As Scottsdale voters prepare for Election Day, Scottsdale Vibes continues its candidate interview series with City Councilmember Solange Whitehead.
Every candidate participating in our series is asked the same five questions and given the same amount of time to share their vision for Scottsdale. The goal is simple: provide voters with the information they need before casting their ballots.
In this episode, Whitehead discusses some of Scottsdale’s biggest challenges, including water security, housing density, short-term rentals, tourism, state control over local decisions and government transparency.
Balancing Tourism and Neighborhood Quality of Life
Tourism remains one of Scottsdale’s largest economic drivers, funding many of the amenities residents enjoy year-round. Whitehead says the city has worked to improve transportation during major events while encouraging more walkable tourism through hotel development.
She believes the larger concern is short-term rentals.
While Scottsdale has strengthened enforcement against party houses and adopted some of the state’s toughest local regulations, Whitehead says more authority is still needed from the Arizona Legislature.
Her preferred solution is a “three strikes” policy that would permanently prohibit repeat offenders from operating short-term rentals within Scottsdale.
State Control vs. Local Decision Making
One of the recurring themes throughout the conversation is the increasing influence of state government over local municipalities.
Whitehead argues that state laws limiting Scottsdale’s authority over housing density, zoning and short-term rentals make it difficult for the city to follow its voter-approved General Plan.
She also points to state tax changes that have reduced Scottsdale’s revenue while continuing to place greater demands on city services.
According to Whitehead, local communities should have greater control over planning for their own future.
Housing Growth and Development
As Scottsdale continues to grow, development remains one of the city’s most debated issues.
Whitehead says she does not support unlimited apartment construction but also believes some additional housing is necessary in carefully selected locations.
She supports higher-density development near freeways, employment centers and Old Town while opposing projects that negatively impact established neighborhoods.
She also noted that recent City Council decisions have reduced building heights in downtown Scottsdale compared to previously approved plans.
Water Security Remains a Top Priority
Water has been one of Whitehead’s signature issues throughout her time on City Council.
She discussed Scottsdale’s long-term water strategy, including conservation efforts, infrastructure improvements, leak reduction programs, recycled water initiatives and investments in future water supplies.
While acknowledging recent increases in water and sewer rates, Whitehead argues that investing now helps avoid much larger costs in the future.
She expressed concern that delaying or reducing funding for long-term water infrastructure could create greater financial and environmental challenges as Colorado River supplies continue to decline.
Building Public Trust
When asked about restoring confidence in City Hall, Whitehead emphasized transparency and public involvement.
She believes significant policy changes should be discussed during public meetings, supported by data and include opportunities for community input before decisions are made.
According to Whitehead, maintaining trust requires open government and clear communication with residents.
Why She’s Running Again
Whitehead closed the interview by highlighting accomplishments from her time on City Council, including:
- Securing long-term funding for Scottsdale parks through Proposition 490
- Investing in infrastructure improvements
- Protecting the McDowell Sonoran Preserve
- Supporting Scottsdale’s voter-approved General Plan
- Working collaboratively with residents across the community
She says she hopes to continue building on those efforts if re-elected.
Listen to the Full Interview
To hear Councilmember Solange Whitehead answer all five questions in her own words, listen to the full episode of the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.
Be sure to listen to all of our Scottsdale City Council candidate interviews before voting.
Election Day: July 21
Early ballots have already been mailed.
An informed community creates a stronger Scottsdale.