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City News
CITY NEWS
ARIZONA IN REVIEW: 2019, A YEAR TO REMEMBER
By Governor Doug Ducey INVESTING IN STUDENTS AND
2019 WAS A BANNER YEAR FOR added $660 million new dollars to K-12 ARIZONA. From breaking through public schools, bringing the total new 300,000 new jobs added since 2015, to dollars added to public education since earning the state’s highest-ever credit 2015 to $4.5 billion. rating; coming together to sign historic water legislation; recognizing 60 years GROWING CAREER AND of partnership with Sonora, Mexico; TECHNICAL EDUCATION: Goverblazing the trail as the first state in the nor Ducey’s FY 2020 budget invested nation to provide universal recognition $10 million to expand Career and Techof out-of-state occupational licenses; nical Education (CTE) offerings across passing historic tax reform that benefits Arizona. Through a grant program, high middle class families; boosting Arizo- schools with CTE programs will rena’s Rainy Day Fund to $1 billion while ceive up to $1,000 for each student who investing in teachers, students, infra- graduates with a certification in specific structure, public safety and more. industries. The budget also invested $20 KEY HIGHLIGHTS College’s Aviation Technology Program SECURING ARIZONA’S and $5.8 million to expand MaricoWATER FUTURE: Governor Ducey pa Community College’s healthcare in January signed legislation ratifying offerings. Arizona’s Drought Contingency Plan TEACHERS: The FY 2020 budget million to expand Pima Community (DCP), allowing Arizona to sign onto JOBS ON THE RISE: Arizona this an inter-state water agreement that year surpassed 300,000 new prioutlines ways the state will contribute vate-sector jobs added since 2015, with to conserving more water from the Col- companies such as Infosys, Offerpad, orado River. Arizona joined six other Raytheon, Microsoft, Benchmark Elecstates and Mexico in the signing. In tronics, Lucid Motors and more making April, President Trump signed legis- major jobs announcements this year. lation formalizing the DCP, Arizona’s included State most significant water reforms in four EXPANDING I-17, INVESTING IN Troopers, personnel decades. INFRASTRUCTURE: Governor at the Department of CorDucey announced that investments rections, the Department of Juvenile A FISCALLY CONSERVATIVE, topping $300 million will widen I-17 to Corrections and the Arizona State HosBALANCED BUDGET: Arizona’s three lanes along 15 miles between An- pital and caseworkers at the Department principals and other school personnel balanced budget added $542 million to them and Black Canyon City and build of Child Safety. who work with students in grades 6 Arizona’s Rainy Day Fund, bringing it an 8-mile system of flex lanes on the through 12. to a record $1 billion and helping better grade between Black Canyon City and SAFER SCHOOLS: Governor protect Arizona’s investments during Sunset Point. The project is set to begin Ducey’s executive budget included the NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR the next economic downturn. by spring 2021, with completion of all first-ever dedicated funding for school CYBERSECURITY: Recognizing improvements expected by 2023. counselors. With $20 million added to Arizona’s bipartisan leadership in PASSING REVENUE-NEUTRAL Arizona’s school safety grant program, cybersecurity, the National Governors TAX REFORM: Arizona’s Fiscal Year INVESTING IN HEALTHY in total, 383 school resource officers, Association (NGA) selected Arizona (FY) 2020 budget built on the tax relief FAMILIES: Arizona kicked off the counselors and social workers were along with five other states to particpassed as part of President Trump’s Tax year with a plan to invest $56 million funded through the program, with more ipate in the NGA’s policy academy Cuts and Jobs Act to make Arizona’s to expand Arizona’s childcare subsidy on the way. on election cybersecurity operations. code simpler, flatter and more fair. The programs, increasing access to child- Through the program, Arizona receives revenue neutral tax reforms—the most care for low-income working families EXPANDING SUICIDE technical assistance from NGA staff to significant of the past 30 years—prior- and foster parents. AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS: develop, implement and scale training itized middle and low-income earners, Governor Ducey in September signed and best practices throughout the state increasing Arizona’s standard deduc- SUPPORTING THOSE WHO the Mitch Warnock Act, expanding to improve coordination between elections to $12,000 for individual filers KEEP ARIZONA SAFE: This year, suicide prevention and awareness tion officials and reduce cyber-related and $24,000 for married filers. For the Arizona added $74 million dollars to training throughout Arizona schools. risks ahead of the 2020 election. first time in Arizona, the state standard provide raises for over 14,400 public The bill requires school districts and deduction matches the federal standard safety personnel employed by the state, charter schools to provide training in All in all, 2019 was a year to rememdeduction, representing a significant totaling roughly 40 percent of the state suicide awareness and prevention to ber – and we are looking forward to an simplification of the tax code. workforce. Those receiving pay raises school guidance counselors, teachers, equally successful 2020.
