District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — December 2023 / January 2024 District 1 Newsletter

After years of advocacy to protect the Grand Canyon, President Joe Biden designates Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footsteps Grand Canyon National Monument. This National Monument protects over 1 million acres from new uranium mines. Supervisor Horstman was honored to join President Biden in partnership with the 14 Indigenous Tribes affiliated with the Grand Canyon, along with environmentalists, conservationists, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, sportsmen, Federal and State agencies, community leaders and others, in a joyous celebration. Under sunny blue skies, and on sacred ground, the crowd cheered as President Biden signed the proclamation for the new National Monument.

Coconino County applied for and received over 100 million in federal monies for post wildfire flood mitigation projects in 9 watersheds in Tunnel / Pipeline / Shultz Fire areas and the Spruce watershed, in the Museum Fire area. Most flood mitigation projects commenced by Coconino and its partners were completed prior to the end of 2023.

Our County cannot sustain the vicious cycle of spring forest fires followed by monsoon season post-wildfire flooding. In response to the ongoing threat, and in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, and others, Coconino County has embarked on landscape scale restoration projects for the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests. The Board of Supervisors increased the County Flood Control District tax assessment to support funding for this partnership. The collaborative efforts are designed to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and post wildfire flooding in our County’s most populated communities. The County has prioritized Bill Williams Mountain in the Williams area and the upper Rio de Flag watershed on the west side of the San Francisco Peaks in the greater Flagstaff areas.

On August 22, 2023 the town of Tusayan experienced unprecedented rainfall resulting in major flooding in the Tusayan area. Tusayan, the gateway to the south rim of the Grand Canyon, experienced a major summer rainfall which produced runoff from the Coconino basin resulting in 2-3 feet of water rushing through Tusayan’s downtown and along HWY 64. This flow resulted in temporary closure of HWY 64 and flooded businesses and residences. The County, Tusayan Mayor Vail, and town council continue to partner in long term flood mitigation planning.

After two public hearings and months of community discussion, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a short term rental ordinance requiring permitting and common sense, good neighbor regulations for short term rentals located in the unincorporated parts of Coconino County.

Short Term Rental Brochure

The Board of Supervisors strengthened its Dark Sky Lighting zoning to preserve and protect Northern Arizona’s glorious dark skies. In addition to meeting the County’s commitment to residents and visitors, preserving our night sky is essential for astronomical research at Lowell observatory and the Naval Observatory and is critical for the operation of the County’s science and military facilities.

Lighting ordinances are enforced through the City/County Dark Sky Code Enforcement and Compliance Manager, Mark Stento. Reach him at the Community Development office, mstento@coconino.az.gov, (928) 679-8856.

The greater Flagstaff neighborhood of Fort Valley finally got a sign installed along Highway 180.This new sign greets travelers and proudly informs motorists that they are entering this historic community. The sign is a testament to the sense of place that residents have for their area, and recognizes a pioneering community that predates Flagstaff.

More than 80% of Arizona, mostly rural Arizona, does not have the legal authority to regulate or manage its groundwater or even consider water availability when making zoning or community development decisions. Supervisor Horstman joined with rural leaders and in partnership with Governor Hobbs, to advocate for groundwater legislation. Proposed groundwater legislation would create local groundwater stewardship areas, providing rural counties the authority to make groundwater decisions and manage their own water sustainability future.

For more information:

Governor Hobbs Rural Water Council

Coconino County was visited by both the President and the Vice President of the United States in 2023. President Biden visited the Tusayan area in District 1 for the designation of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument. A month later, Vice President Kamala Harris visited NAU as a part of the Biden Administration’s “Fight for our Freedom” tour. Vice President Harris addressed students concerns about the economy, social justice, climate change, immigration, gun violence and woman’s reproductive health care rights.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Attorney General Kris Mayes, and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes also traveled to Flagstaff to meet with the Board of Supervisors to discuss issues and policies affecting Northern Arizona.

Interior Secretary Deb Haaland appointed Supervisor Horstman to the Arizona Bureau of Land Management lands (BLM) Resource Advisory Council. The Council provides advice and recommendations to the BLM for resources and land management issues covering approximately 12.1 million areas of federal surface lands and 36 million acres of subsurface mineral estates in Arizona.

Our heartfelt thanks to Supervisor Matt Ryan for 27 years of dedicated service to Coconino County and to Supervisory District 3. Congratulations to Supervisor Ryan and best wishes for a well deserved retirement. After a community wide search, the Board of Supervisors appointed Bellemont resident retired Major Adam Hess to represent District 3 for the remainder of 2024.

December brought some much-needed snow, festive lights, and Santa Claus to the Northland. The annual Holiday Lights Parade lit up the streets of downtown Flagstaff, and the Tusayan’s tree lighting event included a spectacular drone show. Santa Claus delighted the crowd when he showed up at Heritage Square on a fire truck. The Board of Supervisors served holiday lunch to the folks at Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center. Many of us welcomed family and friends home for a wide variety of winter holiday fun. Certainly Holiday time is the most wonderful time of the year. To cap off 2023, the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance welcomed children and their parents to the second annual Noon Year’s Eve, event which included family friendly activities and culminated with the noon dropping of the famous pinecone from the top of the historic Weatherford Hotel. Later thousands of locals and visitors filled the downtown streets for the 23rd annual 10 pm and midnight Pinecone Drop, followed by a brilliant fireworks show. Wishing all of you, a year of peace, hope, and progress in 2024. Happy New Year, Coconino County!

A special thank you to FDBA Director Terry Madeksza for her dedication and revitalization to Flagstaff’s downtown. Congratulations and all our best wishes in her new position in Mesa, Arizona. Terry will be deeply missed.