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Article Written by:
Ryan Hilbun
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Assistant City Manager Brent Stockwell
Brent Stockwell, Assistant City Manager, delivered an engaging overview of what makes Scottsdale unique. He detailed the city’s rich history and key attractions, including the award-winning McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park, while also highlighting its amenities, preserved open spaces, and diverse topography. His presentation emphasized Scottsdale’s vibrant nightlife, robust public services, and the well-structured local government that keeps everything running smoothly.
Stockwell also discussed the Scottsdale Sister Cities program, city charter, and general plan, all of which reflect the community’s core values. Additionally, he provided insights into the city's demographics, major employers, and innovative efforts like the first automated garbage truck ("Godzilla") and residential fire sprinklers. His breakdown of tax generation, open spaces, and resources reinforced why Scottsdale remains a special place for residents and visitors alike.
City Council Member Panel Discussion
Next, a panel of Scottsdale City Council members—Kathy Littlefield, Solange Whitehead, Tammy Caputi, and Tom Durham—shared thoughtful insights while addressing both pre-prepared and spontaneous questions from class members.
When asked how they collaborate with fellow council members and what challenges they face, the council members explained that they are restricted from discussing city issues in groups larger than three. This rule is designed to ensure transparency and prevent collusion, which helps protect public trust. However, it also limits their ability to collaborate openly, making it more difficult to share ideas and make fully informed decisions. To address this, they rely on work-study sessions for in-depth discussions and consult with subject matter experts. They also highlighted the importance of community feedback and building trust within the council to foster effective collaboration despite these constraints.
When asked what advice they would give to aspiring city council members, the council encouraged prospective leaders to attend city council meetings to gain firsthand knowledge of how local government operates. They emphasized the importance of developing a big-picture mindset, which involves understanding the broader impact of decisions and approaching challenges as problem-solvers. Building strong community connections and being adaptable were also highlighted as essential traits. Additionally, they stressed the need for financial literacy to make informed, responsible decisions. Finally, interpersonal skills were deemed critical for fostering collaboration and building consensus within the council and the community.
When asked about the most important issues Scottsdale faces, the council members pointed to key challenges like Propositions 490 and 491, which hold significant implications for the city’s future. They highlighted the need to maintain a strong economic environment by generating sufficient revenue while balancing growth with the preservation of Scottsdale’s unique character. Representing diverse community perspectives in decision-making was also emphasized as crucial, ensuring that choices benefit the majority of residents. Their discussion underscored the complexities of governance and the importance of navigating different viewpoints to achieve outcomes that serve the greater good of the city.
The council members' passion during their discussion of these issues provided a live demonstration of how the system operates in practice. Their debate showcased the importance of balancing different perspectives and making decisions that serve the broader interests of the community. This exchange also highlighted the complexities of governance, illustrating how council members must navigate differing opinions while working toward solutions that benefit the city as a whole.
City Manager Jim Thompson
City Manager Jim Thompson addressed both prepared questions and additional ones from class members, showcasing his thoughtful leadership and deep investment in the city and its employees. His responses reflected a strong sense of responsibility and pride in Scottsdale, emphasizing his commitment to its growth and the well-being of its people. His leadership approach also highlights a focus on fostering a supportive and effective work environment by caring for his team and empowering them.
When asked for advice on managing a large team, Jim emphasized adaptability, noting that each situation requires its own approach. Leaders must assess their team’s specific needs, make informed decisions, and trust their employees by giving them the autonomy to thrive. He also stressed the importance of supporting employees during challenges, creating a sense of loyalty and security. Genuine care for employee well-being is a cornerstone of his leadership, which builds a motivated and successful team.
Regarding leadership lessons learned from reporting to multiple city officials, Jim highlighted the need for long-term thinking. Leaders must balance current decisions with their future impacts, prioritizing both innovation and sustainability. This approach requires finding the right balance between immediate needs and long-term goals to ensure lasting success.
On how the City’s leadership goals align with his own style, Jim emphasized engagement, critical thinking, and empowerment. He believes in being fully involved and making thoughtful, well-informed decisions. Empowerment is key to his approach, as he encourages his team to take ownership of their work and innovate, trusting them to make a meaningful impact. He also spoke about the courage needed to push forward amid challenges, urging his team to think creatively and find common goals that drive progress.
Jim’s dedication to the City of Scottsdale is perhaps best summed up by his reflection on what keeps him up at night. His deep care for the city’s challenges and the well-being of its employees shows his strong sense of responsibility, making him the kind of leader Scottsdale needs to safeguard its future.