CITY NEWS
CHAUNCEY SOCIAL NOW OPEN IN FAST GROWING ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT NORTH SCOTTSDALE’S NEWEST menu will feature an all-natural, “Never in. When we found this ideal location HOTSPOT, CHAUNCEY SOCIAL Ever” protein program across the board; on a prominent corner just south of (17767 N. SCOTTSDALE RD., SUITE meaning that no hormones, anti-biotics, the 101 freeway, and a chance to build 100) OPENED ON THURSDAY, or medications of any sort have ever something from the ground up we were DECEMBER 12 AT 8 P.M. INSIDE A been administered. Chauncey’s kitchen inspired to create a welcoming neighSTYLISH, ALL NEW INDOOR/OUT- will be serving guests daily for social borhood hangout; perfect for casual getDOOR RESTAURANT AND NIGHT- hour and dinner while remaining open togethers and late-night socializing.” LIFE SPACE, WITH A PORTION for late night DJ entertainment. Plus, OF THE OPENING NIGHT’S PRO- AZ Foothills’ 2018 Best Mixologist Seating over 130 guests across the spaCEEDS BENEFITTING THE SPECIAL and current 3x Guinness World Record cious interior, including over 30 seats OLYMPICS. holding mixologist Sheldon Wiley de- for bar-goer’s, Chauncey Social also veloped the cocktail menu for Chauncey boasts a 50-person wraparound outdoor Led by the landmark Evening Enter- Social. The award-winning Wiley has dining space overlooking Scottsdale tainment Group (EEG) and located in been featured in the NY Times, Zagat, Road. Colorful, retro-modern décor the heart of North Scottsdale’s fast- Chilled, and Good Morning American overflows with natural woods, iron and ment Group now operates top dining growing entertainment district on and Fox & Friends. Chauncey Social eye-grabbing burnt orange and gray and drinking destinations across ArizoScottsdale Road just south of the Loop will be expanding to lunch and weekend accents. Chauncey Social welcomes the na, Illinois and Texas, including Stock 101 freeway, Chauncey Social pairs brunch in this new year. neighborhood with a unique collection & Stable, Honor Amongst Thieves, chef-crafted American fare with a wel- of eclectic furnishings, including table- Sandbar Mexican Grill, Bevvy, RnR, coming hip vibe, a wraparound outdoor Housed inside a contemporary, enter- top seating and cozy couches. Guests Bottled Blonde Pizzeria + Beer Garden, patio and sporting & special events tainment center on the SE corner of can sip on hand-crafted cocktails, a beer The Backyard, Casa Amigos Tacos + showing on the area’s largest LED wall Scottsdale Road and Chauncey Lane, selection encompassing all styles, and a Tequila, Hi Fi Kitchen + Cocktails, and (10’ x 50’). Chauncey Social offers Chauncey Social is the latest brainchild well-rounded wine list suitable for any Skylanes. an extensive Bill of Fare and has been from EEG owners Diane and Les Cori- palate, while noshing on elevated moddesigned by Executive Chef Joe Ab- eri. “We’ve had our eye on North Scott- ern American cuisine with influences Chauncey Social will be open daily for solor, founding chef of Stock & Stable sdale for several years,” Diane Corieri from all over the globe and watching dinner service at 4 p.m. with lunch and in Phoenix who recently competed at says, “because it’s such a fast-growing special events on 30 television screens. weekend brunch to soon follow in Januthe 2019 World Cooking Champion- community home to both businesses ary. Social Hour will be offered daily ship after winning the Devour Culinary and hotels as well as it being a highly Originally founded in Scottsdale more from 4 – 6 p.m. For additional inforClassic’s Golden Ticket award. The desirable place for residents to settle than 20 years ago, Evening Entertain- mawchaunceysocial.com.
