Both Sides of the Story – You Decide
Transparent insights into Scottsdale’s most debated issues—because good decisions start with good information.
At COGS, we believe an informed resident is an empowered resident. That’s why The Informed Resident gives you clear, unbiased overviews of Scottsdale’s hottest topics. We present both sides, add key facts, and let you decide where you stand—no spin, no agendas, just the full picture. Stay informed about the decisions shaping your taxes, neighborhoods, and quality of life.
Old Town Parking
- Voter-approved in the 2019 Bond, with two garages authorized by City Council in 2024.
- Supports local businesses by adding 200+ much-needed parking spaces in Historic Old Town and the NE Quadrant (bar district).The Farmers’ Market backs the project, anticipating a larger, city-owned nearby location.
- Business property owners largely support the garage to improve customer access.
- Design services have been in progress since 2023.
- Concern that the garage design may not align with the character of Historic Old Town.
- Some merchants report they were not adequately informed or updated on project developments.
- The historic Mission Church could be negatively impacted by the addition of two levels.
- The Farmers’ Market will face temporary relocation during construction, disrupting vendors and visitors.
- The current Farmers’ Market location contract runs through 2025/26.
- The City of Scottsdale will host public open houses in late May and early June for community input on the garage design.
- Construction is projected to begin in late 2026 or 2027.
AXON/Taser Project
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Scottsdale becomes home to the International Headquarters of a successful company, potentially attracting other businesses.
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Estimated City of Scottsdale tax revenue: $35.6 Billion over 10 years, supporting a stronger city budget.
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Planned campus design mirrors tech hubs like Microsoft and Google, featuring headquarters, training facilities, a client hotel, employee housing, and retail/restaurant amenities.
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Strategic location: vacant land near a major freeway, reducing traffic impact. Onsite housing allows employees to live where they work.
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Land donated for a Scottsdale Fire Station at the southwest corner of the site.
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Collaboration with Stonebrooke II HOA led to key concessions, removing HOA opposition:
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Redirected Axon traffic from Mayo Blvd to a private road.
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Increased distance between buildings and Stonebrooke II neighborhood.
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Relocated apartments and hotel per HOA request.
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Added landscaping to buffer car lights and noise along the south side.
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Approved by the Airport Advisory Commission Chair—buildings comply with flight path requirements.
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Purchased State Land where residential development was originally prohibited.
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Following 2024 upzoning, Axon owes additional payment after a new land appraisal.
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Critics argue the project could proceed without apartments, citing nearby existing and planned housing developments.
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A Referendum gathered 27,000 signatures, placing the project on the November 2026 General Election ballot.
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The City Council declined to fund a 2025 Special Election, delaying voter decision.
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Concerns raised about potential state overreach through SB 15XX, which limits city zoning authority for international corporate projects.
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Axon has committed to paying Arizona State Land Department the increased land value, ensuring schools receive full funding from the sale.
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A California union contributed $XXX,000 to fund the referendum effort and public messaging campaign.
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Axon alleges they were approached to halt the referendum in exchange for agreeing to unionize.
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SB 15XX, passed by the Arizona Legislature, removes local zoning control for international corporate projects in cities with populations between 200K and 500K.
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The referendum signatures do not distinguish between those wanting a public vote in general and those specifically opposing the inclusion of apartments
SB1543 – “International Corporate Projects; Zoning Preemption”
Status: Signed into law April 18, 2025
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Economic Development: Supporters argue that SB1543 promotes economic growth by allowing international corporations to establish significant projects without local zoning obstacles.
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Job Creation: The bill is seen as a means to create jobs and boost the local economy by facilitating large-scale developments.
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Streamlined Processes: Proponents believe that preempting local zoning laws for qualifying projects reduces bureaucratic delays and encourages investment.
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Erosion of Local Control: Critics contend that SB1543 undermines municipal authority and the ability of local residents to influence development decisions in their communities.
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Precedent for Special Legislation: There is concern that the bill sets a precedent for legislation tailored to benefit specific corporations, potentially leading to unequal treatment.
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Community Impact: Opponents worry about the potential negative effects on neighborhoods, including increased traffic and strain on local infrastructure, without adequate input from residents.
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Scope of the Bill: SB1543 allows international corporations to bypass certain local zoning regulations for projects that meet specific criteria, such as investment size and job creation metrics.
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Axon Enterprise Inc.: The bill directly impacts Axon’s proposed headquarters and campus development in Scottsdale, enabling the project to proceed despite local opposition and zoning challenges.
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Legislative Context: The passage of SB1543 reflects a broader trend of state-level interventions in local governance, particularly concerning economic development initiatives.
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