The recent poll commissioned by The Arizona Progress & Gazette has provided some interesting insights about how residents feel about the current status of Scottsdale, the people leading the city, and some important issues facing residents and voters.
Today we break down the numbers further and interpret some dynamics behind the responses.
Right Direction/Wrong Direction
• 41.8% believe Scottsdale is going in the right direction.
• 39.5% feel it’s headed in the wrong direction.
• 18.7% are unsure about the city’s direction.
Far more Republicans think the city is headed the wrong way compared to Democrats. Independents are the most pleased.
Republicans:
• 36.0% Right Direction
• 50.2% Wrong Direction
• 13.8% Unsure
Democrats:
• 38.9% Right Direction
• 33.9% Wrong Direction
• 27.2% Unsure
Independents:
• 53.0% Right Direction
• 29.2% Wrong Direction
• 17.9% Unsure
Axon’s Rezoning Request for 2,000 Apartments in Scottsdale
Axon’s request to rezone the land housing its Scottsdale headquarters near Hayden and the 101 includes adding nearly 2,000 apartments and a hotel. Strong opposition expressed in the poll is consistent across political affiliations. And opposition intensified after voters were presented with arguments for and against the project.
Initially, 67.0% of voters were opposed to the Axon project with only 26.4% supporting it. After receiving arguments for and against, overall opposition increased to 75.6%.
Among those who think the city is headed in the right direction, 59.1% still oppose the project. For those who believe the city is on the wrong track, opposition rises to 77.0%.
Opposition was strong across partisan lines.
• 71.5% of Republicans
• 64.3% of Democrats
• 63.3% of Independents
The strongest opposition comes from voters over the age of 65, with 82.3% against the project.
Permanent Base Adjustment
Scottsdale voters may be asked if the City of Scottsdale can increase spending limits to provide improved public safety, roads, and other essential services. The spending limits were set by the State of Arizona in 1980, and City Hall believes the limits are in need of an update. Support is good but not great according to the poll. 55.6% of voters favor the idea. 33.9% oppose the increase.
When you break the responses down by political affiliation there are some stark differences.
Republicans
• 43.0% Support
• 45.6% Opposed
Independents
• 52.8% Support
• 33.8% Opposed
Democrats
• 78.5% Support
• 16.0% Opposed
Voters who believe the city is going in the right direction show a net support rating of 43.7%. In contrast, those who think the city is on the wrong track have a net support rating of -5.0%.
Extension of McDowell Sonoran Preserve Tax
Scottsdale voters may be asked to continue the soon-to-expire city sales tax of two-tenths of a cent initially passed to help make possible the McDowell Sonoran Preserve but at a reduced rate (likely .15%) to fund park improvements citywide, open spaces, public safety and maintenance needs in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It has significant support. 70.7% favor reducing and extending the tax, while just 22.0% support its expiration.
While the tax reduction and extension plan are favored across party lines, support varies depending on political affiliation.
• 85.4% of Democrats
• 72.8% of Independents
• 59.3% of Republicans
Arizona-based Data Orbital conducted the survey of 350 likely Scottsdale voters from January 17th through the 19th. The pollster was the most accurate firm that polled Arizona political races in the 2020 presidential election cycle and is top rated by FiveThirtyEight.