This Fall, Council will review and update the Downtown Character Area Plan in an effort to mitigate issues resulting from the 2018 Council vote that increased height allowances downtown.

As last year's somber Earth Day 2020 retreats further into the past, Scottsdale has many reasons to celebrate this week's 51st anniversary of Earth Day. Green initiatives continue to deliver impressive financial and environmental wins and many new proposals are taking shape.

A Happy New Year to All The City Council got right to work with the approval of a new park, a commitment to ensure General Plan 2035 reflects community values and priorities, and the reinstatement of the mask mandate.

This Thanksgiving, I am very thankful to live and work in Scottsdale where democracy is alive and well. There is no shortage of activism and citizen input in this town.

Eliminating incentives to save energy is a costly mistake. Particularly now. Arizonans are suffering record temps, no rain, and thousands are looking for work. Efficiency helps alleviate all three. Yet, the Corporation Commission is poised to end incentives on 9/22. City staff caught the change and alerted City Council allowing the City an opportunity to weigh in.

This week, the City Council approved a tentative budget with requested changes. Far from boring, a City budget spells out its priorities in black and white. Budget priorities always matter but in this downturn, priorities carry greater consequences. Like triage in an emergency room, crisis budgets must prioritize the most vulnerable in order to save lives. More often than not, these priorities also make good financial sense.

ASU Football Coach Herm Edwards served as the inspiring keynote speaker at Scottsdale's 26th Annual MLK Jr. "Living the Dream" dinner. He shared a simple yet profound message: "A goal without a plan, is just a wish." This is a message that will serve me well personally and at City Hall.

This is one of the most difficult July 4th's in my lifetime. COVID-19, unemployment, the tragic murder of George Floyd, rioting, and looting have exposed economic and racial tensions that are undermining our democracy and the need to better prepare for national emergencies.

Reinvesting in scientific research, public education, and US-based manufacturing will create jobs, restore dignity and inspire unity, and save lives. That's the way to restore the American dream.

Ballots for General Plan 2035 election arrive in mailboxes this week. I am enthusiastically endorsing a YES vote to ratify the General Plan (Prop 463) and protect all that we love about Scottsdale.

This January, Scottsdale's City Council added three new Councilmembers and a new Mayor. Without missing a beat, we got to work. Six months later, there is plenty to celebrate on issues ranging from increased resident influence at City Hall, equity, and the City's green initiatives.

It's that time of year again. The legislature is in session and considering over 1,000 bills with a continued trend away from local control. The City's lobbyist is at the Capitol advocating for Scottsdale. Again, the City's top priority is Short Term Rental reform. Prognosis: Not Good.