Over the last week, Grand Canyon National Park water utilities crews successfully repaired multiple pipeline failures along the North Kaibab Trail that temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two pipeline breaks near Manzanita Rest Area were fully excavated and repaired, followed by successful excavation and repair at the Xanterra mule corral site near Phantom Ranch. With all damaged sections addressed, the Transcanyon Waterline is now being repressurized.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Flagstaff utilizes CDBG funds to provide various public services as well as housing, infrastructure and public facility improvements.
CDBG funds are a vital resource for strengthening communities and improving quality of life. The City of Flagstaff invites residents, community stakeholders and local organizations to participate in the upcoming public meeting and public hearings regarding the HUD Community Development Block Grant Annual Action and Consolidated Plans.
Why was Japan’s 2011 earthquake so deadly?
A new seafloor study coauthored by an NAU faculty member revealed one reason for this unusually devastating earthquake and tsunami. Learn what happened on the seafloor off Japan and how this study could help scientists understand and respond to other intense earthquakes and tsunamis.
COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and we couldn’t do it without the support of our Funding Partners, our Sponsors and our Organization and Group members.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) is pleased to receive support from both local and state partners. This support ensures the success of activities and increases the capacity of CCC&Y to have the greatest impact on children and youth at the earliest stages possible.
Our Funding Partners include:
The City of Flagstaff
Coconino County
Vitalyst Health Foundation
Our 2025 Sponsors included:
APS
Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona Health
Richard and Julianne Hartzell
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Happy New Year!
Thank you for staying connected and engaged with planning projects and information in Coconino County! Planning helps to guide the future of our communities. In this newsletter the Planning and Zoning Department has two important updates to share:
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites artists and artist teams to submit Statements of Qualifications to design and execute a large-scale mural on a water tank at Buffalo Park, located at 2400 N. Gemini Road. The application deadline is Feb. 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
The highly visible project envisions an artwork that will become a defining visual landmark for Buffalo Park and the surrounding area. The mural could reflect Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, the current activity and/or history of the park, or the communities that utilize this natural and recreational resource among other ideas.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
FLAGSTAFF — On Wednesday, January 7th, an American citizen was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This killing is part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence, impunity, and abuse carried out by federal immigration enforcement agencies against members of our communities.
A broad coalition of groups across the country is calling for coordinated Ice Out For Good actions on Friday, January 23rd in solidarity with Minnesota, and to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.
Click here for a link to details about the event.
FLAGSTAFF — Join the Office of Inclusion along with the Black Student Union (BSU), the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access, the Center for Service and Volunteerism at NAU, The Southside Community Association , and the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project for an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Black History Month on Monday, January 19, 2026.
FLAGSTAFF — City Hall administrative offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 20 with regular hours.
Other City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed on Jan. 19 include:
Coconino County’s Administrative Center, County Manager’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Coconino County Superior Court and Coconino County Health and Human Services office and clinic will be closed Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
An Animal Services Officer will be available from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Services office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. Call 911 for emergencies.
Waterline Repairs Continue After Multiple Failures in the Inner Canyon
This week, a series of three pipeline breaks along the North Kaibab Trail has temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two of the breaks occurred within 50 feet of each other just north of the Box, with a third near the Xanterra mule corral at Phantom Ranch.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Flagstaff Sustainability Grant cycle. The Flagstaff Sustainability Grant is a competitive grant program that funds up to $7,500 for community projects related to food, community health and climate resilience, energy, transportation, and waste.
“We can’t wait to see these community-led projects come to life each year! We want to applaud these awardees for their vision for a more sustainable Flagstaff,” said Mayor Becky Daggett.
The 2025 grant recipients and their projects are as follows:
When we listen to youth, powerful things happen.
That’s why one of the core commitments of your United Way of Northern Arizona is bringing our community together around programs and projects that provide local youth with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
I’m excited to share two items that will make a difference to teens this winter. The first is the grand opening of The Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook, a project for youth by youth that has been several years in the making.
his past year, the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona has worked on the region’s behalf to promote the greater Flagstaff area, Sedona, Winslow and Camp Verde.
We took the story of the opportunities available in northern Arizona to conferences around the country – the ICSC Retail Show, the national Site Selector Guild, SEMI-CON, and the Flinn Brown Bio Capital Conference.
ECoNA lent its support to applications for funding for work on the I-40 corridor, the Northern Arizona University Venture Studio, and infrastructure improvements along the BNSF railway in Flagstaff.
