Scottsdale is increasing its investment in Old Town with an expanded $47 million plan that includes new paving, infrastructure upgrades, business support, and a coordinated economic development and tourism strategy. The city has recently completed road and alley paving projects as well as sewer improvements aimed at improving safety, accessibility, and supporting local businesses and events. Additional enhancements are planned such as streetscape beautification, monument signage, park and public art improvements, along with continued backing for signature events like the Scottsdale Farmers Market. To guide these efforts, Scottsdale is developing new five-year strategies for economic development and tourism under the direction of newly appointed senior director Kevin Burke.
The city is also alerting residents to a phishing scam involving emails that impersonate Scottsdale staff and request payment through links or attachments like fake invoices. These messages use non-city email addresses but mimic official branding. Officials emphasize that legitimate transactions only occur through secure city systems using addresses ending in @ScottsdaleAZ.gov. Residents are urged not to click on suspicious links or attachments, avoid submitting payments via unsolicited emails, and verify communications by visiting the city’s website or calling 480-312-3111. The technology team is monitoring the situation in coordination with law enforcement.
Scottsdale is seeking volunteers for open positions on various boards, commissions, and committees including the Board of Adjustment, Parks and Recreation Commission, Human Relations Commission, Library Board among others. Interested residents must apply online by Friday, Feb. 20; appointments will be made in March after interviews.
Several public meetings are scheduled during the week of Jan. 26: a City Council Special Meeting at 4 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 27), a City Council Regular Meeting at 5 p.m., followed by a Planning Commission meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday (Jan. 28).
Upcoming community events include “Scottsdale’s Magical History Tour” featuring Cowboy Bob Scott sharing stories from early Scottsdale at Civic Center Library on Jan. 26; “Learn to Lasso” demonstrations at Old Town’s Rodeo Museum on Jan. 29; free entry to Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West on Jan. 30 as part of Western Week; and the Pony Express ride culminating with Mayor Borowsky welcoming riders outside Western Spirit museum on Jan. 30.
The Arizona Indian Festival takes place Jan. 31-Feb. 1 showcasing Native American arts, crafts booths, performances by tribal dancers including Apache Crown Dancers and Hopi Traditional Dancers.
The annual Parada del Sol Historic Parade returns with over 125 entries representing diverse cultures followed by the Trail’s End Festival block party in Old Town starting noon Saturday (Jan. 31). Art enthusiasts can join weekly Thursday evening ArtWalks downtown or attend special Gold Palette ArtWalks—the next one being Jan. 29 during Western Week.
Other ongoing programs include Neighborhood College sessions for HOA/condo board members addressing topics like short-term rentals (Jan. 28–29), job opportunities such as Water Policy Manager to oversee water conservation efforts in Scottsdale’s long-term planning initiatives, applications for SPD Citizens Academy offering insights into police operations for residents/business owners/employees, and social services provided through the new Helping Hub drop-in resource center every Wednesday at Civic Center Library.
Preparations are underway for WM Phoenix Open golf tournament taking place Feb.2–8 with related road closures beginning Jan.31 around Tournament Players Club areas to manage event traffic flow efficiently until all roads reopen by Feb12.
Routine maintenance will close the pedestrian underpass near McDowell Road/68th Street from Jan26–28 for cleaning of Swimming Dream public art installation; users will be detoured accordingly.
Finally, Scottsdale Parks & Recreation reflects on changes since2016 while reaffirming its commitment to quality parks and community programs.
