Spots remain open for the spring 2026 Government 101 Citizens Academy in Scottsdale. The academy is a free, ten-week series that introduces residents to the functions of city government. Classes are led by city leaders and department heads and include group discussions and hands-on activities. Sessions will be held weekly on Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon, starting March 5.
The Scottsdale Fire Department has appointed three new assistant fire chiefs, joining Assistant Chief Clint Steeves. Together, they bring nearly a century of combined experience in emergency operations, wildland response, prevention, major event planning, budgeting, logistics and workforce development. City officials state that this leadership team will help guide the department as the city continues to grow and host large events.
Scottsdale Airport will hold its final public workshop on the Airport Master Plan Update on March 12 at the Aviation Business Center. Residents, pilots and business owners can review proposed capital improvements and updated economic analysis for accommodating future business aircraft while maintaining current operations in line with Federal Aviation Administration standards. After this workshop, the draft plan will go to several city bodies before anticipated final council action in July.
The Scottsdale City Council approved a new three-year agreement with Scottsdale Arts to continue managing city arts programs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029. The agreement includes two optional one-year extensions and $6,297,114 in funding for fiscal year 2026/27 to support operations, education, public art conservation and community grants. Oversight covers venues such as Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and major events like Canal Convergence. The updated agreement adds clearer performance expectations and enhanced oversight following a recent audit.
Public meetings scheduled include special and regular City Council sessions on March 3; Veterans Advisory Commission on March 4; Development Review Board and McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission on March 5; Library Board meeting on March 11; and Brown Avenue Parking Structure Expansion meeting on March 12. Information about boards and commissions is available online.
Upcoming events include Rodeo Scottsdale (March 5-8), Arizona Outdoor & Overland Expo (March 7), Sun & Sounds music at Scottsdale Civic Center (Sundays at noon), San Francisco Giants spring training games at Scottsdale Stadium, weekly ArtWalks featuring over 100 galleries every Thursday evening, live performances at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy events, activities at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West and Sister Cities events.
Neighborhood College offers seminars such as “Laws and Community Associations – How to Avoid a Fair Housing Lawsuit” presented by Shaw & Lines Law Firm on March 2, focusing on federal/state fair housing laws and ADA compliance. Another session titled “The Scottsdale Waterfront – From Desert to Destination” will be presented by Bruce Wall of the city of Scottsdale on March 4.
A job opening is available for WestWorld Maintenance Worker II – CDL. This position involves preparing WestWorld of Scottsdale for various equestrian disciplines and special events across its extensive facility.
Sheila Williams from Human Services shared information about The Helping Hub at Civic Center Library—a drop-in service connecting residents with local resources via one-on-one conversations with social workers.
Scottsdale recently highlighted Pinnacle Peak Park’s geology—its granite boulders date back up to 1.8 billion years—and reminded hikers about unique rock features along park trails.
The police department participated in an online trend sharing staff birth years while reminding people not to post personal details online.
Scottsdale has long attracted artists and health seekers due to its blend of Western heritage and cultural activities (official history page). The city operates under a council-manager government structure where legislative authority rests with the council (official website). Various departments oversee parks like those found in Indian Bend Wash (organizational chart). By the year 2000, population exceeded 202,000 across roughly 185 square miles (official history page). Forbes ranked Scottsdale among America’s top fifteen safest cities with populations over 100,000 (official recognition page). The city also maintains its nickname “The West’s Most Western Town,” reflecting its ranching background (official history page).
