By Lisa Borowsky | Mayor of Scottsdale
Politicians talk. My focus as Mayor these past five months has been to deliver for Scottsdale.
During my campaign for Mayor last year, I made a simple, six-point pledge to Scottsdale voters. This is where we stand in accomplishing those goals:
- Demand High-Quality Development, and Reject Density
Scottsdale is special, but protecting what makes us unique requires constant vigilance. That’s why I spoke up when I saw plans to construct a 3-story concrete parking garage in Scottsdale’s iconic Historic Old Town District, across from the Old Adobe Mission. I will continue pushing to identify an alternative location that won’t blight a historic area, overshadow The Mission or evict the popular Old Town Farmers Market.
Love of Scottsdale is also why I join local residents concerned about our city’s character being swept away in a tidal wave of apartment construction (and accompanying vehicle traffic).
I adamantly opposed Axon’s bid to build nearly 1,900 apartments – as part of its headquarters plan in north Scottsdale. Over 26,000 local residents signed petitions to ensure a referendum vote on this project, and I will continue doing everything in my power to ensure your voices are heard. I’ve spent many hours appealing to Axon representatives to reduce the proposed density. Axon listened and made considerable concessions but other members of the Council have refused to consider alternatives which, unfortunately, may ensure that residents are stuck with the maximum density that was originally approved; the result of SB1543 passing.
- Rein-in Wasteful Spending of Taxpayer Dollars
You work hard for every dollar. As Mayor, making certain the City spends your dollars wisely. I led the initiative to reconstitute the Citizens’ Budget Review Commission to help analyze City finances, that panel issued its first report last month. I’m pleased to report the 2025-26 City budget will trim approximately $91 million from total City spending, year-over-year. Lastly, I’m pleased that Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings each recently gave the City of Scottsdale’s bond programs the highest rating possible – AAA, a reflection of our City’s fiscal health.
- Restore Trust and Accountability at City Hall
I work for you. As Mayor, this is my philosophy and it’s an approach I insist upon at City Hall. I also know that trust is earned, not given. In furtherance of this mission, I keep careful watch on the content which is proposed and discussed in Council’s Executive Sessions. Further, my office has initiated an “open door” policy whereby residents have easy access to information and assistance resolving their concerns. Most importantly, last month we kicked off the “Mayor’s Town Hall” series to allow us to be in touch with residents face to face to hear what is most important to them, answer questions and discuss current events. Given the success of the inaugural Town Hall, we are excited to make this a regular event, rotating throughout the city.
- Strengthening Public Safety, Police and Fire Protection
Nothing is more important than safe streets and neighborhoods, and that begins with supporting our Scottsdale Police and Fire departments. It’s unacceptable that Scottsdale Police pay has lagged behind other Valley cities, impacting our ability to recruit and retain officers. I made it a priority to include a pay increase and retirement plan boost for Scottsdale Police in the coming year’s budget and fund 66 additional Police and Fire personnel. We can’t afford to shortcut on Public Safety!
- Promote Economic Development and Hospitality
Scottsdale is a luxury destination with a world-class reputation. My objective is to ensure our beautiful city meets or exceeds the expectations of visitors and residents alike. For businesses, it is critical that City Hall doesn’t bind up businesses in needless red tape, nor favor incoming companies over longtime Scottsdale employers. Our city government must encourage economic growth while rigorously enforcing Scottsdale’s appropriately high standards for building and landscape design, water conservation and more. We are making all of this happen! Within the last couple weeks alone, Flexjet broke ground on a $36 million terminal at Scottsdale Airpark, and Banner Health began construction on its new medical campus in north Scottsdale which will include the first MD Anderson cancer treatment center. Big wins for our community!
- Implement Common Sense Traffic Solutions
Synchronize the traffic lights. Ditch the road diets. Improve pavement quality and ramp up road maintenance. Avoid major traffic tie-ups during our busy season. When it comes to transportation, I’m pushing a back-to-basics agenda that begins with improving the condition of Scottsdale roadways and the experience for drivers. Our budget for the coming year includes $28 million to boost pavement condition, eliminate potholes and improve the quality of Scottsdale streets citywide.
One notable project which is ongoing includes the city, partnering with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, widening and improving Pima Road between McDowell and Via Linda roads, including stormwater upgrades to prevent flooding.
My focus also includes improvements in our parks and activity paths, such as the just-opened Indian Bend Multiuse Path underpass that allows pedestrians and bicyclists to safely cross underneath Chaparral Road and looking at ways to make a difference in our residents’ experience such as making the Chaparral dog park safer through better gate-keeping mechanisms and improving the quality of grass on playing fields. Improving quality of life for our residents is key!
As your elected representatives, each member of the Scottsdale City Council has a unique perspective and we will not always agree and that’s OK but my focus will remain on prioritizing civil dialogue and decorum befitting the positions of Mayor and Council.
My promise to you is to work hard to achieve the goals set forth above and so many more, and to always put the needs of Scottsdale residents first.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together in these past five months, and excited for the opportunity to improve our future for generations to come!
Note: Lisa Borowsky is the Mayor of Scottsdale and a lifelong Scottsdale resident. Reach her at lborowsky@scottsdaleaz.gov.
