Efficiency Arizona’s Limited-Time Rebate Program Offers Financial Incentives for Energy-Efficient, Eco-Friendly Upgrades — Homeowners Encouraged to Act Fast Before Funding Ends

For many Arizona homeowners, replacing an outdated air conditioner or gas appliance is an expensive undertaking that grows more costly with each passing year. In fact, most manufacturers have already announced 7% price increases for 2026.

Now, a new government rebate program called the Home Energy Appliance Rebate (HEAR) program makes it possible to replace an HVAC system at half the price. A local company, Reeis Air, Plumbing & Electrical, is among a select group of contractors approved to help make it happen.

The statewide HEAR program, launched by Efficiency Arizona, provides thousands of dollars in rebates for homeowners who replace old or underperforming air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, and other systems with high-efficiency, environmentally friendly upgrades.

“These rebates are changing the conversation about whether you should consider replacing your AC,” said Reeis owner Todd Russo, an Arcadia resident and Brophy College Preparatory alumnus. “A lot of people don’t know this program exists, yet it can save them over 60% of the costs of the system through thousands in rebates and even more in long-term energy costs. We’ve seen families breathe easier, retirees finally upgrade their comfort, and homeowners tell us their bills dropped overnight. It’s a win-win all around.”

Under the HEAR program, eligible homeowners with gas furnaces who meet income-based qualifications can recoup 50% to 100% of their project costs. That can mean getting a high-efficiency Trane A/C system valued at $14,000 for under $2,500, or enhancing a home’s energy efficiency for little to no out-of-pocket expense.

Approximately 75% of Arizona homeowners will meet the income qualifications, especially in active-adult and age-restricted communities where many residents live on fixed incomes.

The Reeis team has already helped dozens of homeowners take advantage of the program. Recently, one homeowner was told their 12-year-old AC system had a non-repairable failure and was quoted $18,900 for a replacement. After speaking with their son, they contacted Reeis for a second opinion. Mrs. Rickard was thrilled to learn she qualified for the HEAR Program. With the instant rebates, her original, $18,900 quote dropped to under $4,000, and Reeis included additional upgrades such as electrical, insulation and ductwork improvements she needed.

Brian Farrell of Reeis explained that he has gotten over 40 homeowners approved in the past month.  “Of these customers, we see homeowners pay as little as $1,500 for a brand-new heat pump under the program.”

With $151 million in federal funding earmarked for Arizona, the HEAR program is currently active and accepting new participants. However, homeowners are urged to act quickly. Recent legislation, including the Home Energy Freedom Bill, will eventually eliminate these rebates. In addition, the 25C tax credit worth up to $3,200 expires at the end of this year.

“Once the HEAR funding runs out or if Congress passes a bill to rescind the funds, it’s gone,” Russo emphasized. “We want to make sure Arizona homeowners don’t miss their chance to lock in these savings while they still can.” After a rebate is approved, the state secures it for that homeowner, meaning even if the HEAR program ends, their rebate is protected.

Reeis handles everything from eligibility checks to installation and follow-up service. The company’s goal is to make the experience as easy and stress-free as possible for every homeowner.

“Our job is to make this process simple,” Russo said. “We verify if you qualify, walk you through your options, and install a high-quality, efficient system that will make your home more comfortable and affordable for years to come.”

For more about how REEIS is helping homeowners access HEAR program rebates, visit REEIS.com or contact Jennifer Parks-Sturgeon at JParks-Sturgeon@roseallynpr.com or (480) 495-3806.

The 9th Annual Day of Giving, presented by Purposeful Giving Alliance, returns to the Peoria Sports Complex on Saturday, December 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., bringing together families, volunteers, businesses, and civic leaders for a day dedicated to generosity, joy, and community connectio

Held at 16101 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, AZ 85382, this special holiday event is designed to ensure local families experience a joyful and stress-free holiday season. More than 2500 toddlers, teens, and families are expected to benefit from free toys, holiday meals, and festive activities.

“Our goal has always been simple—make sure families don’t have to worry about whether there will be food on the table or gifts under the tree on Christmas morning,” said Brian Morris, co-founder of Purposeful Giving Alliance. “Seeing the kids light up with smiles, shopping for toys with an Elf, jumping in bounce houses, and feeling celebrated—that’s what drives us all year long.”

The Day of Giving transforms the Peoria Sports Complex into a vibrant holiday village, complete with:

• Free toy distribution, including a special “shop with an Elf” experience for children
• Holiday meals for families
• Bounce houses and festive activities
• Community engagement with the Peoria Police and Fire Departments
• Support from local leaders, including Mayor Jason Beck, who has donated to support the event

In 2024, the Annual Day of Giving served more than 300 families, creating an unforgettable day filled with hope, kindness, and meaningful connection through the support of volunteers, sponsors, and community partners.

“This event is about more than giving—it’s about dignity, trust, and reminding families they are not alone,” Morris added. “When the community comes together like this, it creates something truly powerful.”

Purposeful Giving Alliance was founded by Brian Morris, a dedicated community advocate, and David Bell, a passionate supporter of family well-being. What began as a shared vision to address unmet needs in Peoria has grown into a nonprofit organization focused on breaking down financial barriers, fostering unity, and inspiring purposeful giving across Arizona.

Since its founding, the organization has expanded beyond a single holiday event to offer multiple year-round initiatives, all rooted in its core principles of empowerment, transparency, trust, and authentic connection.

“Our dream is to take this model into more neighborhoods,” said Morris. “Whether it’s back-to-school season or the holidays, no family should feel forgotten during times that matter most.”

For more information, volunteer opportunities, or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Purposeful Giving Alliance https://purposefulgivingalliance.org/day-of-giving/ or call Brian Morris at (602) 299-8162 or email brian@purposefulgivingalliance.org.

Brophy/Xavier Takes Team Title as 145 Students From 25 Clubs Compete in Mesa

The future of pickleball in Arizona took a major step forward Dec. 6 & 7, 2025, when 145 athletes from 25 high schools converged on Mesa’s Dink & Dine Pickle Park for the inaugural Arizona High School Pickleball Championships. Presented by HonorHealth and powered by PURE Pickleball & Padel, the USA Pickleball-certified and Sporfie-livestreamed event included five championship divisions and crowned Brophy/Xavier the overall high school state champion, highlighting the rapid growth of organized youth participation in pickleball.

Brophy/Xavier secured the top team score of 26 points after two full days of fierce competition, with Tempe’s Corona del Sol High School taking second, with 24 points, and Mesa’s Mountain View High School claiming third, with 19 points. Horizon Honors in Phoenix, Payson High School and Mesa’s Red Mountain High School rounded out the top six participating schools, racking up 14, 12 and 10 points, respectively.

“It was a privilege to coach these kids, many of whom hadn’t started playing the game until this year,” said Xavier/Brophy Coach Paul Shoen, whose team scored Joola equipment and a one-year club sponsorship along with the state title. “Most of them had a tennis or other competitive sport background, so they were all able to dig deep. Epic battles and nail-biters all weekend. By bringing pickleball to the high schools, PURE is pushing the Arizona talent even further. Everyone is now on notice, and next year the level of competition will be wild. I told my players that we will now be drilling all year long.”

Top finishers across other championship divisions included:

Girls Doubles

• Gold – Makenna McLachlin & Ava Shoen – Xavier College Prep
• Silver – Vicki Westover & Lindsey Lees, Red Mountain
• Bronze – Gabby Dupnik & Maya Solomon, Horizon Honors

Boys Doubles

• Gold – Santiago Morales & Hogan O’Malley – Corona del Sol
• Silver – Chace Marlor – PURE Academy & Bryce Marler – Mountain View
• Bronze – Colin St. Hilaire & Dhruva Vignesh – Brophy

Mixed Doubles

• Gold – Erin Clark & Hogan O’Malley – Corona del Sol
• Silver – Ava Shoen – Xavier College Prep & Colin St. Hilaire – Brophy
• Bronze – Mollie White & Maddox Tompkinson – Red Mountain

Girls Singles

• Gold – Maya Solomon, Horizon Honors
• Silver – Ava Shoen – Xavier College Prep
• Bronze – Erin Clark – Corona del Sol

Boys Singles

• • Gold – Brody Rosselli – Payson
  • Silver – Roman Anderson – Mountain View
  • Bronze –
  • Bentley Halvorsen – Mountain View

Stephanie Newton, Director of PURE Pickleball & Padel, remarked, “This weekend surpassed everything we had hoped for—the level of competition was remarkable.”

The students demonstrated impressive intensity, skill, and good sportsmanship. She shared her enthusiasm for tracking the development of these athletes as PURE advances its plans to grow Arizona High School Pickleball, including launching regional leagues next spring and establishing additional high school pickleball clubs in 2026.

Sporfie, a popular live-streaming platform and one of the event’s major sponsors alongside USA Pickleball, streamed live coverage from the Championship Court and six additional courts throughout the weekend, giving family members, friends and supporters statewide a chance to follow all the action in real time. Streamed matches are available to rewatch at no cost, and event coverage and replays are viewable at sporfie.com/azhspb.

Additional event sponsors who made the inaugural Arizona High School Pickleball Championships possible included Caliber Co., Joola Pickleball, RacketPro, Pickleheads, Pita Jungle, Protein House, Raising Cane’s, Tosi Snacks, Flick Weight, Franklin Pickleball, Crush Pickleball, and Andrei Daescu.

After seeing the success and enthusiasm surrounding the state championships firsthand, USA Pickleball also finalized its decision to launch a new high school division as part of its “Golden Ticket Events” series in 2026. PURE Pickleball & Padel also made a groundbreaking announcement of its own over the weekend, unveiling plans for PURE Academy, a youth and adult training program that will launch its first location at Dink & Dine Pickle Park in January. The announcement followed the Girls Doubles Medal Ceremony, with the PURE team surprising Director Stephanie Newton with a reveal of the “PickleBus,” a custom Volkswagen ID. Buzz that will function as a mobile unit, bringing coaching, equipment and supplies to students and high schools statewide.

