Category: Business

Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 — Thank you for participating in the 60-day public review!, upcoming meetings

Over 2,000 comments were submitted during the 60-day public review, which occurred from October 20, 2024 to December 19, 2024. It was wonderful to see how many people dedicated their time to reading the plan and providing feedback. We have read every comment and we are working on revisions to the draft. 

Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — Virtual Navajo Nation Broadband Deployment & Implementation Meeting to be held on March 12

We are pleased to share the latest information from the Navajo Nation Broadband Office about the upcoming Navajo Nation Broadband Deployment and Implementation Meeting. This meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Tse Bonito, NM. In-person and virtual attendance options will be available to ensure full accessibility for all participants.

Museum of Northern Arizona conducting annual survey of museum-goers

We at the Museum of Northern Arizona care deeply about creating a meaningful experience for you, our community, and our visitors.

But we need your help. We want to better understand our visitors’ different needs and values so we can best serve you. Museums (like ours!) strive to encourage and expand learning while also addressing the challenges facing our society, and we need to hear your thoughts.

To do this, we are participating in a national survey of museum-goers sponsored by the American Alliance of Museums. This survey provides data from our visitors and visitors to museums nationwide, helping us be more effective in the coming months and in the communities we serve.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) to present Coffee with F3’s Executive Director on March 5

Come join the lively ‘Coffee with the Executive Director’ gatherings on the first Wednesday of every month. Tell me about your concerns, ask me questions, and I’ll update you on the issues on which I’m working.

Join me tomorrow, March 5, from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium, 2144 N. 4th Street located in the Greenlaw Village Shopping Center behind Fratelli’s Pizza.

This month I have updates on the next steps for Regional Land Use Plan among other issues.

Center for the Future of Arizona — Northern Arizona teens champion mental health through virtual Internship

Navajo County students pose with United Way of Northern Arizona President and CEO Liz Archuleta after receiving awards from UWNA for their outstanding contributions.

High school students Bobbi Seaton and Tyra Dixon of Navajo County helped advance The Arizona We Want by envisioning a data-driven solution to improve teen mental health. Through a paid virtual internship with CFA’s Arizona Pathways to Prosperity and the Work-Based Learning Alliance, they worked alongside a mentor from United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA), gaining hands-on experience that resulted in much more than resume-building.

CCC Community Education — April Classes: Conscious Aging, Mixed Media Workshop, Comet Talks: Hunting and Fishing, and more!

Coming Up in April

• Conscious Aging
Pysanky — Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshop
Stained Glass Workshop
Wisdom Cards Mixed Media Workshop
Comet Talk: Hunting for a Healthy Food Source
…and More

Consumers taking part in ‘Buy Nothing Day’ on Feb. 28

NATIONAL — A variety of organizations are planning for a national “No Buy Day” to protest what they believe is corporate greed, along with efforts by corporations to scale back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts (DEI), which they say is led by the Trump administration.

CBS News has reported the economic boycott has been spreading on social media (see link below).

In Arizona, the Arizona Republic reported the following “companies have rolled back DEI in the past year:”

Areas of Coconino County within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Friday

FLAGSTAFF — After consultation with Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM), Forest Lakes Fire District, and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

Coconino County Treasurer announces closure of drive-through office in Flagstaff

“At this moment our staffing levels and roles do not allow for us to maintain the drive-through location,” said Treasurer Sarah Benatar. “We will continue to look for ways to maintain excellent customer service for our residents while making sure public funds are secure and accounted for.”  

City of Page March Happenings

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAGE!

Welcome to a special edition of Page Happenings. This month we are celebrating a major milestone — Page’s 50th anniversary! For half a century, our city has been a gateway to breathtaking landscapes, a hub for adventure seekers, and a vibrant community that continues to grow and thrive. This month we’ll take a look back at Page’s history, highlight upcoming anniversary events, and showcase the people and places that make our city unique. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

Coconino County planning countywide test of Emergency Notification System on March 12

The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies. All messaging received by the public during this test will clearly state that the message is a TEST and that no action is needed.

Discover Flagstaff — The Whale Foundation Presents: The 23rd Annual Wing Ding, The Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff on March 1 and more events

All of the proceeds raised at the Wing Ding fund the programs and services offered by the Whale Foundation to support the wellbeing of the Grand Canyon river guiding community. 4 p.m.

Wildfire danger prompts early opening (March 7) of Willard Springs Green Waste site

The site, which usually opens the first Friday in April, will open next Friday, March 7 to provide free green waste-only disposal to all County residents.

“After one of the driest winters on record we recognize the importance of preparing now for wildfire season,” said Christopher Tressler, Director of Coconino County Public Works. “We’re opening Willard Springs a month early to give our residents more time to clean up pine needles and other green waste in order to create defensible spaces on their properties and around their homes, which can slow the spread of wildfire.” 

