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Scottsdale Update – Sept. 30, 2024

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Safety and drainage improvements are coming to Scottsdale Road north of Dynamite. Work will begin in November to rebuild a two-mile stretch of Scottsdale Road from Jomax Road to Dixileta Drive. The project will improve safety and drainage along this busy corridor in northern Scottsdale.

A key safety improvement is the new multilane roundabout that will replace the current signalized intersection at Scottsdale Road and Dynamite Boulevard.

Roundabouts have been proven to reduce the likelihood of severe crashes by minimizing conflict points and forcing slower vehicle speeds. Roundabouts are also more cost-effective in the long run, requiring less maintenance than traffic signals.

The raised center median that will replace the current continuous center turn lane along this two-mile section is a safety improvement as well. This change will minimize vehicle conflict points, as will new left turn in and left turn out lanes which will be built at busier crossings. Finally, a pedestrian crosswalk signal at Pinnacle Vista Drive, a shared use path and bike lanes will improve safety and usability for pedestrians and bicyclists enjoying the area's natural beauty.

This project will also address drainage issues.

In its current configuration, the roadway dips and rises with the contour of the land - which means that substantial rain can create unsafe conditions and force restrictions as water collects in low points along the road. This project will eliminate those low points, installing a handful new drainage culverts to handle stormwater flows while keeping the roadway clear.

The total project budget is $43.7 million. About $31 million will be funded with federal transportation grant funds, the remainder will come from Scottsdale's dedicated transportation sales tax and regional transportation funds.

Scottsdale earns top credit rating, highlighting fiscal responsibility and strong management. Scottsdale’s financial stewardship received top marks as Moody’s Rating Agency recently upgraded the city’s Excise Tax Revenue Bonds from Aa1 to Aaa – the highest possible rating.

This upgrade reflects confidence in the city’s financial health, signaling to residents that Scottsdale meets the rating agency’s stringent criteria for demonstrating the strongest creditworthiness. The city’s General Obligation Bonds are already rated Aaa by Moody’s.

In addition to Moody’s upgrade, Fitch Ratings affirmed Scottsdale’s AA+ rating on its Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and the Municipal Property Corporation's (MPC) excise tax revenue bonds, with the Rating Outlook on both upgraded to Positive from Stable.

The city also holds a AAA rating from S&P Global Ratings on all its outstanding bonds and obligations.

“We are very pleased to receive these upgrades from Moody’s and Fitch. The upgrades by the rating agencies reflect the city’s overall financial health, and Scottsdale’s commitment to maintaining strong fiscal management and financial excellence,” said Scottsdale City Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Sonia Andrews.

Scottsdale Airport’s master plan update process is cleared for departure. Scottsdale Airport is launching a $1 million master planning project, funded almost entirely by a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grant.

This visionary initiative will shape the airport’s future over the next 20 years, and the public is invited to play a vital role. Please note, the master plan will not include a noise study but will focus solely on essential master plan objectives.

The process will kick off with an open house guided by Coffman Associates, a leading aviation planning firm, from 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Scottsdale Aviation Business Center, 15000 N. Airport Drive.

The master plan will evaluate current facilities and operations, and prioritize projects that improve safety, efficiency, sustainability and growing operational demands, ensuring Scottsdale Airport continues to thrive as one of the nation's top general aviation hubs.

Scottsdale will engage with stakeholders throughout the 18-month process. Stay informed by subscribing to Scottsdale Airport’s e-newsletters and following the airport on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook or Instagram.

Public Meetings

Get a head start learning about city issues, projects and activities by attending or listening in on the many public meetings we host.

Week of Sept. 30:

  • Veterans Advisory Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2
  • McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission Regular Meeting: 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3
  • Historic Preservation Commission Regular Meeting: 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve. Find more public meetings.

Things to do

Valley Metro Fare System Pop-Up event. Valley Metro is driving into the future with new technology and options for riders to purchase fare and more easily access the Valley’s transit system. Learn how you can purchase fares on the Valley Metro app or through the reloadable Copper Card at a Fare System Pop-Up event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the Granite Reef Senior Center.

The Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market returns for the season. The market features more than 100 local growers and specialty food producers. Shoppers will find a wide variety of organic and pesticide-free produce, seasonal specialties such as cider and apples, flowers, natural pork, beef, fish, free-range eggs from Arizona growers. You’ll also find cheese, freshly baked artisan breads, jams, tamales, and so much more. The market is family friendly and well-mannered pets are welcome!

The market is located at 3806 N. Brown Avenue. Learn more about the vendors.

All aboard! Railfair 2024 kicks off this weekend. The McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park is thrilled to present Railfair 2024, a grand celebration of everything railroading. Prepare for an unforgettable experience! The event is from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park, 7301 E. Indian Bend Road.

What’s in store for Railfair:

  • Model Railroad Clubs: Explore captivating indoor and outdoor model train layouts, brought to you by railroading clubs from across the Valley. These layouts will be shaded by tents and located in the plaza area near the Merci Train Car and the Model Railroad Building.

  • Scottsdale Live Steamers: After a summer hiatus, the Scottsdale Live Steamers are back! Enjoy delightful rides on the Arboretum Railroad, with their loading station conveniently located behind the Model Railroad Building. Donations are gladly accepted.

  • Scottsdale Railroad Museum: The Scottsdale Railroad Museum reopens its doors for the season during Railfair weekend. Delve into a fascinating collection of historical railroading artifacts, including a special display featuring items from the historical 40 & 8 Merci Train Car. Don’t miss guided tours inside the Presidential Roald Amundsen Pullman Car.

Scottsdale Police Department’s Trunk or Treat. Grab your Halloween costume and join the Scottsdale Police Department for Trunk-or-Treat! This free event takes place from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the McKellips District front parking lot, 7601 E. McKellips Road. In honor of domestic violence awareness month, domestic violence resources and professionals will be on-site. The department will also be collecting travel toiletry item donations at the event for domestic violence victims.

Ongoing:

Get more events information.

Programs and Services

Scottsdale residents can safely recycle old electronics Saturday, Oct. 5, at the city’s North Corp Yard. It’s important to properly recycle things like old computers, printers, phones, cameras, flat panel televisions/monitors and stereo equipment – and Scottsdale Solid Waste's free Electronics Recycling Event is the place to do it.

The event is from 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at 9191 E. San Salvador Drive. Proof or residency is required: such as a photo I.D. with your Scottsdale address or a city utility bill.

Learn more about acceptable items for this event.

Nominations are open for the 2025 Sustainable Scottsdale Awards. The awards recognize innovative individuals, businesses, associations, educational institutions and organizations that demonstrate exceptional sustainability efforts directly enhancing the quality of life in Scottsdale and contributing to an eco-friendly city.

Nominations will be accepted through 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. Applicants will complete a brief application form and submit a 500-1,000-word summary telling their innovative program’s story. Award winners will be announced during Earth Week in April 2025.

Learn more.

 

FYI

ADOT advises drivers of upcoming Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard weekend closure. Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard at Loop 101 will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7, for bridge work. The north and southbound Loop 101 frontage roads will remain open.

  • Detour: southbound Loop 101 frontage road to eastbound Raintree Drive to the northbound Loop 101 frontage road to access Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard east of the closure.
  • Detour: northbound Loop 101 frontage road to westbound Bell Road to the southbound Loop 101 frontage road to access Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard west of the closure.

The project is part of the Arizona Department of Transportation's two-year project to add lanes and improve interchanges on Loop 101 between Shea Boulevard and Princess Drive/Pima Road. “Stay in the Loop” by subscribing to project updates on ADOT's website.

Job of the Week: Police Wrangler. TThe position performs work related to cleaning and caring for the Scottsdale Police Department’s horses and facility. This role also performs limited health care treatments such as foot soaks, leg wraps, and administers certain medications, as well as attends to other minor injuries/aliments.

City employees enjoy competitive benefits while working in a supportive, high-performance organization focused on delivering on our mission – Simply Better Service for a World-Class Community. Learn more and apply.

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by Office of Communications
Sep 30, 2024
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