Many student athletes who participated in the Arizona High School Pickleball Championships expressed excitement over the sport’s explosive popularity and growth.

“Playing in the first-ever high school pickleball state championship is something my team and I are truly honored to be part of. Competing on this stage and seeing the sport grow has been incredible, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for high school pickleball in Arizona. I also want to thank our head coach, Mr. Ray, for everything he’s done for our team, along with Mr. Warner, Mr. Berk and Mrs. Newton from PURE, for their efforts to establish Arizona High School Pickleball and for organizing the state championships tournament.”

The success of the inaugural Arizona High School Pickleball Championships provided further evidence of pickleball participation rising sharply among young players, driven in part by PURE Pickleball & Padel’s efforts to build and shape the next generation of competitors across the state.

For more about PURE Pickleball or to learn more about starting a new high school pickleball club, email info@purepickleball.com or subscribe for updates at purepickleball.com.

The Public is Invited to Watch and Judge the Final Competition

from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale 

Arizona Bike Week, the premier motorcycle rally in the Southwest, is gearing up for an electrifying music showdown as ten local bands compete for four prized performance slots at the HandleBar Saloon during the upcoming rally at WestWorld of Scottsdale, April 8 – 12, 2026.

The public is invited to come out to this FREE event and cast their votes at the final competition, which will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6  at the iconic Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, located at 15656 N Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.

Arizona Bike Week receives well over a hundred inquiries each year from talented bands eager to perform at the rally. The Rock Out to AZ Bike Week contest was created to address this overwhelming response and showcase the state’s diverse musical talent. This will be the third annual event and producers are expecting around 2,000 in attendance.

The ten Valley bands that will be competing are Bad Reputation, BadJune, Brownedog Blues Band, Doubleblind, Great Black Swamp, Last Train to Juarez, Magnum Axxe, Miss Conduct, Plum and Vertigo. These popular, local bands have already made it through the first round of online voting, which started with 24 bands, and are now moving onto the finals.

They will compete for the audience’s favor, with attendees having the unique opportunity to vote in person for their favorite acts.

Event-goers can expect an exciting day of music, motorcycles, and more. Each band will showcase its talent with a 20-minute set, and voting will be conducted exclusively in person. Each attendee can vote one time, for up to four bands.

In addition to the musical showdown, the event will feature food trucks, a bar, a custom bike show, an indoor scavenger hunt, a bikini bike wash and a chance to win a $1,500 gift card – ensuring a vibrant atmosphere for both music and motorcycle enthusiasts.

Lisa Cyr, event producer of Arizona Bike Week, expressed her enthusiasm for the competition, stating, “Rock Out to AZ Bike Week has become a cornerstone in our efforts to celebrate and support the incredible musical talent that Arizona has to offer. This competition provides a stage for local bands and allows our audience to actively participate in shaping the entertainment lineup for Arizona Bike Week. We can’t wait to see which bands will rock the stage this year.”

Arizona Bike Week invites everyone to come out and experience the energy, passion, and talent of the local music scene. Rock Out to AZ Bike Week promises to be an unforgettable event, showcasing the best of Arizona’s musical talent and adding a dynamic element to the upcoming rally.

Rock Out to AZ Bike Week is a free event, but if you’d like to learn more about Arizona Bike Week or purchase tickets to watch these winning bands and the headline concerts at the rally in April, please visit: https://azbikeweek.com/

For more information about Rock Out to AZ Bike Week, please be sure to follow Arizona Bike Week on Instagram and Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/azbikeweek

https://www.instagram.com/arizonabikeweek/  

For more information on Arizona Bike Week, call (480) 644-8191 or visit www.AZbikeweek.com.

In addition to the stunning fall leaves, the Arboretum is hosting a number of enjoyable events from late November through December, including Nature Play for Kids, Yoga in the Garden and visits from Jolly St. Nick

Here’s some great news for fans of fall foliage: you don’t have to travel to New England in order to see autumn trees at the height of their colorful splendor.

Instead, make the scenic drive to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173 Superior, where Mother Nature is preparing to put on an incredible autumnal show of reds, oranges, yellows and golds.

“The three peak weeks of fall colors are from the end of November to the beginning of December, and the scenery here is truly magical” said Kim Gray, Executive Director of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. “Because Black Friday is traditionally our busiest day for visitors who are here to see the gorgeous fall foliage, we are staying open late Thanksgiving weekend, with the last admission at 9 p.m.”

For visitors who would like their four-legged friends to experience the Arboretum too, Gray said well-behaved dogs on a 6-foot or shorter leash are welcome to visit.

“We are also hosting a Food Drive during late November and December,” Gray said. “Visitors can bring shelf-stable foods like tuna, canned chicken, pasta, soup, chili, peanut butter and canned vegetables, and everything will be donated to the Superior Food Bank.”

In addition to admiring and photographing the beautiful fall leaves, visitors are welcome to take advantage of a number of late fall and winter programs and events at the Arboretum  – including visits from Santa Claus. They are:

Glass in Flight – This immersive outdoor sculpture exhibit was created by renowned Tucson-based artist Alex Heveri. Featuring over 17 dazzling sculptures made of hand-cut, hand-faceted Dalle de Verre glass set in powder-coated steel, this exhibit captures the magic of nature’s tiniest pollinators—blown up to monumental scale. Walk among monarchs, beetles, and hummingbirds that radiate color and light. Now through January 30, 2026, during regular hours.

Glass in Flight at Night – Come experience the dazzling Glass in Flight exhibit at night. With strategic lighting and nightfall as the backdrop, these larger-than-life glass insects take on a whole new dimension—radiant, surreal, and unforgettable. Watch butterflies shimmer, dragonflies pulse with color, and beetles gleam like jewels in the dark. From now to January from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. There will be no evening hours on November 8.

Meet the Artist – Glass in Flight – Come meet Alex Heveri, the artist behind Glass in Flight 2. Heveri, a Tucson-based artist and sculptor, will talk about the process and inspiration behind her larger-than-life glass pollinators. Guests will be guided on a tour of some of the pieces in the Glass in Flight 2 collection and have a chance to ask Heveri questions about the exhibit. November 15 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and November 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Nature Play – Unplug and reconnect with Nature in the Children’s Garden, where families can escape the screens and dive into the wonders of the great outdoors. Bring your kids to explore, play and learn using seasonal and nature-themed activities for families of all ages and abilities. Every Saturday, November 15, 22 and 29, and December 6, 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Forest Bathing – Also known as Shinrin-yoku, forest bathing is the practice of spending time in nature for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. During class, participants will be led on a 2-1/2 hour walk through the century-old trees of the Arboretum with a series of guided “invitations”, closing with a tea ceremony. December 6 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Paint at the Arboretum – Prickly Pear Cactus – Unleash your creativity amongst the inspiring beauty of Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Under the guidance of artist Carla Keaton, you will paint a unique masterpiece to take home. Whether you’re an experienced painter or picking up a brush for the first time, all skill levels are invited to join. All supplies are provided. November 15 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Yoga in the Garden – Relax and restore in this all-levels yoga class held outside in the tranquil setting of the Arboretum. During this class, participants are shown how to mindfully move through gentle postures with breath awareness to promote relaxation, flexibility, and circulatory health. November 22, December 10, and December 20 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Santa visits the Arboretum – Santa is coming to the Arboretum!  Stop by the Smith Greenhouses and get a photo with Santa. Bring your family, including four-legged family members, for fun holiday photos. Digital copies will be available for purchase. December 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.   

Holiday Hangout – Celebrate the season at the Holiday Hangout. Shop local vendors and find one-of-a-kind gifts at our holiday marketplace. Treats and merchandise will also be available for purchase. December 6, 13, 14, 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Branching Out Speaker Series – Hummingbirds, Our Avian Jewels – Arizona is the “hummingbird capital” of the United States, with more species than any other state. In this program by nature photographer Cindy Marple, attendees will learn about the large hummingbird family and their unique lifestyles, as well as how to identify the local species in the Valley. December 12 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Holiday Floral Design – Celebrate the holiday season by handcrafting a beautiful centerpiece filled with fresh-cut evergreens and vibrant flowers. With the guidance from the instructor, you will design a one-of-a-kind arrangement perfect for your holiday table. No experience necessary; this class is open to all skill levels. Ages 18 and up. December 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

To check out the event calendar for late fall and winter, which includes information about ticket prices and, if applicable, how to register, please visit  https://btarboretum.org/events/.

For more information on Boyce Thompson Arboretum – located at 37615 E Arboretum Way

Superior, AZ 85173 – and their upcoming events, memberships, or conservation initiatives, visit www.btarboretum.org, call 520.689.2723, or connect with them on Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter).

ABOUT BOYCE THOMPSON ARBORETUM:

Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona oldest and largest botanical garden, as well one of Arizona’s top tourism draws. Since being founded by mining magnate William Boyce Thompson in 1924, the Arboretum has blossomed into a total 372 acres and nearly five miles of trails, 135 acres of gardens and a total of 20,000+ desert plants from the United States, Mexico, Australia, Madagascar, India, China, Japan, Israel, South America, the Middle East, Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula. For more information, visit www.btarboretum.org.

Photo Credit: scottsdalemayor.com

Mayor Lisa Borowsky delivered her State of the City address last Thursday with plenty to say about internal turmoil, staff departures, and the need for a Charter Review Committee. She spoke of accountability, transparency, and honoring the authority of voters. What she conspicuously didn’t mention? The single most contentious issue that has dominated Scottsdale politics for the past year: the Axon deal.

