🌱 Travel + Leisure Ranks Scottsdale No. 1 + 2021 IGCC Now Mandatory

Happy Fourth of July, neighbors! God bless America! It's Megan Moreno, your host of the Scottsdale Patch newsletter — here to keep you in the loop on the most important things happening in our community. Including:

• Scottsdale receives a No. 1 ranking from Travel + Leisure.
• The 2021 International Green Construction Code is now mandatory.
• Boy Scout striving to achieve Eagle Scout rank by helping a Scottsdale academy.

But first, your local weather: It will be hot with plenty of sun, with a high of 109 and low of 82.

Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

1. Travel + Leisure has named Scottsdale the top place to live in Arizona. Scottsdale was selected for the "vibrant arts and hospitality scenes, a robust job market (the unemployment rate was just 2.9 percent in April 2023), top-notch schools, plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities, and a major airport only a 20-minute drive from the city." Phoenix was ranked as No. 2, followed by Tucson at No. 3. (Travel + Leisure)
2. Scottsdale adopted the 2021 International Green Construction Code last December, but it went into effect on July 1. Scottsdale is "the first city in the state and one of only a few nationwide to implement such guidelines." The mandatory code is expected to reduce water usage of new buildings, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect natural resources, improve indoor health, and improve property value. (City of Scottsdale)
3. Damian Martin hopes to achieve his Eagle Scout rank by helping the Ville De Marie Academy in Scottsdale. Martin is a member of Boy Scout Troop 340, and he is seeking donations to set up a Gaga Ball Pit so that students at the academy can "have fun and get fit." The goal was to raise $1,500 by the end of June, but Martin was just $150 short of that goal as of Monday. Consider making a donation on Angelink to help Martin reach his goal and bring a Gaga Ball Pit to the Scottsdale academy students. (Free: NewsBreak, Subscription: Scottsdale Independent)

Calling Scottsdale business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships..

Coming up in Scottsdale:

Wednesday, July 5

• Books 2 Boogie at Appaloosa Library (10:30 AM - 11:00 AM)
• Knowasis Debate Club at Civic Center Library (3:00 PM - 4:00 PM)

Thursday, July 6

• Critter Fun with Phoenix Herpetological Society - Reptiles as Pets at Mustang Library (1:00 PM - 1:45 PM)
• Girls in STEM at Mustang Library (2:00 PM - 3:30 PM)
• Craft Together Storytime at Arabian Library (2:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
• ArtWalk at Old Town Arts District (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• "Our leagues and lessons served more than 6,300 people across nine different sport offerings including tennis, volleyball, and softball... We provided affordable swim instruction to 3,200 enrollees across our four aquatic centers and secured a grant to cover enrollment fees for all swim lessons this coming August — part of a department goal to promote and expand water safety. Our youth camps and after school programs provided more than 1,300 children and teens with meaningful activities that promote health, positive relationships, and inclusion outside of school hours." (Scottsdale Parks & Recreation via Facebook)
• "Come see us at the Diamondbacks game on Friday and learn how you can join the winning team at the Scottsdale Police Department! We will have members of our recruitment team there to answer questions and help you get started on your career path here at SPD. Visit ScottsdalePD.com for more information on job openings and the benefits package we offer." (Scottsdale Police Department via Facebook)
• "Here are the titles for the July Film Series at Mustang Library. They will show at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesdays (except for July 4)." Watch "Miss Potter" on July 11, "Saving Mr. Banks" on July 18, and "Christopher Robin" on July 25. (Scottsdale Public Library via Facebook)
• "Most city offices will be closed Tuesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day. Trash and recycling collection will not be affected... Learn more: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/news/scottsdale-july-4-information" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "Scottsdale Trolley will not operate on Independence Day. Valley Metro buses, light rail and streetcars will operate on a Sunday schedule on Tuesday, July 4. Learn more about Trolley service: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/trolley. Plan a trip with Valley Metro at ValleyMetro.org." (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "As you enjoy the summer season, don't forget that hot coals, propane tanks, unused fireworks and sparklers should NEVER be put into your trash and recycle containers or brush piles. Use the city's hazardous waste program for proper disposal of flammable items. Sign up online: ScottsdaleAZ.gov/solid-waste/household-hazardous-waste" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "AZ Inno is looking for another class of young entrepreneurs to be honored in the 2023 AZ Inno Under 25 awards. Fill out a nomination form to help share the stories of young people contributing to the Arizona tech and startup sector in impactful ways. https://bit.ly/46uBUnG" (Scottsdale Economic Development via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop for today. Have a safe holiday! I'll be in your inbox soon with another update.

— Megan Moreno

About me: Dr. Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at [email protected]