Scottsdale Update - April 27, 2026

Scottsdale honors volunteers during National Volunteer Week.

Last week, Scottsdale recognized the thousands of residents who contribute their time and talent to serve the community as part of National Volunteer Week.

In fiscal year 2024/25, nearly 4,700 volunteers provided more than 129,000 hours of service across city programs, including libraries, senior centers, public safety and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Those contributions are valued at an estimated $4.35 million based on national calculations for volunteer time.

Volunteers play a key role in supporting city services. In the preserve alone, 615 Conservancy stewards logged more than 72,000 hours helping protect the desert environment and educate visitors. Additional efforts support library programs, community centers, youth services and public safety initiatives such as neighborhood watch and victim services.

City Manager Greg Caton said volunteers are essential to delivering services and strengthening the community.

Residents interested in getting involved can learn more by visiting ScottsdaleAZ.gov and searching “volunteer,” or by listening to the latest episode of the city’s Podsdale podcast.

Loop 101 final phase of construction.

Work on the final phase of Loop 101 construction, the diamond grind roadway surface treatment, begins this week. Expect to see crews mobilizing in the area on Monday and Tuesday with lane restrictions going into effect on Wednesday night, April 29. Work on this phase of the project is expected to continue through July 2026. Stay in the Loop, subscribe to construction updates and learn more about diamond grinding.

Lane Restrictions | Southbound Loop 101

Princess Drive/Pima Road to Thunderbird Road | Overnight restrictions

• Travel lanes will be narrowed to two lanes
• 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, to 5 a.m. Friday, May 1

Princess Drive/Pima Road to Shea Boulevard | Weekend lane restrictions

• Travel lanes will be narrowed to two lanes
• 10 p.m. Friday, May 1, to 5 a.m. Monday, May 4

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.

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 27:

• City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 28
• City Council Regular and Work Study Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 28

Week of May 4 – Check back next week for the full list:

• City Council Regular and Work Study Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 5
• McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7

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

Find more public meetings.

Maricopa County Home and Flower Show.

Arizona’s largest indoor flower show brings together vibrant floral displays with more than 1,000 home improvement vendor booths, creating an experience unlike anything the Valley has ever seen before. Explore Arizona’s best home improvement and interior design companies, breathtaking floral installations, shop local artisans, join in on interactive competitions, and much more!

• 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 1-3 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road.
• Learn more.

Shop a wide variety of organic produce and seasonal specialties at the Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market.

The market offers more than 100 local growers and specialty food vendors at 3806 N. Brown Ave. Shoppers can enjoy the market every Saturday from 8 a.m.-noon. Please note: market hours will change in June.

Learn more.

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.

Register for a free conservation workshop.

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.

• May 26 - Converting Grass to Xeriscape

Learn more and register.

Job of the Week: Water Program & Policy Analyst.

As a water program and policy analyst, you'll support strategic planning by analyzing water demand, forecasting supply, and evaluating conservation programs that keep the city resilient in a desert environment. By helping the city make informed, forward-thinking decisions about water use and conservation, this role directly supports a reliable, sustainable water supply for residents and businesses.

Learn more and apply.

Last call to submit 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.

Howdy Dudettes: a Scottsdale tradition.

As Scottsdale celebrates its 75th anniversary, the city is highlighting the people and traditions that shaped its identity — including the Howdy Dudettes. Established in 1959, these Scottsdale High School students served as official hostesses, welcoming visitors, supporting events and promoting the city's Western charm. The group grew to include students from all four high schools before being discontinued in the 1980s. Take a look back at this iconic tradition.

Celebrating Scottsdale's library workers.

In honor of National Library Workers Day, Scottsdale spotlighted Alexis, a librarian at Civic Center Library, recognizing the vital role library staff play in the community. From connecting residents to information and digital resources to offering programs for all ages, library workers help create welcoming spaces that support learning and connection. Their work goes far beyond books, contributing to education, accessibility and community engagement across Scottsdale. Meet Alexis and see the impact of Scottsdale Public Library's team.

Papago Rotary Park through the years.

Scottsdale Parks & Recreation took a look back to 1994, when Papago Rotary Park reopened through a strong partnership with the Rotary Club and the community. Neighbors, children and city leaders all played a role in shaping the park, creating a space built by and for Scottsdale residents. This video also revisits a memorable moment when then-Mayor Herb Drinkwater joined in on the fun. Decades later, the park remains a reminder of what community collaboration can create.