THE LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLISTS HONORED THE EFFORTS OF SCOTTSDALE TO BUILD BETTER PLACES TO BIKE BY DESIGNATING IT A GOLD-LEVEL BICYCLE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY (BFC) FOR 2019 - 2023. The award recognizes Scottsdale for its commitment to creating transportation and recreational resources that benefit its residents of all ages and abilities while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation choices.
“Communities like Scottsdale are leading the nation when it comes to important livability factors that people want where they call home, like safe and accessible places to bike,” said Bill Nesper, Executive Director of the League of American Bicyclists.
The League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly America program sets the standard for how communities evaluate their quality of life, sustainability and accessibility, while allowing them to benchmark progress toward making biking better. With this latest round of 53 new and renewing awardees, there are currently 488 Bicycle Friendly Communities in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The Gold BFC award recognizes Scottsdale’s commitment to improving conditions for all people who bike through investments in bike education programs, bike events that promote and encourage people to choose biking, probike policies and bike infrastructure.
Scottsdale Councilwoman Solange Whitehead said her family chose Scottsdale because of biking. “Our kids would hop on bikes and end up miles away at Tempe Town Lake or thousands of feet up at Windgate Peak," said Whitehead. "I cherish riding to work on the greenbelt and mountain biking in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve. I am not surprised that studies routinely show that bike-friendly cities are healthier, happier and more prosperous.”
More than 850 communities have applied for recognition by the Bicycle Friendly Community program, which provides a roadmap to making biking better for communities of all shapes and sizes. While the award process considers very visible elements such as bike infrastructure, other essential elements include efforts around education, encouragement, evaluation and enforcement all through the lens of equity. The rigorous application process is an educational tool and includes an opportunity for local bicyclists and active transportation advocates to provide input on their experiences and perceptions of bicycling in their community.
Scottsdale sought community input throughout the application process with public meetings and a survey. “We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to provide input during the process,” said Senior Transportation Planner Susan Conklu. “Not only does it help with the Bicycle Friendly Community application, but it helps us continue to improve biking in Scottsdale.”
The five levels of the BFC award – diamond, platinum, gold, silver and bronze, plus an honorable mention category – provide a clear incentive for communities to continuously improve. Scottsdale is one of only 39 communities nationwide to achieve the gold-level or higher designation. Awarded communities must renew their status every four years to ensure that they not only maintain existing efforts, but also keep up with changing technology, national safety standards, and community-driven best practices. To learn more about the BFC program, visit bikeleague.org/ community.
PHOENIX POLITICIANS APPROVE AIRPORT GROUND TRANSPORTATION CHANGES — WILL RIDESHARE COMPANIES UBER AND LYFT TAKE OFF? ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER service at the terminal curb. When this horrible new tax on rideshare. The new fee structure will also 18, 2019, THE PHOENIX CITY rideshare operators began in June This will absolutely be overturned by encourage the use of the 44th Street COUNCIL APPROVED AN of 2016, they represented only 9.3 the courts, and what the politicians PHX Sky Train Station, reducing the AMENDMENT TO THE CITY CODE percent of the commercial business. did today is just take more money number of vehicles in the Airport WHICH WILL ALLOW PHOENIX Today they represent 70 percent of out of your pocket to pay for a futile core. The PHX Sky Train was built SKY HARBOR INTERNATIONAL the commercial traffic. While certain lawsuit and screw over everyone for and continues to dramatically AIRPORT TO ADJUST FEES FOR regulated providers, like taxis, who uses Uber and Lyft to get to the reduce congestion on airport GROUND TRANSPORTATION. are not allowed to pass fees onto airport.” roadways, allowing for ground the drivers or to their customers, transportation businesses to utilize Phoenix Sky Harbor International other unregulated providers such Uber has reiterated their “willingness curb space. Incentivizing PHX Sky Airport does not receive any tax as rideshare operators can choose to work with you and your staff to Train pick-up and drop-off will help revenue and is