Opponents working to put Scottsdale Axon development referendum on statewide ballot

Opponents of Axon’s plans to build a new headquarters and housing in Scottsdale are gathering signatures to challenge a law blocking their right to hold a local referendum on the development.

A recent law signed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs negated efforts by opponents of the taser and body camera company’s development project, who successfully gathered enough signatures to challenge Axon’s plans on Scottsdale ballots in 2026.

Plans for the company’s headquarters include thousands of housing units, a hotel and restaurants.

Initially, the development was approved by the Scottsdale City Council, but when opponents gathered enough signatures for a city referendum, Axon asked state lawmakers to back a bill which would negate the referendum’s efforts if Scottsdale voters agreed to kill the development.

Axon threatened to take their business to another state, which some lawmakers want to avoid. Proponents of the bill and Axon’s development plans say it will bring jobs and strengthen Arizona’s economy

Now the Axon critics are gathering signatures for a statewide referendum to challenge that law, arguing the Legislature’s efforts to clear the way for Axon's headquarters suppresses their right to a local vote.

The development’s opponents behind the referendum are calling themselves Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions (TAAZE).

They’ll need to gather 127,975 signatures to put the law on hold pending a statewide vote. Signatures must be gathered within 90 days of the end of the current legislative session.