By Councilwoman Tammy Caputi Councilwoman Caputi here, wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Here’s a look back at 2022 accomplishments: Most importantly, we’ve managed our finances exceptionally well in the midst of an historically high level of economic uncertainty. Despite record high inflation, a crisis in the supply chain, and labor shortages, Scottsdale has improved our balance sheet by increasing … Read More
Guest Editorial: New Year’s Message From Councilmember-Elect Barry Graham
By Councilman Barry Graham
Unfortunate Requests for More Unnecessary Density in Scottsdale
By Ronald Sampson There has been a concerted shift away from the development hey-days of the past in Scottsdale, when it felt as though any interesting and well-financed idea conceived by developers would make its way through the city council with relative ease. More recently traffic, crowds (i.e. population density) and construction have made activists out of everyday people, and … Read More
Demand Pull: Jobs are Bringing More Housing to Phoenix, What Can Scottsdale Learn?
We’re not shy about the need for more housing options in the valley; in the words of that oddball New York political candidate a number of years back, “the rent is too damn high”, but one could also lump home prices in that bucket as well. And as we like to remind you, the best way to reduce those is … Read More
Pilot Fish
Barrett-Jackson is one of not only Scottsdale’s but Arizona’s best home grown success stories. It broadcasts around the world bringing people by the thousands to a bucket list special event. It has been so successful, like a large whale swimming the seas, that it has even spawned a cottage of copy cat and pilot fish events that do little but suck … Read More
The Spirit of the Holidays is Alive and Well in Scottsdale
The holidays can often bring out the best of us, as our collective spirits look towards giving back and making the lives of others just a bit better, if only for a short time. And while politics often brings out the worst of us, when the latter can be used to bring light to the lives of others, then we … Read More
A Lasting Legacy: Former PV Mayor Passes Away
The town of Paradise Valley is one of a kind, and it owes that to decades of good governance. A member of that past governance is now gone, and is worth remembering. Former PV Mayor David Hann passed away recently at the age of 92. Like many people in the Valley of the Sun, he was not born here, but … Read More
A Monumental Sustainability Vote Wraps Up a Productive Year in Scottsdale
By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead Scottsdale’s leadership in conservation is many generations long and this year has been no exception. Our City Council protected a wildlife corridor, added new parks and planted hundreds of trees, and continued a tradition of excellence with the passage of the 2021 International Green Construction, Energy Conservation, and Residential building codes. Which is a big deal … Read More
A Showdown in Scottsdale City Council – Will the Rio Verde Foothills Get Access to Water?
We don’t have to tell you that water is a subject of critical importance in our little slice of desert heaven, a subject that we have spoken about at length. Perhaps the one area that is the most intense and contentious Ground Zero for the water debate in our county and perhaps even the entire state and further is right … Read More
Scottsdale with Green Building Mandates? Is This the Scottsdale We Want?
Photo Credit: Rose Law GroupAhhhh, Scottsdale: the city of beautiful people, great nightlife, fantastic golf and leisure, and…strict environmental building codes. Wait, what? Yes, it is true: Scottsdale will become the first city in the state to mandate new “green building codes” to ensure more environmentally friendly materials are used, energy efficiency is emphasized, and water usage is reduced. These … Read More