By Ronald Sampson
Scottsdale City Council has been a bit…contentious recently. With plenty of battles amongst members, it has nearly been asking for cooler heads. And it was with perhaps perfect timing that that request was answered.
Longtime Scottsdalian Raoul Zubia recently announced that he will be running for city council next year. He brings decades of dedicated service to our community, combining professional expertise with a deep personal commitment to preserving what makes Scottsdale special.
As a lifelong resident and Coronado High School graduate, Zubia’s roots in south Scottsdale run deep. His 25-year banking career provided him with the financial acumen and strategic thinking that our city needs, while his retirement has freed him to focus entirely on community service.
Zubia’s resume of civic engagement is impressive. He’s served as Chairman of the Scottsdale Human Services Commission, where he gained firsthand insight into the needs of vulnerable residents. As President of Partners for Paiute Board of Directors, he’s worked to provide funding and resources to those in immediate need. His leadership extends to the Charros Foundation, Coronado Promise Committee, and the Parada Del Sol Committee, where he serves as an announcer for one of Scottsdale’s most cherished traditions.
Most recently, Zubia was appointed Vice Chair of the Protect and Preserve Scottsdale Task Force, demonstrating the trust current city leaders place in his judgment on critical issues affecting our open spaces and quality of life.
His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. In 2021, he received Scottsdale Leadership’s prestigious Hodges Alumni Achievement Award, and in 2024, he was inducted into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame—recognition of his lasting impact on our community.
You’ll have numerous options next year when it comes to who to elect (or re-elect) to city council. One thing is clear about Raoul Zubia though; he brings passion, integrity, and a proven track record of putting Scottsdale first. We could do much, much worse than having him helping lead our city.