By Alexander Lomax The Arizona Governor’s Race Narrows to Two (plus Hobbs) Karrin Taylor Robson’s exit in February cleared the Republican gubernatorial field down to Andy Biggs and David Schweikert. Both are sitting members of Congress. Both will face off on July 21. Biggs holds a commanding financial edge. His campaign reports roughly $2.7 million raised for the cycle and … Read More
A Bar Fights City Hall Over Parking Spots, and Wins. What Does It Say About Doing Business in Scottsdale?
A Long Fight Over a Simple Expansion Old Town Tavern just won something that should not have taken months to get: permission to expand into the empty space next door. The Scottsdale City Council approved the permits this week, clearing owner Paul Mitchell to grow his bar and restaurant. Mitchell called himself “ecstatic.” He had reason to be relieved as … Read More
Mayor Borowsky leads effort to review data center development standards in Scottsdale
Scottsdale City Council unanimously approved a request from Mayor Lisa Borowsky last week to begin examining how the city’s zoning ordinances apply to data centers and whether more specific requirements are needed as the industry continues to expand nationwide. Scottsdale City Council directed the city manager and city attorney to agendize a work study session focused on current data center … Read More
Better Together’s Blank Check: Who’s Really Funding the PAC Attacking Barry Graham?
By Alexander Lomax A New PAC, a Familiar Playbook A political action committee called Better Together has spent more than $250,000 attacking three Scottsdale City Council candidates, and Scottsdale voters still don’t know who is paying for it. The committee filed with the state on June 5. Its first campaign finance report isn’t due until July 15, well after most … Read More
Scottsdale City Council advances Mayor Borowsky’s large water user ordinance initiative
From the Office of Mayor Lisa Borowsky Scottsdale is taking a significant step toward strengthening long-term water stewardship as the Scottsdale City Council unanimously directed the city manager and city attorney to agendize a work study session on the potential creation of a large water user ordinance. The proposed ordinance initiative, championed by Mayor Lisa Borowsky, is being developed in … Read More
Second Ethics Complaint Against Kathy Littlefield Dismissed. The Bigger Question Is Who Keeps Filing Them
By Ronald Sampson A Complaint That Never Had Legs An independent hearing officer has dismissed the second ethics complaint filed against Scottsdale Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield over her votes on Axon’s headquarters campus. Local activist Dan Ishac argued Littlefield should have recused herself because her husband, Bob Littlefield, chairs TAAAZE, the group fighting Axon’s apartment plans. Hearing Officer Robert Donfeld ruled … Read More
When a Data Center’s Promise Dries Up (and What It Means for Arizona)
By Alexander Lomax A cautionary tale is unfolding in California’s Imperial Valley, and it has direct implications for Arizona. Imperial Valley Computer Manufacturing promised its planned AI data center would avoid drawing from the Colorado River. The developer said the project would rely on reclaimed and recycled water from local cities, not supplies from the drought-stressed river. That pledge has … Read More
Koa Peat Comes Home: the Phoenix Suns Draft a Local Legend
The Phoenix Suns made a move Thursday night that felt less like a draft pick and less like a homecoming. Koa Peat, the Chandler-raised forward who starred at the University of Arizona, is staying in Arizona. This time, he’s wearing orange and purple. The Suns traded into the first round to land the 19-year-old Peat, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound forward with … Read More
Tourism promotion delivers strong return, strengthens Scottsdale’s reputation
From Experience Scottsdale A recent study confirms that strategic tourism promotion is not only driving visitation to Scottsdale but also strengthening the city’s reputation and generating significant economic benefits for residents. The City of Scottsdale and Experience Scottsdale commissioned leading tourism research firm Longwoods International to evaluate the effectiveness of Experience Scottsdale’s marketing efforts. The study found that for every … Read More
Toilets, Taps, Tasers, Tempers. Axon and Water Recycling Dominate Scottsdale Candidates Forum
By Miller Shea Moderated by Taylor Seely of The Arizona Republic, the June 19th candidate’s forum at the Kiva brought together seven candidates competing for seats on the council: Bob Littlefield, Michelle Ugenti-Rita, Barry Graham, Solange Whitehead, Crystal Carroll, Ethan Knowlden, and Raoul Zubia. Eric Sloan did not attend. Littlefield, Ugenti-Rita, and Graham made it clear they will oppose Axon’s … Read More