Photo Credit: Brian Hancock
While Scottsdale governance has generally been befitting of our world class status, one way that it has fallen below expectations is their lack of ratification of a general plan in the recent past. These plans, which are supposed to be updated and ratified by the voters every 10 years, had not been updated in two decades. That will change with the recent approval of a 2035 plan by City Council; now it will be up to voters.
So why should you vote yes? First, let’s talk about what it even is.
The general plan is a set of guidelines that are meant to guide the future growth of the city; according to the city website, it “defines the community’s goals for growth, development, character, mobility and a variety of other community aspects”.
Mayor David Ortega said about it “Back in January when the new Council started the (General Plan 2035) process, I said ‘We are the body-of-the-whole to craft the final version’”. He was the only current voting member who was on the Scottsdale City Council during the crafting of the last successfully ratified plan.
The approval of the general plan will go on the ballot under the designation of Proposition 463 in a simple Yes or No vote. At this point there will be no other items on the ballot, although this is subject to change; but let’s focus on this proposition.
We are incredibly fortunate that this current council understands the value of competent planning and can largely leave aside bickering to help move the city forward. This current council makeup, as imperfect as it may be, is not led by ideologues; it is led by experienced folks with a wide variety of experiences and mild differences of opinion.
This iteration of the general plan delicately balances the needs and desires of Scottsdalians for a robust economy while preserving the beautiful backdrop of our city. For growth without disrupting the greatness of our city. It’s an excellent balance, and we should consider ourselves lucky to be led by leaders who could actually get this done.
There aren’t always easy Yes votes on your ballot, but Proposition 463 will be one of those. And we are fortunate to have the opportunity to vote Yes.