Tom Scanlon

Cave Creek, Phoenix

Managing Editor at Scottsdale Progress

Managing editor of the Mesa Tribune. Recently launched HARK Valley (Facebook/Bulletin newsletter). Previously covered music at the Seattle Times

Articles

Scottsdale hosts open houses on state law revision

3 days ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

Some thought Scottsdale dodged a housing bullet with some slick maneuvering last year. Throughout 2024, the Arizona Legislature crafted multiple bills aimed at adding to the supply of low- to moderate-income housing. While some were rejected by Gov. Katie Hobbs, several became laws – sending shivers down some Scottsdale spines. One planning commissioner muttered “God help us.” Another worried new housing laws would “create a slum” in Scottsdale.
Massive Mack mutating miles

4 days ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

In a flip from Kafka’s man-to-bug metamorphosis, an unprecedentedly huge project has begun transforming desert land into commerce. And that big flip is bugging some homeowners living on massive Mack’s doorstep. With shock and awe, North Scottsdale residents are watching the early phases of the city’s largest industrial project. New neighbors will be plentiful on both sides of the Loop 101, which itself is undergoing a widening transformation.
Scottsdale City Council cuts down mayor’s staff

5 days ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

To paraphrase an old “Seinfeld” episode: “No staff for you.”Councilwoman Solange Whitehead went even deeper into television history, calling Councilman Adam Kwasman’s shocker “a Perry Mason.”It certainly was a “surprise finish” to a grueling, four-hour meeting, with the last half focused on a preliminary version of the 2025-26 city budget.
Scottsdale City Council cuts down mayor’s staff

5 days ago | eastvalleytribune.com | Tom Scanlon

To paraphrase an old “Seinfeld” episode: “No staff for you.”Councilwoman Solange Whitehead went even deeper into television history, calling Councilman Adam Kwasman’s shocker “a Perry Mason.”It certainly was a “surprise finish” to a grueling, four-hour meeting, with the last half focused on a preliminary version of the 2025-26 city budget.
Scottsdale Unified School District dives into enrollment loss

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

At its April 29 meeting, the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board pondered a popular – though by no means “favorite” – topic: enrollment decline. “This is not for blame or shame,” board President Donna Lewis noted, “but to make sure we understand the foundational data.”Indeed, the meeting featured a two-hour study session with a focus on district enrollment trends.
City of Scottsdale may hire attorney to fight ‘Axon law’

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

The so-called “Axon bill” is now “the Axon law in waiting.”While a law rolling out the red carpet for Axon’s extravagant North Scottsdale building plans is months away, the Taser maker and its potential opponents are trenching. Axon and Rick Smith, the Chaparral High grad who launched Taser/Axon here, contributed $1 million to a new organization: Arizonans for a Better Future. Josh Isner, the Axon executive who has battled Councilman Barry Graham and Rep.
Veteran assistant city manager takes Oregon job

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

And then there was one …For the last few years, Scottsdale employed three assistant city managers. Nearing the end of 2024, those three were: Greg Caton, Bill Murphy and Brent Stockwell. But in December, the resignation of City Manager Jim Thompson – for a job running a smaller Colorado city – started a snowball effect. Murphy abruptly resigned in mid-January and now Stockwell is off to greener pastures.
Extra $50M needed for ‘toilets to taps’ plan

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

The Scottsdale Water Department is proud of its 54-year track record of “providing the highest quality water and service to our customers.”As far as advanced techniques?
Scottsdale’s ‘homeless hotel’ checks out

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

The curtain has fallen on the theater of one of Scottsdale’s biggest 2023-24 dramas. The Independence 47, which became the city’s one and only “homeless hotel,” has closed. Scottsdale, which once accepted a state contract to shelter seniors and immigrants at the hotel, now is sending homeless people to Phoenix. Meanwhile, a modest hotel with big dreams has checked out.
Ethics case against Graham continues

2 weeks ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

Councilman Barry Graham’s interactions with city employees might have been “imprudent,” but Graham did not cross the line into violating city charter, according to investigator Frank Cassidy. One judge said he was “leaning heavily towards dismissal.”Another agreed – and a third added a “but.” Ultimately, a three-judge panel deemed the ethics complaint against Councilman Barry Graham should continue, pending interviews with relevant city staff.