That silence speaks volumes. If Mayor Borowsky were truly proud of her November tie-breaking vote, the one that approved Axon’s 1,200-unit development and effectively killed a citizen referendum signed by 26,000 residents, wouldn’t she mention it? Wouldn’t she tout it as a victory for economic development, job creation, or thoughtful compromise? Instead, she chose not to acknowledge it at all.

The omission reveals what the mayor already knows: her vote is deeply unpopular with a significant portion of Scottsdale residents, and no amount of spin can change that.

Let’s be clear-eyed about what transpired. After residents collected more than enough signatures to send the original 1,900-unit proposal to voters, the state legislature passed what’s been dubbed the “Axon Bill”, legislation specifically crafted to strip Scottsdale voters of their right to challenge this particular development. When the city had multiple opportunities to lobby against the legislation, led by the mayor, it failed, unbelievably allowing a single corporation to push around an entire city.  For comparison, can anyone imagine the Regent Beverly Wilshire prevailing in a fight with Beverly Hills before the California legislature?  Of course not.

Only after the state effectively nullified the public’s voice did negotiations resume, resulting in the “compromise” Borowsky ultimately supported with her deciding vote.

Now TAAAZE, the citizen group behind the referendum effort, has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the memorandum of understanding itself. They argue it’s a zoning ordinance disguised as an administrative act, designed to circumvent the public process entirely. The merits of the lawsuit will have their day in court, but regardless, their persistence underscores a fundamental truth: this issue isn’t resolved just because some at City Hall want it to be.

Here’s the real test: if you’re confident in a decision, you defend it in your most significant speech of the year. But if you know that vote angered tens of thousands of constituents who fought for their democratic right to be heard? You stay silent and hope everyone forgets.

In her address, Borowsky called for honoring the authority of voters. Yet on Axon, that authority was systematically dismantled.  The contradiction is glaring, and ignoring it in a speech about accountability and transparency only makes it more obvious.

The people of Scottsdale collected those signatures because they deserved a vote on the merits and because it was and is a constitutional right.  They still deserve one. And no amount of strategic silence will change that fact.

Photo Credit: Arizona Cardinals

Billboards announcing the Arizona Cardinals’ new practice facility have appeared around north Phoenix, and if local social media is any indication, residents have feelings. Strong feelings. About a practice facility. For a team that just limped to a 3-14 record in what can only be described as a season of existential suffering.

The Cardinals purchased a massive 217-acre parcel at Paradise Ridge (west of Scottsdale Road and north of Loop 101) for $136 million back in the summer. The new state-of-the-art facility, scheduled to open in 2028, will be double the size of their current Tempe location, featuring three natural grass fields, a full indoor turf field, and all the modern amenities that earned their existing facility a D- in dining and an F in locker rooms from the NFL Players Association. One can only hope the upgrade brings at least a solid C+, though at this point, even getting to 4-13 next season would feel like progress.

But the billboards have reignited neighborhood concerns, and residents are sounding the alarm about what’s coming: traffic chaos, game-day pandemonium, hordes of tailgaters descending on their peaceful streets. There’s just one small problem with this doomsday scenario: it’s a practice facility, not a stadium.

Photo Credit: AZBEX

The Cardinals play their actual games in Glendale, some 20 miles southwest. The new facility in Paradise Ridge will host closed practices, team meetings, and the occasional media scrum. No ticket sales. No 60,000 screaming fans. No flyovers. Just players running drills and coaches yelling about zone coverage while a few dozen reporters take notes and wonder what went so catastrophically wrong this season.

Will there be some additional traffic? Sure. Team employees commuting to work. Delivery trucks. The occasional fan hoping to glimpse Kyler Murray from the parking lot, though after this season, that fan population may have dwindled considerably. But apocalyptic gridlock? That seems unlikely for a team whose 3-14 record tied for the second-worst in franchise history and whose most notable 2024 achievement was securing the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The whimsy of the situation isn’t lost on anyone paying attention. Residents are bracing for disruption from a franchise that just endured one of the most painful seasons in recent memory, hasn’t won a playoff game since 2015, and boasts the longest active championship drought in North American professional sports at 78 years. If the Cardinals were generating the kind of excitement that warranted genuine traffic concerns, they’d probably be, well, winning more than three games.

Photo Credit: Arizona Republic

Still, there’s something endearing about the passionate concern. These are people who care deeply about their neighborhood, and change, even change that comes with economic development and increased property values, can feel threatening. And yes, most of it is overblown, but at least they care, right?

When 2028 rolls around and the Cardinals are running drills on their pristine new grass fields, north Phoenix residents will likely discover that life continues much as before, just with slightly nicer restaurants nearby and the occasional sighting of professional athletes grabbing coffee. And who knows? Maybe by then the Cardinals will have strung together a winning season or two, making all the fuss feel slightly more justified. After a 3-14 campaign, literally anything seems possible…even a .500 record. One can dream.

By Councilmember Barry Graham

As we move through early 2026 — the 75th anniversary of our city’s incorporation — I’m filled with optimism and gratitude for our residents. The new conservative council majority voters elected has hit the ground running by focusing on fiscal discipline to maintain our quality of life.

Last year was incredibly productive. Under City Manager Greg Caton’s steady leadership, we’ve refocused on core services — improving road maintenance, strengthening public safety, and delivering the efficient government taxpayers deserve. We’ve thoughtfully rolled back controversial initiatives from the prior lame-duck council, ensuring policies truly reflect residents’ values. By reinstating merit-based employee policies and encouraging in-office collaboration, we’ve created a motivated workforce. The results speak volumes: Forbes ranked Scottsdale as Arizona’s top public employer in 2025.

In this milestone year, we’ll celebrate our rich heritage while charting a brighter path forward. Embracing our pioneering roots and cowboy culture past and our current, conservation-oriented philosophy will honor the spirit that has made Scottsdale extraordinary.

With Colorado River guidelines expiring this year, we’ll remain vigilant about water security. Our diversified supplies, ongoing conservation, and innovative technologies position us strongly.

Transportation advancements will continue by updating the city’s action plan—prioritizing safer streets, connecting trails, and reliable infrastructure that reflect resident values, not federal strings.

We’ll continue vigorously promoting downtown and Old Town to drive economic vitality for our businesses and visitors alike.

We’ll also fiercely protect local zoning control against state overreach, preserving resident input on developments. It’s crucial that the “Axon Bill” doesn’t set a dangerous precedent by canceling voter referendums or intimidating councilmembers and candidates.

As your councilman, I renew my dedication to scrutinizing spending and sustaining Scottsdale’s prosperity — delivering a truly taxpayer-centered future with even brighter opportunities over the next 75 years.

Photo Credit: AZ Big Media

The Valley of the Sun has long been synonymous with luxury living and wellness retreats, but a groundbreaking development rising from the ashes of Paradise Valley Mall suggests Phoenix may be redefining what integrated wellness luxury actually means. Life Time Living Paradise Valley, which broke ground in late October 2025, represents something fundamentally different from the high-end resorts and luxury condos that dot the region: it’s the first fully integrated residential-athletic club concept in Arizona.

The 11-story, 327-unit community scheduled for completion in 2027 doesn’t just position itself near wellness amenities; it makes them inseparable from daily life. Every resident receives a Life Time Signature membership providing full access to the adjacent 92,000-square-foot athletic country club, connected by a pedestrian bridge. Between the residential tower and athletic club sits an audacious nearly 1.5-acre rooftop beach resort; the kind of amenity that sounds lifted from a Miami development brochure but will materialize in the desert.

Life Time has been refining this model since debuting Life Time Living Coral Gables in Florida in 2021, with subsequent communities in Green Valley, Nevada, Burlington, Massachusetts, and Stamford, Connecticut. Paradise Valley marks the company’s bet that Arizona represents ideal territory for wellness-driven luxury living at scale.

Photo Credit: theljc.com

Yet claiming Paradise Valley (or the broader Phoenix metro) as “the new capital” of this lifestyle requires examining what else is happening locally. Our area boasts impressive wellness infrastructure, from the five Phoenix-area resorts ranking among Travel + Leisure’s top Arizona properties in 2025 to developments like Mountain Shadows and Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, both emphasizing art, design, and wellness. The first downtown Phoenix hotel with a full-service spa, Denū Hotel & Spa, opens late 2026 with 22,000 square feet of meeting space and comprehensive wellness programming.

What’s notably absent, however, are direct competitors to Life Time’s integrated model. The Valley features extraordinary luxury developments: Summit by Olson Kundig at Camelback Mountain and Silver Sky’s prestigious 12-home community are two. That said, these emphasize architectural prestige and location over wellness integration. Even VAI Resort, the new project built in conjunction with the Arizona Cardinals complex in Glendale, focuses on entertainment, concerts, and dining rather than positioning wellness as the central organizing principle.

For Paradise Valley to become a true capital of wellness-driven luxury living, several elements would need to align; commercial success, increased competition, and surrounding infrastructure. The bones are certainly there. We already attract health-conscious residents, offer 300 days of sunshine annually, and have a demonstrated appetite for luxury living. Life Time’s track record suggests they’ve done their homework. But transforming from a city with an impressive wellness development into the wellness-luxury capital requires sustained ecosystem development…not just one spectacular project, however innovative.

Innovative serial entrepreneur and political disruptor Hugh Lytle is announcing his Independent candidacy for Arizona Governor January 27^th at 10am outside Sun Devil Stadium (at the plaza on Veterans Way between the Stadium and the ASU Activity Center).

Lytle was a quarterback for Arizona State University before a broken collar bone forced a change of plans. More than 40 years later, Hugh wants to change Arizona’s broken political system by bringing much needed change.

Lytle, Founder, CEO and Chairman of Equality Health, helped lower healthcare costs for hundreds of thousands of Arizonans on Medicaid as well as bridging cultural gaps which enabled Hispanic and other diverse communities to get the care they need and deserve.

