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Scottsdale Update – Dec. 2, 2024

Dec 3, 2024, 10:57 AM by Office of Communications
Scottsdale news for the week of Dec. 2

HEADLINE NEWS

WestWorld's impact on tourism: A $163.6 million boost to Arizona's economy. WestWorld - the city of Scottsdale's largest indoor/outdoor events venue, is playing an increasingly pivotal role in driving tourism and economic growth in the region.

An economic impact study commissioned by the city and conducted by the Arizona State University Seidman Research Institute demonstrates WestWorld's ability to attract high-spending visitors.

According to the study, the regional effect of WestWorld's 2023/2024 operations included:

  • $163.6 million contribution to the state's GDP
  • $85.6 million in labor income
  • 1,813 jobs supported statewide
  • $4.8 million in Transaction Privilege and Transient Tax collections

The assessment excluded Scottsdale residents and centered on spending from outside visitors who bring fresh dollars into the local economy.

Learn more and review the study

Scottsdale is once again a “Voice of the People” for resident engagement. The city earned the 2024 Voice of the People (VOP) Award for Excellence in Online Engagement for the second year in a row.

The VOP Awards are the only nationally recognized honors given to local governments based on resident input, government performance, and community data in decision-making. This is the 16th year of the awards, presented by Polco and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

In recent years, Scottsdale has expanded ways for residents to provide input, including several new online engagement platforms, including:

  • Speak Up Scottsdale - residents can offer feedback on city issues, programs, services, and projects
  • Hello Scottsdale - allows the community to provide feedback via text/SMS
  • Social Media – connects residents with local government services, events and important updates through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, Nextdoor and LinkedIn. These platforms allow for important dialogue between the community and the city.
  • Polco – allows residents to share their feedback through questionnaires, polls and online feedback.

Learn more

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 Dec. 2:

Week of Dec. 9: Check back next week for the full list:

Learn about the responsibilities of city Boards and Commissions and how you can serve.

Find more public meetings.

THINGS TO DO

Experience holiday magic during Scottsdazzle! Scottsdale's monthlong holiday celebration runs through Dec. 31. Experience the West's Most Western Town in a whole new way by discovering the best in dining, shopping and more than 45 incredible holiday-themed events.

Learn more.

Meet Santa at the Farmers Market. Old Town Scottsdale's beloved Farmers Market continues with a festive twist and a special holiday guest! This year, Santa will be joining the wide array of farmers and vendors to make for a very special Saturday morning. Children can sit with Santa and receive a printed photo.

Photos with Santa are available from 9 a.m. - noon, Saturday, Dec. 7

Learn more

Jolly Tamales cooking class. Join Barrio Queen to learn how traditional tamales and guacamole are prepared and add something delicious to your holiday menu!

Barrio Queen, a Scottsdale staple since 2011, brings the delicious flavors of its authentic, Mexican cuisine to Scottsdazzle with a hands-on cooking class led by Chef Mata. Learn the steps to crafting these scrumptious traditional, Mexican holiday recipes including Barrio guacamole, traditional tamales and horchata.

  • 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7124 E. Stetson Drive
  • Cost is $30 per person

Learn more and Register

Ongoing:

Get more events information.

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Scottsdale residents can safely recycle old electronics Saturday, Dec. 7, 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, Dec. 7, 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.

Learn about safety through the Desert Hiking First Aid course. The Desert Hiking First Aid course is designed to enhance the natural Sonoran Desert experience and improve the safety of visitors to the Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Sign-up to receive basic training in first aid techniques that may be encountered while enjoying the preserve. All course objectives are based on National Emergency Medical Services Education Competency Standards, as well as the National Park Service.

  • The class is 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8950 E. Pinnacle Peak Road.
  • The cost is $65 plus a $10 processing fee.
  • Please bring a sack lunch.
  • Participants are also encouraged to bring their hiking pack to review contents. There will not be a hike.

This is a non-certifying class.

Class sizes are a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 20. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.

Register for the Desert Hiking First Aid Course

FYI

Job of the Week: Stormwater/Drainage Engineer - Project Manager. The position reviews and provide comments on plans, reports and other documentation for preliminary and final development and infrastructure proposals. This role also acts as technical reviewer on Area Drainage Master Studies/Plans, drainage and flood control studies, design concept reports and capital improvement projects.

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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