By Lisa Borowsky | Mayor of Scottsdale
When I ran for mayor I made a commitment to Scottsdale residents to focus on the fundamentals: Protect our quality of life, strengthen public safety, spend taxpayer dollars responsibly, and keep Scottsdale’s economy strong.
Campaigns are filled with promises; the real test comes after Election Day. Over the past 18 months, my focus has been on turning commitments into results.
Public Safety: Supporting the men and women who protect us
Nothing is more important to the success of a city than public safety.
For years, Scottsdale faced increasing competition from neighboring cities for police officers and firefighters. Recruitment and retention challenges threatened our ability to maintain the exceptional level of service residents expect.
That is why prioritizing competitive police and fire compensation has been one of my top priorities.
This year, the city implemented significant compensation improvements designed to make Scottsdale a destination agency for law enforcement professionals, one where experienced officers want to remain throughout their careers.
Public safety is not a place to cut corners. Investing in police officers, firefighters and emergency personnel is an investment in every neighborhood, every business and every family in Scottsdale.
STR Reform: Restoring peace to Scottsdale neighborhoods
Another high-level concern on the minds of residents is the impact of disruptive short-term rental party houses on neighborhoods.
Most short-term rental owners are responsible, and many visitors contribute positively to our local economy. But a small number of bad actors have used residential properties as commercial event venues, creating noise, safety concerns and frustration for nearby residents.
That’s why I supported and advanced a new enhanced ordinance that gives Scottsdale stronger tools to address illegal party houses and commercial events masquerading as short-term rentals. The new ordinance clearly defines what constitutes an “event center” and strengthens the city’s ability to enforce existing laws.
Scottsdale welcomes visitors but we will not tolerate neighborhoods being transformed into party zones. Residents deserve to enjoy their homes without repeated disruptions, and this action delivers another important step toward protecting neighborhood quality of life.
Common Sense: Fiscal conservatism emerges under my watch
A top priority for my administration — spend taxpayer dollars wisely.
That philosophy led to empaneling the Citizens Budget Review Commission, through a unanimous vote of the council. The “BRC” has been instrumental in supporting our efforts to create a thriving budgetary environment in Scottsdale, while maintaining low property taxes and the highest quality services. “What’s in the best interest of taxpayers” is the question that’s guided my budget decisions.
My commitment to fiscally conservative principles has resulted in many benefits to Scottsdale residents including reducing the taxpayer burden by $84.7 million while continuing to invest in public safety and essential infrastructure. The proposed $2.119 billion budget reflects 3.8% reduction in the previous year’s spending plan, maintains a balanced General Fund, and projects a strong reserve balance of $214.4 million.
Meanwhile, I opposed proposals that would have increased the property tax burden on Scottsdale residents and helped advance a fiscally conservative budget focused on core city priorities such as public safety, infrastructure and quality-of-life investments.
The re-established Citizens Budget Review Commission provides independent oversight and recommendations regarding the city’s financial future. Transparency, long-term planning and responsible stewardship should not be partisan issues — they are simply good government.
Scottsdale’s strong financial position continues to reinforce our reputation as one of the best-managed cities in the nation, maintaining the highest possible AAA bond ratings from both Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings, a reflection of the city’s exceptional financial strength and prudent management.
Fiscal conservatism is not about saying “no” to everything. It is about ensuring taxpayers receive maximum value for every dollar spent and continuing to keep a keen eye on identifying efficiencies.
Quality Development: Building Scottsdale’s economic future
Public safety and fiscal responsibility create the foundation for economic success, but we must also continue attracting companies, investment and high-quality jobs.
Scottsdale’s economy has become one of the strongest in the region because businesses recognize what residents already know: Scottsdale offers an unmatched combination of talent, quality of life and innovation.
Today, major employers including ASM, Axon, Choice Hotels, Nationwide and many others continue to invest in Scottsdale and expand their presence here. Scottsdale has emerged as a hub for technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare innovation, and corporate headquarters.
But economic development isn’t only about attracting new companies. It’s also about investing in the assets that already help drive Scottsdale’s economy. That’s why one of my priorities has been ensuring WestWorld of Scottsdale receives the attention and investment it deserves.
