The City of Scottsdale is offering residents several opportunities to engage with local government and community initiatives this October.
A session titled “Government 202: Understanding your city’s finances” will be held on Monday, Oct. 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Scottsdale Community Design Studio. The event aims to provide an overview of the City Treasurer’s Office, explain how tax dollars are allocated, and offer insight into the city budget, revenue sources, and spending priorities. The session concludes with an interactive activity where participants can decide how they would distribute the city’s funds.
In an effort to improve accessibility, Scottsdale has installed 45 new ADA-compliant curb ramps in Old Town. This is part of a broader initiative to modernize pedestrian infrastructure and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The upgrades are linked to the city’s ongoing ADA Transition Plan update, which seeks to identify and remove barriers to accessibility.
A community meeting focused on the ADA Transition Plan is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Center. Residents and disability advocates are invited to provide feedback on accessibility in Scottsdale. Additional input can be submitted online at SpeakUpScottsdale.com.
Residents can also participate in a community walking assessment to help shape the city’s Transportation Safety Plan. The walks, led by Dan Burden, an expert in walkability and street design, are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25, at various locations throughout the city. Participants will provide feedback on transportation infrastructure and safety.
Public meetings for the week of Oct. 13 include sessions of the Parks and Recreation Commission, Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission, McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission, and Transportation Commission. The following week will feature meetings of the Tourism Development Commission, City Council, Neighborhood Advisory Commission, and Airport Advisory Commission.
Several community events are planned, including the Barrett-Jackson Fall Auction at WestWorld from Oct. 15-18, the Scottsdale Fall Festival at Scottsdale Civic Center on Oct. 18, and Halloween Spook-Track-ula at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park through Oct. 31. The Scottsdale ArtWalk continues on Thursdays in the city’s gallery district.
The city encourages residents to join discussions on Speak Up Scottsdale, its online forum for sharing ideas and feedback about city programs and projects. Current topics include the ADA Transition Plan Update, Scottsdale’s 75th Anniversary, and the Safe Streets Scottsdale plan.
Other programs include a Neighborhood College roundtable for HOA and condominium board members and a workshop on efficient irrigation techniques to help homeowners conserve water.
Scottsdale is seeking artists for its Tinsel Trail window painting program as part of the upcoming Scottsdazzle holiday event. The city is also hiring a chief information security officer to oversee cybersecurity efforts.
Residents are invited to provide feedback on the city’s Quarterly Performance Report to help improve municipal services. A special Halloween episode of the Podsdale podcast features local history expert Bruce Wall sharing a true story from Scottsdale’s past.
Last week, Scottsdale Fire recognized Fire Prevention Week with a focus on lithium-ion battery safety.
Contact information for city services and quick links are available for residents seeking assistance or more information.
