Scottsdale Update - July 27, 2026

Scottsdale Primary Election determines one City Council seat; two seats advance to November runoff.

Scottsdale voters elected incumbent Solange Whitehead to another term on the City Council in the July 21 Primary Election. Two remaining council seats will be decided in the Nov. 3 General Election, with Barry Graham, Bob Littlefield, Michelle Ugenti-Rita and Raoul Zubia advancing to the runoff. Maricopa County will certify the election results before the Scottsdale City Council canvasses the election at its Aug. 3 meeting. Election information and official results are available at Scottsdale.Vote.

Scottsdale invites residents to rediscover Old Town this summer.

The campaign is part of a new year-round marketing strategy designed to increase visitation, support local businesses and strengthen the district's role as the city's cultural and economic heart. Running through Labor Day, the Friends and Family campaign features interactive experiences to encourage exploration of Old Town's restaurants, shops, galleries and attractions. The initiative aims to boost year-round economic vitality by inspiring residents and visitors to experience everything Old Town has to offer.

Learn more.

Help shape Scottsdale's future by serving on a board or commission.

These volunteer positions offer a meaningful opportunity to help shape the city's future. Board and commission members provide recommendations that help Scottsdale City Council make informed decisions on long-term planning, community services and quality-of-life initiatives. Residents from all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to apply, with a variety of opportunities available for those passionate about serving their community. Applications must be submitted online by Friday, Aug. 28. Learn more about current openings and apply online.

Slide the Rails at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.

Get ready to make a splash at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park’s coolest summer event, Slide the Rails! Join us 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, for a morning packed with water-filled fun for the whole family.

We’re turning the park into a mini water park, complete with:

• Giant inflatable water slides
• Splash zones and foam pit
• Water balloon activities
• And more ways to stay cool!

Your $10 wristband includes unlimited access to all water attractions as well as train and carousel rides throughout the event. Children two and under are free.

Don’t forget your swimsuit, sunscreen and towels!

Wristbands are on sale now and available for pick up only at Stillman-Station.

Safety Luau at Eldorado Aquatic Center.

Celebrate the last days of summer before school begins with a luau and movie! Our annual Safety Luau is a fun and FREE event where you will learn about water safety while you practice your hula skills and play at the pool. We’ll end the night with a showing of the movie "Muppet Treasure Island."

• 4-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at 2301 N. Miller Road

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.
• Discover Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities.
• Get Scottsdale Sister Cities events.

Get more events information.

Indian School Road Pavement Improvement Project: July 26 – Aug. 27.

Work has begun on a pavement improvement project on Indian School Road from Hayden to Scottsdale roads. Crews will work overnight from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday. The project includes installation of new ADA-compliant ramps throughout the area and crosswalk safety enhancements at Buckboard Trail, Brown Road and Scottsdale Road. Road resurfacing is scheduled to start in early August and is expected to take about four weeks. For full project details, please visit the Transportation Network Improvements webpage.

Job of the Week: Scientist.

As a scientist in the Water Quality Laboratory, you’ll perform chemical and microbiological testing on drinking water and wastewater samples to help ensure Scottsdale’s water meets rigorous state and federal standards. Using advanced laboratory techniques, you’ll analyze samples, maintain quality assurance records and support regulatory compliance while collaborating with a team dedicated to scientific excellence and continuous improvement.

Learn more and apply.

Roosevelt Street storm drain project moves forward.

Scottsdale took viewers behind-the-scenes of the Roosevelt Street storm drain project, a regional partnership designed to improve stormwater collection and reduce flood risk near the Scottsdale-Tempe border. The project includes new storm drains, catch basins, manholes and lateral connections that will direct stormwater to the Indian Bend Wash. Once complete, the improvements will help strengthen flood protection and enhance critical infrastructure for nearby neighborhoods.

Officer Meyer’s monsoon driving tips.

Scottsdale Police shared practical monsoon driving safety tips from Officer Meyer to help motorists navigate Arizona’s unpredictable summer storms. The reel reminds drivers to slow down, use headlights in low visibility, increase following distance and safely pull completely off the roadway if conditions become too dangerous. It also reinforces an important reminder: never drive through flooded or barricaded streets. Learn more about how to stay safe the next time severe weather rolls in.

Reconnect with nature in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale Parks & Recreation celebrated #ThePowerOfNature during National Park and Recreation Month by encouraging residents and visitors to explore the city's parks and open spaces. With more than 1,100 acres of parkland, the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale offers countless opportunities to experience the Sonoran Desert. The reel also highlights simple ways to enjoy nature, from visiting local parks and watching wildlife to exploring the Xeriscape Garden and taking an early morning hike.