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 much-needed parking spaces in Historic Old Town and the NE Quadrant (bar district). The Farmers’ Market has approved relocating to the larger City Hall surface parking lot. Recently City Council approved a solar cover over part of the area.
- Property owners were major supporters of the Bond 2019 and the inclusion of funding for the Brown/1st Street garage expansion
- Design services began in 2025
- 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 be located to a new location.
- The current Farmers’ Market location contract runs through 2025/26.
- Design services were contracted in 2025 by City Council.
- The City of Scottsdale hosted public open houses in in September, 2025 to show Chasse design options.
- Construction is projected to be completed on both the Old Town garage expansion and the NE quadrant new garage in 2027.
- May 22, 2025, City of Scottsdale held a public meeting to introduce the three companies contracted to design and build the expansion and answer questions.
- The city manager confirmed in 2025 that the project would continue with all current approvals. (See statement below)
- Funding will come from the 2019 Bond funds. Current estimate is $15M of the $21M allocated to Old Town parking.
- As reported by the petitioner. The petition from May 20, 2025, was presented again at the June 24, 2025, City Council meeting. There was a motion “to agendize … the petition for further discussion at a future hearing” and the motion failed with a 3-4 vote. The city is proceeding with the parking garage design and construction in accordance with a series of consistent actions and approvals by the City Council over the past several years. On July 1, 2024, the previous City Council unanimously voted in favor of this project to continue. The current City Council solidified the decision to proceed by entering into a design contract with Chasse on February 11, 2025. Additionally, with the June 24, 2025, vote against holding a “future hearing” to discuss further, the path forward is clear for the city to advance with the established timeline, continuing the design and construction efforts at the designated site.
- Scottsdale held the first public meeting on design plans Sept. 18, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. in the Civic Center Lower Level Library Auditorium. Two floor plans and preliminary designs were presented for resident review and comment.
- Update 10/27/25 – The Historic Old Town Association Architectural Committee (all committee members are Old Town property owners) is working with the Chasse design team by offering recommendations that follow the Old Town Architectural Guidelines.
- Update 10/29/25 – the HOTS Architectural Committee is working with the artist on the western-themed mural to be a public art feature on the garage.
- Comment for the public record
- View Presentation
AXON 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 Stonebrook II HOA led to key concessions.
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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 1543, which limits city zoning authority for international corporate projects.
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Axon has committed to paying Arizona State Land Department the rezoned land value, ensuring schools receive full funding from the sale.
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Worker Power, the political arm of Unite Here! Local 11, California based union contributed in kind $21,609 to fund the referendum effort and public messaging campaign. (source: Scottsdale City Clerk Campaign Finance)
- Public Integrity Alliance, based in Mesa, AZ, contributed $462,480 in cash and in kind services to fund the referendum. (source: Scottsdale City Clerk Campaign Finance)
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Axon alleges they were approached to halt the referendum in exchange for agreeing to unionize.
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SB 1543, 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
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