Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Scottsdale City Council has unanimously adopted its fiscal year 2026-27 budget, which is a $2.119 billion spending plan that reduces overall expenditures while prioritizing public safety, infrastructure and the core services residents rely on every day.
The adopted budget is $84.7 million lower than the current fiscal year and maintains a balanced General Fund with a projected fund balance of $214.4 million.
“Scottsdale is proving that fiscal discipline and high performance can go hand in hand,” Mayor Lisa Borowsky said. “This budget protects the services our residents depend on every day while making smart, long-term investments that keep our community strong, safe and prepared for the future.”
The new fiscal year begins July 1, 2026.
Mission critical: public safety & municipal infrastructure
The budget makes significant investments to strengthen emergency response capabilities and support Scottsdale’s police officers and firefighters.
Key investments include
- $18 million for renovation and expansion of the Civic Center Jail and Downtown Police Facility;
- $10 million for construction of a new fire station at 90th Street and Via Linda;
- $9 million for the Ambulance Annex and continued implementation of Scottsdale’s municipal ambulance service; and
- $7.9 million to establish compensation parity for sworn police and fire personnel with top public safety agencies across the Phoenix metropolitan area.
“These investments reflect our unwavering commitment to public safety — it will always be Scottsdale’s top priority,” Mayor Borowsky said. “We are ensuring our police officers and firefighters have the resources they need to protect our community while also supporting recruitment and retention of the best in the profession.”
The city will continue major investments in its transportation network, including $45 million for pavement preservation projects citywide.
Other planned improvements include reconstruction of Thomas Road between 56th and 73rd streets and modernization of major traffic signal equipment to improve reliability and mobility.
“Maintaining and improving our roads is essential to quality of life and economic vitality,” Mayor Borowsky said. “These investments help ensure residents can move safely and efficiently throughout our city while extending the life of our infrastructure.”
Protecting Scottsdale water and enhancing local parks
The adopted budget includes approximately $331 million in water and water reclamation infrastructure projects, representing one of the city’s largest areas of capital investment.
Over the next five years, Scottsdale plans to invest more than $855 million in water and wastewater systems, including upgrades to key treatment facilities, replacement of critical pipelines and pump stations, expansion of reclamation infrastructure and other strategic investments to strengthen the city’s long-term water portfolio.
Also, the budget continues investments in parks, preserves and recreational amenities throughout Scottsdale, including Proposition 490-funded improvements, repairs at Vista del Camino Park, trailhead enhancements in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve and improvements at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park.
“Our parks, preserves and public spaces are central to Scottsdale’s quality of life,” Mayor Borowsky said. “These investments ensure residents and visitors continue to enjoy the spaces that make our city so special.”
Supporting city staff and boosting economic vitality
The adopted budget also includes projects aimed at strengthening Scottsdale’s economy and tourism industry, including Old Town improvements, new monument signage for the Fifth Avenue District, accessibility improvements at Scottsdale Stadium and wayfinding enhancements at WestWorld.
“Scottsdale’s economy depends on vibrant districts, successful businesses and world-class visitor experiences,” Mayor Borowsky said. “These improvements support local businesses and reinforce our position as a premier destination.”
The budget includes:
- Measures to support recruitment and retention of city employees, including up to a 3% merit increase for eligible employees;
- A 1% market adjustment; and
- A one-time 1% payment for employees at the top of their pay range who are not eligible for merit increases, along with continued advancement of an employee health clinic.
“Our employees are the backbone of the services we deliver every day,” Mayor Borowsky said. “This budget reflects our commitment to supporting our workforce while continuing to provide exceptional service to our residents.”
