NE Valley Times

The City Council is set to consider a development proposal for Axon's new corporate headquarters campus on November 19. The proposed site is located east of Hayden Road, just south of Loop 101. Axon, a technology company specializing in public safety equipment such as Tasers and on-body camera systems, was founded in Scottsdale and is among the city's largest employers.

The planned 70-acre headquarters aims to create 650 new jobs while consolidating 850 existing positions currently spread across various locations. The council had previously approved the corporate headquarters component in 2020. The upcoming meeting will focus on the multi-use section of the campus, which includes plans for a hotel, condominiums, apartments, retail spaces, and dining facilities.

Since its initial submission in January, the proposal has undergone several changes. The number of multifamily units has been reduced from over 2,500 to 1,965 units (300 condos and 1,600 apartments). Additionally, adjustments have been made to relocate a hotel and roadway away from neighboring areas. Building heights near residential neighborhoods have been decreased, and open land setbacks between these neighborhoods and campus buildings have been increased.

As part of the development plan, Axon would build or expand public infrastructure with reimbursement from the city for infrastructure that benefits the broader community. Specifically, Axon would expand Mayo Boulevard and Hayden Road and provide land for a city fire station in the area.

The agreement stipulates that Axon must construct at least 250,000 square feet of commercial or manufacturing space and achieve a payroll of $130 million before receiving partial reimbursement for infrastructure costs. If performance requirements are met, Axon could be reimbursed up to $9.4 million.

This updated proposal received unanimous support from the Scottsdale Planning Commission on November 19.