As Arizona’s first independently-registered Governor, Lytle wants to bridge the partisan divide that has turned neighbors into enemies, government into gridlock, and common ground into confrontation.

“The two parties are trapped in a fight that never ends. They argue, posture, divide—but they don’t solve the big problems. Not education. Not the economy. Not the future our kids are walking into” said Lytle.

“I intend to be the first Independent governor in Arizona history and will take Arizona from ordinary to extraordinary. I am organizing a compelling campaign to do just that. Arizona’s history is rich in independent-minded pioneers and I am calling on them now to join me to solve our state’s problems. Let’s go!”

Lytle has created a disruptive independent playbook called the Hugh Revolution to take on some of the challenges facing young Arizonans.  He calls this the “Great 8 for State 48.”

AI (Arizona Innovation) University
Create an AI-powered university degree, sponsored by the state, that is world-class and affordable with a cost of just $99 a semester, unburdening the horrific debt facing so many Arizona students.

Home Sweet Home
Restructure ESA’s to become more accountable and merit-based for those who truly need them. Excess funds will be redirected into housing vouchers for first-time homebuyers. This is revolutionary. This is necessary.

Quarterbacks for Youth Sports
Broaden tax deductions so youth sports become more affordable for every Arizona family, as they simultaneously learn life lessons of competition, cooperation, and teamwork.

Healthcare Matters
Federal Medicaid cuts are coming. Lytle may be one of the few people in the country who truly knows how to lower costs for a Medicaid population without losing access to quality care. As such, Arizona voters should ask themselves if they trust Katie Hobbs or Andy Biggs more than an innovative problem solver in serving to protect their health care.

Mentor Corps
Create a new Department of Entrepreneurship in the governor’s office, building the largest entrepreneurship mentor network in the nation to foster the next generation of Arizona entrepreneurs.

Champions of Charity
Expand state charity incentives so our nonprofits can do more and have more —whether they’re protecting abused women, reducing teen suicide, developing therapies to cure disease, or fighting for affordable housing. Government can’t do it all.

The HERO Program
Raise private investment and invest public funds to attract world-class teachers, police detectives, and first-responders to secure our future. We pay some college coaches millions a year – yet we struggle to recruit math and science teachers. This would change under a reimagined Arizona Commerce Authority that emphasizes centers of excellence in public service alongside economic development.

Escaping from Purgatory
Charter-Inspired Reform Framework—safer schools, stronger classrooms, higher achievement. Every public school should be able to operate with the clarity, authority, and accountability of a high-performing charter. Arizona’s public-school enrollment has dropped by over 83,000 students in a decade. This trend must be reversed, and control must be returned to the local district and classroom.  Hugh will fight for reform that puts students first.

Lytle added, “I will be a Governor who recruits opportunity, unleashes individuals, builds pathways for every kind of dream, measures success by your real life—not political headlines—and breaks the grip of a system that no longer serves the people. This is not a campaign of left or right. It is a campaign about results, and to be as radical as we need to escape the mediocrity and toxicity of the current system. Arizona deserves a leader that puts people before party. They deserve a truly Independent voice with innovation as their guide to disrupt and problem solve for improved lives across our great state.”

Immediately following the launch of his campaign, Lytle will be traveling the state to share his vision in what he is calling the “Innovation Express.”

To learn more about Lytle’s trailblazing candidacy go to HughLytle.com which will debut at 10am Tuesday.

By Alexander Lomax

Photo Credit: Arizona Mirror

National issues are coming home to roost in our state: immigration enforcement is coming to Phoenix in force. According to recent reports, federal officials are planning to transform the metro area into what one former Department of Homeland Security official called “a hub of removal” in the Southwest. The planned expansion includes warehouse detention facilities in Glendale capable of holding thousands, alongside a significant surge of ICE agents already visible outside the agency’s downtown Phoenix headquarters.

The numbers tell part of the story. Arizona is home to an estimated 307,000 unauthorized immigrants as of 2023, with nearly 200,000 employed in the state’s workforce. The vast majority hail from Mexico. These individuals contribute an estimated $364.5 million in federal taxes and $228.5 million in state and local taxes annually, playing essential roles in industries from agriculture to construction.

But the Phoenix deployment appears to be about more than enforcement efficiency. Unlike previous ICE operations in Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, and most notably Minneapolis, where clashes with local officials and protesters made headlines, Arizona presents a different political landscape. The state has Democratic leadership at the attorney general level but a more complex mixture of cooperation and resistance at the municipal level.

Photo Credit: Arizona Family’s Instagram

Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes has taken an aggressive stance, warning that Arizona’s Stand Your Ground law creates unique dangers for ICE operations and vowing to prosecute agents who violate state laws. She’s encouraging residents to record encounters and send evidence to her office. Meanwhile, cities like Tucson have moved to block ICE use of city property, while other localities appear less resistant.

This seems to be precisely the confrontation the administration seeks. Where Chicago saw court orders against warrantless arrests and Portland declared a state of emergency, Arizona’s mixed responses and its Republican-leaning history on immigration make it an attractive target for demonstrating federal power. The detention infrastructure being built suggests permanence rather than a temporary surge.

The contrast with other deployments is notable. In Chicago, a federal judge ruled ICE illegally arrested 22 people and ordered their release. In Minneapolis, the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent sparked nationwide protests and prompted mass resignations at the Justice Department, and the most recent shooting death of Alex Pretti under a pretense of him being threat (although video evidence shows that while he was carrying a firearm in a holster, he never once brandished it and was forcibly disarmed before shots rang out) will undoubtedly continue the protests and contention. That said, these are operations in solidly Democratic strongholds.

Photo Credit: Arizona Mirror

Arizona, with its border-state status, mixed political terrain, and substantial unauthorized immigrant population, offers different optics; a place where federal enforcement can proceed with less unified resistance while still generating the political theater the administration appears to value. Whether this proves pragmatic immigration policy or political posturing dressed as enforcement may depend less on deportation numbers than on which story the American public ultimately accepts.

Axon’s Apartment Plans

A complaint has been filed in Maricopa County Superior Court challenging the legality of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Axon and the City of Scottsdale that claims to allow Axon to build a 1,200-unit housing project near Hayden and the 101 in Scottsdale.

The complaint was filed January 26th by TAAAZE (Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions), Bob Littlefield, former Scottsdale City Councilman and TAAAZE’s Chairman, and a Scottsdale resident who lives right next to the site.

TAAAZE’s legal team at Coppersmith Brockelman PLC claims the MOU is illegal and invalid under Arizona law and the Scottsdale City Charter.

A 4-3 vote of the Scottsdale City Council in November tried to sidestep a public referendum and a full public hearing by improperly declaring the MOU an administrative action. During and after the vote Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky, who cast the deciding vote in favor of the Axon apartments while invalidating the election to vote on them, claimed her “compromise” would limit Axon to 600 apartments and 600 condominiums, yet she failed to include any such safeguards effectively relegating the approval to 1,200 apartments. The Axon apartments would thus remain one of the largest zoning changes for apartments in state history.

According to the complaint, the MOU is actually a zoning ordinance, which cannot be approved before the City follows certain procedures and affords its residents due process. Specifically:

• The City did not consider a housing impact statement prior to entering the MOU.
• The City did not consider the individual property rights and personal liberties of the residents of the municipality before entering the MOU.
• The City did not hold a public hearing on the MOU.
• The City did not provide notice to the public 15 days prior to a public hearing on the MOU.

To make matters worse, the complaint claims Axon received a whole new series of perks in the MOU that were not contained in previous agreements with the City, such as sidestepping traditional water and inspection requirements:

“The MOU further purports to grant to Axon notable new benefits beyond what was authorized through the Axon Zoning Ordinance, which significantly impact Scottsdale residents. These new benefits include granting Axon an exemption from the previous ‘requirement for Axon to purchase long term storage credits from the Gila River Water Storage, LLC’ and to transfer such water to Scottsdale, to ensure sufficient water for Axon’s proposed project.”

Littlefield said, “The MOU took a lousy deal for the City and made it worse. And they made this deal trying to duck public scrutiny. Our complaint seeks to restore the rule of law in Scottsdale and make it clear that residents are the ones in charge of Scottsdale.”

TAAAZE is still pursuing a lawsuit against Senate Bill 1543, also known as the “Axon Bill,” which requires cities of a certain size to approve residential projects on “international headquarters.” It’s a bill designed for Axon and Axon alone.  That case is expected to be heard in March. If TAAAZE succeeds in that litigation, it would also have the effect of invalidating the MOU.

In December 2024, TAAAZE submitted nearly 27 thousand signatures to challenge a previous lame duck council decision to approve nearly 1,900 apartments.

To learn more about TAAAZE go to www.ProtectOurScottsdale.com

Photo Source: Barrett-Jackson

When the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction concluded its nine-day run recently, it was one for the ages. It generated over $198 million in total sales from 2,013 vehicles, once again proving that Scottsdale isn’t just a destination for luxury: it’s an economic powerhouse built on it.

The numbers tell a compelling story about our city’s positioning in the luxury market. The top result at the 2025 auction was a charity lot featuring the first production 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 VIN001, which achieved $3.7 million, while a 2023 Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster sold for $2.2 million. These aren’t just impressive sales figures: they represent a reliable annual economic engine that brings about $400 million in economic impact to the Valley, including $6 million in state sales tax and $2 million in taxes for Scottsdale.

Photo Source: Barrett-Jackson

Barrett-Jackson’s consistent success in Scottsdale since returning to WestWorld in 1989 demonstrates something crucial about our city: we’ve built an infrastructure and reputation that attracts serious wealth. The auction drew more than 6,000 registered bidders and featured celebrity attendees including Sammy Hagar, Mike Rowe, and Drew Brees. This isn’t accidental; it’s the result of decades of strategic investment in becoming a luxury destination.

