Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is making good on her promise to support the western heritage of ‘The West’s Most Western Town.”
Scottsdale City Council, in a unanimous “yes” vote from all seven members, approved the WestWorld Strategic Plan during its March 24 meeting at City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The plan adopts a roadmap designed to solidify the nearly 400‑acre facility’s role as the city’s premier event‑driven economic engine and can be read HERE.
The unanimous approval, delivered through Resolution No. 13587, advances a multi‑year strategy centered on clarity of mission, operational excellence and enhancing WestWorld’s competitiveness in regional and national event markets.
Mayor Lisa Borowsky says the unanimous vote reflects City Council’s commitment to protecting and elevating one of its most valuable public assets.
“WestWorld is not only a signature venue for Scottsdale, but also a vital driver of tourism, business activity and community identity,” Mayor Borowsky said following approval of the strategic plan. “This plan sets the standard for how we will steward the facility, compete for the best events in the country and ensure our residents and visitors continue to benefit from all WestWorld brings to our city.”
A Strategic Path Forward: WestWorld of Scottsdale
The WestWorld Strategic Plan outlines four major priorities to guide the facility from 2026 through 2031:
• Compete for the best — Establish clear event criteria, strengthen producer experience and align programming with Scottsdale’s tourism and economic goals.
• Strengthen and unify the organization — Improve communication, standardize business processes and build a stronger venue‑management culture.
• Engage the city and region — Expand community outreach, improve wayfinding and visibility and deepen regional partnerships.
• Plan for the future — Prioritize capital planning, asset management, risk mitigation and emergency preparedness.
Mayor Lisa Borowsky said the new plan positions Scottsdale to thrive amid growing regional and national competition for major events.
“Scottsdale is rising to meet the moment,” Mayor Lisa Borowsky said. “By adopting this plan, we’re ensuring WestWorld continues to evolve with intention — protecting its equestrian heritage, expanding its economic impact and elevating the quality of experiences we offer to residents, producers and guests from around the world.”
A 2024 study estimated WestWorld produced approximately $164 million in annual regional economic impact and generated about $4.8 million in local transaction privilege tax revenue in the same year. The venue hosts an average of 80 equestrian and special events annually, including the internationally recognized Barrett‑Jackson Collector Car Auction and the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show.
Mayor Borowsky reports city staff will integrate the plan into ongoing operations with measurable benchmarks, annual progress reviews and a scheduled mid‑point update by 2029.