ARIZONA NEWS

Taser maker Axon cancels groundbreaking for new Scottsdale HQ, could move out of Arizona

Jan 9, 2025, 8:43 AM

PHOENIX – Taser maker Axon Enterprise Inc. canceled Friday’s scheduled groundbreaking for a new headquarters in Scottsdale and is considering moving its base out of Arizona.

The decision was made after a group opposing the company’s plans reportedly gathered enough signatures to put the issue before voters.

“The uncertainty caused by this referendum forces us to confront a tough reality: We can’t allow political games to put our mission or our team at risk,” company founder and CEO Rick Smith said in a press release Wednesday.

Axon, which has been based in Scottsdale since it was founded in 1993, develops technology and weapons for law enforcement, military and civilian use.

The company said it will now explore the possibility of moving its base operations out of Arizona.

“Our focus remains on saving lives, improving public safety and attracting the brightest minds to join us,” Smith said. “If that means relocating to a community that fully supports those goals, we’re prepared to make that move.”

In November 2024, the Scottsdale City Council approved Axon’s plans for a 70-acre campus near Hayden Road and the Loop 101 Pima Freeway.

The company purchased the parcel for $49.1 million during a State Trust Land auction in 2020. The site is just north of the company’s current headquarters near Princess Drive and Loop 101.

What was Axon planning for its new Scottsdale headquarters?

According to the Phoenix Business Journal, the plans for the property included Axon’s 250,000-square-foot headquarters building, nearly 2,000 residential units, a hotel, multiple restaurants and more.

Citing a study from Rounds Consulting Group, the company said the project was designed to support up to 5,500 jobs, generate $11.5 million a year in city taxes and contribute $3.6 billion yearly to the state’s economy.

However, the project was thrown into doubt when an organization called Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions said it submitted 26,000 signatures last month. If the referendum effort is certified, the project would be subject to a citywide vote in 2026.

Meanwhile, Axon is expected to decide where it will build its new headquarters in the coming months.

“Scottsdale has been our home for over 30 years, and we’ve worked hard to build a strong future here,” Smith said.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay on Thursday during an event to ...

Kevin Stone

Arizona governor calls for pay raise for firefighters while honoring those who battled LA wildfires

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called for increased state firefighter pay while honoring the task force members who helped battle the Los Angeles wildfires.

2 hours ago

free wigs...

Kevin Stone

Arizona cancer support group opening free wig salon in Phoenix

An Arizona cancer support organization is launching an initiative to provide patients and survivors experiencing hair loss with free wigs.

3 hours ago

fatal Glendale car crash killed mother car crashed into Glendale home Arizona...

Serena O'Sullivan

Suspect arrested after car crashes into house in Glendale, killing homeowner, 3 months ago

Celeste La Sean Downer, 22, was arrested on Tuesday for the fatal Glendale car crash that struck a mother of two on Nov. 10, 2024.

4 hours ago

Woman arrested in Phoenix in homicide case...

KTAR.com

77-year-old Phoenix woman released from hospital, taken to jail for allegedly killing husband

A 77-year-old woman was released from a hospital Tuesday and booked into jail for allegedly killing her husband in Phoenix last month.

5 hours ago

Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup closed its Tempe and Chandler locations....

Kevin Stone

Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup closes 2 of its 5 metro Phoenix restaurants

Gadzooks Enchiladas & Soup, a family-owned Valley restaurant business, has shuttered two of its five locations.

6 hours ago

A pedestrian was struck and killed on a freeway access road near downtown Phoenix Wednesday night....

Kevin Stone

Pedestrian struck and killed on freeway access road near downtown Phoenix

A pedestrian was struck and killed on a freeway access road near downtown Phoenix Wednesday night, authorities said.

7 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How IRAs are a helpful tool in retirement planning

When it comes to retirement planning, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) can be a great tool for income growth.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

Taser maker Axon cancels groundbreaking for new Scottsdale HQ, could move out of Arizona