Scottsdale, Arizona, December 11, 2025
The group Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions (TAAAZE) is pursuing legal action against Axon’s approved 1,200-unit housing development in Scottsdale. Despite approval from the City Council, TAAAZE argues that the project is unconstitutional and undermines local voter rights. The organization, led by former Council member Bob Littlefield, challenges the state’s Senate Bill 1543, which allows the development to proceed without local electoral oversight, citing anti-democratic practices. The ongoing litigation reflects the clash between corporate interests and community zoning concerns.
Scottsdale, Arizona – A local group, Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions (TAAAZE), has announced its intention to continue legal action against Axon’s proposed 1,200-unit housing development in Scottsdale, despite recent city council approvals.
Background
In November 2025, the Scottsdale City Council approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Axon Enterprise, allowing the company to build a 70-acre campus near Loop 101 and Hayden Road. The project includes 1,200 housing units—600 apartments and 600 condominiums—alongside Axon’s new headquarters. This decision followed the passage of Senate Bill 1543, which facilitated the development by bypassing a scheduled local election that could have obstructed the project. TAAAZE, led by former Scottsdale City Council member Bob Littlefield, had previously collected signatures to challenge the zoning change through a referendum. After the bill’s passage, TAAAZE filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing that the legislation was unconstitutional and infringed upon local voters’ rights. Despite the city’s approval of the MOU, TAAAZE remains committed to its legal challenge, asserting that the agreement is invalid and that the project should not proceed. The group’s legal team has sent a demand letter to the city, signaling the likelihood of further litigation. TAAAZE contends that the MOU is a result of “anti-democratic, backdoor dealing” and that the project should be halted. The Scottsdale City Council’s decision to approve the MOU was made with a 4-3 vote, with Council Members Barry Graham, Jan Dubauskas, and Kathy Littlefield voting against the agreement. The council’s approval was contingent upon Axon signing the MOU by November 19, 2025, and included provisions for self-certification and third-party inspections for the development. The ongoing legal disputes highlight the tension between corporate development initiatives and local community concerns over zoning and land use in Scottsdale.
Key Features of the Axon Development Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Loop 101 and Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona |
| Project Size | 70-acre campus |
| Residential Units | 1,200 units (600 apartments and 600 condominiums) |
| Additional Components | Axon headquarters, hotel, retail spaces |
| Legislative Support | Senate Bill 1543 facilitating development |
| Community Opposition | TAAAZE’s lawsuit against the state law and MOU |
| City Council Vote | 4-3 approval of MOU with conditions |
FAQ
What is the TAAAZE group?
TAAAZE stands for Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions. It is a group led by former Scottsdale City Council member Bob Littlefield, opposing Axon’s proposed housing development in Scottsdale.
What is Senate Bill 1543?
Senate Bill 1543 is legislation passed in April 2025 that allows companies like Axon to develop housing and other facilities on land zoned for light industrial use, bypassing local elections and public hearings.
What is the status of the legal challenge against Axon’s development?
TAAAZE has filed a lawsuit against the state, challenging the constitutionality of Senate Bill 1543. Despite the Scottsdale City Council’s approval of the MOU with Axon, TAAAZE intends to continue its legal action to prevent the development.
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