A Scottsdale native, Mayor Lisa Borowsky is committed to preserving the city’s unique character while strengthening ties with neighboring communities- Paradise Valley, Arcadia, and the greater Phoenix area.
“What happens in Scottsdale impacts our neighbors, and vice versa. We’re connected in a family of cities,” says Scottsdale’s new mayor.
Lisa Borowsky’s Scottsdale roots run deep, reflecting on an upbringing spent in a town that looked vastly different from what we see today.
“We lived in North Scottsdale, which back then was Cholla and Scottsdale Road. It was mostly horse properties and wide-open spaces.”
In fact, Lisa's childhood revolved around horses.
“My sister and I begged our parents for a horse,” she says, laughing.
When her father finally gave in, their first horse was delivered straight to their front yard, an unconventional but memorable beginning to their equestrian adventures.
“I essentially grew up at the stables where Cracker Jax has been. It taught me discipline, responsibility, and the importance of following your passions, even as a kid.”
Lisa's parents, who she affectionately calls “the original house flippers,” moved frequently.
“I went to five high schools and graduated in three and a half years,” she shares.
It wasn’t easy, but the constant change taught Lisa how to adapt quickly and connect with all kinds of people—a skill that would serve her down the road.
“My mom was the powerhouse behind our moves, and my dad was my rock. He’s the person I admire most.”
As a child, Lisa toyed with a career as a dolphin trainer. However, by sixth grade, she set her sights on a career in law. After graduating high school, she earned her law degree in New York. With her education complete, Lisa returned to Scottsdale to build both her career and family, staying connected to the community she’s always called home.
“Coming back felt right. Arizona is home, and I wanted my daughter to grow up with the sense of community I had.”
As a single mother, Lisa’s daughter became the center of her world. Balancing the demands of her legal career with raising a child wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it.
“I wanted to show her that you can work hard, follow your dreams, and still prioritize family.”
One of Lisa’s favorite parts of Scottsdale is our food scene. She spent time as a restaurant reviewer on 12News a while back enjoying a brief stint on TV. And as a self-proclaimed foodie, you can often find Lisa hanging at Roaring Fork.
“They even have a special drink with my name on it—the ‘Little Lisa.'"
After serving an initial city council term, Lisa lost her bid in the 2020 mayor’s race but leaned on lessons learned during her childhood.
“Don’t let failure define you. Whether you’re a kid who didn’t make the team or an adult who didn’t get the job, it doesn’t change your potential. Just get back on the horse and make the next ride better.”
Lisa’s commitment to business stems not only from her professional experience but also from her personal connections. Her brother’s entrepreneurial journey piqued her political curiosity and reinforced the importance of a secure business climate. Despite their differing paths—Lisa, the lawyer and public servant, and her brother, a businessman who at the age of 21 established one of Old Town’s original hot spots, later owning a local gentlemen’s club.
“Even though my brother and I took very different professional roads, his entrepreneurial spirit is admirable. It’s not about agreeing with every business owner or model; it’s about recognizing all legally operating businesses must be treated equally. It is not the government's role to pick 'winners and losers' based on personal bias. This is a baseline principle which guides my approach to all local businesses in Scottsdale.”
Lisa’s focus on reducing regulatory hurdles and promoting a business-friendly environment stems from this belief and serves as a cornerstone in her approach to governing.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community. Making it easier, less expensive, and less burdensome for them to operate is a priority for me. My goal is to ensure Scottsdale remains a place where families can thrive, businesses can succeed, and tourists feel welcome.”
"My goal is to ensure Scottsdale remains a place where families can thrive, businesses can succeed, and tourists feel welcome.”
“Don’t let failure define you. Whether you’re a kid who didn’t make the team or an adult who didn’t get the job, it doesn’t change your potential. Just get back on the horse and make the next ride better.”