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) Action Alert — Flagstaff Needs a Diversity of Housing Types

What kind of housing do we need in the City of Flagstaff? There is almost universal agreement that we are desperately in need of housing that year-round residents from all walks of life can afford.

But though the demand for housing serving a spectrum of needs is great, most developments to date have been high-end student and luxury housing.  

This month, the City Council is facing a request for another student housing project. It’s one we’ve seen before, the controversial but previously approved 2018 Mill Town project across from Target. The developer wants to submit a new plan but under an old code. But the new plan will remain a student housing project, consisting mostly of four-and-five-bedroom apartments to be shared by students.  

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 24-28, 2025

Did you know that since 2010, Grand Canyon National Park’s fisheries program has been collaborating with tribes to repurpose invasive fish for uses like human consumption, animal feeding, and fertilizer?This initiative has become a vital part of fisheries operations, with regular fish donations made to the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and Hualapai Tribes.

Sedona Arts Center — CALL TO ARTISTS

The Element of Sport
April 4-27, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
THIS FRIDAY – February 28, 2025
Celebrate the world of sports at Sedona Arts Center. The Element of Sport exhibit will run from April 4-27, 2025, and highlight the intersection of art and sport, welcoming diverse interpretations of sport and sport-inspired pieces across artistic styles.

Coconino County Attorney’s Office Announces Formation of New Cold Case Unit

“We are determined to ensure that every case, regardless of how long ago it happened, deserves justice,” said Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker. “Our Cold Case Unit reflects our unwavering commitment to work as a team with partners at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagstaff Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies to solve cases and bring violent criminals to justice. Our law enforcement partners at the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department are using modern forensic techniques to solve cold cases, and when that happens, it is time for my office to bring charges and prosecute the case in court. Through our collaborative efforts, we are confident that we can deliver justice for victims and their families who have sought accountability for so long.”

The NAU Review — How wildfires affect the climate + have fun while helping the environment

Right now, the most effective carbon sink in the world is dirt—specifically the permafrost in boreal and tundra ecosystems in the northern parts of the world, which store twice as much carbon as is currently in the atmosphere. As the climate warms and increasingly severe wildfires disrupt those soils, this carbon can be released into the atmosphere. Biologist Xanthe Walker received a $1.8 million grant from the National Science Foundation to determine just how serious this loss could be in the coming years.

United Way of Northern Arizona opens grant applications for 2025-2027

FLAGSTAFF — United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA), in partnership with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County, will open its 2025-2027 grant application process on March 3, 2025. Applications are due by March 31 at 11:59 pm.

This funding cycle includes UWNA’s Community Investment Fund, as well as grant opportunities from the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. Grants will be awarded for one year, with a potential one- year extension, subject to fund availability and program performance.

Community garden plot applications opening soon for the 2025 growing season

FLAGSTAFF — Members of the public are invited to submit applications for community garden plots starting on Saturday, March 1. Applications will remain open until March 31 or until filled. Returning gardeners will have priority to secure their plots from the previous season, and remaining available plots will be offered to new gardeners on a first-come, first-served basis. New gardeners who do not have access to growing space at home or those who qualify for SNAP benefits will be given priority for remaining available plots through the application process.  

County Residents Needed to Fill Vacancies for the Commission on Trial Court Appointments

COCONINO COUNTY — Looking for a way to get more involved in Coconino County? Consider applying to serve on the Commission on Trial Court Appointments (Commission) or to be part of the Nominating Committees.

These bodies are the first steps in the merit selection process of appointing new superior court judges. In 2018, Coconino County voters approved a measure to change from a partisan election of superior court judges to a merit selection process.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 17-21, 2025

Expect Longer Wait Times at Entrance Stations: Spring Operational Changes Take Effect March 1

As spring break approaches, visitors and park residents should be prepared for long lines and full parking lots. Traffic congestion is expected at all entrance stations, with the heaviest delays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center will begin to fill by noon. The South Entrance webcam (updated every five minutes) is a great way to monitor park traffic. To help reduce congestion, we encourage visitors to purchase entrance passes in advance, use lane 1 at the South Entrance, explore alternative transportation options, and arrive early or visit later in the day.

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the entrance station staff for their continued hard work and dedication. We recognize long lines and heavy traffic can be challenging and your professionalism and commitment make an incredible difference in providing visitors with a positive experience. Thank you!