supported only by whether to pass the fees to their identify a better solution that does ease traffic congestion and improve rent and fees paid by those who use customers or drivers. not unfairly target those who rely on air quality by reducing the number its facilities. Commercial ground ridesharing.” But also stands firm of idling vehicles at Airport curbs. transportation businesses have Ridesharing companies like Uber and on their ultimatum: “If the Phoenix While many other major airports been paying only a fraction of Lyft have made their stance known if City Council approves the ground are forcing rideshare providers off what it costs to operate the ground this amendment passed. Last month, transportation fee structure currently their curbs to remote locations, transportation program at Sky Harbor they sent letters expressing that if recommended by PHX, Uber will Phoenix Sky Harbor is continuing that supports their operation and Phoenix imposes this tax increase, be forced to cease operations at to allow premium curbside service are currently being subsidized by they will leave the airport. If they Phoenix Sky Harbor effective while offering a green incentive to other Airport businesses. With the put their pedal to the metal, this January 2020,” Chris Garcia, Global use a remote location. The Council changes approved by City Council, would make Phoenix the first airport Airport Partnerships Manager for also provided for a 40 percent green the commercial ground transportation in the nation to literally drive out Uber wrote in a letter addressing discount for all commercial ground providers will be treated similarly to ridesharing companies. City of Phoenix Aviation Department transportation providers using zero the other companies doing business at Director Jim Bennett. The letter also emission vehicles. Sky Harbor. Phoenix City Councilman Sal calls out the “millions of Arizonans DiCiccio has been very vocal about and visitors” that Uber has helped Now the keys are in the hands of Beginning February 1, 2020, new his disapproval of this tax increase, move around the valley since their Uber and Lyft — will they rev the ground transportation fees will offer and after the approval he released a launch in Phoenix in 2012, during engine on their threats to leave Sky two options for rideshare providers: statement reading, “Despite learning “a period of remarkable economic Harbor? At time of press, there A $2.80 drop-off and pick-up fee that it is in direct violation of the growth and expansion” and points to had been no statement from either at the PHX Sky Train Station or a Arizona constitution, the politicians the company’s heavy investment in rideshare company on their next $4.00 drop-off and pick-up fee for at City Hall voted once again to pass the Phoenix community. move.
CARTEL COFFEE LAB FINALLY HEADS NORTH WITH TWO NEW LOCATIONS THE LONGSTANDING TEMPE-BASED COFFEE “We’ve always been cautious when it comes to choos- The name Cartel Coffee Lab was inspired by oil PURVEYOR, CARTEL COFFEE LAB, KNOWN ing locations or partners; both of these new cafes cartels; instead of stifling competition, Cartel has an FOR SOURCING AND ROASTING SOME OF THE represent a lot of consideration and these are two ambitious goal to band together like-minded coffee BEST COFFEE FROM AROUND THE WORLD IS communities we are excited to grow with,” said Jason producers and professionals to drive customer LAUNCHING TWO NEW LOCATIONS. Silberschlag, owner and co-founder of Cartel. appreciation for hard work and quality.
The location on the northeast intersection of Tatum and Shea celebrated their grand opening on December 20th. This 1,200 square foot location features a state of the art La Marzocco Linea PB espresso machine, draft cold brew, and Chemex pour overs of rotating single origin coffees.
As a part of their continuing partnership with boutique hospitality brand ARRIVE Hotels, Cartel will be opening inside ARRIVE’s upcoming hotel at Fourth Avenue and Camelback in Uptown Phoenix in 2020. This will be the third in a series of successful cafe/hotel partnerships after locations in Palm Springs and Austin. Husband and wife Jason and Amy Silberschlag began Cartel 12 years ago with a mobile cart, which will now have expanded into 10 retail locations across three states supported by their two Arizona roasteries in Tempe and Tucson. “From day one, it’s been about neighborhood cafe culture first and foremost,” said Amy Silberschlag. “We can’t wait to make new friends in North Phoenix!”
It isn’t just the Silberschlags who are excited. “I’m personally thrilled that they’ll be just across the street from me,” says Woo Jonathon, General Manager of neighboring restaurant The Covenant. “I’m always up for more local business in Paradise Valley.” To date, Cartel partners with 110 rotating coffee farms spread across the globe who are guaranteed to be paid 30 to 150 percent above their costs, far above pricing set by Fair Trade.
