Headline News

Firefighters hold the line: No homes lost in 1,000-acre Gate Fire. A fast-moving wildland fire erupted in north Scottsdale Thursday, Sept. 12, endangering homes and prompting a large-scale response from the Scottsdale Fire Department and regional fire agencies.

Despite the fire’s rapid spread, no homes or lives were lost, thanks to their coordinated efforts. In total, the fire scorched 1,008 acres, including 87 acres of previously burned land from 2023’s Diamond Fire.

Learn more about the response, recovery and what residents can do in the event of a fire.

Nominate a veteran for the Scottsdale Salutes program. In November, the city will once again pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in the United States Armed Forces. As part of its annual Scottsdale Salutes program, light pole banners featuring local veterans and military service members will be displayed in Old Town for two weeks in November.

All veterans, active-duty service members, and members of the National Guard and reserves who live in Scottsdale or have substantial ties to the community are eligible for nomination. Submit nominations by Friday, Sept. 27. Those selected will be honored at a special community reception in November.

The Scottsdale Salutes recognition program was initiated by the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission, a group of seven residents appointed by the City Council to advise on veterans’ issues and raise awareness of veterans’ contributions within the community.

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 Sept. 23:

• City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24
• Neighborhood Advisory Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25
• Planning Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25
• Human Services Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve. Find more public meetings.

Things to do

Seniors can start their morning with bagels and banter. The Granite Reef Senior Center is hosting Bagels and Banter from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday. Join them for a delicious bagel breakfast and some good-natured banter. It's the perfect way to start your day with a smile and new friends! This free event is located in Room 1 at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road.

Family Play Time at the Scottsdale Family Resource Center. This is a free weekly program for parents and caregivers that provides an opportunity to explore and play with your child (ages infant – Pre-K) in a safe, indoor, open play area. The Scottsdale Family Resource Center provides developmentally appropriate furniture, materials and hands-on activities. Families can drop in anytime during the program hours. Registration is not required. The program is held from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays at the Scottsdale Family Resource Center, 6535 E. Osborn Road- Building 7.

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

Job seekers are invited to city Career Fair. The free event is 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd. Meet with local employers ready to hire:

• BMO Bank
• Chick-fil-A
• City of Scottsdale
• Jackson Hewitt Tax Services
• Marriott International
• Maricopa County
• PRO EM National Event Services
• Walgreens
• And more coming…

Walk-ins are welcome but RSVPs are encouraged. Email Jessica Diaz or call 480-312-0062

Apply for the Arizona Small Business Digital Academy. Navigating websites, Google profiles and social media can be challenging for new entrepreneurs. The Arizona Commerce Authority has designed the Small Business Digital Academy, a comprehensive three-week initiative to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Participants will learn from small business experts strategies for web, social media, e-commerce, SEO and analytics tools to represent their business online effectively.

Applications for the 2024 Fall Cohort are open and will close Friday, Sept. 27.

Learn more about the program and apply.

Attend the Mental Health Matters Arizona Conference. The Mental Health Matters Arizona Conference is an insightful and impactful event dedicated to promoting awareness, understanding, and support for mental illness at no cost to attendees. The event features various engaging and informative breakout sessions, panel discussions, and keynote speeches covering a broad spectrum of mental health topics. Renowned experts and thought leaders will share their knowledge, experiences, and innovative approaches to addressing mental health challenges.

The event takes place from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the ASU Sky Song Campus, 1475 N. Scottsdale Road #200. Learn more about the event and register online.

Grants available to spruce up neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program provides assistance in maintaining and revitalizing Scottsdale’s mature, non-HOA neighborhoods. Eligible projects include landscape maintenance, landscape enhancement, perimeter wall maintenance, limited alley improvements and neighborhood signage. Scottsdale’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission will review and consider NEGP applications for possible funding. Learn more and submit an application.

FYI

ADOT advises drivers of upcoming restrictions along Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard will be closed 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30.

• Detour: southbound frontage road to eastbound Raintree Drive to northbound frontage road to eastbound Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard.
• Detour: northbound frontage road to westbound Bell Road to southbound frontage road to westbound Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard.

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: Accounting Department Manager. The position plans and oversees several of the operations, staff, and activities of the city's accounting functions, which may include general ledger, payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt, grants, and fixed assets. This role also compiles the city's Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations and audit requirements.

City employees enjoy competitive benefits while working in a supportive, high-performance organization focused on delivering on our mission – Simply Better Service for a World-Class Community. 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