Minimum wage Impact Study in Coconino County released

This comprehensive analysis provides key insights into the economic effects of the minimum wage policy in our region. The study’s findings aim to support informed decision-making by local, state, and federal policymakers while guiding our workforce and economic development strategies. Specifically, this report will help:

Address potential challenges and mitigate negative impacts of minimum wage policies.
Identify and promote strategies that benefit both employers and workers.
Develop workforce initiatives that ensure a resilient and adaptable labor market.
Provide insight into job and skills training needs to better prepare the workforce.
Coordinate efforts to expand entrepreneurial training and microenterprise services.
Deliver technical assistance strategies to help small and emerging businesses thrive.

United Way of Northern Arizona — $171,632 – The Magic Number to Change Lives

Maximize your impact by supporting us today with an Arizona Charitable Tax Credit-designated donation. You can give up to $470 as a single filer or $938 as a married couple filing jointly by April 15 and receive a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for the 2024 tax year. (Use QCO Code 20726 on your AZ Form 321 when filing your state income taxes.)

When you give, you have the security of knowing that your donation is combined with others so that we can give meaningful support to proven programs that make an impact in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

LATEST ANALYSIS Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay Is a Costly, Optics-Driven Shift in Immigration DetentionPresident Trump ordered the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand immigration detention at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba to house up to 30,000 people. Since then, U.S. Immigration & and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has transferred at least two flights of migrants from the United States to its detention facility there.  Breaking Down Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright CitizenshipOn his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for babies of undocumented immigrants and for people with temporary status in the U.S. Executive Order 14156: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship departs from over 125 years of precedent as it sought to abolish the United States’ longstanding policy of unrestricted birthplace-based citizenship.  FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Last week, people in states across the country held protests in support of immigrants. From California to Georgia and Illinois to Texas, thousands rallied to fight back against mass deportation, ICE arrests, and the use of Guantanamo Bay as a detention center. 

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to hold next meeting on March 5. Seeking new members

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March. 5 at the Coconino County Health and Human Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, Ponderosa Conference Room.

The meeting can be attended in person or via Zoom Link Below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85359174121

Meeting ID: 853 5917 4121 Phone: + 1(408) 638-0968

… CHAC, which is current seeking new members, serves as an official liaison and communications link between the Hispanic community and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, so please bring any concerns you may have about equal education opportunities, fair employment, juvenile justice, political representation and other issues.

Coconino County approves $19.5 million grant from USDOT for flood mitigation improvements to HWY89

“Closures to Highway 89 are not just an inconvenience,” Judy Begay, Coconino County District 4 Supervisor and Chair of the Board said. “They create a barrier to employment, health and safety, by forcing people to drive extra hours around the Grand Canyon or Hopi lands to get to work and appointments, which has resulted in a loss of employment for some residents.”

City of Flagstaff — Uranium ore hauling

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council continues to advocate against the mining of uranium and its transport in and through our region, including passing multiple resolutions and supporting federal legislation that would restrict uranium mining and transport.

While the Flagstaff City Council opposes the transport of uranium ore through our community, the City Council does not have jurisdiction over federal or state highways.

Sedona Arts Center’s Uptown Gallery Shop featuring Betty Carr, Geo Stebila, and Iris Yang

Sedona Arts Center represents over 100 professional local and regional artists. The Art Gallery on campus is a dynamic, ever-changing display of local talent in all dimensions and forms. Part of that dynamic is the bi-monthly featured artists program where a section of the overall gallery allows for a special group exhibition of selected artists.

NO SALES TAX – FREE PARKING – UPTOWN SEDONA
Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax
SedonaArtsCenter.org

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Impact of Forestry on Our Safety – and Our Economy

Northern Arizona’s rich, dense forests are among the many reasons why people love to live and work in our region. But the beauty and recreational opportunities of these endless acres of green come with a risk in an area that is known for its dry and often windy conditions – the threat of wildfire.

Numerous entities are dedicated to reducing that risk. Northern Arizona University’s School of Forestry specifically offers a BS in Applied Wildland Fire Science; APS has a dedicated Forestry and Wildfire Mitigation team; and the 4FRI project continues to use thinning and prescribed burns to lessen the threat of wildfires – and post-wildfire flooding – to communities throughout northern Arizona.

The work of these entities not only impacts our safety – it also has an economic impact for the region.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 10-14, 2025

Cultural Demonstration 2025 Season Begins Tuesday, February 18

Grand Canyon National Park, in partnership with Grand Canyon Conservancy, is excited to announce the start of the 11th season of the Cultural Demonstration Program, beginning next week. Inaugurated in 2014 by the Grand Canyon Intertribal Working Group, the program began with just four demonstrators and has since expanded to include over 200 participants.

Starting February 18, cultural demonstrators will be returning to the Desert View Watchtower, providing demonstrations in the View Room Tuesday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The 2025 season will be launched by three talented Diné artists: Laverine Greyeyes, Diné weaver; Cristoff Keyonnie, Diné painter; and DeMaudrei Yazzie, Diné seamstress.

