By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead On the surface, Avala Scottsdale (Modus Companies) and Old Town’s AC Marriott Hotel (PEG) don’t appear related. But both followed a similar path—and show what happens when a Council negotiates hard and delivers prosperity for all in Scottsdale. Both projects are in highly desirable locations—though in Scottsdale, that’s every site. Avala, a single-story, net-zero energy rental … Read More
Q1 Money Race: Whitehead Leads the 2026 Scottsdale City Council Field
By Alexander Lomax The first campaign finance reports of the 2026 Scottsdale City Council election cycle are in, covering January 1 through March 31. Eight candidates are chasing three seats currently held by Solange Whitehead, Barry Graham, and term-limited Kathy Littlefield. The numbers tell a story of incumbency advantage, an early frontrunner, and a field where the financial gaps are … Read More
The Axon Vote: What Councilwoman Whitehead Said vs. What She Did
By Michelle Ugenti-Rita Scottsdale Councilwoman Solange Whitehead Cannot Be Trusted With the election just three months away, Scottsdale voters deserve to know which candidates can be trusted to, say what they do and do what they say. Councilwoman Solange Whitehead is running for re-election, and her record on one of the most consequential development decisions in our city raises serious concerns about whether … Read More
Guest Editorial: What Makes a Good Candidate
By Mary Manross Do you know Solange Whitehead? I have known her for over 20 years. That is why I am proud to serve as Honorary Chair for her campaign for Scottsdale City Council. The first question I have for candidates is what do they believe are the most critical issues facing Scottsdale? Secondly, have they ever shown an ability … Read More
It’s Official: I am on the Ballot
By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead It’s Official: I am on the Ballot Get ready to vote in the July 21, 2026 Primary Election! I’m pleased to announce that my nominating paperwork is filed and I am officially on the ballot for re‑election to Scottsdale City Council. With the incredible help of volunteers—and knocking on doors and visiting neighborhoods —I proudly … Read More
Guest Editorial: What I’m Working On: Water, Trees, and More
By Councilwoman Solange Whitehead Which Headline do You Want? For decades, Scottsdale has planned for cuts to the city’s allocation of water from the Colorado River. The headline we worked toward was simple: “Scottsdale not Impacted by Colorado River Cuts” A proposed departure from that long-term planning by the City’s new management could flip the headline — and threaten Scottsdale’s … Read More
Water: Protecting Scottsdale’s Lifeline
By Councilmember Solange Whitehead This past week, Western states that depend on the Colorado River failed to agree on rules for sharing increasingly scarce water resources, so the federal government may impose its own. Current proposals being discussed could cut Arizona’s share significantly. Scottsdale relies on the Colorado River for roughly 70% of our water, putting us more at risk … Read More
Guest Editorial: We’ve Only Just Begun
By Bob Littlefield Dear Friends: For over a year coverage of the attempt by Axon to build a massive apartment complex in Scottsdale has dominated local media. Yet despite all this attention there is a huge amount of misinformation in the publics’ mind about what is the status of that situation. This misinformation is coming from the proponents of the … Read More
Guest Editorial: Scottsdale deserves leaders we can trust
By Christian Serena Politics and passion often go hand in hand. But when passion replaces accuracy — especially by an elected official — our entire community suffers. Residents deserve clarity from leaders we can trust. In her recent Scottsdale Independent opinion, Councilwoman Solange Whitehead claims the council “silenced” the public by adjusting when citizens can speak during meetings. That’s not … Read More
Guest Editorial: Scottsdale Voters Win, Again
By Scottsdale City Council Solange Whitehead Last November’s resounding Prop 490 victory was challenged – yet again – by the Goldwater Institute. On Tuesday morning we prevailed in court. To be clear, voters in every Scottsdale precinct approved both Propositions 490 and 491 this past November. Despite frivolous legal challenges and an egregious misinformation campaign to defeat Prop 490, Scottsdale voters stuck … Read More