By Ronald Sampson
Photo Credit: azcentral.com
We all like renovations and upgrades and the nice and shiny. These things never come for free though, and especially for those of us who pay a significant amount in taxes, we often find ourselves asking if the juice is worth the squeeze. Rarely have I found myself wondering about it more than a recent announcement from the city of Scottsdale however.
Scottsdale is rolling out the red carpet for its 75th anniversary celebration next year with a hefty $40 million investment to revitalize Old Town. The ambitious fiscal year 2025/26 plan includes a $15.2 million Brown Avenue parking structure expansion, a matching $15.2 million Entertainment District parking garage, and a $7.9 million Main Street makeover complete with enhanced sidewalks, roads, landscaping, and lighting.
On paper, it sounds like smart municipal planning. Old Town Scottsdale has long been the crown jewel of the city’s tourism economy, drawing visitors from across the country to its blend of Western charm and upscale entertainment. Better parking infrastructure could ease the notorious congestion that frustrates both locals and tourists, while streetscape improvements might help the area compete with newer entertainment districts popping up across the Valley.
The timing also makes strategic sense, positioning these improvements as a 75th anniversary gift to residents while potentially boosting tourism revenue for years to come. Infrastructure investments, when done thoughtfully, can pay dividends through increased property values and business activity.
But questions linger about priorities and fiscal responsibility. While Scottsdale residents enjoy some of the state’s highest property values and quality of life, $40 million represents a significant public expenditure that will ultimately land on taxpayer shoulders. Critics may reasonably ask whether Old Town truly needs this level of investment, or if these funds might be better allocated toward basic city services, affordable housing initiatives, or infrastructure in underserved areas.
The city’s track record with large-scale projects will likely factor into public opinion. Some residents may welcome the improvements as overdue maintenance, while others might view it as unnecessary municipal spending dressed up as an anniversary celebration. Either way, in one of the biggest self-gifting in recent memory, Scottsdale taxpayers will be footing the bill for this birthday present to themselves.