This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 United Cities Moves Headquarters + SUSD Approves Menzel's Pay

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Scottsdale.

Geoff Campbell's profile picture
Geoff Campbell, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 72 Low: 55.

Rent this space!

Are you a local business owner or marketer in Scottsdale? We want to start showcasing trusted businesses that can solve problems for our amazing local readers. With an open rate of 50 percent, the Scottsdale Daily is an intelligent investment of your marketing dollar. More than 2,600 Scottsdalians subscribe to the Daily, and that number is growing — take advantage today. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Scottsdale:

  1. United Cities of North America (UNCA) is collaborating with Caliber Cos. to create its headquarters and innovation center in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. According to Phoenix Business Journal reporting, the Arizona branch will be focused on "creating inclusive, safe, sustainable, and resilient cities, to North America." Jason Lohe, head of UCNA, said, "We are trying to grow a practical smart city and bring things that are practical and applicable to normal people's normal lives." The facility will serve as UCNA's headquarters and act as a laboratory where companies can share similar goals. In addition, the space will house a collegiate component open to universities and businesses alike. (Phoenix Business Journal)
  2. Rejected by Scottsdalians twice before, Southbridge II appears to have new life. According to reporting on AZ Central, Creation RE is willing to take smaller steps toward its goal. The sale price of the Fifth Avenue area property was $38M and plans for the space have not yet been revealed. (AZCentral.com)
  3. Scottsdale Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Scott A. Menzel's annual goals and performance pay plan were approved by the SUSD governing board at the Dec. 14 meeting. According to reporting in Your Valley, the board modified a "scaled system to evaluate the superintendent [and] new metrics were added to stipulate requirements to justify his performance pay." Board member Dr. Libby Hart-Wells clarified, "performance pay is a carrot and not a stick, so [the metrics] were developed with that intent in mind." (Your Valley)

ICYMI And In Other News:

From our sponsor:

Hey Scottsdale, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

From my notebook:

  • Don't miss the Holiday Lights at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park through Jan. 2. (Facebook)
  • There will be no change in the trash and recyclables pickup in Scottsdale during the holidays. (Facebook)
  • Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community offices are closed from Wednesday, Dec. 22 at noon through Friday, Dec. 24. Essential services will continue. (Facebook)
  • The City of Scottsdale seeks your input to update the Old Town Scottsdale Character Area Plan. Do you want to have a say in your city? (Facebook)
  • Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is holding a COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for 5-11-year-old children on Monday, Dec. 27, at the Salt River Community Building. (Facebook)
  • Check out the Scottsdale Economic Development job board at https://bit.ly/3eaTTFE. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Save 15 Percent On FTD's Christmas Collection. (Dec. 25)
  • Social Security Seminar — Red Mountain Multi-Generational Center. (Jan. 3)
  • Estate Planning Webinar. (Jan. 4)
  • Taxes In Retirement Webinar. (Jan. 4)
  • Real Estate Seminar — Maricopa Public Library (Jan. 4)
  • Add your event

Loving the Scottsdale Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

You're all caught up for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Geoff Campbell

I live in Scottsdale, and I am a freelance writer, published in print and on the web. Following a 40-year career as a teacher, administrator, and coach, now committed to education in the broadest possible sense.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Scottsdale