We also fielded 62 qualified leads that resulted in 34 competitive bids with the potential of added more than 3,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in capital investments to our area. Almost half of these businesses were in the manufacturing sector, with the rest being a mix of retail, office, transportation and bioscience.
A day in the life
After a long pause, HRM’s Job Shadow Program is back, immersing students in the nonstop rhythm of hotel and restaurant operations. During the winter break, students stepped into industrial kitchens, executive offices and behind front desks to witness how hospitality comes to life.
Do you know someone who is making a meaningful impact on STEM education in our community? Now is your chance to recognize and celebrate them!
STEM City is now accepting nominations for the STEMMY Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who help STEM thrive in Flagstaff.From innovative classrooms and inspiring students to dedicated teachers, businesses, and community partners, the STEMMY Awards shine a spotlight on the people who make STEM possible in Flagstaff. Help us celebrate the changemakers who spark curiosity, creativity, and connection through STEM—submit a nomination today!
We are accepting nominations in the following four categories:
FLAGSTAFF — Allthrive365 (formerly known as the Foundation for Senior Living), owns the parcel at 320 S. Humphreys St and had planned to build two housing communities on the parcel.
The City has been leasing the southern portion of the parcel for parking for the Municipal Courthouse and downtown needs. In late 2025, Allthrive365 approached the city to discuss options for the city to purchase the southern portion of the parcel. In December 2025, Council approved moving forward with purchasing this southern portion to be used for parking for Courthouse and downtown patrons.
Sedona Arts Center’s online classes and workshops bring the depth, creativity, and expertise of our School of the Arts directly to you — wherever you are. Designed for students who can’t travel but still want a rich, hands-on learning experience, these courses offer expert instruction across a range of visual art disciplines. Learn from working artists, build real skills, and stay connected to a vibrant creative community — all from home.
FLAGSTAFF — Creative Flagstaff and ARTx: Art + Ideas Experience are pleased to announce the 2026 ARTx at The Arb commissioned installation, Ephemeral Bloom: Weathered by Time, created by artist Jill Sans in collaboration with botanical consultant and storyteller Kate Watters. The work will be on view throughout the 2026 season at The Arboretum at Flagstaff, opening April 29, 2026 and running through the end of October.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — As we prepare for another wonderful year ahead serving children and youth throughout Northern Arizona, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to recognize a very busy but productive year for the organization.
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FLAGSTAFF — During the May 19, 2026 election, voters will be asked whether or not to ratify the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 as the new general plan of the City of Flagstaff, Arizona. Prior to the election, each household with a registered voter will receive an informational pamphlet that includes arguments for and against the proposed question. Any person interested in submitting an argument is required to do so before 5 p.m., Arizona time on Feb. 18, 2026.
Change starts with you
You don’t need special skills to make a difference; all you need is the willingness to help. The volunteers at the Flagstaff Family Food Center have been helping change people’s lives for 34 years, distributing more than 7.4 million pounds of food to the northern Arizona community last year alone. In this month’s volunteer video highlight, see how you can be part of the change.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
The City of Flagstaff seeks Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) for an artist or artist team to design and execute a large-scale mural on a water tank at Buffalo Park. This highly visible project envisions an artwork that will become an emblematic feature of the park and the surrounding area. The mural could reflect Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, the current activity and/or history of the park, or the communities that utilize this natural and recreational resource among other ideas.
Five finalists will receive an honorarium of $5,000. The total budget for this project is up to $300,000 for fabrication and installation.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, the National Park Service (NPS) is issuing a drinking water advisory for all water in the vicinity of Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch of Grand Canyon National Park. This includes the Phantom Ranch Canteen, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Delta Restroom, and Phantom Boat Beach.
All drinking water in these areas should be treated or boiled. These processes should be applied to water for any consumptive use including drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. All other park drinking water is safe for consumption.
• Next IndivisibleNAZ Community Gathering, Planning meeting to be held Jan. 21, 2026 in Flagstaff
More than 350 local residents and visitors protested on the street in front of the Flagstaff City Hall against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions on Jan. 10, 2026.
The protest was part of a national day of action against ICE following the shooting death of on Jan. 7 of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minn. A number of videos show a confusing scene when protesters blocked ICE vehicles on a city street, not far from the murder George Floyd by police officers. Good was shot when she attempted to drive around other vehicles after an ICE agent walked in front of her vehicle.
