Guest Editorial: Scottsdale’s Green New Deal & Axon Referendum

By Councilwoman-Elect Jan Dubauskas

Dear Friends –

It’s time to count our blessings, express our gratitude, and spend time with dear family and friends. Please know that I am extremely grateful for YOU. Your activism, enthusiasm, and grassroots work secured a historic victory for the city of Scottsdale and for our future – THANK YOU!

As you could probably guess, we have two more things to do before we log off and enjoy some turkey and cranberry sauce (my favorite!).

1) Axon Referendum: Unfortunately, last week the lame duck Council approved Axon’s plan for 1,895 apartments. So many of us spoke out (see my public comments here)- it’s truly appalling that Council voted 5-2 in favor of the project in spite of the myriad of serious objections. 

As a result, residents are coming together to fight the project with a referendum. By December 21st, residents must collect 15,000 signatures and if successful, the project will appear on the November 2026 ballot – for YOU to decide if you want those apartments.

You can help! Email: taaazepac@gmail.com to help gather signatures. Every signature matters and your help will make a huge difference!

2) Scottsdale Green New Deal: On December 3rd, Council will again review the “Sustainability Plan” which is not sustainable or sensible. Did you know the Scottsdale Green New Deal calls for us to cut back on water, while also adding trees and grass? Did you know the Scottsdale Green New Deal asks us to cut CO2 emissions by 90% – which renders us without cars and electricity? Oh – and they’re asking us to cut back while they’re approving THOUSANDS OF APARTMENTS. It’s absolutely impractical and dangerous. Read the details here.

You can help! Email: citycouncil@scottsdaleaz.gov and tell them that we do not need a Scottsdale Green New Deal! Scottsdale is already working to preserve the environment more than any other city. We do not need or want these radical policies in Scottsdale.

Upcoming lame duck Council meetings:

12/3 5pm – Agenda
12/4 5pm – Agenda
12/5 5pm – Agenda

Incoming Council’s first meeting:

1/14/25 5pm – Details to come!

Again – thank you! Scottsdale is such a vibrant city, together we have the opportunity to keep it that way!

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

For Scottsdale,

Jan Dubauskas
Scottsdale City Councilwoman-Elect