by Christine Goodman
Nationwide Insurance
Most of us have enjoyed Scottsdale Old Town tourist shops, waterfront restaurants, and breathtaking galleries. However, have you ever wondered how did this amazing town developed into a global tourist-seeking jewel in the desert? Scottsdale Leadership Class 32 got a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn what drives Scottsdale’s economy and the key drivers that influence city development.
Our class met with an array of leaders to better understand economic development including the process, the people, policies and opportunities that must be in place for a city to succeed. Our day started with a tour of Old Town Scottsdale to learn new exciting development plans along the waterfront. We got a better understand of the city’s vision and the development projects underway near the downtown shops.
We later heard from several strategic development consultants about specific challenges the downtown and greater Scottsdale faces. There was no surprise that parking was one of the items on their list of challenges. One area we learned about is a new parking mobile app pilot underway to help locales and tourist find parking around the downtown area. That’s exciting and very much needed!
Later in the day, we learned about the national marketing efforts the city of Scottsdale implements to attract tourist and new permanent residency. Did you know there are colossal poster boards of Scottsdale placed in New York, Chicago, and a handful of other city’s? The effort Scottsdale makes to ensure planful economic growth is remarkable.
Economic Vitality Day was a complete success and Class 32 left feeling truly inspired and informed about our city’s development strategy.
The Scottsdale Leader 