Scottsdale has announced several updates for the end of 2025 and early 2026, impacting city services, events, and infrastructure projects.
The Scottsdale Trolley will not operate on New Year’s Day, Thursday, Jan. 1. Residents are encouraged to visit Valley Metro.org for complete holiday schedule information.
Renovation work on Scottsdale Fire Station 606 near Via Linda and 108th Street is scheduled to begin in January 2026. Emergency response services will continue without interruption during construction. To maintain service levels, station crews have temporarily relocated about half a mile away to the former Noah building near Miracle League Field and Cholla Park through a partnership with Scottsdale Unified School District. The renovation is budgeted at $7.2 million and expected to take about one year. Built in 1985, the station requires upgrades to meet modern operational needs, accessibility standards, and accommodate an ambulance. Fire Station 606 operates with a four-person crew of EMTs and paramedics who provide all-hazards emergency response similar to other fire engine companies in Scottsdale.
WestWorld of Scottsdale reported strong growth in 2025, with expanded marquee events, higher attendance figures, and strategic infrastructure investments aimed at supporting long-term success. The venue attracted a broader range of national, regional, and community events—drawing tens of thousands of first-time visitors—while established partners also increased their participation. Western and equine events continued as main attractions with record participation in reining, reined cow horse, and rodeo competitions. Additional notable events included Barrett-Jackson’s fall Collector Car Auction and the return of Tour de Scottsdale. In response to this growth, the city invested in new permanent barns, portable stalls, a modern public address system, and advanced planning for a major drainage project.
Several public meetings are scheduled for early January including the Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday Jan. 8.
Community activities include Noon Year’s Eve at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park from 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Wednesday Dec. 31—a family event marking both the new year and five decades in the community—and weekly ArtWalks that showcase more than one hundred galleries throughout Scottsdale.
For those interested in municipal operations or neighborhood projects: “Government 202: Behind the scenes at the Scottsdale Airport” offers an informational tour on Thursday Jan. 8; an open house event called “What’s in my backyard?” will be held Wednesday Jan. 21 at Fire Station 603 (8191 E Indian Bend Road).
Effective Dec. 29 through May 8 next year—the Roosevelt Storm Drain Project will cause detours on the Trolley Route (68CM), with temporary bus stops provided along Miller Road at Roosevelt Street as well as McKellips Road at both Miller Road and Scottsdale Road; overall storm drain work is projected to last until December 2026.
Arizona Canal maintenance by Salt River Project begins Jan. 8 between 68th Street eastward to Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community border—including portions adjacent to the Waterfront area—which may lead to restricted access along canal banks during construction activities outside peak irrigation season.
Job opportunities include Water Systems Analyst positions responsible for managing citywide water infrastructure operations—ensuring quality control while supporting economic vitality across Scottsdale.
Recent highlights include gold medal wins by local athletes from the Special Olympics Arizona Regional Soccer Tournament held at Scottsdale Sports Complex; completion of Gate 1 Bypass Taxilane Rehabilitation enhancing airport operations thanks partly to FAA/ADOT grant support; ongoing teamwork initiatives within Parks & Recreation Aquatics focusing on skill development among lifeguards across four locations.
Scottsdale has drawn artists, writers and health seekers since its early years due to its blend of Western heritage with cultural activities (official history page). The city functions through a council-manager government structure (official website), overseeing various departments including parks within areas like Indian Bend Wash (organizational chart). By expanding north into Sonoran Desert regions since its incorporation in June 1951 (history page), it now covers about 185 square miles with over 200k residents as recorded by 2000 (history page). Forbes recently ranked it among America’s safest large cities (recognition page).
