By Councilman Barry Graham
City government works best when it’s anchored in its essential responsibilities: keeping residents safe, maintaining the city’s infrastructure and preserving public open space.
That’s why I’m proud of the FY2026 budget that the city council is currently working on — a return to fundamentals that one of my colleagues calls “public safety, potholes and parks.”
There’s been a growing sense that the focus had shifted from our core values towards ideological agendas that include road diets, runaway roundabouts and poorly planned programs that impose on your lifestyle.
This concerning trend has swept the country — local budgets used to advance divisive social agendas at the expense of basic services.
It’s imperative to refocus government on your priorities: ensuring that police and fire departments are fully staffed and equipped, making sure roads are safe and well-maintained, and investing in parks and open spaces that bring people together.
Public safety is paramount. You deserve to feel safe in your home, neighborhood and on your streets. This budget restores Scottsdale police compensation and rescues their pension — important for recruitment, retention, and retirees’ peace of mind.
The same logic applies to infrastructure. Since 2019, the quality of our road pavement has deteriorated by a staggering 22%. Potholes may not grab headlines, but they’re a source of daily frustration, a safety issue for drivers, and an example of government neglect.
And then there are our parks — places where residents gather and kids play. At times, we may take them for granted, yet they’re vital to our city’s identity and residents’ well-being.
As councilmembers, our job is to responsibly and transparently manage your city’s business. This coming year’s budget is a major step in spending your tax dollars — not on ideological agendas — but on government essentials. After all, we share a unique quality of life that’s worth preserving.