By Jennifer Conrad, Managing Editor
The City of Scottsdale is at an inflection point, balancing continued economic growth and development with preserving the quality of life that has made it such a desirable place to live, work and visit. Few candidates are as well-equipped to strike that balance as Linda Milhaven. With over 30 years of civic leadership, including 12 years on the Scottsdale City Council, Milhaven has the deep experience and financial accumen to guide the city towards a prosperous future while respecting its unique Southwestern character.
We sat down with Milhaven to dive deeper into her background, her vision for Scottsdale’s future, and how she plans to earn and maintain the trust of residents.
A Lifetime of Scottsdale Service
Milhaven’s commitment to Scottsdale traces back to her early career as a community bank president, serving local small businesses and residents. “I saw firsthand how downtown businesses were struggling when it was designated as a ‘blighted’ area,” she recalls. Recognizing the importance of economic development, she ran for City Council in 2008. “I didn’t see candidates who shared my view on supporting businesses. Downtown had thrived as a regional shopping destination, and I knew adding more residential and commercial space could revitalize it.”
Milhaven spent her council tenure doing exactly that. Major redevelopment projects like McDowell Road and SkySong transformed from vacant lots into thriving economic hubs. More residential development breathed new life into dormant areas of downtown. “Now we see baby strollers, people walking dogs, crowded patios – it’s incredibly vibrant,” Milhaven beams.
Her dedication extended well beyond Council chambers. Milhaven volunteered and led prominent civic organizations like the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, Scottsdale Arts, and the Better Business Bureau. This year, she was inducted into Scottsdale’s History Hall of Fame. “My passion has always been giving back to make this an even better place,” she says.
A Prosperous Vision
If elected mayor, Milhaven has an ambitious vision for Scottsdale’s future. At its core is sustainable, sensible economic development policies. “We’re nearly built out, so redevelopment that respects neighborhoods but invigorates commercial corridors will be key,” she explains.
This development would help retain and attract businesses, creating jobs and boosting tax revenues to fund critical services and amenities. “Our business community pays the lion’s share of taxes enabling low residential rates and investments in parks, trails, etc.,” Milhaven notes. “A strong private sector is what allows us to invest in our unmatched quality of life.”
This fiscal stewardship is a core tenet of her platform. Milhaven points to her advocacy on recent ballot measures as an example, preferring to leverage existing funds rather than raise taxes. “On the spending limit increase, I support it to maintain services but demand an accounting of why expenditures grew so quickly,” she says.
The Responsible Water Pathway
For any desert community, access to water is existential. Milhaven is focused on continually strengthening conservation efforts while ensuring ample supply through multiple sources like the Salt, Verde and Colorado River allocations.
“We need to invest in raising dam heights, offer incentives for desert landscaping, and ensure new development uses latest water-saving technologies,” she says. “But we’re in decent shape by recycling wastewater into aquifers. We actually have more aquifer water now than 20 years ago.”
Robust Public Safety
Milhaven is passionate about prioritizing funding for police, fire and public safety. During her Council tenure, she made these services’ compensation packages competitive to attract top talent. “We must take care of those who take care of us,” she states. If elected, she would continue reviewing compensation levels regularly.
Addressing issues like the rise in homeless individuals and residential squatters is also a priority. Milhaven supports increasing temporary shelter beds while connecting homeless individuals with services for job training, substance abuse treatment and transitional housing. “We’ll lobby for stronger laws against squatters, explore limiting densities of vacation rentals disrupting neighborhoods, and look at creative solutions like the innovative recapturing of rainwater.”
Protecting the Essence of Scottsdale
Amid change and growth, Milhaven insists on “keeping Scottsdale special” by maintaining and enhancing beloved amenities. “We need to continually reinvest in parks, open spaces and civic assets like the aging Indian Bend Wash so they don’t deteriorate,” she says. “And we must add new amenities residents want, like the new soccer fields and dog parks.”
Earning Community Trust
For any candidate, earning constituents’ trust is arguably the highest priority. Milhaven believes it begins with sincere engagement. “You have to actively listen to all perspectives respectfully, so everyone feels heard,” she explains. “I aim to always be straightforward about where I stand, even if we disagree. As long as people see you’re considering their concerns and trying to balance interests, you can build trust and mutual respect.”
Her longstanding community ties are another advantage. “I’ve been involved in Scottsdale for over 30 years, which provides a deep network and understanding of different groups’ priorities,” she says. “I can identify ways to find common ground and move the city forward in a united way.”
The Right Candidate for the Moment
As Milhaven makes her case to Scottsdale voters, she’s buoyed by a crucial endorsement – the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors. “Realtors are hugely invested in quality of life, because that’s what they’re selling,” she notes. “Their endorsement shows my ability to balance economic vitality with preserving what makes Scottsdale so desirable.”
Ultimately, Milhaven sees herself as the ideal guide for this juncture in Scottsdale’s evolution. “My decades of financial experience ensure we invest prudently in priorities,” she states. “My deep civic roots give me the perspective to protect Scottsdale’s character while allowing responsible growth that funds amenities and services.”
“I’ll be a mayor ensuring we have the resources for a thriving economy, but never lose what makes this community so special.”