The event’s evolution reflects Scottsdale’s own growth trajectory. What began as a car auction has transformed into what organizers call “the ultimate automotive lifestyle experience”, complete with concerts, STEM education initiatives, and family activities. The auction even generated $6.2 million for charity through vehicle sales, reinforcing Scottsdale’s image as a community where wealth creates opportunity.

Photo Source: Barrett-Jackson

Perhaps most telling is the sustained momentum. While other luxury markets fluctuate, Barrett-Jackson maintains a 100% no-reserve format and achieves consistent sell-through rates year after year. This reliability makes Scottsdale not just a luxury destination, but a dependable one, a city where high-end commerce thrives predictably, creating jobs, tax revenue, and opportunities that ripple throughout our community.

For residents and business owners, Barrett-Jackson serves as an annual reminder: Scottsdale’s luxury economy isn’t a bubble…it’s our foundation.

Hi Councilman, thank you so much for your time. We unfortunately neglect your city in our coverage and that needs to change, so thank you for offering your insight.

Thank you, happy to help shine a light on all the great things we are doing in Tempe!

To start out, you’ve had an impressively long time in council. How did you get your start in the political space and what do you credit for your longevity?

As a type 1 diabetic, I know how critical access to healthcare is. While I’ve always been politically minded, it was the healthcare debate of 2009 that really motivated me to get off the couch and start knocking on doors. As you know, thanks to the courage of Congressman Harry Mitchell, the ACA passed early in 2010, and I immediately got involved in his re-election campaign. Sadly, we lost that one, but that was all the spark I needed. 

As far as longevity is concerned, one of the things I like to say about being an elected official is campaigning is easy, while governing is hard. I think for anyone to be successful in office they must recognize that our world is not always black in white (though sometimes it is) much more often issues are in a shade of gray. Being able to put aside ideology and to be able to work with those you may disagree with on a certain issue, but agree with on other issues is key to being effective in the long run. Or as it’s said, you gotta know when to hold ‘em, and know when to fold ‘em.

What would you say is a unique value-add that you bring to the Tempe city council?

I always do what I think is right for the city ahead of political considerations. This has gotten me in plenty of trouble over the years, but I have almost a physiological response to pandering and disingenuous votes. I joke that when the left thinks you are too conversative and the right thinks you are too liberal, you must be doing something right.

As we all know, Arizona State University dominates Tempe. How does the city balance the needs of the university with those of permanent residents and businesses? Are there lessons there for managing any dominant institution?

You know, I’m on the town and gown committee at the National League of Cities. I was surprised to hear that most college towns have almost an adversarial relationship with their higher education institutions. That is absolutely not the case with Tempe and ASU. It’s much more of a symbiotic relationship where the success of each relies on cooperation and goodwill between both partners.

Housing affordability is a constant issue in the Valley, and Tempe is no different. What tools does Tempe have to address affordability, and what would you like to see happen at the state level to give cities more flexibility?

Cities need the ban on inclusionary zoning repealed. That ban prohibits cities from mandating a certain portion of any given development to be affordable. With this ban in place, despite Tempe’s best efforts, I worry we will not reach our housing goals.

Further, we need to continue our regional effort to rapidly increase the housing supply. That effort is underway, and we did recently see a dip in rental prices, so it’s my hope we keep our proverbial foot on the gas. (https://www.abc15.com/news/local-news/watch-data-shows-rent-prices-continue-to-fall-in-the-valley)

What are your top two or three priorities for Tempe this year, and how might they affect or involve neighboring communities like Scottsdale?

One, I’d like Tempe to pass a drink spiking education and prevention ordinance. Tempe is a college town with a vibrant night life; it only makes sense that we take common sense steps to make sure those coming to Tempe are doing so in the safest possible environment.

Two, I’d like to look at some sort of term limit system in Tempe. We are currently an outlier as we do not have term limits. I am wary of artificial limits and taking the agency away from voters, but I also recognize that eventually it’s time for anyone to move on. I think we can find a middle ground here.

Third, I cannot say at this time as it’s top secret, but you will know it when you see it!

Mill Avenue has long been the pearl of the city, but there have been plenty of criticisms that it has gotten too expensive, too corporate, and lost a lot of its previous charm. How do you feel about that criticism?

I think this is a market-driven problem. Tempe is a place everyone wants to be and when demand increases so do rental prices, not only businesses but for housing. That said, the city is actively buying property in downtown Tempe so we can offer lower rents to business that provide real community benefit. So, I think the criticism is fair, though it is a result of Tempe’s success. It’s something the council is actively working on to provide a variety of retail and experiences to our downtown.

Tempe has pursued fairly aggressive densification, particularly near ASU and along light rail corridors. What would you say to critics who worry this approach creates traffic congestion or changes neighborhood character? Do you think Scottsdale could learn anything from Tempe’s approach?

This answer is much the same as the previous question. The council hears almost daily that housing affordability is crisis as it is across the nation. Tempe’s population has doubled in the last 40 years, while its land-area has stayed the same. We cannot be both for accordable housing and against building new housing. It is a matter of fact that high density housing is more affordable with a significantly less impact on the environment.

Tempe is an importer of jobs. Meaning, we have more jobs in Tempe than housing available. Coupled with the largest public university in the nation, it’s no secret that our housing supply is strained to say the least. I think Tempe does a good of job as any balancing these opposing forces, considering the limitations put on us by the legislature. We don’t always get it right, but real effort is made.

On a fun note (maybe?), we know that you’re a big Detroit Lions fan. Which fanbase dwells in the larger factory of unyielding sadness and disappointment, Lions fans or Arizona Cardinals fans?

Lions hands down. Until January of 2024, the Lions had won a single playoff game in my father’s lifetime. We lost the 49ers after leading by 17 points in the 3^rd quarter in the NFC championship game. Last least we went 15-2 to win the NFC, only to lose in the divisional round to the Commanders, at home. It still stings to think about.

The Lions ineptitude is stuff of legend, and while I sympathize with Cardinals fans (the Cardinals are my second team), at least they’ve been to the big game, and nearly won.

Lastly, we also know that you’re a big dog person. For people who want to adopt or help an organization that houses dogs, where do you recommend they look?

Lost Our Home Rescue in Tempe does amazing work. I’d urge anyone looking for a furry family member to adopt from a certified rescue. Both of my dogs have been rescue pit bulls and I cannot overstate the amount of happiness and love they have brought to my life.

We came across this graphic recently; a nicely rendered list of Arizona’s 20 oldest restaurants, and it sparked something beyond mere nostalgia. Here was proof that Arizona’s uniqueness isn’t just carved into red rock canyons or painted across Sonoran sunsets: it’s ladled into bowls, grilled on ancient flattops, and served with stories that predate statehood itself.

The Palace Restaurant & Saloon, Prescott (1877)

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

The oldest. Whiskey Row’s crown jewel opened when Arizona was still a territory and Wyatt Earp was just beginning to make his name. The back bar survived a devastating 1900 fire because patrons literally carried it across the street to safety while the building burned. That’s the kind of devotion earned by a place that serves bourbon alongside history. The ornate Brunswick bar still stands, witness to 147 years of celebrations, arguments, and the kind of characters that make Arizona, well, Arizona.

El Tovar, Grand Canyon Village (1905)

Photo Credit: National Park Service

Perched on the South Rim like a lodge from another era, El Tovar represents the moment when wilderness became accessible without losing its majesty. Built by the Santa Fe Railway as a destination worthy of the Grand Canyon itself, the dining room still serves with views that make every meal sacramental. This isn’t just a restaurant: it’s proof that Arizona understood the assignment: pair world-class hospitality with landscapes that humble even the most jaded traveler.

El Charro Cafe, Tucson (1922)

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

The birthplace of the chimichanga. Not just a claim, but documented fact; founder Monica Flin accidentally dropped a burrito into hot oil and created magic. Family-owned for over a century, El Charro represents Arizona’s Mexican heritage not as tourist kitsch but as living, evolving tradition. The carne seca drying on the rooftop in the Tucson sun is performance art meets culinary genius.

Durant’s, Phoenix (1950)

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

The steakhouse that refuses to apologize for velvet booths, dim lighting, and martinis that arrive icy and unapologetic. Durant’s is Old Phoenix before the city became obsessed with reimagining itself. The entrance through the kitchen isn’t quirky design: it’s a remnant of speakeasy days. This is where deals still get made, where Arizona’s power structure still congregates over prime rib.

Sugar Bowl, Scottsdale (1958)

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

The ice cream parlor that watched Scottsdale transform from cowboy town to cosmopolitan city without changing its menu or charm. Pink booths, handmade waffle cones, and the kind of Americana that can’t be manufactured or replicated.

These aren’t just restaurants. They’re Arizona’s living autobiography, still turning pages, still serving.

Museums, Curators & Cultural Partners to Lead Panel Discussions, Q&A Sessions, Educational Programming & More at Four-Day Art Fair

Scottsdale Art Week presented by Scottsdale Ferrari, taking place March 19–22, 2026, at WestWorld of Scottsdale, will welcome 120 international galleries and include a curated series of panel discussions and conversations that bring together museum directors, curators, artists, scholars, art professionals and market specialists. These dialogues explore the ideas, practices and perspectives shaping the art world today, bridging institutional insight, creative vision and market expertise in a setting that encourages both reflection and discovery.

The programming unfolds within the Cultural Programming Theatre, an intentionally designed space situated at the heart of the fair at WestWorld, a venue known for hosting the world-famous Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. This forum serves as a gathering place for thoughtful exchange, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with leading voices in art and culture while immersed in the energy of the art fair.

