Scottsdale has been recognized as one of the safest cities in the country for drivers, ranking seventh nationwide and first in Arizona according to the 2025 Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report. The city credits this achievement to its ongoing efforts in transportation planning and investment.
The city’s approach includes real-time traffic monitoring at the Traffic Management Center and cooperation between traffic engineers and law enforcement. Programs such as the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program allow residents to contribute to neighborhood safety initiatives. In 2025, Scottsdale introduced the Safe Streets Scottsdale initiative, which targets reductions in serious and fatal crashes through specific improvements based on community feedback.
Scottsdale is also adjusting local regulations due to a new state law, HB2928, that changes how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are regulated. This law requires updates to Scottsdale’s zoning code, allowing ADUs on all residentially zoned lots. Public input will be collected at two open houses scheduled for August 11 and August 14 at city facilities.
A new trolley route will begin service on August 7, connecting residents with essential services including the Scottsdale Food Bank, Granite Reef Senior Center, and Vista del Camino Community Center. The trolley will operate Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon on a half-hour loop.
Several public meetings are planned for the week of August 4th: Development Review Board at 1 p.m., Paths and Trails Subcommittee at 5:15 p.m., and Historic Preservation Commission at 6 p.m., all on Thursday, August 7th.
Community events include a Sippin’ Series featuring locally crafted spirits on August 16 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. The weekly Scottsdale ArtWalk continues each Thursday evening across more than one hundred galleries throughout downtown.
Ongoing construction affects eastbound travel along McKellips Road between Alma School Road and State Route Loop 101; only one lane is open until early September while westbound lanes remain fully accessible. Updates can be found on the project website.
Construction of a storm drain along Roosevelt Street is set to begin in September as part of a joint project by Tempe (the lead agency), Scottsdale, and Maricopa County’s Flood Control District. An informational open house will take place August 7 at Vista del Camino Community Center.
The city is hiring an Old Town Specialist responsible for coordinating special events, managing contracts, and addressing community concerns in Old Town Scottsdale.
