Lisa Borowsky - Mayor of Scottsdale
INTERVIEWS BY TRACY WAGER
Q - A Vision for Excellence: The Barn Project & Horse Welfare million funding win, we are finally seeing a definitive move toward “Mayor Borowsky, as someone who grew up riding and still a permanent solution. For the horse owners and event-goers who competes in the Arabian horse circuit, you have a unique ‘rider’shave navigated these issues for years, can you describe the longeye view’ of what makes a facility world-class. Now that the new term positive impact this will have on the reliability of our facility barn project at WestWorld has successfully replaced some of the during Arizona’s monsoon seasons and the overall economic older structures with modern, high-standard accommodations, how performance of WestWorld?” do you see these improvements A –“Addressing the longaffecting our city’s reputation? standing drainage challenges Beyond just infrastructure, what at WestWorld is exactly does providing these ‘premier the kind of forward-looking suites’ for horses mean for investment which is outlined Scottsdale’s identity as the in our strategic plan. Our ‘West’s Most Western Town’ and WestWorld stakeholders our ability to host the world’s playing a major role in most prestigious events?” identifying our goals and A - “The improvements at our priorities which are WestWorld, including the new successfully moving forward. barn facilities, are a direct Safety together with a positive reflection of our broader experience is paramount for strategic vision. With the City competitors and their teams, Council’s unanimous adoption and are critical to maintaining of the WestWorld Strategic our reputation as a premier Plan, we are making it clear event destination, especially that excellence --- both in during Arizona’s monsoon infrastructure and in animal season. welfare --- is a top priority. The investment represents As someone who has spent more than infrastructure my life around horses, I know --- it’s about protecting how much these premier an economic engine that Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky with accommodations matter. They generates significant regional elevate the standard of care and signal WestWorld General Manager Will Lofdahl impact each year. By solving these to the global equestrian community that & Randy Coffman with Coffman Barns issues, we’re giving event organizers, Scottsdale is serious about being a tophorse owners, and visitors the confidence tier destination. This is how we honor our identity as “The West’s that WestWorld will deliver a consistent, high-quality experience Most Western Town” --- by blending tradition with world-class regardless of weather conditions.” facilities that support the top events in the world.” Q - Advocacy in Action: The Impact of Stakeholder Voice Q - Balancing Tradition and Growth: Enhancing the Event “In August 2025, you called for a special meeting to bring Landscape stakeholders—including voices like Craig Jackson—directly “You’ve often referred to WestWorld as the ‘beating heart’ of our into the discussion regarding WestWorld’s future. As a Mayor equestrian community and a cornerstone of our tourism economy. who advocates for resident and industry input, how does this With the shift toward larger, more complex shows that demand collaborative approach ensure that taxpayer-funded improvements, higher safety and wellness standards, how do these latest like the new drainage and barn projects, truly serve the people expansions help secure the future of our existing signature events? and the animals on the ground? Why is it so critical for the City How does this increased capacity—specifically the addition of Council to listen to the experts who produce these ‘best-of-the-best’ these permanent stalls—pave the way for Scottsdale to attract a events?” new generation of high-octane events while staying true to our A -“Collaboration leads to better outcomes. From the beginning, deep-rooted heritage?” we’ve prioritized input from stakeholders --- event producers, A -“WestWorld is central to our city’s identity and economy, and industry experts, and community members --- because they are the the City’s strategic plan ensures we are protecting that legacy ones who make WestWorld a success. while positioning ourselves for future growth. One of the plan’s key That feedback is evidenced throughout the strategic plan, from priorities is to “Compete for the best,” which means attracting highimproving the producer experience to strengthening operations and quality events while continuing to support the historical signature planning for future growth. When we listen to those who host and shows that have defined Scottsdale for decades.” participate in these “best-of-the-best” events, we ensure that every investment we make is both practical and impactful.” Q - A Decades-Long Solution: The $10.4 Million Drainage Milestone Q - A Lifelong Passion: From the Stables to City Hall “Solving the drainage issues at WestWorld has been a persistent “Your roots in Scottsdale run deep, from your childhood days at challenge for the city since the late 1990s, and you made resolving local stables to now leading the city from the Mayor’s office. You this a top priority of your administration. With the recent $10.4 CONTINUED NEXT PAGE 22
BRIDLE & BIT APRIL 2026