By Alexander Lomax It is nearly a year away from election season, and making predictions this far out is a complete fool’s errand nearly all of the time. And yet, here I am playing the fool with a strong degree of confidence: Mayor Dave Ortega is all but certain to win re-election. How can I say this so confidently? Of … Read More
Finally, a Chapter is Closed and the Rio Verde Foothills Water Crisis is Finally Over…Probably
It has been one of the biggest crises in recent Arizona history, one that has made national headlines as a potential canary in a coalmine to larger impending water issues in the state. And after too many back-and-forths, politically charged statements and in-fighting, it looks like this chapter is closed: the Rio Verde Foothills water crisis is officially over. First … Read More
Guest Editorial: Scottsdale’s Allure: Negotiating Exceptional Development
By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead Scottsdale’s world class status can be attributed to our multi-generational commitment to preservation and design excellence in our built environment. The Waterfront, pictured above, showcases both priorities. In 2003, Mayor Mary Manross and the Council approved the project. By trading height for public open space, the approval transformed vacant, blighted land into one of Scottsdale’s most … Read More
Scottsdale Draft Sustainability Plan Being Examined: What Should We Look Out For?
Last year, Scottsdale voters voted in favor of adopting the Scottsdale General Plan 2035 last year, a significant win for Mayor David Ortega (considering that a decade previous, it did not pass), although it came far from a mandate with only a 5 point win. But a win is a win, and soon thereafter the work began to start to … Read More
Statement from Supervisor Thomas Galvin on Rio Verde Foothills Standpipe Decision
“The Arizona Corporation Commission approved EPCOR’s application to construct a standpipe for water service to the Rio Verde Foothills community today. This is the long-term solution that I worked towards since becoming a member of the Board of Supervisors and serving District 2. I am happy that the good folks in Rio Verde Foothills will have a long-term, reliable water … Read More
Councilmembers at Odds Over New Apartment Development
By Jessica Perez It comes as no shock that Arizona’s house prices and rents have escalated significantly over the past few years, making the need for affordable housing more apparent than ever. Devco Residential Group is striving to address this need by introducing a multifamily residential complex in West Phoenix with 112 apartments falling under the low-income housing tax credit … Read More
The National Republican Senatorial Committee Goes to Bat for Kari Lake: Will It Work?
In what will almost undoubtedly be one of the most interesting political races in the entire country, Kari Lake will be vying for Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s seat in the US Senate along with Rep. Ruben Gallego. While it’s a long way out, one thing is for absolute certain: that this race will be very, VERY expensive and will draw in … Read More
AG Mayes and Governor Hobbs Have a New Target: AZ Schools Superintendent Tom Horne
Over the last few months, Governor Katie Hobbs and AZ Attorney General Kris Mayes have started to realize and actualize the power that they can wield together (you can read up on our coverage on Hobbs here and Mayes here). Most of this exploration has revolved around battles related to legislation, both real and potential, but rarely have they had … Read More
Lessons For Scottsdale: A Proposed New Hospital Flagstaff Went On Life Support Long Before A Public Vote
When Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) sought to move seven miles south to the Fort Tuthill area, they may have expected some pushback but nothing like the avalanche of opposition that forced a public vote that would see more than 70% of Flagstaff voters rejecting the idea no November 7th. The Flagstaff City Council vote in June to rezone 100 acres … Read More
The WM Phoenix Open Furthers its Status as a Premier Event Even More with Announcement
You almost certainly know all about the WM Phoenix Open, the iconic golf tournament at TPC Scottsdale. The pro golf tour party of the year…maybe even the party of the year in the city. It needs no other introductions. And yet somehow they are managing to outdo themselves with a recent announcement. The tournament recently announced easily one of the … Read More