Scottsdale Mayor Urges Compromise as Axon Teeters on Departure

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky has voiced strong opposition to Senate Bill 1543, a piece of legislation that could override local zoning regulations. The bill arises from a contentious dispute between the city and tech company Axon regarding its proposed headquarters development.

While the Scottsdale City Council initially approved plans for the headquarters to include housing and a hotel, a faction of residents successfully gathered signatures for a ballot referendum, delaying the project.

In a recent correspondence, Mayor Borowsky articulated her concerns, stating that the legislation represents “an overreach of state power into areas that should be managed by local communities.” She emphasized that cities like Scottsdale have meticulously planned their zoning to reflect the desires of their residents.

In her statement, Borowsky criticized what she termed Axon’s “creative political manipulation,” accusing the company of seeking a more favorable outcome through the state legislature instead of collaborating with the city. She reiterated her readiness to engage with Axon to address the issues surrounding the controversial apartment approvals currently facing a referendum.

Axon CEO Rick Smith has previously warned that the company may relocate jobs out of Scottsdale if the integrated campus, including necessary housing, is not approved. “Building headquarters without hotels and without housing nearby is like building a house with no kitchen and no garage,” he remarked earlier this month.

The House International Trade Committee approved SB 1543 unanimously on Wednesday, advancing the bill further in the legislative process. Mayor Borowsky remains committed to finding a resolution with Axon as discussions continue.

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