Topics range from curatorial and artistic practice to collecting, photography, trends in the global contemporary art market, LatinX art, Indigenous contemporary art, the relationship between art and design, Western art, and the ever-evolving art market. By situating these conversations within the fair, Scottsdale Art Week creates a seamless experience in which intellectual engagement complements the show, enhancing both context and connection.

In collaboration with distinguished cultural partners—including Phoenix Art Museum, Arizona State University Art Museum, the Heard Museum, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, the Center for Creative Programming Theatre reflects Scottsdale Art Week’s commitment to excellence, education and cultural leadership.

All tickets include access to Scottsdale Art Week’s daily cultural programming at the fair from Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 22. While organizers will unveil additional details in the coming weeks, here’s an early look at what to expect.

The schedule is subject to change, so please visit ScottsdaleArtWeek.com for the most up-to-date information.

Friday, March 20, 2026:

Indigenous Representation in American Institutions

Join curators of Native American art from leading institutions, including the Heard Museum’s David Roche and the Denver Art Museum’s John Luchavic, to discuss the current state of collecting, exhibiting and presenting contemporary Native art in American museums.

In Conversation: Cara Romero and Emilia Mickevicius

Cara Romero

Join leading contemporary photographer Cara Romero, Scottsdale Art Week’s Indigenous Artist of the Year, and curator Emilia Mickevicius for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at Romero’s exhibition “Panûpünüwügai

Emilia Mickevicius, Ph.D. Norton

Family Assistant Curator of Photography at Phoenix Art Museum and Center for Creative Photography (Living Light).” Romero and Mickevicius will discuss bringing the show to life at Phoenix Art Museum and the centrality of collaboration in Romero’s practice.

Exploring the Intersection of Art + Design

This dynamic panel discussion explores the relationship between art and design and how the two disciplines inform and elevate one another. Moderated by Phoenix Home & Garden Editor-in-Chief John Roark, the conversation brings together leading architects, designers and tastemakers to examine how art and design work in unison to shape thoughtful, engaging environments.

Inside the Studio with Naomi and Tyler Glasses

Step inside the studio of Diné weavers Naiomi and Tyler Glasses, who create textiles inspired by the traditions of their grandmother. The Arizona-based siblings have been sought out by national brands across the country, with Naiomi serving as the first-ever artist in residence for Ralph Lauren and the pair recently teaming up on their second collaboration with Lauren, a collection for the home.

Saturday, March 21, 2026:

Trends in the International Contemporary Art Market

Explore the current state and trends shaping the international contemporary art market alongside a panel of esteemed global art professionals, including Gallerist Phillip Blond of Blond Contemporary.

In Conversation: ASU Art Museum Director Miki Garcia with the Ford Foundation’s Rocio Aranda-Alvarado

Join ASU Art Museum Director Miki Garcia as she discusses “A Handbook of LatinX Art” with the book’s co-editor Rocio Aranda-Alvarado, who is part of the Creativity and Free Expression team at the Ford Foundation. The book is the first anthology to examine the rich, complex and often overlooked contributions LatinX artists have made to art in the United States. It brings together texts by artists, critics and scholars, reflecting the diversity of Latinx experiences across the nation, from the West Coast and the Mexico border to the East Coast.

Sunday, March 22, 2026:

The Western Art Market Today

Gain insight into the current state of the Western art market with American and Western art expert Alissa Ford of Heritage Auctions as she discusses recent trends, market shifts and factors influencing collecting today.

Art Collection Care and Preservation

Gain inside knowledge from leading art professionals, including Art Solutions and Installations’ Scott Talbot, on caring for and preserving art collections, with insight from appraisers, art handlers, installers and other industry experts.

“Our cultural programming was a highlight of last year’s inaugural event, and we’re building on that momentum with an expanded lineup of talks, events and immersive experiences designed to spark meaningful dialogue and create lasting moments well beyond the gallery floor,” said Scottsdale Art Week Director Amy Gause. “As the largest new American art fair in decades, we want visitors to leave with fresh perspectives, new industry connections and a deeper appreciation for the artists, galleries, museums and cultural partners that make Scottsdale Art Week so dynamic.”

In addition to the panels and cultural programs, Scottsdale Art Week will feature an assortment of special events and experiences unfolding throughout the fair. It all starts with an Opening Night Vernissage sponsored by Gila River Resorts and Casinos, set for 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, March 19 at WestWorld.

Benefiting Phoenix Art Museum, the Opening Night Vernissage grants guests exclusive access to view and acquire works ahead of the general public and will feature a fashion presentation of wearable art courtesy of Galina Mihaleva, of Arizona State University’s FIDM. Attendees will also see several arts industry leaders receive prestigious awards during the celebration.

Scottsdale Art Week starts at a time when the region shows its best side, with ideal weather, comfortable temperatures and seasonal events like MLB spring training making March one of the best months of the year to visit the city. And with the Phoenix metro area, and, specifically, Scottsdale, now surpassing Austin, Texas, as the nation’s fastest-growing city for millionaires, the city serves as a prime destination for artists and gallerists looking to showcase their works in front of an international audience with a strong appetite for collecting.

For more about Scottsdale Art Week 2026 or to purchase tickets, visit ScottsdaleArtWeek.com or follow developments on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Dear Friends:

I just filed the paperwork to run to return to the Scottsdale City Council.

The reason I am running is simple: everyone who runs for Scottsdale City Council claims to be resident-friendly. But let’s be honest, most vote for overdevelopment after they are elected.

That’s why, if you want to preserve Scottsdale’s special character and high quality of life you should support me in the upcoming city election. In the last ten years I have been involved in every major resident-driven battle to preserve Scottsdale’s special character and high quality of life. I fought commercial development in the Preserve by opposing the Desert Discovery Center. I fought overdevelopment in the 5th Avenue shopping district in downtown Scottsdale. by opposing the bloated Southbridge II development. And I have been the leader of the fight to prevent AXON from building the largest apartment development in the history of Arizona in Scottsdale.

Bottom line, I am the proven commodity you can trust to stay true to my resident-friendly promises once I get in office!

If you agree with me that overdevelopment has gotten out-of-hand in Scottsdale, I need your help. The developers and their minions will be pulling out all the stops to keep me from getting back on Council, including spending bushels of special interest $ to publicly trash me. You can help me to overcome their lies and spin in the following ways:

• Sign my nominating petition online here.
• Contribute to my campaign here.
• Publicly endorse my campaign for City Council
• Post positive messages on NextDoor, Twitter, Facebook and other social media. Winning the on-line battle will be crucial in this campaign.
• Write letters-to-the-editor and Opinion columns supporting my campaign
• Forward email messages from my campaign to your contacts
• Organize a “meet-and-greet” in your neighborhood so I can take my message directly to voters
• Post a yard sign in your yard
• Forward email messages from Bob’s campaign to your contacts

Thank you for your support.

By Bedouin Bourdain

The Venice of the North: Amsterdam. But that title hardly captures the essence of a city that defies simple comparison. The canals, those liquid boulevards that serpentine through centuries, reflect not just the gabled facades leaning overhead but the very soul of a place where water and wonder conspire. To glide along these waterways at dusk, when the bridges illuminate like strings of pearls against darkening sky, is to understand why this city has seduced travelers for generations. Each canal house tells its story through tilted angles and hook beams, merchants’ pragmatism meeting baroque ambition in perfect architectural harmony.

Every alley whispers adventure. Down cobblestone veins too narrow for cars but perfect for revelation, you discover hole-in-the-wall cafes where locals nurse their coffee and conversation. Hidden courtyards reveal themselves like secrets shared only with those willing to wander. Vintage shops spill curiosities onto sidewalks: old maps, forgotten books, vinyl records waiting for resurrection. The city rewards the wanderer, the one willing to stray from the prescribed route and trust the pull of an intriguing corner. There’s magic in the meander, in allowing Amsterdam to reveal itself on its own terms rather than through the lens of someone else’s itinerary.

And then there’s NDSM. That magnificent wasteland reborn. What was once the graveyard of shipbuilding ambition has become a cathedral for the creative soul. A short ferry ride from Central Station—free, frequent, filled with locals and the curious alike—delivers you to possibility itself. Street art transformed into institution at Straat Museum, where spray paint becomes scripture and warehouse walls serve as canvas for the world’s most innovative voices. Industrial bones given artistic flesh. Cranes that once hoisted steel now stand sentinel over restaurants, studios, galleries, even a hotel fashioned from shipping containers. This is Amsterdam’s phoenix rising from rusted docks and forgotten dreams, proof that decay and rebirth dance together in the most unexpected venues.

But Amsterdam refuses to be sanitized for the tourist brochure. The Red Light District exists not as shame but as honesty: the city’s refusal to hide what it is, to pretend that human complexity can be prettified. Here is pragmatism meeting reality with neither celebration nor condemnation, just acknowledgment. It’s part of the tapestry, neither the whole story nor something to pretend doesn’t exist.

What makes Amsterdam transcendent isn’t any single element but the synthesis: baroque beauty floating on water, bicycles outnumbering cars ten to one, tolerance woven into the very foundation. A city that embraces contradictions and invites you to do the same.

Travel. By pedaling beyond the obvious, by taking that ferry to NDSM, by wandering alleys without destination: that’s when Amsterdam writes itself into your story.

Media Partners:

Please see attached and below for a media advisory for an anticipated press conference at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow at Scottsdale City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

Mayor Lisa Borowsky to address removal of chief of staff and concerns over actions taken at City Hall

Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is holding a press conference 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21 to directly address her concerns regarding the removal of her Chief of Staff, R.L. Whitmer, from City Hall last Wednesday and the circumstances surrounding that decision.

Mayor Borowsky will outline her position, discuss the implications of the action taken, and respond to questions from the media.

*WHAT: Press Conference with Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky

*WHEN: 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 21

*WHERE: Scottsdale City Hall at 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd.

