The efforts in Scottsdale to ensure city streets are more accessible has reached a new milestone, with the addition of 45 ADA-compliant curb ramps in Old Town. This is part of a larger mission that Scottsdale has undertaken to align its pedestrian infrastructure with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In light of these efforts, City of Scottsdale has been regular with upgrades, putting in over 365 ADA ramps across the city in 2025, and reaching a total of 3,814 ramps installed over the past five years.
The move comes as a direct result of policy, which enforces that city repaving projects are to be treated as "alterations". Any ramps found not in compliance with current ADA standards during these repaving projects must be upgraded alongside the scheduled work, as reported by the City of Scottsdale.
“Scottsdale is committed to making our community welcoming and accessible for everyone," said City Manager Greg Caton. The City of Scottsdale systematic approach to updating curb ramps ensures that its streets and sidewalks serve all individuals who live, work, and visit here.
The curb ramp upgrades also signal a broader citywide initiative, which includes a comprehensive update to Scottsdale’s ADA Transition Plan. This update, which has been underway since earlier in the year, involves an assessment of city-owned facilities, parks, and public areas, leading to a future-proofed plan aimed at continuing improvements. These enhancements are expected to encompass a variety of accessible solutions such as ramps, sidewalks, crosswalks, and clearer signage, all aimed at fostering easier access to the City of Scottsdale facilities and programs.
Scottsdale is inviting the public to take part in the conversation to better inform these plans. A community meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Community Center, as per the City of Scottsdale reports. Here, residents, especially disability advocates, are encouraged to share their experiences with city facilities and offer feedback. Further, residents who cannot make it to the meeting can provide their input online at SpeakUpScottsdale.com.
