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Council weighs memorial policy options after request to consider Charlie Kirk memorial
Summary
In a work-study session, Scottsdale council members reviewed memorial policy options — funding, waiting periods, types and locations — and debated a proposed Charlie Kirk memorial, emphasizing private funding and recommending a careful policy process.
The Scottsdale City Council used a work-study session on Dec. 1 to examine options for memorials on public land and discuss a petition and staff memo about a potential memorial for Charlie Kirk.
Will Brooks, assistant to the city manager, presented four policy considerations: who funds memorials (staff noted many cities require private funding for large memorials), whether to adopt a waiting period (staff observed common ranges vary from two to five years but can be 1—20 years), the type of memorial (small items such as benches or trees versus large monuments or artworks), and appropriate locations that would not interfere with city services.
Council members debated the substance and process. Several members (including Councilwoman McCallan and Councilwoman Littlefield) said public funds should not be used for a memorial that some residents find divisive and recommended private fundraising if a memorial proceeds. Vice Mayor Questman and other members favored forming an ad hoc citizen panel to develop guidance and emphasized that memorials could and historically have been privately funded. Council discussed the balance between protecting public land and allowing community-driven memorials and explored options such as an ordinance, administrative policy or an appointed committee; the city attorney noted that any council-appointed body would be subject to open-meeting laws.
No ordinance or binding policy was adopted. Council members expressed interest in a policy framework to ensure transparency and fairness and indicated willingness to return with a future agenda item after further study or resident engagement.
