We have not been shy about the city of Scottsdale’s sluggish response to its critical tourism industry, waylaid by a pandemic. It’s supposed to be a first among municipal equals when it comes to ingenuity.  Instead, it’s led from behind, performing as if concussed rather than with commitment and conviction. Fortunately, one of its wannabe leaders, Scottsdale City Council candidate … Read More

PHOENIX⁠ — Governor Doug Ducey announced today that Turf Paradise Race Course owner Jerry Simms has personally donated $1 million to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund, established to provide financial support to organizations providing essential aid to those affected by COVID-19. Turf Paradise also recently donated $25,000 worth of food to St. Mary’s Food Bank. “Businesses throughout the state have done tremendous … Read More

By Recker McDowell — New campaign fundraising numbers in Scottsdale show advantages for Virginia Korte and Suzanne Klapp in the mayoral race and some financial strength for City Council candidates Tammy Caputi, John Little and Bill Crawford. Candidates have filed first quarter 2020 campaign finance reports with the city of Scottsdale. In the race for mayor, Korte raised $95,071 in … Read More

By City of Scottsdale Economic Development Department  — As a Scottsdale business, we want you to know we are here to help. The City of Scottsdale has launched the Scottsdale Small Business Assistance Center designed to serve as a one-stop shop for Scottsdale businesses looking for information and guidance on available assistance programs during the COVID-19 crisis. We know how cumbersome … Read More

Imprinted on pop culture by a cultish comedic movie, “Bueller?” is a phrase meant to convey waiting for a response when there is none. And that’s how we feel nearly one week after stating in no uncertain terms how deficient Scottsdale leadership has been to aid decimated tourism-related businesses despite having the means to do so. Think about it.  Congress, … Read More

We get Scottsdale city government has many priorities right now, especially to its first responders and health care infrastructure. But when an industry like tourism, which is 35% of the city’s economy, cries out for help it is shocking and infuriating no one at the City of Scottsdale is showing the type of leadership desperately needed. It is not as … Read More

By Virginia Korte — We are living in interesting times. A time of unknowns. It was a little more than 2 weeks ago when things were normal – Spring Training games were in full swing, tourists filled our Old Town streets, galleries and restaurants. And many of us were planning our next trip to visit our parents, children and grandchildren. … Read More

By Suzanne Klapp — Mother Teresa famously said “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” This current virus pandemic means for some of us that we can help make the situation a little better by helping at least one other person. In my Scottsdale Mountain community, we are doing just that with an effort called Neighbors … Read More

By Recker McDowell Scottsdale is considering the vision and future of its popular Old Town area. Tempe is looking at building more urban and creative neighborhoods. Other cities — including Phoenix, Chandler, Goodyear, Mesa and Gilbert — are all looking to take their downtowns to the next level including more residents, offices and restaurants. Communities, in particular Scottsdale, are also … Read More