Scottsdale made progress on its municipal open space priorities in 2025, with a focus on wildfire mitigation, invasive species management, habitat restoration, and enhancing visitor experiences at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park. City officials report that both areas together attract more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
“Scottsdale’s commitment to protecting our natural resources is unwavering,” said Mayor Lisa Borowsky. “These investments ensure the Sonoran Desert remains a safe, vibrant and accessible treasure for generations to come.”
Under Mayor Borowsky’s leadership, the city reduced wildfire risk by using $176,500 from the Healthy Forest Initiative to thin 38 acres of vegetation and additional Proposition 490 funds for another 11.6 acres near Tom’s Thumb Trailhead. The city also expanded its fuel-break system by treating over 67 acres with pre-emergent herbicide to slow potential wildfire spread.
From 2023 through 2025, Scottsdale worked with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy to treat more than 734 acres of invasive Pennisetum grasses as part of a five-year management plan started in 2022. Restoration efforts continued in areas affected by the Diamond Fire, where over 63 acres were rehabilitated and about 400 native plants were installed.
The city also increased efforts in visitor education and engagement. The Bajada Trail received new interpretive signage, while Pinnacle Peak Park introduced two new community events that drew more than 1,000 participants and continued its annual Jingle Hike tradition.
Additionally, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy completed biodiversity monitoring for several species groups including arthropods, bats, birds, butterflies, and tortoises to support long-term conservation planning.
Mayor Borowsky has provided practical leadership in city governance while maintaining strong community ties through lifelong residency and involvement in local organizations. She earned her Juris Doctor from St. John’s School of Law and has had a career in commercial litigation while serving on the city council and promoting fiscal responsibility. According to the official website (https://scottsdalemayor.com/news/), she supports Scottsdale’s hospitality sector as well as initiatives benefiting children, older adults, and underprivileged youth.
Borowsky has also held board roles supporting service initiatives for various community groups (https://scottsdalemayor.com/news/). Her tenure as mayor emphasizes resident engagement through regular updates and reports (https://scottsdalemayor.com/news/). Previously, she served on the Scottsdale City Council from 2008 to 2012 where she advocated for fiscal conservatism (https://scottsdalemayor.com/news/).
Borowsky’s lifelong residency in Scottsdale is noted as part of her ongoing connection with the community (https://scottsdalemayor.com/news/).
