NE Valley Times

Scottsdale has achieved a significant reduction in municipal water usage, cutting back by 38 million gallons in 2022. This effort was part of a commitment made earlier that year to address the drought conditions affecting the Colorado River basin. The city managed to lower its water consumption by 6% compared to the previous five-year average through infrastructure and operational improvements. Scottsdale had declared Stage One of its Drought Management Plan, aligning with the Tier One shortage announced by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Western Week is underway in Old Town Scottsdale, offering a variety of activities including Western and Native American festivals, ArtWalks, and events like the Hashknife Pony Express and Parada del Sol. "Come and witness the oldest officially sanctioned Pony Express in the world," reads a description for one event on Feb. 3 at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West.

The city has introduced Hello Scottsdale, an AI-powered text-based Q&A service for visitors in Old Town to inquire about local events and services while providing feedback.

Mayor David D. Ortega's "State of Scottsdale 2022" is available online for those interested in learning about last year's accomplishments and future challenges.

The Scottsdale Fire Department has launched its first podcast titled FIREWATCH, aiming to provide insights into their operations during large-scale events.

Public meetings are scheduled for various commissions and boards throughout early February.

The Scottsdale Historical Museum reopens on Feb. 1 after being closed for three years, offering exhibits that showcase the city's history.

Upcoming classes at the Scottsdale Public Library cover topics ranging from local business histories to golf's evolution in the area.

Scottsdale will also host several cultural events including an interactive program on Chuck Berry's life during Black History Month and an art talk at Granite Reef Senior Center.

Traffic updates have been issued ahead of major upcoming events like the WM Phoenix Open which significantly impacts local traffic patterns but also generates substantial economic benefits as evidenced by a recent study indicating $453.7 million was added to Arizona’s economy last year due to this event alone.

Community engagement opportunities include attending ESPN broadcasts from Old Town or participating in ongoing cultural programs such as art walks or farmers markets. Additionally, residents can apply for volunteer roles within city boards or commissions until early February.

In preparation for Super Bowl LVII, street operations crews are updating signage around Old Town to accommodate increased visitor numbers while public health officials encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu before large crowds arrive.