Axon's $1.3 Billion Headquarters Faces Court Hearing

Judge to rule on lawsuits that could impact Axon's proposed project in Scottsdale.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:58pm

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A Maricopa County Superior Court judge will hear two lawsuits this week that could impact Axon's proposed $1.3 billion headquarters project in Scottsdale, Arizona. The lawsuits challenge a state law signed by Governor Katie Hobbs that allowed Axon to move forward with the project without a public vote, which a group called Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions claims is unconstitutional.

Why it matters

The outcome of these lawsuits could determine whether Axon, a major stun gun manufacturer, is able to build its new headquarters in Scottsdale as planned, bringing thousands of jobs and millions in tax revenue to the city. The case also raises broader questions about the balance of power between state and local governments in Arizona when it comes to development decisions.

The details

The first lawsuit claims the state law that allowed Axon to bypass a public vote is unconstitutional, while the second argues the agreement between Axon and the City of Scottsdale is illegal. Scottsdale City Council initially approved the Axon project in 2024, but a group called Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions collected thousands of signatures to force a public vote. However, that was blocked when Governor Hobbs signed the bill into law last year.

  • The court hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
  • Governor Hobbs signed the bill allowing the Axon project to move forward on May 1, 2025.
  • Scottsdale City Council initially approved the Axon project in 2024.

The players

Axon

A major manufacturer of stun guns and other law enforcement equipment that is proposing a $1.3 billion headquarters project in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Governor Katie Hobbs

The governor of Arizona who signed a bill last year that allowed the Axon project to move forward without a public vote in Scottsdale.

Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions

A group that collected thousands of signatures to force a public vote on the Axon project, but was blocked by the state law signed by Governor Hobbs.

Bob Littlefield

A former Scottsdale City Councilman who is behind the two lawsuits challenging the Axon project and the state law that allowed it to proceed.

David Leibowitz

A spokesperson for Axon who has addressed the lawsuits, calling them a "well-worn playbook to stall progress."

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What they’re saying

“When I sign this bill into law, I'll be thinking about the thousands of Arizona families that will keep their jobs here in the state that they call home. Now you won't have to choose between losing your job, or uprooting your family and moving out of state. You can stay here, and that's exactly where you belong.”

— Governor Katie Hobbs

“The Axon Bill not only violates the Arizona Constitution but also the very premise of local governments all over Arizona. If Axon is allowed to use this law to force thousands of apartments on a Scottsdale neighborhood, it's a safe bet other bad actors will use it elsewhere in Arizona. Your neighborhood could be the next victim of the Axon Bill.”

— Bob Littlefield, Former Scottsdale City Councilman

“Bob Littlefield's lawsuit is his latest tactic in a well-worn playbook to stall progress. His wife, a sitting city councilmember, continues to vote on matters directly tied to Axon, raising a stark conflict of interest. This frivolous case is fueled by dark money, not by the interests of Scottsdale residents. The real losers here are Scottsdale and Arizona with Bob putting 5,550 new quality jobs and hundreds of millions in public revenue at risk.”

— David Leibowitz, Axon Spokesperson

What’s next

Following this week's court hearing, the Maricopa County Superior Court judge will have 60 days to issue a ruling on both of the lawsuits challenging the Axon project and the state law that allowed it to move forward.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tension between state and local control over major development projects, as well as the role of citizen groups in challenging decisions made by elected officials. The outcome could have significant implications for Scottsdale's future growth and economic development.