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

Goldwater suit to be heard this week

6 days ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

Even as they prepare to put a City Council-approved $2.2 billion budget into effect, Scottsdale leaders are anxiously watching a key court case with a potential billion-dollar ramification. At the same June 10 meeting in which it formally approved the budget, Council also signed off on spending up to $90,000 for an outside law firm to fight a Goldwater Institute lawsuit challenging the voter-approved 0.15% sales tax.
Scottsdale Unified board OKs $400M budget, Menzel bonus

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

The June 10 Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board meeting was highlighted by approval of a $400 million 2025-26 school year budget – and $17,500 in “performance pay” to Superintendent Scott Menzel. In August, though he achieved less than half of his goals, Menzel had his 2023-24 salary of $216,000 topped with a $15,768 bonus. Last year’s board, with three different members, gave him a raise to $225,000.
State superintendent, county sheriff blast ‘leftist’ Scottsdale schools

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

A month after Scottsdale Unified School District’s Governing Board approved a new high school social studies curriculum, a surprise attack by Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne slammed the books as “DEI.”In emails and a June 11 news conference, Horne warned the “woke Scottsdale Unified board majority” risks losing federal funding for using books that encourage diversity, equity and inclusion.
Axon founder’s pay launches into orbit

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

Even while he was studying at Chaparral High, Rick Smith was obsessed with science fiction and space. Years after founding a company with a “flagship” product based on Capt. Kirk’s phasers, Smith unveiled a plan to build a spaceship-themed Axon corporate office in North Scottsdale. Last year, his pay went into orbit.
Scottsdale budget passes, ethics ruling rejected

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

What could be more boring than the formal blessing of a city budget? Perhaps for the “only in Scottsdale” file, City Council’s final approval of a budget that was months in the making was far more dramatic than dull.
Massive new projects hitting Old Town Scottsdale

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

The renovation of Old Town Scottsdale continues. As one moderate-sized mixed-use development – 54 apartments/condos plus retail space – charges ahead, a massive development five times as large is preparing its case. The beast of the latest batch is 5th and Goldwater, clearing its throat to make a big pitch to the Development Review Board.
Axon shuts down ‘toxic’ Scottsdale talks

1 week ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

Recordings dubbed “The Parkingate Tapes” likely deepened the wedge between Mayor Lisa Borowsky and Scottsdale City Council. They also indirectly torpedoed negotiations between the city and one of its largest, most prestigious employers. With a massive office-and-apartments expansion on the line, Axon and Scottsdale have been holding private meetings. The Taser maker dangled major concessions in return for the city not filing a lawsuit challenging a new state law.
Goldwater sues to freeze Scottsdale city tax

2 weeks ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

They’re back …Attorneys for the Goldwater Institute – Scottsdale’s long-time nemesis – are suing to block the implementation of a new city tax. Barely one month before the tax was to go into effect, Goldwater is asking Maricopa County Superior Court to “enjoin (Scottsdale) from imposing the tax.” In other words: freeze. At issue is a revenue stream estimated to rake in some $1 billion over 30 years.
Homeless count rises in Scottsdale

2 weeks ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

Phoenix population: 1.67 million. Scottsdale population: 246,170. That, according to U.S. Census estimates, makes Phoenix roughly seven times larger than neighboring Scottsdale. According to a recent “Point in Time” count by the Maricopa Association of Governments, Phoenix has 3,761 unsheltered people. The same night people were counted on Phoenix streets and parks and in shelters, 105 unsheltered people were counted in Scottsdale.
Big Scottsdale City Council money meeting this week

2 weeks ago | scottsdale.org | Tom Scanlon

While the latest “Mission Impossible” rakes it in at the box office, a reference to an earlier Tom Cruise movie describes this week’s City Council meeting. After months of presentations, discussions and recommendations, it’s “show me the money” time. Scottsdale’s elected officials will consider a property tax increase and formally approve – after tentative adoption May 20 – a new budget at the 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 10 meeting.