Mayor Dave Ortega : 1st Term Accomplishments:

Mayor Ortega increased funding every year for training, technology and total compensation for the Scottsdale Police Department and Scottsdale Fire Department. Public Safety, professional dispatch, fully-operational Real-Time Crime Center and fiscal responsibility are his priorities. Safe neighborhoods, clean streets, supervised parks, secure businesses and schools must be protected, as we continue to build community trust.
Mayor Ortega defended Scottsdale Water against dry-lot "wildcat" subdivisions in the county, and their accomplices, who allowed diesel tankers to traverse our neighborhoods and sap our water resources. For decades, former Mayor Lane and Councilmember Borowsky, permitted the irresponsible loss of Scottsdale water for a pittance. Mayor Ortega and Council unanimously cut off the non-resident outsiders. Scottsdale Water facilities must be dedicated only for residents.
Mayor Ortega supports increased funding for the new Fire and Police Training facilities, new Fire Station #615, and new Scottsdale Fire Ambulance Division to enhance public safety from crisis-to-hospital Emergency Room. Under his leadership, Council set fair STEP compensation for Scottsdale Police personnel, to draw professional recruits and retain the best.
Mayor Ortega vigorously opposed Short-term Rentals at the Legislature, and Council adopted the toughest ordinances to shut down party houses by funding five new STR police officers to restore peace in neighborhoods. Mayor Ortega will continue to work with municipal allies to reclaim local control. Borowsky is funded by the STR lobbyists and sold out neighborhoods.
Mayor Ortega supports small businesses, especially in Old Town, where we must respect our Western heritage. Mayor Ortega led Council action to slash over development excess height and density bonuses, which were gifted to speculators by former Councilmember Borowsky.
Mayor Ortega champions the 2035 General Plan, which restores our 10-year community vision for economic vitality, infrastructure, arts & culture, housing, recreation, transportation, energy conservation, sustainability and wellness. Former Councilmember Borowsky failed to craft General Plan 2025 during her term, and failed to protect our Old Town heritage. Architect and leader, Mayor Ortega was able to achieve unanimous approval by Council of General Plan 2035, which was approved by Scottsdale voters, as required by Arizona State Statues.
Mayor Ortega fully supports Prop 490 to renew 48 city parks, repair worn-down multiuse trails, mitigate fire danger at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, fixes 50-year-old Greenbelt recreation infrastructure, and permanently resolves drainage problems at Westworld. Prop 490 also adds Scottsdale Police, Scottsdale Fire personnel and doubles the Park Rangers at every site; funded by dedicated sales taxes for the next 30 years. Lisa Borowsky refused to participate during 16 months of in-depth citizen study and she opposes reinvesting in neighborhood assets which we cherish. We cannot afford another wildfire season as Borowsky places the Preserve in peril.
Mayor Ortega dedicated Pima-Dynamite trailhead, the 12th and final gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Major sales tax funding for acquisition of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve will expire in 2025. However, there may be a balance for Trailhead improvements which may be used for a wildlife bridge and or other trailhead enhancements. Credit the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Stewards for activating the Preserve by greeting and guiding hikers, providing learning programs and for promoting arid environment research.
Mayor Ortega uses his architect expertise, despite inflation, to complete Bond 2019 projects, which were grossly underestimated BEFORE he took office. As Mayor, he advanced the Thompson Peak Off Leash Dog Park which will open in 2025, two years ahead of schedule.
Mayor Ortega guided public outreach and championed the passage of the Scottsdale Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (ADO) to protect residents, visitors and employees. The unanimous Council, Realtors, and the Scottsdale Chamber agreed. Yet, Borowsky vows to repeal the ADO.
Mayor Ortega established and hosts the Education Sub-Committee which meets with leadership of the Scottsdale Unified School District and Scottsdale Community College to share ideas about career pathways, scholarships, internships and to explore after-school programs, and healthy recreation for our youth and seniors. Absent Borowsky has not been in City Hall for 12 years!
Mayor Ortega fully supports Prop 491, which revisits the Base Expenditure Limitation set by the Arizona Legislature, based on 1980 dollars. Scottsdale in 1980 was vastly different from 2024, with new buildings, core services, demands of sophisticated tourism and new complex operations. AZ State Statutes allow for a formula adjustment, subject to voter approval. Mayor and Council unanimously approved Prop 491, which was verified by the Arizona State Auditor. Borowsky opposes Prop 491, an administrative adjustment, which was last reset 18 years ago.