$2.1 Billion Budget Locks In Major Scottsdale Investments In Public Safety, Roads And Water

SCOTTSDALE, AZ — Scottsdale just approved a $2.1 billion budget, and it comes with a twist: the city is spending less than last year while investing more in the services residents use most.

The budget, which takes effect July 1, totals $2.119 billion — about $84.7 million less than the current fiscal year. The city’s General Fund remains balanced, with a projected ending fund balance of $214.4 million.

“A lower overall budget does not mean lower expectations for service,” said Budget Director Scott Selin. “This spending plan focuses resources on Scottsdale’s highest priorities while maintaining the financial flexibility needed to respond to future opportunities and challenges.”

Public Safety Gets the Biggest Boost

The largest share of new investment goes toward police and fire:

• $18 million for renovation and expansion of the Civic Center Jail and Downtown Police Facility
• $10 million for a new fire station at 90th Street and Via Linda
• $9 million for an ambulance annex as part of Scottsdale’s municipal ambulance service rollout
• $7.9 million to align police and fire compensation with top public safety agencies across the Phoenix metro, aimed at improving recruitment and retention

Roads and Water Are Also Major Priorities

Scottsdale is putting $45 million toward pavement preservation projects across the city, including reconstruction of Thomas Road between 56th and 73rd streets and upgrades to traffic signal equipment. Drivers in those corridors can expect improved road conditions as projects get underway.

On the water side, the budget includes roughly $331 million in water and water reclamation infrastructure projects.

Over the next five years, the city plans to spend more than $855 million on water and wastewater systems, including treatment facility upgrades, pipeline and pump station replacements and expanded reclamation infrastructure.

For a desert city facing ongoing Colorado River uncertainty, the investment underscores how seriously Scottsdale is treating its long-term water supply.

Parks, Economic Development and Employees

The budget also funds:

• Proposition 490-approved improvements to aging parks and recreational amenities
• Trailhead enhancements in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
• Repairs at Vista del Camino Park and McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park

On the economic development side, the plan includes:

• Old Town Scottsdale improvements
• New monument signage for the Fifth Avenue District
• Accessibility upgrades at Scottsdale Stadium
• Wayfinding enhancements at WestWorld

City employees will see up to a 3% merit increase, a 1% market adjustment and a one-time 1% payment for eligible employees at the top of their pay range. The city is also continuing plans for an employee health clinic focused on preventive care.

“This budget reflects Scottsdale’s commitment to delivering exceptional services while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said City Manager Greg Caton. “From public safety and road improvements to long-term investments in our water future, this budget focuses on the priorities that matter most to residents.”