By Councilwoman Betty Janik On March 21, City Council approved lane reductions (Road Diets) for 68th Street from Osborn north to Indian School. This continues to spark controversy. Over 30 individuals spoke at the meeting representing both sides. I have received hundreds of emails with about 85% in opposition to lane reductions. I also spoke to several icons of Scottsdale … Read More
Recent Arrest Demonstrates the Importance of STR Regulation
The battle for local control and municipalities and their attempts to reign in the excesses of short-term rentals (STRs) has turned into one of the most important issues across all of Arizona and is due to become a major platform piece for political candidates of all stripes in 2024 (we’ve spoken extensively about it, you can get up to date … Read More
Does Scottsdale Have Its Own Impending Financial Crisis? 2019 Bond Vote Now Causing Problems
To say that it has been a tumultuous past few weeks in the financial markets in America would be an understatement. The dramatic collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the main banking institution for much of the tech and start-up industry, was directly followed by the regulatory seizure of Signature Bank, which represented the 2nd and 3rd largest bank failures in … Read More
The New Battle Lines with the Rio Verde Foothills Water Crisis Emerges: the City of Scottsdale v. Maricopa County
For a few moments, we thought that the Rio Verde Foothills water crisis was mostly resolved. We thought we had turned a corner, and that an agreement had been largely agreed upon. But to the detriment of the citizens of the Foothills and to the benefit of the pundits who appreciate good stories to write about, the story is clearly … Read More
Mayor Ortega Capitulates on Rio Verde Water Crisis, but Work is Left to Do
Public outrage has a way of swaying politicians. So does looking around and seeing that you’re on an island with a particular view. Scottsdale Mayor David Ortega apparently has learned this firsthand, and it seems to have shifted the conversation regarding the most notable and controversial topic so far this year. After public disagreement and obstinance, it now seems as … Read More
Guest Editorial: Protecting Your Natural Resources
By Councilman Barry Graham
Guest Editorial: A Fabulous February Recap
By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead
Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show Ends Up Being an Economic (Horse) Powerhouse
Scottsdale has a well deserved reputation for being an international tourist destination. Aside from the amenities that tourists and regulars alike can enjoy, there are also quite a few truly special events that make it stand out amongst its brother and sister cities within the Valley. One of those events is the Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show, Arizona’s cornerstone of equestrian … Read More
Breaking News: Letter to Mayor and Scottsdale City Council – Proposed Changes to Zoning Ordinances
From the Goldwater Institute Mayor David D. Ortega & Scottsdale City Council Members City of Scottsdale 3939 North Drinkwater Blvd. Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Re: Proposed Changes to Zoning Ordinance Dear Mayor Ortega and Members of the Scottsdale City Council: As an organization dedicated to the protection of private property rights, we are writing to express our concern with respect to … Read More
Rio Verde Foothills Updates: Mayor Ortega is Softening His Tone, and New AG Mayes Weighs In
The ongoing water crisis with the Rio Verde Foothills is indeed a very difficult situation for the residents there with many moving parts from the legal and legislative side, especially with summer coming. As the residents seek any good options, the battle lines had been drawn with Mayor Ortega taking a staunch position against using city resources to help. Given … Read More