*WHO: Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky

Media are encouraged to arrive early for setup.

Former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich died of a heart attack last week at the age of 59. A husband. A father to two daughters. The son of Serbian immigrants who arrived in America with little but ambition and hope. His story was quintessentially American; the kind we once celebrated regardless of political affiliation.

From gaming regulator to Assistant Attorney General to the state’s top law enforcement officer, Brnovich’s trajectory defied the typical political playbook. He didn’t emerge from privilege or a predictable pipeline. His path was unorthodox, his rise meteoric within Arizona politics. Whether you agreed with his positions or not, his was the kind of bootstraps narrative that once united rather than divided us.

But something broke in America. We fractured along lines so deep that death itself no longer pauses our tribalism. When a public figure passes, we’ve reached a point where some feel compelled not to mourn, not even to remain silent, but to celebrate. To cheer. To post their satisfaction on social media as if a political opponent’s mortality represents victory rather than tragedy.

For instance, this was a response from a former chair of a local district Democrats group:

This isn’t about Mark Brnovich’s policies or positions. This is about what we’ve become. A nation so consumed by political identity that we’ve lost the thread of shared humanity. Where a man’s death at 59, leaving behind family who will never stop grieving, becomes another opportunity to signal tribal allegiance rather than recognize common loss.

We used to understand something fundamental: you can oppose someone’s politics while acknowledging their humanity. You can disagree vehemently with positions while recognizing that behind every political figure stands a person with family, friends, a story that began long before any office was held.

The Brnovich family doesn’t care about political talking points right now. They’re navigating the impossible geography of sudden loss. And somewhere, someone who never knew him personally felt moved to express joy at his passing because algorithms and echo chambers taught them that the other side isn’t human…just obstacles to be celebrated in removal.

We are fractured. Irreparably? That depends on whether we remember that every name in a headline was once a child with dreams, became an adult with loved ones, and deserves the dignity of being mourned rather than weaponized.

Even, no, ESPECIALLY when we disagreed with them.

Photo Credit: Brian Hancock

Below is the mayor’s comment regarding the situation with Mr. Whitmer:

“I was not provided with any information before or after the city’s recent actions, even though the chief of staff position reports directly to me.

Meanwhile, the story was leaked to an ‘anonymous’ blogger six hours before Mr. Whitmer was notified of any investigation. The appearance of two police officers, used by management to ‘escort’ Mr. Whitmer passed a packed Planning Commission meeting was meant to defame and humiliate Mr. Whitmer. The city manager’s actions were wholly unnecessary and have the appearance of a blatant political hit.

Finally, the idea that you can be removed from your job without being informed as to the reason why — what is the accusation, and who is the accuser — is designed to inflict the maximum damage to your reputation and is fundamentally unfair and wrong.”

— Lisa Borowsky | Mayor of Scottsdale

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Mayor Borowsky and her management analyst were briefed in person by the City Manager, City Attorney and Human Resources Director immediately after Mr. Whitmer’s suspension occurred. The City Manager has supervisory responsibility over the mayor’s chief of staff, and this matter was handled consistent with established city protocols. Mr. Whitmer was asked to come to the City Attorney’s Office on the first floor, which would have been out of public view. He declined and requested that city management come to his office instead. The involvement of police was a precautionary measure focused on safety and workplace integrity, not punishment, and it was not intended to embarrass or humiliate anyone. Any claim that this was a political hit is false.

Holly Peralta, M.Ed.

Interim Sr. Director, Communications and Public Affairs

Photo Credit: TSMC

Arizona’s transformation into a global semiconductor powerhouse gained further momentum this week when TSMC Arizona secured 900 acres near Loop 303 and Interstate 17 at an Arizona State Land Department auction for $197.25 million. This isn’t just another real estate transaction: it’s a definitive statement that the world’s largest chipmaker is cementing North Phoenix as a critical hub for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

The industrial implications are staggering. TSMC has committed up to $165 billion to its north Phoenix operations, which will ultimately include six advanced chip fabrication plants, two cutting-edge packaging facilities, and a research and development center. This expansion positions Arizona at the center of America’s push for semiconductor independence, powering the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom for customers like Apple, Nvidia, and others. When you’re manufacturing chips that drive global AI development, location matters…and TSMC has chosen Arizona.

The NorthPark development surrounding TSMC’s campus will eventually include approximately 15,000 housing units, commercial development, and preserved open space. But here’s the crucial difference from Scottsdale’s controversial Axon debacle: this development is happening in largely vacant desert land, far from established residential areas. There’s no angry HOA coalition, no citizens group collecting 27,000 signatures, no legislative end-runs required.

Photo Credit: The Engineer

And unlike Axon’s highly controversial land deal, TSMC participated transparently in a competitive State Land Department auction with a minimum bid of $197.25 million, meeting the state’s valuation and ensuring Arizona’s public schools receive fair value from trust land sales. Contrast this with the Axon controversy, where critics argued the company purchased land zoned for industrial use at $49.1 million, then sought residential rezoning that would have commanded a far higher price, potentially shortchanging school funding by over $100 million.

TSMC’s approach shows how transformative development should work: follow established processes, pay fair market value, locate appropriately, and build where the community expects industrial growth. With TSMC Chair and CEO C.C. Wei emphasizing that “momentum around the Arizona project continues to accelerate,” fueled by strong collaboration with government partners, this expansion represents exactly the kind of high-value economic development Arizona should embrace.

This is Arizona’s tech future being built correctly…one transparent land auction and one advanced fabrication plant at a time.

Photo Credit: scottsdale.com

While conversations continue about the future of Old Town Scottsdale, complete with task forces and neighborhood debates (read our full coverage here), the area itself remains unbothered, doing what it does best: attracting world-class dining, shopping, and nightlife experiences that keep it at the forefront of Arizona’s entertainment scene.

The latest proof? BOA Steakhouse is set to open along the Scottsdale Waterfront in spring 2026, marking the return of Innovative Dining Group to the Valley. This will be BOA’s sixth location, joining destinations in West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Austin, and Las Vegas. For a restaurant group that previously ran Sushi Roku at W Scottsdale for 15 years, this opening represents a homecoming.

What can diners expect? The menu features 40-day dry-aged New York strip steak, a tableside Caesar salad, and an indulgent “Boujee” Baked Potato topped with caviar. The 210-seat space will include a dining room, bar, lounge, patio, and two private dining rooms. Fans of “Yellowstone” can order an 18-ounce dry-aged Black Angus ribeye from the 6666 Ranch featured in Taylor Sheridan’s show, while the kitchen will operate seed oil-free.

Photo Credit: BOA Instagram

This opening is just one of several exciting additions coming to Old Town in 2026, including the rooftop restaurant Cielito and The Guest House at Scottsdale Quarter. While some worry about Old Town’s evolution, these additions prove the district’s enduring appeal to top-tier operators seeking Arizona’s most vibrant dining scene.

Do we really need a task force for this? The majority of city council disagrees as they voted down Mayor Borowsky’s idea recently. Perhaps less government is a better solution, to simply get out of the way and allow Old Town to be what it naturally is.

We posit that Old Town doesn’t need a task force to tell it what it is, as it’s too busy being exactly what people want: a destination where luxury meets energy, where waterfront views pair with world-class cuisine, and where the next great experience is always on the horizon.

Photo Credit: the Observer

By Jan Dubauskas

Thank you!!! It was one year ago today – January 14, 2025 – that we took the oath of office to serve you on Scottsdale City Council. It was a special and surreal moment to stand with my colleagues, family, friends, and fellow residents with gratitude and hope in our hearts.

Thank you for your trust and confidence. This year has been jam-packed with policy and budget considerations, teamwork, ribbon cuttings, committee meetings, resident outreach, business development, constituent services, and more.

Right away, your Council majority dug in and got to work focusing the city on your everyday issues. And wow – we delivered results for YOU.

On this 1-year anniversary, it’s a real pleasure to provide you with a partial list of the work your Council majority has done for you over the course of the last year, a preview for what’s to come – and a very special invitation!

In 2025, your Council majority:

Hired Strong City Manager. Greg Caton treats the city like a business. He immediately reorganized and restructured the City Manager’s office by reducing redundant layers of management. He restructured city departments to focus on efficiency and transparency, stopping runaway cost increases on capital projects. And he implemented a new Constituent Services team that resolved over 500 resident issues in just the first 9 months! (Have an issue for Constituent Services? Email: constituentservices@scottsdaleaz.gov)

Restored Common Sense. Your city should be focused on delivering basic city services to you, not imposing woke ideology that bloats budgets and creates inefficiencies. We returned employees to work at the office, eliminated DEI, reversed the Scottsdale Green New Deal, canceled the ideological roundabout on Scottsdale Rd & Dynamite, and stopped unnecessary road-diets that take away your car lanes.

2025/2026 Budget. We focused your tax dollars on public safety, potholes, and parks.

• We made historic investments in your public safety to ensure our long-term security. We funded: $50M to police pensions, ensured police and fire salaries will be top 3 in the valley (ensuring competitive pay to attract and retain the best police and fire in Scottsdale), added 44 FTE’s to new the new Scottsdale Fire ambulance service.
• Our roads deteriorated dramatically over the last several years. Scottsdale deserves better – we increased road improvement budget from $17M to $42M.
• Due to our financial strength, we reduced your property tax rate by 2.1% from 9.33% to 9.12%.

Old Town Scottsdale Improvements. Our charming Old Town Scottsdale is getting lots of attention from your Council majority. We love Old Town and want to see it at it’s best!