WestWorld is one of Scottsdale’s most important economic engines, hosting nationally recognized equestrian competitions, consumer shows, automotive auctions, trade events and community gatherings that attract visitors from around the world. Those visitors stay in our hotels, dine in our restaurants and support local businesses throughout the city.
For too long, critical improvements, identified by event producers and stakeholders, were delayed despite being originally slated as part of the 2019 bond program. Following meetings with equestrian organizations and major event producers, the City Council unanimously approved funding for both temporary and permanent horse stalls and critical upgrades to WestWorld’s public address system. Together, those investments will improve operations and enhance the experience for competitors, exhibitors and guests.
We have also secured a major win for Scottsdale taxpayers through a $10.4 million low-cost financing from the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) to fund long-needed drainage improvements at WestWorld. Even better, the financing includes $1 million in principal forgiveness, reducing the city’s repayment obligation to approximately $9.4 million.
The project will construct critical stormwater infrastructure from 94th Street and Bahia Drive to the Reata Wash channel, significantly improving drainage, reducing operational challenges during weather events and increasing year-round site reliability.
It’s these principles and ideas that has fueled the launch of the Mayor’s Downtown Scottsdale Task Force comprised of approximately 40 business owners. I believe the future of Old Town is best shaped by the people who know it, love it and have invested in its success.
As part of this Task Force, residents, business owners, property owners and community stakeholders have spent months taking a hard look at the opportunities and challenges facing downtown, from public safety and economic vitality to development, aesthetics and long-term sustainability. Their work has been thoughtful, collaborative and focused on one goal: ensuring Old Town remains the vibrant, authentic heart of Scottsdale for generations to come.
This fall, the task force will deliver its recommendations, giving our city a community-driven roadmap to strengthen downtown, preserve its unique character and position it for an even brighter future.
Stay tuned!
Forward Thinking: Preparing Scottsdale for the next generation
Good leadership is not just about solving today’s challenges — it also prioritizes opportunities for tomorrow.
That is why I have recently advanced two important initiatives that will help shape Scottsdale’s future while protecting the values our residents expect.
First, Scottsdale is taking a significant step toward strengthening long-term water stewardship. At my request, the City Council unanimously directed staff to begin exploring a large water user ordinance that would provide additional review and accountability for development and business operations with significant water demands.
The proposed ordinance would create a framework for increased transparency, public input and City Council review when considering projects with substantial water consumption.
I’ve also called for an open discussion on the future of our city’s water portfolio, and the options that are available to ensure this critical resource remains protected. As such, this fall, Scottsdale will hold a water focused work study session that will include an open discussion about the components that make up Scottsdale’s water “toolbox” so our residents fully understand the city’s water future.
Another significant measure recently brought forward, which the City Council unanimously approved, was my request to examine whether Scottsdale’s zoning code should include more specific standards for data centers as this rapidly growing industry expands across the country.
Data centers bring economic opportunity, but they also present unique concerns involving land use compatibility, energy demand, water consumption, noise, aesthetics and proximity to residential neighborhoods. Scottsdale residents deserve thoughtful planning that balances innovation and development with quality of life.
Through a work study session, the City Council will review current regulations, evaluate best practices from other communities and explore whether Scottsdale should adopt zoning standards specifically tailored to data center development.
By taking a proactive approach to water stewardship, infrastructure planning and emerging development trends, we can continue attracting investment and innovation while protecting the character, resources and quality of life that make Scottsdale exceptional.
Challenges and Opportunities: The next chapter for Scottsdale
The work of building and maintaining a great city is never finished. There will always be new challenges to solve, new opportunities to seize, and new ways to improve our community.
We should all be proud because, in Scottsdale, we have something really special: Engaged residents, dedicated public servants, thriving businesses, and a shared commitment to the values that have made this city not only one-of-a-kind but “top of class”!
Together, we are demonstrating that it is possible to invest in public safety, protect neighborhood character, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly and grow a world-class economy at the same time.
That was the promise — which I intend to continue prioritizing as long as I have the privilege of serving as your mayor.
Editor’s Note: Lisa Borowsky is mayor of Scottsdale serving her first term.