Through the years, Cartel has received recognition from the likes of Alton Brown, Vogue, and Food & Wine as a gold standard in specialty coffee craft and service. The secret is in their 90 percent retail focus, which has allowed them to prioritize the experience of the end user in all their decisions.
Shop online at cartelcoffeelab.com or follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
ARIZONA’S FIRST VERSACE STORE SET TO OPEN IN SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE’S LUXURY WING THIS SPRING VERSACE WILL OPEN ITS FIRST ARIZONA features a new grand entrance, providing a sense of has relocated to a new space in the luxury wing STORE AT SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE. Versace is the latest luxury brand to choose Scottarrival with a striking, two-story glass entry plus new attractions including two market “firsts” – Nobu Scottsdale (opening spring 2020) and Equinox • David Yurman – The American purveyor of designer jewelry sdale Fashion Square. Other marquee names at luxury fitness (opening 2021). Also slated to open • Escada – The European luxury designer clothing the region’s dominant luxury property Macerich in 2021 at Scottsdale Fashion Square is Republic brand is a favorite addition to Scottsdale Fashion recently reported that year-over-year sales at Scott- Scottsdale, the first non-gaming hotel from the Square sdale Fashion Square reached $1,472 per square famed Caesars Entertainment brand, which will foot compared to $1,032 prior to the redevelopment include two new dining concepts from high-profile • Gucci – One of the world’s top luxury brands and expansion of the luxury wing that debuted in chef Giada De Laurentiis. representing the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship, November 2018. the boutique has moved to a new, expanded location Exclusive-to-market luxury retailers at Scottsdale across the Palm Court Located in the property’s elevated luxury wing, the new 3131 square-foot Versace is set to open in spring 2020, featuring the modern Italian design Fashion Square include: • Bottega Venetta – Known for its exquisite leather and other luxury goods, the Italian brand completely • Hublot – The inventive brand that combines exotic materials and Swiss watchmaking tradition that distinguishes this iconic brand. “Versace renovated the store interior with a new, two-story • IWC Schaffhausen – With a focus on technology, represents its heritage through innovative and front entrance this Swiss watchmaker has produced timepieces always-glamourous designs, and this inspired brand is a tremendous complement to the curated collection of luxury stores and experiences at • Breitling – The Swiss brand known for high-pre cision timepieces with lasting value since 1868 • Jimmy Choo – The 21st century luxury accessoScottsdale Fashion Square,” said Michael Guerin, Senior Vice President of Leasing, Macerich. “We • Bulgari – Purveyor of fine Italian jewelry, watches and luxury goods ries brand with shoes at its heart just celebrated its grand reopening at the property continue to attract the world’s finest global brands to our magnificent property, which is the true home for luxury in Arizona.” • Burberry – The iconic British luxury name offering fashion and accessories • Jo Malone – The luxury British fragrance and skincare brand is among the latest additions to the luxury wing The enhanced luxury wing at Scottsdale Fashion Square is marked by new stores – including justannounced Versace – high-end furnishings and finishes, a Swarovski-inspired light column in the • Cartier – The renowned French luxury brand focusing on fine jewelry, watches, accessories and fragrances has undergone a complete transformation of its space • Louis Vuitton – The French luxury house famed for signature leather goods, accessories and more recently remodeled its flagship location at Scottsdale Fashion Square Crystal Court, and a range of desirable amenities. Anchored by Neiman Marcus, this wing also • CH Carolina Herrera – The modern luxury lifestyle collection from the South American designer • Michael Kors – The award-winning American luxury brand features fashion and accessories • Omega – The luxury Swiss watchmaker has been redesigned to replicate the Omega flagship store in Switzerland
• Prada – The Italian luxury house specializing in fashion, leather handbags, shoes and accessories • Saint Laurent – The luxury, prêt-à-porter retailer with boutiques in Paris, Beverly Hills and other major luxury centers around the world
• St. John – Esteemed for signature knitwear and exceptional service, the store enhanced its presentation at Scottsdale Fashion Square, opening its new location in the luxury wing • Salvatore Ferragamo – The iconic Italian leather goods purveyor is debuting its new store in the luxury wing this holiday season • Stuart Weitzman – Known for fine shoes and accessories
• Tiffany & Co. – A world leader in fine jewelry, luxury timepieces and accessories
