Mayor Ortega's Accomplishments:
- Council unanimously approved Scottsdale Anti-Discrimination Ordinance to protect all residents, visitors, employees, and Scottsdale City employees, effective May 20, 2021.
- Police protection, Fire Training safety, quality reliable city services and fiscal responsibility are priorities during this post-pandemic era. As mayor, working with the new council, we must efficiently align Level-of Service with revenues. On my watch neighborhoods, streets, businesses and schools will be protected.
- The 2023-24 Budget increased funding for Police and Fire Departments by 10%. Under Mayor Ortega's leadership, the 2023-24 Budget provides for a new Fire and Police facility and STEP salary rates for Scottsdale Police personnel to support retention and fair compensation.
- Protecting neighborhoods from proliferation of short-term rentals and massive block apartments is a priority. As mayor, I will work with municipal allies to reclaim local control at the Legislature.
- Council enacted Ordinances to clamp down on Short Term Rental disclosure, disturbances, and increase enforcement and fines. Mayor Ortega represented the City to get legislative actionable reform.
- General Plan 2035 written by all stakeholders must enhance our quality of life and support city economic vitality. We will move forward as a new council includes Distinctive Character to respect Downtown Core.
- Mayor Ortega championed Prop 463-General Plan 2035-which voters APPROVED! GP-2035 assures quality of life, public safety, the arts, tourism, sustainable environment, keep Old Town character, economic vitality and so much more, for the next 10 years.
- McDowell Sonoran Preserve improvements must be citizen-driven and voter approved. I voted YES on Prop 420. As mayor, I will ensure that gateways are completed and the Preserve remains pristine.
- Mayor Ortega dedicated Pima-Dynamite trailhead, the 12th and final gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve. Pima-Dynamite has 300 parking spaces, bike and equestrian access, and the Art DeCabooter Amphitheater were Stewards, researchers, hikers and visitors can learn.
- Buildout of citywide Bond 2019 capital improvements must move forward to expand our infrastructure.
- As of February2024 $75M projects are completed, or underway citywide. Mayor Ortega directed that the Thompson Peak Off Leash Dog Park be advanced to open in 2024--instead of in 2027.
- Stronger ties to Scottsdale schools and Scottsdale Community College are vital. We are stewards of after school programs, joint use facilities, operations and recreation for our youth and seniors.
- Mayor Ortega chairs the Sub-Committee authorized by Council to meet with Scottsdale Community College and SUSD on topics such as internships, safety and career development.