Scottsdale’s Transportation & Infrastructure Department made several improvements throughout the city in 2025. The department worked with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) during the Loop 101 Improvement Project to manage traffic, communicate closures, and restore public art. Staff responded to nearly 19,000 utility locate requests to protect infrastructure.
Crews upgraded over 780 streetlights to energy-efficient LED fixtures and expanded the Scottsdale Trolley service. This included a significant increase in Spring Training game-day ridership and a new pilot route offering free access to the city’s food bank. Planners secured $17.3 million in federal funding for the Thomas Road reconstruction project and continued efforts to promote Scottsdale as a Gold-Level Bicycle Friendly Community.
Other projects included installing more than 730 ADA-compliant curb ramps, treating over 820,000 square yards of roadway, and completing resurfacing projects in Old Town. Emergency response teams and engineering staff supported storm recovery, major events, and capital projects throughout the year.
The city will host two open houses for residents to learn about proposed updates to fire-defensible space rules within Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) areas. The goal is “to modernize the rules, so they better reflect current environmental conditions and address issues identified in the existing ordinance.” The open houses are scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 20 at One Civic Center.
City offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day; however, trash and recycling collection will continue as usual.
Several public meetings are scheduled for the week of Jan. 12, including those of the Human Relations Commission, City Council, Economic Development Committee, Library Board, Planning Commission, and Transportation Commission.
Community events include “Scottsdale Automania,” a history presentation by Joan Fudala; the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction from Jan. 17–26 at WestWorld of Scottsdale; “Scottsdale Serenade,” a concert celebrating Scottsdale’s 75th anniversary on Jan. 25; and Western Week activities from Jan. 24–Feb. 1 featuring art walks, parades, festivals, and cultural events.
Residents can attend ongoing events at local arts centers and museums or participate in programs such as “What’s in my backyard?”—a community open house on Jan. 21 at Fire Station 603 where attendees can discuss local projects with city staff.
A job opening for Airport Operations Tech Sr. is available at Scottsdale Airport with responsibilities including daily airfield operations oversight and coordination with various stakeholders.
The city is also sharing information on solid waste and recycling best practices for 2026 to help residents improve recycling habits.
Last week, Scottsdale Fire crews conducted day-and-night training exercises at the Regional Training Center to enhance emergency preparedness under various conditions.
