By Mayor David D. Ortega
Dear Scottsdale Families,
During this holiday season, as we approach the New Year, there are so many reasons to be thankful we live in Scottsdale. Just four years ago when I took office, the pandemic was peaking, and the mega-drought brought many uncertainties. I predicted then that, “When the pandemic subsides, Scottsdale will emerge as one of the best cities in the world.” And we have.
Our success has garnered many accolades. Scottsdale is ranked #1 USA Best City for Jobs, #1 Best Place to Open a Small Business, #1 Dog-Friendly City, #1 Best City to Retire, Top-Rated Low Crime City, AAA Bond Rated, and #1 Municipal Financial Excellence.
During my tenure we consistently made public safety a priority, increasing funding every year for Police and Firefighters to recruit and retain the best. Council funded the long-awaited new Fire Training Academy and a new Police Training Center, both ready to open in early 2025. SPD added a new Police Forensic Scientist, and a new state of the art real-time Crime Center is fully operational citywide. The Scottsdale Fire Department added 56 new fire personnel to man in north Scottsdale and will roll out the Scottsdale Ambulance service in 2025.
To carry our economic prosperity, we have attracted and added new high-paying private sector jobs, landing successful tech companies like ASM, AGCO, and Raytheon. These companies and others in Scottsdale are good corporate citizens involved in programs like SUSD Robotics, respect our natural environment, and provide quality jobs close to home. Council also provided property tax relief by shrinking the city budget by 10% this fiscal year and cutting property tax rates.
To support Scottsdale tourism, we welcomed new and traditional events that boost revenues for local business. Some events include the Barrett-Jackson Fall and Winter Collector Car Auctions, the Dia de los Muertos Festival, Canal Convergence, Scottsdazzle, Parada del Sol, MLB Fall League, Major League Baseball Spring Training, Super Bowl festivities, and NCAA Final Four events. The success of all these events incorporates a coordinated effort among local businesses, public safety personnel, local and state transportation agencies, our parks department, and the arts community.
Voters approved Proposition 490, which designates secure funding for our 48 parks and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, as well as funding for new fire resources and police park rangers to keep Scottsdale parklands safe. This new dedicated funding stream will maintain the beauty of our city and keep up Scottsdale facilities to the highest standards. In addition, the Council approved accelerating development of a new dog park for north Scottsdale. So even our pets get a victory.
Water security is vital for our prosperity. Council has worked to promote conservation, identify new water resources, and protect Scottdale’s water portfolio. In the last four years, residents voluntarily participated in one of the city’s conservation grant efforts and removed their front yard grass.
It has been my honor to serve as your Mayor. May Scottsdale remain beautiful, safe, clean, and health driven – today and into the future.
David D. Ortega is a professional architect, 45-year resident of Scottsdale and serves as the 12th Mayor of Scottsdale.