City Engineer Allison Tymkiw
City Engineer Allison Tymkiw provided a comprehensive presentation detailing Scottsdale’s Public Works Division, which manages a wide range of essential services and infrastructure projects, including city facilities, parks, flood control, water, and wastewater systems. A key focus of her role is the capital improvement plan, which guides long-term investments in the city's infrastructure. In addition to managing public infrastructure, the division also handles the fleet department, traffic engineering, maintenance, solid waste, and more. For residents, Tymkiw’s work translates into improved facilities, better infrastructure, and enhanced placemaking, contributing to the overall quality of life in Scottsdale.
AZ Talks Carlos Alfaro
Following a delicious lunch catered by True Foods, which featured plenty of healthy, whole-food options, Carlos Alfaro from AZ Talks took the stage. AZ Talks is a platform focused on learning, dialogue, and connection for individuals influencing public policy. They host events across Arizona to promote robust debate, open dialogue, and expert analysis on public policy, challenging leaders to actively engage in important discussions.
As a nonprofit organization, AZ Talks creates programs that foster critical thinking and promote a culture of open inquiry, fact-based analysis, and vigorous yet civil debate. Alfaro’s presentation set the tone for productive public discourse and civic dialogue, while also establishing the ground rules for engagement in our upcoming mock City Council meeting.
Linda Millhaven Development Process
Linda Millhaven moderated an insightful panel featuring Prescott Smith from Technical Solutions, Bradd Carr from the City of Scottsdale Planning & Development, Renee Higgs from SRP, and Jeff Brand from Nelson Partners. The panelists provided a thorough overview of the development process, highlighting the distinct roles and responsibilities of the various departments involved in planning and development.
They discussed key stages such as community outreach, the pre-development process, and the pre-application phase, emphasizing the importance of early engagement with stakeholders. The panel also described the functions of the Design Review Board and the Planning Commission, explaining how these bodies contribute to shaping projects that align with both regulatory requirements and community expectations. Their shared insights gave a comprehensive view of how Scottsdale's planning framework works to balance growth with thoughtful development, ensuring projects are both functional and beneficial to the city.
Mock City Council Meeting
We wrapped up the day with a mock City Council meeting that can only be described as wildly entertaining—a blend of unhinged, eccentric, and utterly ridiculous. Think of it as a carnival court with an extra dash of chaos. Our esteemed Mayor Aaron Glaspie and Council members—Katie Patten, Alexa Krause, Matt Gotschall, Rich LaRue, Lori Schneider, and Aaron Greksa—took on their roles as elected officials and proceeded to handle a zoning case in the most unforgettable way possible.
Mayor Glaspie set the tone by not being entirely sure if he was present, and things really took off with the forgetting of the Pledge of Allegiance by Council member Krause. Alicia Haygood delivered a passionate, heartfelt plea for approval, while her colleague Ken Brandeis, in a baffling attempt to boost his "street cred," tried to bribe the mayor. This was followed by an incoherent rant about drug houses—ironically, he seemed to be under the influence of the very substances he was condemning.
On the opposition, Mike Retaken offered a relatively sensible argument, while his partner in chaos, Regi Walston, went on a tangent about cat grazing, light rails, and an assortment of other fantasies likely concocted in her cat-filled home. It was a spectacle for the ages, a zoning case turned comedy of errors, leaving everyone equally bewildered and entertained.
Council members Patten, LaRue, and Schneider were the voices of reason, offering the most coherent and practical inquiries, complete with viable compromises and solutions. Meanwhile, Council member Gotschall saw the meeting as prime time to shamelessly campaign for his seat, slipping in a few self-promoting soundbites at the city's expense. Council member Krause, on the other hand, became deeply captivated by the cat conundrum, far more interested in feline fantasies than city zoning. Then there was Council member Greksa, who decided to completely disregard the issues at hand. Instead, he expertly wielded his time to insult his fellow council members, pointing out their flaws like a seasoned roast master. As if that weren’t enough, he boldly advocated for more Cheba Huts in Scottsdale, clearly focusing on the city’s most pressing need—sandwiches.
The mock City Council meeting was a true spectacle, mixing humor, absurdity, and occasional flashes of reason. With colorful characters and quirky moments throughout, it offered a lively display of civic engagement—or something close to it. While some council members made valiant attempts to steer the discussion toward practical solutions, the meeting's unpredictable energy ultimately made for an entertaining and unforgettable experience. #ShutTheGate
We wrapped up the day with insightful closing remarks from former Mayor Sam Campana, whose words perfectly capped off a day filled with learning and engagement. The event was packed with invaluable information, offering participants numerous opportunities for growth and understanding. Between the hands-on experiences, the rich discussions, and the diverse perspectives shared, attendees left with a wealth of knowledge that will undoubtedly prove beneficial in the years to come. It wasn’t just an informative day—it was an unforgettable experience, filled with lessons that will continue to resonate long after the event concluded.