More than 1,000 protests were held in Boston, El Paso, Las Angeles, Minneapolis, New York and other cities nationwide. They follow a number of smaller protests earlier this week including one in Flagstaff.
For several years, Theatrikos has welcomed film into our space as part of our artistic offerings. Beginning in 2026, that work deepens into a lasting commitment. Film at Theatrikos places cinema at the heart of our programming, embracing film as a powerful storytelling medium alongside live theatre. Through carefully curated documentaries, independent films, festival partnerships, and community centered screenings, we are expanding how stories are shared and experienced at Theatrikos. This new focus reinforces our mission to connect, inspire, and engage our community through exceptional storytelling, on stage and on screen. Stay tuned as we share more details in the months ahead.
COCONINO COUNTY — Small businesses, community stakeholders and residents affected by the 2025 Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires are invited to take part in a community survey that will help shape long term recovery priorities.
This survey follows nine public listening sessions held across Coconino County in December 2025.
Your experiences matter, and your voice can directly influence how recovery resources are prioritized. Please complete the community survey by Jan. 30, 2026, if any of the following apply to you, your household, your community or your business:
With the latest winter storm bringing much needed moisture to Northern Arizona, you may be wondering, what are some snowplay options in the region?
❄️Check out Flagstaff Snow Park located at Fort Tuthill County Park. Flagstaff Snow Park offers visitors a variety of tubing hills including a kiddie hill and long, fast runs.
📌The 2025-26 Flagstaff Winter Recreation Map will tell you where to go and what winter recreation activities there are throughout Flagstaff.
🌬️Located west of Flagstaff and along the iconic Route 66, the city of Williams Experience Williams offers a multitude of winter recreation activities, including snow tubing at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.
FLAGSTAFF — Gov. Katie Hobbs has appointed Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett to serve on the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Commission members are chosen for their demonstrated ability, good judgment, and experience in arts-related fields.
Mayor Becky Daggett was born and raised in Arizona and is a passionate advocate for affordable housing, the arts, forest health and climate action, and education. She won her first term on the Flagstaff City Council in 2020 and was elected mayor in 2022.
Saturday-Sunday,
January 10-11
USASA Grand Canyon State Series Rail Jam Weekend
Arizona Snowbowl
Two days of USASA rail jam competitions for skiers and snowboarders. 8 a.m.
Learn More
Winter Emergency Notification Reminder
As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road have CLOSED due to hazardous road conditions. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Road Line at 928-638-7496 (please, do not call Dispatch). As winter weather returns, residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications.
Grand Canyon NPS Everbridge alerts are a great way to receive real-time updates about power outages, road closures, weather-related events, and other emergency situations.
You can decide how you would like to receive notifications, whether this is through text, email, or by phone call. Sign up now by following this link.
There are two four-year seats available on the Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board. Successful candidates will serve a term beginning Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2030. The General Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Superintendent Mango-Paget will host a community information session on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at the Flagstaff Unified School District Main Office in the Board Room, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The road stretches wide.
The laughter is warming up.
And the full company of Route 66 to the Grand Canyon has officially taken shape.
Commissioned to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, this world premiere production is a fast paced, family friendly comedy that brings the Mother Road to life through zany humor, audience interaction, and heartfelt storytelling. It is infused with the legendary spirit of Northern Arizona.
CALL TO ARTISTS
Juried Friends Show & Sale —
The Face of Friendship
Exhibit Dates: March 6 – April 15, 2026
Opening Reception: March 6, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona, AZ
Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2026
Notification: February 6, 2026
Now in its 45th year, this juried exhibition is open to all current Friend Level Donors ($60+). This year’s theme — The Face of Friendship — invites artists to explore connection, collaboration, and the emotional resonance of companionship through visual art. Submissions may be individual or collaborative, literal or abstract, celebrating the creative community that supports the Arts Center’s mission.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff announces the launch of its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Model Plans Library at www.flagstaff.az.gov/ADUs. The Library contains 10 pre-approved, publicly viewable ADU model plans, while additional plans are currently under review.
ADUs, also known as backyard homes or casitas, are important to the City’s climate and housing goals because these smaller housing units have the potential to offer lower rent and monthly utility costs and increase Flagstaff’s housing supply. These units can also provide more flexible housing options for households of all sizes, generate supplemental rental income for homeowners, and increase housing availability in established, more central neighborhoods.
