Inside Scottsdale City Hall

Top photo SPL Digital Library, Mid and bottom: Lisa E White 

Bennie Gonzales designed the interior of Scottsdale City Hall based on the Native American kiva, or ceremonial meeting room, in order to facilitate a democratic involvement with city government.  The room is built into the ground, giving the floor level a balcony-like overlook, adding overflow space when the kiva itself is full.  The open space and top lighting, which includes beautiful stained glass, make the room inviting and accessible.   The Mayor (Jim Lane) and six city council members are elected at large, with three of the six city council members being elected every two years for a four year term.  The public is invited to meetings usually held on Tuesdays, to watch the meetings on Cable Channel 11, or to stream meetings to your computer.  An eight-week Scottsdale City Government 101 course begins in March 2013 to explain the workings of this participatory government.  Scottsdale 101

(Bottom picture is Mayor Lane at the council podium with 16 exchange students from our sister city of Interlaken, Switzerland.)