About SCAMDD

Board of Directors

David LaVelle, President

Alan Smithling, Treasurer

Heidi Stine, Secretary

Our Purpose

This corporation is organized for the purpose of promoting social welfare by protecting and preserving the ecological integrity of the North Scottsdale Sonoran Desert’s natural ecosystems, wildlife habitats and scenic natural open space. The character of affairs includes active legislative advocacy, monitoring state land auctions, mobilizing community participation in zoning matters, and advocating for sustainable development practices.

In furtherance of this purpose, the corporation will:

Educate residents, community groups, and public officials about the environmental, safety, and quality‑of‑life impacts of proposed housing and related development in and around the Sonoran Desert area of North Scottsdale, Arizona.
Advocate before, and lobby, state, county, and municipal officials, boards, and agencies regarding land use, zoning, planning, infrastructure, and environmental regulations affecting the Sonoran Desert and adjacent communities.
Conduct research, prepare reports, and disseminate information on sustainable growth, conservation, and land‑use policies that protect the Sonoran Desert ecosystem and scenic resources while promoting responsible development and community welfare.

Vision Statement

A North Scottsdale where the majestic Sonoran Desert remains an unbroken landscape, protected by sensible policy and a community that prioritizes conservation over urban sprawl.

Our Values

Environmental Stewardship:

We believe the Sonoran Desert is an irreplaceable asset that must be defended against fragmentation and degradation.

Accountability:

We hold elected officials and state agencies responsible for land-use decisions that prioritize short-term growth over long-term sustainability.

Strategic Advocacy:

We use data-driven research and community mobilization to influence zoning laws and state land auctions.

Community Sovereignty:

We believe North Scottsdale residents should have the primary voice in how their neighborhoods and surrounding natural borders are developed.

Transparency:

We are committed to exposing the "behind-the-scenes" deals in development and land auctions to the light of public scrutiny.

Form of Organization

SCAMDD is organized and shall be operated as a nonprofit social welfare organization within the meaning of section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. The primary purpose of the corporation is to promote the common good and general welfare of residents of North Scottsdale, Arizona, by protecting the Sonoran Desert ecosystem, wildlife, open space, and scenic character from harmful or poorly planned development.

The corporation’s activities may include public education, community organizing, advocacy, and lobbying regarding land‑use, zoning, planning, infrastructure, and environmental policy at the state and local levels; research and publication of reports and policy proposals; and coordination with community groups and public officials to encourage responsible, conservation‑minded development.

The corporation may carry out any lawful activities that further its social welfare purpose, including lobbying to influence legislation and public policy, and may engage in limited political campaign activities that do not constitute the corporation’s primary activity, all in compliance with section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable federal, state, and local law.