Scottsdale honored as One of the 100 Best Communities for Young People

The city of Scottsdale receives many awards each year, but none more far reaching or more important than being named One of the Best Communities for Young People. This is what quality of life is all about and we are honored to have captured this title three years in a row. I was very honored to travel to Washington D.C. in 2006 to receive this award from General Colin Powell.

The City of Scottsdale is grateful to share this award with an outstanding school district, an excellent health care system, many dedicated nonprofit organizations which serve our youth, and certainly the remarkable young people living here. Children come from many different backgrounds, but I believe that every child has a good chance of success if they have one place, one person, one environment which reinforces the message that they are worthwhile, they have something to offer, and that they are a good person.

America's Promise Alliance, the nation's largest alliance dedicated to children and youth, announced that Scottsdale has been named a winner of its 2008 100 Best Communities for Young People. This program recognizes 100 outstanding communities across America chosen as the best places for young people to live and grow up. More than 300 communities in all 50 states applied for this honor.

Scottsdale was selected as one of the 100 Best for the third year in a row due to its commitment to ensuring that its young people have the fundamental resources to succeed. Collaboration is the cornerstone of our Scottsdale community. This collaboration includes the city's Human Services Department, Parks and Recreation and Libraries, and our Police Department; the Scottsdale Unified School District; Scottsdale Healthcare; local nonprofit organizations, such, as the Boys and Girls Club of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Prevention Institute; the Interfaith Network of Scottsdale; and The Arizona Republic.

Scottsdale also spearheaded the Northeast Valley Coalition Against Methamphetamine to ensure the health and well-being of its youth. This collaboration includes five cities and two Native American nations. A Youth Awareness subcommittee is working to achieve a meth-free community. Approximately 30 youth are being recruited to plan anti-meth videos, a meth-awareness day, and a youth town hall dedicated to educating youth and families about issues of this deadly drug. In addition, the council majority passed the 2007/2008 fiscal budget which greatly expanded after school programs for youth and authorized new libraries and parks to serve our youth and people of all ages.

America's Promise Alliance is the national leader in forging a strong and effective partnership comprised of corporations, nonprofit organizations, foundations, policymakers, and advocacy and faith groups committed to ensuring that children receive the fundamental resources they need to lead successful, healthy and productive lives. Building on the legacy of our founder General Colin Powell, the Alliance believes that the success of our children is grounded in experiencing these Five Promises; caring adults; a safe place; a healthy start; an effective education, and opportunities to help others. For more information on America's Promise Alliance visit: www.americaspromise.org.

Keep Scottsdale moving forward in 2008