McDowell Sonoran Preserve Faced Legal Challenges
The city's massive nature preserve celebrated 32 years while currently facing two lawsuits over its sales tax funding.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in National Parks
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The McDowell Sonoran Preserve has reached its 32nd anniversary as Scottsdale faces legal challenges regarding the sales tax that supports the land. Two lawsuits currently challenge the tax funding, arguing that the measure failed to meet necessary voting thresholds.
Why it matters
These legal actions question the validity of the tax used to purchase and conserve over 30,000 acres of land. If the plaintiffs prevail, it could force the city to sunset the tax revenue currently supporting the preserve.
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve spans more than 30,000 acres stretching from 136th Street and Shea Boulevard to the Tonto National Forest. The legal dispute centers on whether the tax increase for the land acquisition met the required 60% approval threshold.
The players
David Smith
He is a plaintiff who filed a lawsuit requesting that the preserve tax be sunset.
Goldwater Institute
This organization filed a lawsuit challenging the tax increase for the preserve.
The details
Plaintiffs, including David Smith and the Goldwater Institute, contend that the tax measure failed to reach the legally required approval percentage to remain in effect. The city established the preserve in 1994, with residents previously approving tax increases to support land acquisition and ongoing conservation efforts.
Timeline
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve was established in 1994.
The preserve marked its 32nd anniversary in October 2026.
Arguments in the Goldwater Institute lawsuit occur on Wednesday.
Travel Outlook
The legal battle surrounding the McDowell Sonoran Preserve tax reflects broader tensions in municipal funding for public lands. This follows a pattern where voter-approved tax measures face scrutiny regarding the specific supermajority thresholds required for land conservation initiatives.
The ongoing litigation could lead to significant changes in how the preserve is funded and maintained in the future. Residents and visitors should monitor the Arizona Court of Appeals ruling, as it will determine the legality of the current tax structure.
The takeaway
The McDowell Sonoran Preserve remains a centerpiece of local conservation despite the uncertainty regarding its financial future. City officials and residents await the upcoming court arguments to see if the funding model will be upheld or modified.
Further reading
For more context on local conservation efforts, visit National Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by abc15 Arizona.
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Do you support using city sales taxes to fund the expansion of local nature preserves?
