Scottsdale has named Kevin Burke as its new Senior Director of Economic Development & Tourism. Burke will be responsible for leading the city’s Economic Development and Tourism departments, which focus on business recruitment, expansion, small business support, tourism, events, and economic development both domestically and internationally. He is also tasked with advancing projects aimed at job creation, sustainable growth, and long-term economic health.
Burke brings over 15 years of experience in economic development and municipal leadership. He most recently worked as Executive Management Advisor and Deputy Director of Economic Initiatives for the city of Tucson, where he managed a $2.4 billion organization’s strategic plan for economic development. Burke is set to begin his new position on December 29.
The city also recognized its employees and volunteers at the 2025 Scottsdale Employee & Volunteer Awards held on December 10. The event honored individuals and teams from various departments including water engineering, library facilities, adaptive recreation, public safety, and aquatics.
Several public meetings are scheduled for the week of December 8:
– Judicial Appointments Advisory Board Regular Meeting: 6 p.m., Monday, December 15
– Tourism Development Commission Regular Meeting: 9 a.m., Tuesday, December 16
– Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m., Wednesday, December 17
– Budget Review Commission Regular Meeting: 4 p.m., Thursday, December 18
Residents can learn about city boards and commissions or attend these meetings to stay informed about local issues.
Upcoming activities include Holiday Stocking Decorating at Via Linda Senior Center on December 17; a Public Menorah Lighting at Soleri Bridge that same evening; Santa’s appearance at Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market on December 20; Scottsdazzle Stroll & Shop at Scottsdale Waterfront Canal Bank later that day; Scottsdazzle Toyland at Scottsdale Civic Center on December 21; another Public Hanukkah Celebration on December 21; Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park through December 30; weekly ArtWalks every Thursday evening; ongoing performances at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts; events by McDowell Sonoran Conservancy; Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West activities; and programs from Scottsdale Sister Cities.
A session titled “Essential Estate Planning” will take place at Civic Center Library on December 16 to help residents understand differences between will-based plans and trust-based plans.
The intersection of McDonald Drive and Pima Road remains closed through December 16 for paving work and installation of new traffic signals. Loop 101 off-ramps to McDonald Drive are also closed during this period. Drivers are advised to use alternate exits such as Talking Stick Way/Indian Bend Road or Chaparral Road. More information is available at pimaroadimprovements.com or by calling 480-442-1087.
The Scottsdale Fire Department is collecting unwrapped toys and gift cards until December 22 as part of its annual toy drive supporting families in need. Donations can be dropped off at all fire stations or headquarters.
The city is hiring a Project Coordinator in Preserve Management to help maintain natural areas like the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and Pinnacle Peak Park by managing projects related to trail infrastructure and ecosystem preservation.
Recent community engagement included police participation in the DC Ranch Cocoa Stroll event and friendly competition between fire and police departments during the Battle of the Badges Golf Tournament. The Parks and Recreation department reminds pet owners to clean up after their pets when visiting parks.
Scottsdale operates under a council-manager form of government where elected officials legislate policy decisions while an appointed manager oversees daily operations (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council/city-charter). The city covers approximately 185 square miles (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history) with a population exceeding 202,000 since the year 2000 (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history). Known as “The West’s Most Western Town” due to its ranching history (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history), it has become notable for its blend of Western heritage with cultural activities (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history), tourism sector involvement (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history), recreational spaces such as parks in Indian Bend Wash (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/docs/default-source/scottsdaleaz/orgchart.pdf?sfvrsn=e36a7e9f_3), cultural institutions like museums (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history), technological initiatives (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history), expansion into the Sonoran Desert region (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history), location within Arizona’s Salt River Valley (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history), incorporation date in June 1951 (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history), origins dating back to Winfield Scott’s land purchase in Salt River Valley in 1888 (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/scottsdale-history), various municipal boards overseeing local governance (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/docs/default-source/scottsdaleaz/orgchart.pdf?sfvrsn=e36a7e9f_3), recognition among America’s safest cities according to Forbes rankings (https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/about/recognition).
For more information about current events or services provided by different city departments visit official resources linked above.
