NE Valley Times

The city of Scottsdale has released its proposed Fiscal Year 2023/24 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Plan, covering the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. The tentative budget adoption is scheduled for May 16, with final adoption set for June 13.

Despite strong revenue growth during the pandemic and the current fiscal year, Scottsdale anticipates a decline in local tax revenues due to an expected economic downturn and reduced consumer spending. "Given the economy’s uncertainty, the proposed budget takes a cautious approach to the future," according to city officials. The focus will be on expenditures related to workforce support, inflationary increases affecting core services and capital projects, along with City Council and citizen priorities.

Scottsdale Earth Week will begin with Green Expo on Saturday. A re-dedication ceremony will honor “Son of Godzilla,” a Scottsdale invention that improved trash and recycling pickup. The event will take place from 8-11 a.m. at North Corporation Yard. Attendees can also participate in art workshops about reclaimed materials and naturally dyed creations.

Plans for Thompson Peak Dog Park are available for public viewing and comment at a meeting on April 24 at McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center. This project includes a new dog park with separate gated areas, restrooms, additional parking, and a footbridge connecting it to existing park amenities.

April marks Celebrate Diversity Month in Scottsdale. Events showcasing various cultures are planned throughout the year as part of efforts to address racism in the community.

Upcoming public meetings include sessions by City Council on April 18, Library Board on April 19, Parks and Recreation Commission on April 19, among others.

Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is hosting "Meet the Authors" featuring Jana Bommersbach and Bob Boze Bell discussing their collaboration on "Hellraisers & Trailblazers – The Real Women of The Wild West" on April 27.

The Scottsdale Jazz Festival will occur from April 29-30 at Scottsdale Civic Center featuring artists such as Molina's All Stars and Donald Harrison.

Residents can participate in Prescription Drug Take Back Day at two locations on April 22 as part of an effort to reduce prescription drug misuse.

For those interested in learning new skills or pursuing hobbies this summer, registration for Parks and Recreation programs begins on April 24 for residents.

Job seekers can attend a Career Convention at Scottsdale Stadium's Fieldhouse on April 25 to meet local employers ready to hire.

The Beat the Heat program aims to provide homebound seniors with relief items during summer while assessing their needs through staff visits.

Efforts continue against invasive Globe Chamomile plants which pose wildfire risks when dry. Residents are encouraged to remove them before they spread seeds this summer season.

Scottsdale Fire advises adjusting hiking plans due to high temperatures causing potential heat-related illnesses.

A webinar detailing Scottsdale Tourism & Events Strategic Plan is scheduled for May 10 providing insights into future tourism strategies developed alongside Resonance Consultancy experts.

Recent events included Bunnanza egg hunts attracting over two thousand participants while WestWorld hosted multiple events attended by thousands throughout March including Bike Week drawing around fifty thousand visitors across five days.