 minutes per person. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. June 14, 15, 21, The Merchantile of Scottsdale, 3965 N Brown Ave.

Scottsdale Family Resource Center hosts author of "Beaker & Gonk.” Debi Novotny, a 20-year educator and children’s author will read her book from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, June 12, at the center, 6535 E. Osborn Road. The program is free and open to the public. Learn more about the center.

Rock out at a family dance party! Enjoy a DJ, foam party, glow games access to pool amenities and more. Glow Up takes place 7-9 p.m. Friday, June 14, at McDowell Mountain Aquatic Center, 15525 N. Thompson Peak Parkway. Doors open at 6 p.m. Cost for residents is $5 for children and $7 for adults. 

Ongoing: 

Get more events information.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES 

Back to School program needs your donations. Although school just let out for summer, there’s not time like the present to start thinking about the upcoming school year. The city is gearing up for this important program as kids return to school in August. Students need new clothing, socks, underwear, shoes, backpacks and school supplies. Learn how you can donate items or money. 

Share your feedback on Scottsdale’s Consolidated Plan. The plan will help Scottsdale assess affordable housing and community development needs that will help prioritize decisions for federally funded programs. Public input is crucial. Join us from 6:30 -8 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 at Civic Center Library for a community forum to discuss the plan. Can’t make the meeting? Take the questionnaire online. Get information about the city’s Community Assistance Office.

Investing in Our Scottsdale: Old Town maintenance update. Throughout June, the city maintenance team is focusing on eliminating weeds, pruning trees and shrubs, maintaining planters, aerating and fertilizing turf, and power washing the Wells Fargo and 5th Avenue parking garages. About Old Town Scottsdale: You’ll find a unique collection of shops, restaurants, art galleries and nightclubs, as well as contemporary public art installations, world-class museums and historic sites from the late 1880s. Visit Old Town Scottsdale. 

Adaptive Recreation invites artists of all ages to create vibrant artwork that reflects a "Game Room" theme. Submit up to two pieces on an 8.5 X 11 medium such as cardstock, using creative materials including paint, watercolor, crayons, markers, colored pencils, yarn, glue, magazine clippings and pipe cleaners. Be sure to sign your pieces!

Entries will be accepted 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the Adaptive Recreation Center, 8102 E. Jackrabbit Road. To submit art before the 28th, email [email protected] or call 480-312-2234 to arrange a drop-off time. Twelve pieces will be selected to be displayed July 1-Aug. 30, in the center’s game room.

FYI

Take precautions in the summer heat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 700 people die each year from heat-related issues. In addition, nearly 68,000 people visit emergency rooms due to heat-related illness. Common-sense practices will help keep you safe and healthy, including:  

  • Drink water before you get thirsty to prevent dehydration.  

  • Don't rely on fans as your primary source of cooling. 

  • Come indoors frequently to an air-conditioned location to cool your core body temperature. 

  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and light-weight clothing.  

  • Never leave children or pets inside a parked car.  

  • Check on friends and neighbors, especially the vulnerable. 

  • Seek medical care immediately if you have, or someone you know has, heat-associated illness symptoms like muscle cramps, headaches, vomiting, confusion, no longer sweating and a rapid heart rate.

Think twice before bringing Fido on a hiking adventure. The desert heat can kill a dog and its owner could be charged with animal cruelty under state law. It is the owner’s responsibility to take necessary precautions to keep his/her dog safe. 

Dogs don't sweat the way humans do. They exchange heat through panting, and to a minor degree, through their paw pads, according to the American Kennel Club. Additionally, dogs do not tolerate high temperatures as well as humans. Prevent a catastrophe by leaving your dog at home when it’s 90 degrees or hotter. Get more tips on how to protect your pup.

Watch the latest Fast Five: From June Days activities to a 4th of July celebration, Scottsdale has plenty of events to keep you busy this summer. These are just a few things you need to know now and highlighted in this month’s episode of Fast Five. 

Applications are due July 15 for Scottsdale’s Community Arts Grant Program. Scottsdale Arts is accepting applications for its Community Arts Grant Program, which provides funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations throughout the Valley for projects that serve the Scottsdale community. Applicants may submit grant requests for activities that will take place between Sept. 1, 2024-July 31, 2025. Get more Information, guidelines and the application.

Scottsdale Chamber accepting nominations for this year’s Sterling Awards. The awards celebrate business excellence, innovation and community stewardship. Here are the award categories:  

  • Micro Business: Recognizes an entrepreneurship or emerging business exhibiting success through innovation, creativity and collaboration. (1-10 Employees)

  • Small Business: Recognizes a company demonstrating success through innovation and professionalism, while contributing to the community. (11-75 employees)

  • Big Business: Recognizes significant contributions to quality of life and the economic fabric of the community. (76 + Employees) 

  • Nonprofits: Recognizes the social, cultural, educational and economic impact of an organization for its constituents and/or the broader community. 

Entry deadline is Thursday, July 18. The Sterling Awards will be celebrated Friday Nov. 15. Download and submit applications.

ADOT advises drivers to plan for the following restrictions as part of the Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) Improvements. 

Northbound Loop 101 will be closed between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road from 10 p.m. Friday, June 14, to 5 a.m. Monday, June 17, to install lights. The following also will be closed:

  • The northbound Loop 101 on-ramps at Via de Ventura and 90th Street

  • The southbound Loop 101 high-occupancy vehicle lane between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road

Drivers may consider using westbound Shea Boulevard to northbound Scottsdale Road to access westbound Loop 101. 

Reminders:

  • The northbound Loop 101 on ramp at Shea Boulevard continues to be closed through June 14. 

  • The northbound Loop 101 off ramp at Cactus Road continues to be closed through June 28. 

  • The northbound Loop 101 off ramp at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard will be closed for 60 days as of May 29. 

This 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: Traffic and Engineering Operations Manager. In this role, you'll plan and direct Traffic Engineering, Right-of-Way Management, the Intelligent Transportation Systems, Traffic Management Center operations, and traffic control programs. You'll also review traffic impact studies for proposed developments, respond to citizen traffic inquiries, supervise traffic data collection, and ensure our transportation system is consistent, safe, efficient and compliant with regulations and standards. Learn more and apply.

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by Jan Horne, public information officer, 480-312-2636
Jun 10, 2024
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