By Mayor Lisa Borowsky
Politicians talk. My focus as Mayor these past five months has been to deliver for Scottsdale.
When I was running for Mayor last year, I made a simple, six-point pledge to Scottsdale voters. This is where we stand in accomplishing those goals:
- Demand High-Quality Development, and Reject Density
Scottsdale is special, but protecting what makes us unique requires constant vigilance. That’s why I spoke up when I saw plans to construct a parking garage monstrosity adjacent to one of Scottsdale’s iconic Old Town destinations: The Mission. I will continue pushing the City to identify alternative locations that won’t blight a historic area, overshadow The Mission or evict the popular Old Town Farmers Market.
Love of Scottsdale is also why I join local residents concerned about our city’s character being swept away in a tidal wave of apartment construction (and accompanying vehicle traffic).
I am adamantly opposed to Axon’s bid to build nearly 1,900 housing units – mostly apartments – as part of its headquarters plan in north Scottsdale. Over 26,000 local residents signed petitions to ensure a referendum vote on this project, and I will continue doing everything in my power to ensure your voices are heard. This doesn’t mean I’m anti-Axon. Scottsdale needs good jobs, but we cannot sacrifice our quality of life and we will not abandon the lawful right of our citizens to protest development proposals via the ballot box.
- Rein-in Wasteful Spending of Taxpayer Dollars
You work hard for every dollar. As Mayor, I’m doing everything possible to make certain the City spends its dollars – your dollars – appropriately. It was my idea to reconstitute the Citizens’ Budget Review Commission to help analyze City finances, and this panel issued its first report last month. I’m also pleased to report the 2025-26 City budget will trim approximately $91 million from total City spending, year-over-year. Lastly, I’m pleased that Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings each recently gave the City of Scottsdale’s bond programs the highest rating possible – AAA, a reflection of our City’s fiscal health.
- Restore Trust and Accountability at City Hall
I work for you. As Mayor, this is my philosophy and it’s an approach I insist upon at City Hall. I also know that trust is earned, not given – so I look forward to earning your trust in the months and years ahead.
- Strengthen Public Safety, Police and Fire Protection
Nothing is more important than safe streets and neighborhoods, and that begins with supporting our Scottsdale Police and Fire departments. It’s unacceptable that Scottsdale Police pay lags other Valley cities, impacting our ability to recruit and retain officers. I made it a priority to include a pay increase and retirement plan boost for Scottsdale Police in the coming year’s budget, and we were also able to include funding for 66 additional Police and Fire personnel.
- Promote Economic Development and Hospitality
Scottsdale is an economic destination. My objective is to ensure City Hall doesn’t bind up businesses in needless red tape, nor favor incoming companies over longtime Scottsdale employers. We must encourage economic growth while rigorously enforcing Scottsdale’s appropriately high standards for building and landscape design, water conservation and more. We can do all of this! Within the last couple weeks alone, Flexjet broke ground on a $36 million terminal at Scottsdale Airpark, and Banner Health began construction on its new medical campus in north Scottsdale. Big wins for our community.
- Implement Common Sense Traffic Solutions
Synchronize the traffic lights. Ditch the road diets. Avoid major traffic tie-ups during our busy season. When it comes to transportation, I’m pushing a back-to-basics agenda that begins with improving the condition of Scottsdale roadways. Our budget for the coming year includes $28 million to boost pavement condition, eliminate potholes and improve the quality of Scottsdale streets citywide.
With one roadway project that is ongoing, the City is partnering with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community to widen and improve Pima Road between McDowell and Via Linda roads, including stormwater upgrades to prevent flooding.
My focus also includes projects such as the just-opened Indian Bend Multiuse Path underpass that allows pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross underneath Chaparral Road. This project is making a real difference for public safety – while improving one of Scottsdale’s signature community assets: Indian Bend Wash.
As your elected representatives, each member of the Scottsdale City Council has a unique perspective and we will not always agree. That’s OK!
But, I promise to do what I say and always put the needs of Scottsdale residents first. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together in these past five months, and excited for all that the future will bring.
Lisa Borowsky is the Mayor of Scottsdale and a lifelong Scottsdale resident. Reach her at lborowsky@scottsdaleaz.gov.