National Association for Court Management Past President Kelly Hutton, from left, Court Administrator Sharon Yates and Deputy Court Administrator Maia Rodriguez. Photo courtesy of Coconino County.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Justice Bus has been selected to receive the 2026 Enhancing Justice Award from the National Association for Court Management (NACM), recognizing the program’s innovative approach to expanding access to justice and improving outcomes for residents throughout Coconino County. The award was announced in a letter from NACM President Kelly Hutton and was formally presented during the NACM Annual Conference on July 16, 2026.
The Enhancing Justice Award honors courts and justice-related organizations that demonstrate exemplary accomplishments and innovative projects that strengthen the administration of justice. The Coconino County Justice Bus was recognized for bringing court services and critical community resources directly to rural and underserved communities, reducing barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing the justice system.
The Justice Bus is a collaborative initiative of the Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), Coconino County Superior Court, County Attorney’s Office, Legal Defender’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Adult Probation and numerous community partners. By taking services directly into communities, the program provides residents with access to court proceedings, warrant resolution, legal assistance, behavioral health resources, passport services, voter registration and connections to supportive services while eliminating transportation and geographic barriers that frequently prevent individuals from resolving legal matters or accessing court services.
“Receiving the NACM Enhancing Justice Award is an incredible honor because it recognizes more than a single program,” Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Director Dianna Kalandros said. “It recognizes a shared commitment to reimagining how justice is delivered. The Justice Bus demonstrates that when government agencies, courts, Tribal partners and community organizations work together with creativity and compassion, we can bring justice directly to the people who need it most.”
Since its launch, the Justice Bus has become a model for collaborative, community-based justice, bringing together judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, probation officers, behavioral health providers, county departments and nonprofit organizations to deliver coordinated services in a single location. The initiative has successfully resolved outstanding warrants, facilitated court appearances, connected residents with treatment and supportive services and reduced the need for lengthy travel to Flagstaff for court-related matters.
“The success of the Justice Bus belongs to every partner who has contributed their time, expertise and commitment to serving our communities,” Kalandros said. “This recognition celebrates not only an innovative program but also the collective commitment of our partners to improving lives, expanding access to justice and strengthening public trust in the justice system. We hope the Justice Bus inspires other communities to explore creative, collaborative solutions that make justice more accessible for everyone.”
The National Association for Court Management is the premier organization dedicated to advancing the profession of court management and improving the administration of justice across the United States. The Enhancing Justice Award recognizes projects that exemplify innovation, collaboration, and measurable improvements in court operations and public access to justice.
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About the Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
The Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) brings together local justice agencies, government partners, Tribal partners, service providers, and community organizations to improve public safety, enhance justice system effectiveness, and expand access to behavioral health and supportive services. Through collaborative initiatives such as the Justice Bus, the CJCC works to reduce barriers to justice and improve outcomes for individuals, families, and communities throughout Coconino County.