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Look no further than MNA’s virtual auction, featuring 20 stunning jewelry pieces! What’s more, all auction proceeds will benefit MNA’s educational mission, so you can give a lovely gift and support the museum at once.
This auction is now open and will close on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm to allow us time to ship any items and ensure that they will arrive before February 14th.
Saturday, Jan 31, 7:30 pm
Jake Allen has toured globally, is endorsed by Takamine Guitars, and has shared stages with guitar legends such as Andy McKee and Mike Dawes. As a solo artist, Allen utilizes impeccably timed live looping to create a captivating one-man show, with his hypnotic command of the guitar bringing every inch of the instrument to life.
Ryan David Green has been called “a full blown shredder” by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. A graduate of Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, his instrumental “Time Is Not What You Think It Is” was awarded 1st place in the 2024 American Songwriter Song Contest and his original compositions have received numerous film and TV placements, including shows on E!, Lifetime, and ABC Family/Freeform.
For NAU physicists, it’s snowflake season
When water molecules solidify and stick together in cold air, they form complex hexagonal formations known as snowflakes. As it turns out, fabricated gold, copper and iron nanocrystals do the same thing during lightning-fast chemical reactions. This new discovery by NAU researchers could give scientists better control over the nanomaterials they fabricate, leading to unprecedented breakthroughs.
Next Steps in Stained Glass Techniques: Copper Foil Overlay
with Sonja London-Hall
January 24–25, 2026
Keep an eye out next week, when the City of Flagstaff opens a Request for Statements of Qualifications (RSOQs) for an artist or artist team to design and execute a large-scale mural on the Buffalo Park water tank. This highly visible project could reflect Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, the current activity and/or history of the park, or the communities that utilize this natural and recreational resource. The mural will become an emblematic feature of the park and the surrounding area.
COCONINO COUNTY — As we kick off a new year, this is a good time to provide an update on the variety of monthly in-person and virtual community resource meetings available to nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve children and families throughout Northern Arizona.
To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains this listing of health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety groups the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.
The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please check with individual meeting group coordinators for updated times, dates and meeting links. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org
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Happy New Year! We begin 2026 with two exhibitions designed to spark curiosity and engage the senses.
Starting January 10, we invite you to explore Katsintithu—Katsina Dolls. This newly expanded installation takes a deeper look at the tradition, meaning, and artistry of these uniquely Hopi dolls. The installation of dolls will rotate every six months, drawing from MNA’s extensive collection.
Later in the month, we hope you’ll return for Call of the Colorado Plateau, an immersive exhibition that explores the powerful relationship between nature and the human spirit. Featuring artists and adventurers inspired by the region’s dramatic landscapes, the exhibition goes beyond the visual with multisensory experiences that evoke the feeling of being in the wilds. We’re very proud to present this exhibition as the regional museum of the Colorado Plateau.
Meet Earth’s biggest sodium seekers
While it’s easy for us humans to get plenty of sodium in our diets, some of the world’s largest land animals have access to a pinch too little. A new study from NAU researchers showed that elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other large plant-eaters can only get enough salt in a few specific areas of the world, limiting their population growth.
Check out our 2026 Catalog of Workshops and Classes now online…
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
We are excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook on January 9th. More than two years in the making, this center is a shining example of what our community can achieve through collaboration.
The seeds for the teen center were planted back in 2023, when a youth-led mental health survey of northeast Arizona teens revealed a strong desire for a safe, inclusive space they could call their own. Multiple partners then worked together to transform that dream into a reality.
Saturday, January 3
Science Saturday: Winter Wonderland
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center
Through games, crafts, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, curious minds of all ages can learn about the science of the season. We’ll study how animals adapt to the cold, how water changes to snow and ice, and so much more! 9:30 a.m
Learn More
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting a meet and greet event for members of the community to meet and provide feedback on candidates for the Deputy City Manager position. The City began its competitive search following the appointment of former Deputy City Manager, Joanne Keene, to the role of City Manager. The City received 184 applications and six finalists have been invited to participate in in-person interviews and an in-person public meet and greet event on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 5 -6:45 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall in Council Chambers (211 W Aspen Ave).
This Valentine’s weekend, experience a concert that offers both grandeur and intimacy—each from a fresh perspective. Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra presents Indulge: Symphonic Flavors on Friday, February 13, an evening of rich sound and unexpected delights, ideal for a romantic date night or a meaningful night out.
