Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky delivered a detailed update to the Public Policy Committee at the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce this week, focusing on economic development, downtown planning, and water policy.
During her 30-minute presentation on Tuesday, Feb. 17, Mayor Borowsky discussed the Greater Scottsdale Development Project and the formation of the Downtown Scottsdale Task Force. She also addressed the city’s involvement in state-level water conservation initiatives.
The mayor outlined that the Greater Scottsdale Development Project aims to position the city as a destination for medical tourism and to encourage a health and wellness resort that builds on local luxury hospitality. The new Downtown Task Force will include business owners, property owners, and residents from Old Town and downtown areas.
“Our focus is on positioning Scottsdale for long‑term success by strengthening our economy, supporting the vitality of Old Town, and ensuring responsible water stewardship,” Mayor Borowsky said. “From medical tourism to downtown revitalization and regional water policy, we are taking a proactive, collaborative approach to the issues that matter most to our residents and businesses.”
Borowsky updated attendees about recent meetings with state experts such as Rhett Larson from the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) and Sarah Porter of the Kyl Center for Water Policy. She highlighted ongoing support for the bipartisan Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act introduced in 2025. This act would exempt water-conservation rebates from federal taxable income in order to promote practices like xeriscaping.
As a member of AMWUA’s board of directors, Borowsky emphasized Scottsdale’s role in backing this measure because it reduces administrative work for cities while encouraging more homeowners to participate.
“The Chamber appreciates the mayor’s candor and leadership in outlining these priority initiatives,” said Mark Stanton, president and CEO of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our business community is eager to support efforts that enhance economic opportunity, modernize our downtown, and safeguard the resources that make Scottsdale a premier place to live and work.”
Borowsky has supported community service programs for children, older adults, and underprivileged youth through various board positions according to her official website. Her office has focused on resident engagement by providing updates like this one (source). Before becoming mayor (source), she served on the City Council from 2008-2012 where she advocated fiscal conservatism (source). Borowsky is also noted as a lifelong resident of Scottsdale (source).
