Championing Sustainability in Scottsdale: An Interview with Councilwoman Solange Whitehead
By Bethany Boyd
In a time of climate crisis, environmental advocates at the local level are often our strongest defense against inaction. I had the chance to sit down with Scottsdale City Councilmember Solange Whitehead, who has made it her mission to protect open spaces, push for sustainable policies, and challenge decisions that put short-term interests over long-term wellbeing. From preserving the McDowell Sonoran Preserve to leading green infrastructure efforts, Councilwoman Whitehead is not only a policymaker but a passionate community activist. In this interview, she reflects on her journey, shares current environmental battles, and offers inspiration for the next generation of change-makers.
Q: What inspired you to run for city council, and how did you get started in environmental work?
A: Before I was on council, I was a really active community member. I fought against overdevelopment and wanted to preserve natural spaces. My first step into environmental work came when I realized we were losing access to open spaces that should be protected for the public. I led a movement to stop a development project that would’ve taken away desert land, people really rallied around that. It showed me how much power we have when we organize.
Q: What are your top environmental priorities for the council this year?
A: That just makes me want to cry. There are so many, but let’s narrow it down to a few major ones.
One of the biggest victories last year was passing a tax that gives us 30 years of dedicated funding for wildfire prevention, invasive plant control, and reinvestment in our parks, especially those in southern Scottsdale, which have been historically neglected. It was a brutal battle, and some of the same people who now serve on council fought viciously against it. But the community supported it overwhelmingly; every precinct in Scottsdale passed it. The tax is less than $4 a month per household, but its impact is huge.
Now, we’re fighting to protect another tax that supports our McDowell Sonoran Preserve. It’s set to expire in 2034, and we want to extend it, not only to finish building a critical wildlife bridge over Dynamite Road that connects the northern and southern parts of the Preserve, but to acquire and protect more land. Some councilmembers want to defund the wildlife bridge, even though the money is already there and can’t be used for anything else. So right now, we’re collecting thousands of signatures to ensure the funding stays intact.
Another priority is keeping our solid waste department in-house so we can maintain our recycling programs. There’s also a big push to expand composting at all city facilities. And I’m working to protect our green building codes, we don’t even have staff dedicated to enforcing them right now. All of this is about stopping the rollback of sustainability policies and making sure we keep moving forward, not backward.
There’s also water. People think “desalination,” but we’re in the desert, we don’t have an ocean, but we do have a lot of toilets. Water recycling is crucial, and there are even efforts trying to stop that. We cannot afford to go backward on water conservation.
Q: What keeps you motivated to continue fighting these challenges?
A: Your generation. I think about young people, your peers, and it reminds me why this fight matters so much. Even though I’m not that old, I already think about what kind of world we’re leaving for the next generations. I just want to do what I can to help us move forward instead of taking steps back.
And it’s frustrating, people in leadership today have kids and grandkids too. How can they only think of themselves? The policies we pass now shape the world they’ll grow up in. I wonder sometimes if they’re just incapable of understanding that.
Q: What advice do you have for young people who want to make a difference today?
A: There are so many good people in this world. If you want to make change, stand up, speak out, and work hard. And remember: everyone has the potential to be a future ally. I’ve had to face a lot of vicious opposition, and I always remind myself, someone loves them, they’re human, and maybe one day we’ll find common ground.
Always do what’s right. Leaders don’t follow, trust your gut. I used to work at General Dynamics, a company with 30,000 people, and they didn’t even recycle soda cans. I worked hard to change that. People tried to stop me, but I kept going, even waking up at 5 AM and thinking, “They’re not working harder than I am.” Outwork your opponents. That’s how you win.
Q: If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?
A: Believe in yourself more. Take more risks. I used to think other people knew better just because they had more experience or were older. But I learned that when you care deeply about something, you probably are right. Trust your instincts. Don’t doubt yourself just because someone seems more confident.
This conversation with Councilwoman Solange Whitehead reminded me that real environmental change often begins in our own neighborhoods, with leaders who are willing to fight for what’s right, even when it’s unpopular. Her persistence, authenticity, and belief in future generations are exactly the kind of qualities we need in the climate fight. Whether you’re running for office or organizing a recycling drive, her advice holds true: work hard, trust your gut, and never stop believing in the power of community.
By Bethany Boyd
2025 Spring Intern