Scottsdale Update - May 18, 2026

Most city offices and facilities will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day.

Recycling and garbage collection will not be affected. Place your containers out by 5 a.m. the morning of collection or the evening before.

Join local veterans’ organizations Memorial Day to honor those who lost their lives in military service.

The ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at the Scottsdale Memorial for the Fallen, located adjacent to the Chaplain sculpture on the Civic Center Memorial Lawn, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Scottsdale Police to launch AI-assisted system for non-emergency calls.

Scottsdale Police is launching a new AI-assisted call system later this year to help residents more quickly access information for routine, non-emergency requests. The Motorola HYPER technology will assist callers with tasks such as report inquiries, online reporting help and general questions, while allowing emergency communications staff to focus on urgent incidents. The system is intended to improve efficiency and reduce hold times as the department continues to see growing volumes of non-emergency calls. Callers will still have the option to speak directly with a live dispatcher, and emergency calls will continue to be routed immediately to communications personnel. The system is expected to improve access to police services and online resources, with implementation already underway through staff training, testing and a phased rollout process.

Scottsdale advances key water initiatives to strengthen long-term supply.

Scottsdale is continuing to advance five major water initiatives aimed at strengthening the city’s long-term water reliability as future reductions to the Colorado River system are anticipated. Guided by the Scottsdale Water Strategic Plan approved in 2024, the efforts focus on diversifying water supplies, improving infrastructure and increasing system efficiency. Progress includes the completion of one new groundwater production well, development of three additional aquifer storage and recovery wells expected by 2029, and ongoing efforts to secure new water supplies through projects such as the proposed Bartlett Dam expansion and groundwater acquisition in the Harquahala Basin. The city’s Automated Meter Infrastructure program is now 78% complete, with more than 61,000 upgraded meters and leak alerts helping residents save an estimated 35 million gallons of water in 2025 alone.

Learn more.

Scottsdale parks projects earn statewide recognition for design, sustainability and craftsmanship.

Three Scottsdale parks projects earned statewide recognition for excellence in design, sustainability and craftsmanship, highlighting the city’s continued investment in high-quality public spaces. Ashler Hills Park received multiple honors from Arizona Forward and the American Society of Landscape Architects Arizona for its sustainable design, environmental stewardship and integration of amenities such as playgrounds, pickleball courts, fitness equipment and restored native desert landscaping. The Roundhouse at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park earned three awards from the Arizona Masonry Council recognizing its architectural design and construction craftsmanship. The Reata Sports Complex operations building also received a Distinguished Architecture Citation from the American Institute of Architects Arizona for its thoughtful design, visitor amenities and durable features that complement the surrounding desert environment.

Learn more.

Scottsdale seeks residents to serve on city boards and commissions.

The city of Scottsdale is encouraging residents to apply for volunteer openings on several advisory boards, commissions and committees that help guide important community decisions. Current openings include positions on the Board of Adjustment, Building Advisory Board of Appeals, Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee, Historic Preservation Commission and Loss Trust Fund Board. These groups provide recommendations and community insight to the Scottsdale City Council on a variety of city issues and initiatives. Residents interested in serving must submit an online application by May 29. Following the review process, City Council will conduct interviews and appoint new members in June, with selected applicants required to complete board training and comply with the city’s Ethics Code before beginning service.

Learn more.

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 May 18:

• Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Monday, May 18
• Tourism Development Commission Regular Meeting: 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 19
• City Council Special Meeting: 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 19
• City Council Regular and Work Study Meeting: 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 19
• Economic Development Committee Regular Meeting: 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 20
• Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 20
• Airport Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 20
• Transportation Commission Regular Meeting: 5:15 p.m. Thursday, May 21

Week of May 25 – Check back next week for the full list:

• Neighborhood Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 27
• Human Services Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, May 28

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

Find more public meetings.

Collegiate baseball returns to Scottsdale Stadium.

Scottsdale Stadium will host the 2026 West Coast Conference Baseball Tournament from Wednesday, May 20, through Saturday, May 23, bringing top collegiate baseball programs to Scottsdale for four days of competition. The tournament offers residents and visitors an opportunity to watch some of the nation’s top collegiate athletes at an affordable price. Single-day tickets for adults are $20 plus fees, while all-tournament packages begin at $60 plus fees. Tournament play begins Wednesday, May 20, with games scheduled at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Additional games will continue throughout the week, culminating in the championship game at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23. Additional event information, ticket details and tournament updates are available at the West Coast Conference Baseball Tournament website.

Dive-In Movie.

