Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky provided an in‑depth report to the Public Policy Committee at the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce earlier this week, outlining major economic, planning, and water‑policy initiatives.
In her 30-minute briefing hosted Tuesday, Feb. 17, Mayor Borowsky highlighted progress on the Greater Scottsdale Development Project, the launch of the Downtown Scottsdale Task Force, and the city’s leadership role in statewide water‑conservation efforts.
Mayor Borowsky detailed the initial focus areas of the Greater Scottsdale Development Project, which includes positioning Scottsdale as a medical tourism destination and encouraging the development of a health and wellness resort to build on the region’s luxury hospitality sector.
Furthermore, her report to the Public Policy Committee centered on the mayor’s newly formed Downtown Task Force, which will represent business owners, property owners, and residents throughout Old Town and downtown Scottsdale.
“Our focus is on positioning Scottsdale for long‑term success by strengthening our economy, supporting the vitality of Old Town, and ensuring responsible water stewardship,” Mayor Borowsky said. “From medical tourism to downtown revitalization and regional water policy, we are taking a proactive, collaborative approach to the issues that matter most to our residents and businesses.”
Mayor Borowsky also provided an update on critical water policy following recent meetings with state and regional experts, including Rhett Larson, general counsel at the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association; and Sarah Porter of the Kyl Center for Water Policy.
She discussed the bipartisan Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act, introduced in 2025, which would exempt water‑conservation rebates from federal taxable income — encouraging broader adoption of xeriscaping and water‑efficient upgrades.
The mayor noted that Scottsdale plays a key role in the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, which she serves as a member of the board of directors, in supporting the measure because it removes administrative burdens from cities and increases homeowner participation.
“The Chamber appreciates the mayor’s candor and leadership in outlining these priority initiatives,” Mark Stanton, Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said. “Our business community is eager to support efforts that enhance economic opportunity, modernize our downtown, and safeguard the resources that make Scottsdale a premier place to live and work.”
