By Lisa Borowsky | Mayor of Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale is the heart of our city — where residents gather, small businesses thrive, and visitors experience what makes our community special. It deserves thoughtful, responsible planning, especially when taxpayer dollars are involved.
That is why I believe it is both reasonable and necessary to re-evaluate the proposed parking garage project and support a new, comprehensive study based on updated data. This is not about stopping progress. It is about making the right investment based on current need, not past assumptions.
Importantly, this call is not mine alone.
More than 5000 residents and stakeholders have signed a petition asking the city to pause and conduct a thorough parking analysis before moving forward. That level of engagement reflects a clear expectation: get the facts right before committing significant public dollars. Which is why, on three separate occasions I have made a call for a public meeting to discuss this openly; unfortunately, that request has been blocked each time — the exact opposite of the transparency and respect our citizens deserve.
Some argue we already know there is a parking problem while so many others feel that couldn’t be further from reality. The issue is not whether parking can be tight at times, but whether an expensive new garage at the proposed location is the best solution. Are shortages consistent or limited to peak periods? Are they driven by demand or by how existing parking is managed? These are questions only a current, data-driven study can answer.
Others suggest delay will increase costs. That is a fair concern. But spending millions on a project that may be oversized or misaligned with today’s needs results in a poor investment of taxpayer dollars and an irreparable neighborhood impact. Fiscal responsibility requires weighing both risks. The most expensive mistake is not delaying, it is getting it wrong.
There is also concern that without immediate action, Old Town could lose its edge. I share the commitment to supporting our small businesses. But access is about more than adding supply. Forward looking cities are improving access through better signage, smarter management, and shared parking strategies without the same cost or footprint as new structures. We should evaluate all options, not just one.
Some say the project has already been studied. But conditions today are not what they were several years ago. Travel patterns, technology, and consumer behavior have changed. Good planning is not a one-time event — it requires decisions grounded in current reality.
Leadership requires action, but also confidence that our actions are justified. Taking time to validate assumptions and confirm demand is not inaction — it is disciplined decision-making where taxpayer dollars are concerned.
The current proposal carries a significant price tag, three times the national average for similar structures. Before committing, we should be certain it addresses a clear need, reflects current data, and aligns with Old Town’s long-term vision. As a conservative, I am guided by the belief that good governance is not measured by how quickly we spend money, but by how wisely we invest it.
Once these dollars are spent, they cannot be recovered. A new study allows us to ask the right questions and consider more cost-effective solutions while balancing walkability, business vitality, and the character of Old Town.
Supporting a new study is the prudent path forward. It ensures transparency, invites public input, and gives us confidence that when we move forward, we are doing so with clarity and purpose.
Scottsdale succeeds because we plan carefully and act deliberately. The proposed parking garage was discussed and, some say, decided upon almost a decade ago. That fact alone warrants a competent re-evaluation of the proposal based on today’s needs, including how ride share options impact the analysis. Before we commit more than $20 million in taxpayer dollars, let’s take the time to get it right.
Editor’s Note: Lisa Borowsky is serving her first term as Mayor of Scottsdale
