Scottsdale is accepting nominations for its annual Scottsdale Salutes program, which honors veterans, active-duty military, and members of the National Guard and reserves with ties to the community. Selected honorees will have banners displayed on light poles in Old Town for two weeks in November and will be recognized at a special reception during Veterans Day events.
To be eligible, nominees must live in Scottsdale, have previously lived there, or have a strong local connection such as working in the city for at least five years. Nominations are open through Friday, Sept. 26, and can be submitted by searching “Scottsdale Salutes” at ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
The program was created by the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission. According to the commission: “The program aims to publicly thank service members for their dedication and sacrifice.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Scottsdale Water Quality Laboratory. The facility has processed over 210,000 samples and analyzed more than one million substances since it began operations in early 1999. The lab was originally built as part of the Scottsdale Water Campus in 1998 and received its first license from the Arizona Department of Health Services in 2000. In May 2025, the City Council approved an expansion to increase testing capabilities due to new regulatory requirements.
A new state law (HB2928) requires cities like Scottsdale to amend zoning codes related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are now allowed citywide on all residential lots or parcels. The city will host an open house about these changes from 5–6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 14 at Mountain View Community Center.
There are seven open positions on various boards and commissions including the Airport Advisory Commission and Library Board. Residents interested in volunteering must complete an online application by Friday, Aug. 15.
The City Council returns from summer break with a work study session scheduled for Monday, Aug. 18. New security procedures at City Hall include walk-through metal detectors, handheld screening devices, bag checks at designated entry points, and secure storage for legal weapons as required by A.R.S. § 13-3102 A.
Public meetings scheduled this week include sessions of the Human Relations Commission on Monday and both the Housing Agency Governing Board and Human Services Advisory Commission on Thursday.
Local events this week include a Sip & Shop Summer Market on Saturday at Hotel Valley Ho from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., ongoing ArtWalks every Thursday evening downtown featuring more than 100 galleries, performances at Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts throughout the year, activities with McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.
Residents can also register for fall Neighborhood College classes that cover topics like HOA/Condo management and local history or apply for seats in Citizens Water Academy—a five-week course running Sept. 10 through Oct. 8—offering insights into municipal water systems.
Summer Memory Camp takes place Wednesday morning at Via Linda Senior Center for those impacted by memory conditions.
The city is seeking feedback on proposed updates to its Smoking in Public Ordinance that would expand smoke-free areas at city facilities—including playgrounds—and add e-cigarettes/vapes to banned items.
Eldorado and McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Centers will offer weekend waterpark hours through Sept. 1 before closing for the season.
Scottsdale is hiring a traffic engineer within its Transportation & Infrastructure department; applicants are encouraged to learn more about job requirements online.
New online content includes episodes discussing staying active while aging—featuring Deputy Director Kevin McKee—and information about recent changes at Scottsdale Food Bank following its relocation to McKellips Campus which has increased capacity for serving residents efficiently.
A new social media campaign aims to educate residents about proper recycling practices; details are available by searching “recycle” on ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
