Tourism in Scottsdale contributed significantly to the local economy in 2024, with more than 11 million visitors generating $3.7 billion in economic impact, according to an annual analysis led by the city’s Tourism and Events division. The tourism sector also supported over 36,000 jobs in hospitality and related industries.
City Manager Greg Caton commented on the city’s investments: “Scottsdale has made very strategic investments in public facilities and operations, which have shown positive returns on investments in the form of increased economic activity – much of it in the form of the tourism growth and impact that our latest visitor study shows,” Caton said. “We strive to deliver the highest-level programs, facilities, and services to our community, and visitors are clearly attracted to the same high-quality environment that our residents enjoy year-round.”
In fiscal year 2024/25, Scottsdale spent about $54.7 million providing municipal services for visitors. Tax revenue generated by visitors exceeded those costs by $22.8 million. For every dollar spent on municipal service costs attributable to visitors, the city received $1.42 in revenues.
Scottsdale Stadium saw nearly 140,000 fans during the 2025 Spring Training season—the highest attendance since 2019—according to data from the Cactus League. The stadium underwent improvements including a new shaded patio area and expanded tree coverage as part of a modernization plan begun after 2019.
The Scottsdale Charros continued their involvement beyond game days by contributing nearly $1.4 million through Spring Training operations and year-round programs to organizations across the city. More than 100 local groups benefited from this funding, such as 100 Club of Arizona, Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Family Promise, Scottsdale Arts, and Scottsdale Community Partners.
A series of public meetings are scheduled for August including City Council sessions and commission meetings covering topics like tourism development, parks and recreation, airport advisory matters, environmental issues, development review, transportation planning, bond oversight, among others.
Several cultural events are taking place around Scottsdale. Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is presenting “A Fistful of Colors!”, an exhibition exploring how artists use color to depict Western landscapes and stories. The Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art is showing “Alida Sun: Biophony,” featuring generative audiovisual art reflecting soundscape ecologies until September 7. Weekly ArtWalks continue each Thursday evening across more than 100 galleries in downtown Scottsdale.
Residents can also attend performances at the Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts or participate in events organized by McDowell Sonoran Conservancy or other local organizations.
Scottsdale Water customers are invited to register for a WaterSmart workshop on August 27 via Microsoft Teams to learn about tracking water usage and reducing waste using a free online portal.
Infrastructure projects are ongoing throughout Old Town with expanded pavement improvement efforts expected through October involving roadways, alleys, and parking lots aimed at improving driving conditions and curb appeal.
Traffic updates include nightly closures of Loop 101’s southbound off-ramp at Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard from August 24-29 for painting work; drivers are advised to use alternate routes such as Princess Drive/Pima Road off-ramp during these times. Raintree Drive will also be closed westbound at Loop 101 overnight between August 22-23 for sign installation; detours via nearby streets will be available.
Additionally, improvements along Loop 101 between Princess Drive/Pima Road and Shea Boulevard will add general-use lanes in both directions along with upgrades at interchanges within project boundaries (more information can be found at https://azdot.gov/Loop101PrincesstoShea).
The city is currently hiring an Assistant Human Resources Director responsible for supporting comprehensive HR programs aimed at recruiting and retaining employees who provide essential public services across departments.
Last week marked “City Hall Selfie Day,” where city employees participated in an annual celebration recognizing public service contributions coordinated by Engaging Local Government Leaders.