Dive into the fun at the Eldorado Aquatic Center from 6-9 p.m. May 23, for Scottsdale Parks and Recreation’s free event, as part of Indian Bend Wash Celebration Month!

Join us for an evening of swimming and entertainment as we screen a movie on our inflatable screen under the stars shortly after sunset. Bring your swimsuits and enjoy a splashing good time with friends and family!

• 6 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at Eldorado Aquatic & Fitness Center, 2301 N. Miller Road
• Register online.

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.

Overnight Loop 101 lane restrictions, ramp closures planned between Shea Boulevard and Pima Road through May 22.

North and southbound Loop 101 will be narrowed to two lanes between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/ Pima Road nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. beginning Tuesday, May 19, and ending Friday morning, May 22.

During this time, the following Loop 101 on and off-ramps will be closed intermittently:

• Shea Boulevard on and off-ramps
• Cactus Road on and off-ramps
• Raintree Drive on and off-ramps
• Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard on and off-ramps
• Pima Road on and off-ramps

Ramps are expected to be closed for several hours at a time and will reopen as work progresses in the corridor.

Loop 101 construction will be suspended over the Memorial Day weekend. Stay in the Loop, visit the project website and subscribe to construction updates.

Construction of solar shade canopies for Scottsdale City Hall parking lot to begin May 18.

Construction will begin May 18 on a voter-approved bond project to install solar shade canopies in the Scottsdale City Hall parking lot, a project expected to offset about 75% of City Hall’s utility usage and save an estimated $46,000 annually in energy costs. The $4.6 million project, approved by voters as part of the 2019 Bond Election, will add two solar canopies to the parking lot. One canopy will cover 18 parking spaces along Bennie Gonzalez Way with 10 feet of clearance, while a second 16-foot-tall canopy will cover 31 spaces along 75th Street and accommodate larger vehicles and temporary event structures.

Construction will occur in phases to minimize parking disruptions, with work paused July 13-21, to maximize parking availability during the election period. The project is expected to be complete in September. City Council previously approved the design phase contract in 2024 and later awarded the construction contract in October 2025, with the project also reviewed by the Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission.

Open house planned for Stormwater Management Master Plan.

Learn more about the city’s proposed Stormwater Management Master Plan.

The proposed master plan evaluates the effectiveness of the existing drainage system and identifies possible improvements to further mitigate and manage future storm events in Scottsdale.

Open house attendees will be introduced to the proposed plan and view the results of stormwater studies via display boards and other project information. The public is invited to review information on the objectives, process and the preliminary findings, provide input and engage directly with project representatives.

• 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 28 at Scottsdale Community Design Studio, 7506 E Indian School Road

Visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “stormwater” to be directed to the project website.

Job of the Week: Fire Inspector Supervisor.

In this role, you’ll oversee inspection quality and compliance with fire codes and safety standards, provide training and mentorship, and coordinate closely with developers, contractors, city departments, and community partners. You’ll also assist with complex inspections, fire investigations, and strategic initiatives that strengthen the city’s overall fire prevention efforts. This position helps safeguard residents, businesses, and visitors, ensuring Scottsdale remains a safe and resilient community.

Learn more and apply.

Scottsdale tests new food waste recycling program.

Scottsdale is launching a new pilot program aimed at reducing food waste across the community. With support from a grant from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, food recycling units have been installed in every Scottsdale Fire station kitchen to divert food scraps from landfills and turn them into reusable material. Because fire stations operate around the clock, they provide a practical setting to test the program’s effectiveness. Scottsdale Solid Waste Services will track data, train staff and evaluate the program’s long-term potential throughout the yearlong pilot.

Building better crisis response through CIT training.

Last week, Scottsdale Police Department officers and professional staff completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Training, a 40-hour program designed to strengthen responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises. The training brings together law enforcement, behavioral health experts, community partners and people with lived experience to improve outcomes and connect individuals with the right support. With more than 180 officers and 33 professional staff CIT-trained, SPD continues its commitment to compassionate, informed and community-focused policing. See how training is making a difference in real-world response.

Scottsdale Youth Council Hosts Social Media Town Hall.

The Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council recently held its annual Youth Town Hall, focusing on the effects of social media and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence on today’s youth. Members engaged in open discussions and heard from local experts about the opportunities and challenges these platforms present for teens. The reel also highlights current SMYC members sharing their experiences and encouraging others to apply for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year. Applications are open to sophomores, juniors and seniors who live in Scottsdale or attend a Scottsdale school, with a deadline of May 22. Hear directly from students and experts.