• Streetscape beautification – $2M: new trees, street furniture, wayfinding, and monument signs.
• Pavement improvement – $7M – to roads and alleys.
• Old Town Marketing Agreement – brought marketing in-house doubling our dollars on ads instead of overhead.
• $125k grant to Scottsdale Gallery Assn for Old Town marketing. The SGA requested $125k but the Tourism Development Commission only approved $75k. When it came to Council, I recommended grant SGA request and my colleagues agreed.

Demand High-Quality Development. With diminishing state trust land and increasing traffic, it is important that we carefully consider each and every project moving forward.

• Axon. Unfortunately, 1200 housing units were approved by four members of Council. And with their vote, the resident’s certified voter referendum was canceled.
• BB Living at Cavasson. I appealed the design review board’s approval of BB Living at Cavasson and my colleagues agreed we could do better. Coming back to Council for approval, the applicant significantly improved design to meet the high quality expected in the area.

Jan’s Ordinances. My colleagues agreed – we can improve traffic, child safety and pedestrian safety.

1. Improve Traffic. There were lots of traffic barriers blocking traffic and yet no work was being done. Now, unneeded traffic barriers blocking traffic must be removed or face $500/$1000 fines.
2. Child Safety. We passed an ordinance against smoking within 50 feet of a city of Scottsdale playground – $100 fine.
3. Pedestrian Safety. No standing on city medians. We passed an ordinance that prevents people from standing on city medians.

Jan’s Council Committees. It is my honor to serve as Chairwoman of the Public Safety Committee, where we work with Scottsdale Police Department, Scottsdale Fire Department, and the Prosecutor’s Office to deliver you the safest city possible. It is a real pleasure to serve on the Economic Development Committee where we work with and encourage local businesses.

Jan’s Volunteer Work. Volunteering for Scottsdale’s Adopt-A-Road, Scottsdale Unified School District Wellness Committee, Palo Verde Republican Women 3rd Vice Chair for charitable giving, and Scottsdale Food Bank are a real pleasure!

As you may know, we received generous donations from the Scottsdale Fire Fighters Association, Honor Health, and the Blue Zones Project and raised over $29k for a refrigerated truck for Scottsdale Food Bank that will be able to pick up more fresh food for residents in need.

Pheeeeew!!! We have been busy!
Read More

Michael Bidwell. Photo Credit: Arizona Republic

Yesterday you may remember that when we spoke about the Jonathan Gannon firing, we took a critical position regarding ownership being the one tying bind in the team’s failures. But there are good reasons to dole out blame and unfair ones.

Michael Bidwill is facing criticism over ticket prices and stadium changes at State Farm Stadium, but the backlash deserves more context than it’s receiving. Yes, loyal season ticket holders were displaced by luxury additions like the Casa Roja club and field-level Casitas. Yes, ticket prices have increased. But painting Bidwill as tone-deaf ignores the broader picture of NFL economics and his genuine investments in the fan experience.

Cardinals tickets remain below the NFL average for game pricing, even after recent increases. While fans rightfully point to the team’s poor on-field performance (a 3-14 season doesn’t justify price hikes) Bidwill is operating in an inflationary environment where every NFL franchise faces rising costs. The secondary market told the real story this season: tickets sold for as little as $12 before the home finale, proving that market forces, not just ownership greed, dictate actual pricing.

Photo Credit: Trip Advisor

Critics conveniently forget that Bidwill has invested over $300 million in stadium improvements in recent years. The Cardinals have made substantial investments in the terrace level and other areas accessible to all fans, not just premium seating. Local food vendors were added throughout the stadium at all price points. These aren’t the actions of an owner solely focused on squeezing every dollar from high rollers.

The visiting fan problem? Bidwill acknowledged it drives him crazy and outlined concrete strategies to address it, something previous ownership might have ignored entirely. The displaced season ticket holders? Many were relocated to better sideline seats and expressed satisfaction with the move.

State Farm Stadium

Should Bidwill have raised prices during a historically bad season? Ideally, no. But judging him solely on 2025 ignores that his most controversial decision this week, firing Jonathan Gannon despite owing him two more years on his contract, demonstrated a willingness to spend to win. That’s three coaches on the payroll simultaneously, unprecedented in Arizona Cardinals history.

Bidwill isn’t perfect, but he’s operating a business in America’s most expensive sports league while genuinely trying to balance affordability, fan experience, and competitive necessity. Sometimes that’s an impossible balance to strike.

By Mary Manross, Former Scottsdale Mayor and Chairwoman for Vote YES YES Scottsdale PAC
and Carla, Preserve Pioneer and Campaign Coordinator for Vote YES YES Scottsdale PAC

In most campaigns there are winners and losers. Not when it comes to the passage of Propositions 490 and 491 in Scottsdale which happened on November 5th. We believe everyone in Scottsdale wins.

Proposition 490 will help revitalize and maintain Scottsdale’s parks, beginning with the Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt, and will provide ongoing care and protection for the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  It will provide funding to prevent and fight fires in and around the Preserve, and funds for increased police rangers for the parks and the Preserve.

Almost sixty years ago Scottsdale had the wisdom and foresight to create the Greenbelt and, thirty years ago, to create the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. They are two of Scottsdale’s greatest decisions and treasures. That wisdom and foresight are still with us today as evidenced by this vote.

Proposition 490 contains legal safeguards to ensure the money is properly spent. And we think these safeguards, and the benefits of the measure will win over many who voted no and maybe even some critics. Now that the voters of Scottsdale have spoken overwhelmingly in support of Proposition 490, we look forward to working with the new Mayor and Council to see that it is implemented properly and responsibly.Read More

By Carla (Carla), Preserve Pioneer

This year Scottsdale was fortunate when it came to wildfires. Next year we might not be so lucky.

As every summer gets hotter and drier, nature and human caused fires are a fact of life in Scottsdale and our Preserve. Thanks to the quick response and hard work of our Firefighters  – plus a little luck with wind direction  – we have avoided a catastrophic fire this year.

But next year, unless Propositions 490 & 491 pass, we won’t have as many tools to help prevent fires.

Year round our Fire Department does excellent outreach work with developments in Northern Scottsdale to address not planting invasive species and removing fire loads. They also work with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management to get grants which provide for wildfire prevention. Specifically invasive plant removal and preventative measures along our Preserve boundary and major roadways.

But Scottsdale did NOT get a grant to fund this work in 2025!

Proposition 490 would add Fire Department funding to provide quicker response times; increased Fire prevention programs; a second Technical Rescue Team; and additional resources to better protect you and your neighborhoods.

Proposition 491 – which is not a tax increase or budget override  – would allow Scottsdale to spend the money it already collects on programs and services that residents want and need. Without its passage, city services will face cutbacks, including in public safety.

Please join the Firefighters, who dedicate their lives to protecting you,  in voting YES-YES on Props 490 and 491. It’s critical to Scottsdale’s safety and future quality of life.

Carla (Carla), Preserve Pioneer

Data Orbital, in conjunction with AZ Free News, is pleased to announce the results of its latest statewide, live caller survey of likely General Election Voters. The survey was conducted from September 7th 2024 – September 9th 2024. The survey measured support for candidates in Arizona’s Presidential contest. This survey was sponsored by AZ Free News.

For President, the Democratic candidate Vice President Kamala Harris trails Republican former President Donald Trump by a slim 46.0% to 46.2% margin. 7.7% reported as being undecided or refused the question.

Speaking with AZ Free News about the Presidential race, George Khalaf, President of Data Orbital, stated “That 7.7% undecided number, I would say, is going to be one of two things: 1.) Either individuals that are saying that they are likely to vote but don’t end up voting or 2.) People that really are truly undecided. But I would be shocked if the true undecided number is in the high single digits”. Khalaf goes on to explain, “I would guess that right now, the true percentage of people that are undecided is maybe one or two percent, if that. This is a high-profile race and so most people have made up their minds. But I think a portion of people that are undecided likely will not end up making a decision on November 5th”.

By Jeanne Beasley
Candidate for Scottsdale School Board

As students return to school this week, let’s consider what we can do to help support and strengthen our local public schools. I am running for a seat on the Scottsdale Unified School Board on November 5, alongside Gretchen Jacobs and Drew Hassler, to serve our community positively.

We are parents, professionals, and community leaders who have had students in our Scottsdale schools and believe that strong communities should have strong public schools. Families shouldn’t have to look elsewhere for the excellent academic opportunities and well-rounded extracurricular experiences they desire for their children.

Our campaign, “Just Be Honest,” will bring a new era of transparency, accountability, and integrity to SUSD. Our mission is to ensure that every decision made is in the best interest of our students, families, and teachers.Read More

With just five days remaining until Arizona’s 2024 primary election, let’s take a closer look at how Republicans and Democrats are performing across the state.

Focusing first on the Republicans, a total of 1,156,580 GOP ballots have been requested. Of these, 1,089,498 are from registered Republicans and 67,082 from Independents. These numbers surpass the total requests from both 2020 and 2022, which were 1,035,288 and 1,059,348, respectively. Currently, Republicans have a 32.7% ballot return rate, while Independents have a 49.2% return rate, resulting in an overall return rate of 33.7%.

At this stage in the election, GOP ballot returns across the state are ahead of 2022 but are behind 2020. In 2020, returns at this time were 426,571, compared to 375,714 in 2022. So far in 2024, a total of 389,458 GOP ballots have been returned.

Now looking at the Democratic side, total ballot requests stand at 1,063,267, with 1,008,909 from Democrats and 54,358 from Independents. This exceeds the totals from both 2020, which had 1,044,288 requests, and 2022, which had 1,041,271 requests. Democrats are returning their ballots at a 29.4% rate, while Independents are returning at a 48.9% rate, resulting in an overall return rate of 30.4%

At this stage in the cycle, Democratic returns are lagging behind both 2020 and 2022. In 2020, Democratic returns were 439,383, and in 2022 they were 368,745. Both figures are notably higher than the current returns in 2024, which stand at 322,984.