COGS MISSION
Consistent land use planning
and protecting our unique quality of life.
Arizona’s Water Crisis: The 2026 Cliff
With 2026 guidelines expiring, Scottsdale faces a new operational reality through 2046. Episode 2 of The Shrinking Vein explores the 1.2 million acre-foot Structural Deficit and the math impasse stalling basin negotiations. While Arizona is 36% dependent on the river, Scottsdale’s 72% reliance creates a unique vulnerability. Finally, we define “Dead Pool” as a technical engineering limit, not total depletion
COGS Research Desk: AI Powered Insights
COGS uses advanced AI to navigate 25 years of City Council summaries and Planning Commission archives. We provide the clarity needed to verify project compliance, trace voting histories, and expose policy shifts instantly. Support these investigative tools and empower our neighborhoods by becoming a sustaining member today.
Scottsdale 2026-27 City Budget
The City Council recently reviewed the proposed $2.118 billion FY 2026-27 budget, which reflects an $85 million reduction from the previous year. While City Manager Greg Caton highlighted nearly $10 million in structural savings to fund essential road improvements and public safety compensation, the plan also includes the controversial deferral of major water infrastructure projects, such as the Advanced Purified Recycled Water facility. These cuts, alongside specific local projects like a $600,000 pedestrian crosswalk on Shea Boulevard, sparked significant public testimony regarding fiscal priorities and community safety. You can access the full staff presentations, budget packets, and project deferral details via the links below.
At COGS, we believe growth should benefit our city without compromising the respect residents deserve from planners and developers. We defend our neighborhoods through three core pillars:
Research
Factual analysis of city records and development proposals. We ensure transparency and project compatibility to protect your neighborhood’s character.
Community Outreach
Bridging the gap between citizens and City Hall. We ensure proposed changes are announced clearly and that your public input is heard.
Mentorship & Advocacy
Empowering residents with strategic support and institutional knowledge. We mentor you to effectively defend land-use and design standards.
COGS, a 501 (c)(4) non-profit, is a “YES” group for appropriate and proposed quality projects throughout our city. We encourage zoning attorneys and project representatives to conference with us at their Pre-Application stage; they will find COGS is a valuable resource in outreach to community leaders.
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