By Cara Te’ Matters| Scottsdale
OPINION – In response to The Scottsdale Independent’s Dec. 10 article on the Axon Scottsdale development agreement, I strongly agree with Bob Littlefield and TAAAZE in opposing the inclusion of apartments in this project. I also question whether Scottsdale should host Axon’s entire 76-acre, 401,085-square-foot world headquarters at all.
With Phoenix and neighboring cities actively positioning themselves as technology and industrial hubs, why must this development be located in Scottsdale?
As a lifelong Arizona native, Scottsdale was primarily known as a resort community defined by elevated standards, not as an extension of Phoenix. Residents chose Scottsdale for its thoughtful planning, aesthetic integrity and shared commitment to quality of life. Many of us willingly paid higher property taxes because our neighborhoods were clean, well-maintained and reflective of mutual respect.
That identity has eroded. Increased reliance on third-party plan certification where incentives favor cost and speed over long-term impact may be part of the problem. The growing presence of budget retailers, fast food chains and low-cost hotels further undermines Scottsdale’s historic character and reputation.
Mayor Lisa Borowsky, I supported your candidacy hoping your administration would restore Scottsdale’s distinct identity by prioritizing beauty and careful growth over short-term economic gains.
The article notes the Axon campus could create 5,500 jobs, yet it does not address how many will be filled by current residents. More likely, the project will increase density by drawing workers from outside Arizona. Meanwhile, residents are asked to reduce water use through mandated desert landscaping and incentives to remove grass creating the perception that residents are sacrificing quality of life to support dense development and low-cost commercial growth.
Scottsdale was never about living close to work; it was about living well. If restoring those standards proves impossible, perhaps it is time to imagine a bold alternative, develop a new City of Scottsdale 2.0.
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