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Scottsdale Council Approves Axon HQ Deal in 4–3 Vote, Referendum Halted

State preemption now forecloses a public vote, with litigation over the law still pending.

Overview

  • The memorandum of understanding trims the housing plan to 600 apartments and 600 condos, down from 1,900 units.
  • Council repealed the 2024 rezoning that spurred more than 25,000 referendum signatures, rendering the petition effort moot.
  • Gov. Katie Hobbs’ April signature on SB 1543 limits local hearings for qualifying projects, a change Axon had lobbied for at the Capitol.
  • Scottsdale declined to join the TAAZE constitutional challenge unless Axon fails to sign the MOU and a liability waiver by Nov. 19.
  • Mayor Lisa Borowsky became the swing vote after a recess, and Axon says it aims to break ground in early 2026 if the agreement proceeds.