City of Flagstaff seeks lead arts agency and grantmaking agency for arts, culture and science programs

The lead arts agency will act as the coordinating body for arts, culture and science initiatives in Flagstaff. Responsibilities include long-term planning, sector leadership, and collaboration with local and external partners to address infrastructure needs and opportunities. The agency will also promote community engagement, enhance funding through grants and other means, and provide technical support and training to individuals and organizations. Additionally, it will contribute directly to the cultural landscape by producing exhibitions and events that foster community vitality, expand participation, and encourage both public and private investment. Programs and offerings will be reviewed annually to align with the community’s evolving needs. 

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group to meet Feb. 20

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly.  This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County.  The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

City of Flagstaff announces Presidents’ Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 17. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed on Presidents’ Day include:

• East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
• Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
• Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
• Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
• Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)

Sedona Arts Center — New art class starts tomorrow

Introduction to Silver Clay 
with Joan Roberts
February 12 – 13: Wednesday–Thursday, 9am-1pm

Joan Roberts has been creating distinct wearable art pieces with metal clay for 2 decades. She will share techniques, methods and a few secrets to successful creation of jewelry pieces. Silver Clay is a mixture of microscopic particles of silver, distilled water and a non-toxic organic binder. When fired the silver sinters into a solid piece of “fine silver.”  Participants do not need past experience in metal work or other clays to be very successful.

This class is divided into two mornings so pieces can be finished and loaded into a kiln at the end of the first day and finished and polished on the second. Participants will be provided with enough clay to create up to two pairs of earrings or a pendant.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Coffee with F3’s Executive Director on Feb. 12

I’m continuing the lively monthly ‘Coffee with the Executive Director’ gatherings in 2025! I very much enjoy talking with you about all things Flagstaff.

Join me tomorrow, Feb. 12, from 9:00-10:00 am at Campus Coffee Bean in the Green Tree shopping center at 1800 S Milton Rd, Unit 24.

We’ll continue to discuss the Draft Flagstaff Regional Plan tomorrow and I encourage you to read the comments F3 made to the city in late December. You can read our comments HERE in a downloadable PDF.

I look forward to talking with you tomorrow morning!

P.S. I’ll continue to hold these gatherings on the first Wednesday of the month starting in March, unless otherwise noted. If you can’t make tomorrow morning’s meeting, we’ll meet again on Wednesday, March 5 at a local coffee shop (to be announced).

Michele James

Executive Director

February at the Museum of Northern Arizona

As February unfolds, I invite you to experience two extraordinary exhibitions at the Museum of Northern Arizona that showcase the power of art to connect us to place, time, and identity.

Poetry Maps reveals how art and words intertwine to create new perspectives. This unique project began with paintings of the Colorado Plateau from our fine art collection. We then invited members of our community to respond with poetry, layering personal voices onto these visual journeys. Visit before February 28, when the exhibit goes dark for the installation of new gallery lighting. The exhibit will return on March 28.

City of Flagstaff announces ‘The Wedge’ slip lane closure to begin Wednesday, Feb. 12

This closure is necessary for crews to install new concrete and drainage improvements. As part of the Spruce Wash suite of projects, a new section of sidewalk will be added that will connect the existing sidewalk on Cedar Avenue to the Linda Vista Drive crossing via the slip lane. This closure will be in effect 24 hours a day for approximately one month. Motorists can still make turning movements onto Cedar Avenue via the signaled intersection. Please follow the marked signage/detour to get to your destination.

Lone Tree Corridor improvements construction starting Feb. 18

FLAGSTAFF — The Lone Tree Corridor Project will begin construction on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Work will include:

Removal and replacement of roadway, sidewalk, curb/gutter, medians, and Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) facilities.
Widening of Lone Tree Road.
Installation of fully protected traffic intersections that provide safety and separation between bicycle use, pedestrian use, and vehicles.
Relocations and upgrade of utilities and traffic signals.
Work will occur on Butler Avenue between O’Leary Street and Lumber Street and on Lone Tree Road between Butler Avenue and O’Leary Street.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 3-7, 2025

Early Fire Season Outlook for Grand Canyon National Park Employees and Partners

The National Weather Service has issued early fire season outlooks due to an especially dry winter season. The combination of a below-average monsoon season in 2024 and a historically dry winter has led to worsening drought conditions across northern Arizona, including at Grand Canyon National Park.

So far, Flagstaff has recorded only 5.9 inches of snow this winter, marking the fourth driest start to the season since records began in 1899. Many areas, including the Grand Canyon Village, are experiencing near-record low snowpack levels for this time of year.

Looking ahead, the temperature and precipitation forecasts for February through April predict drier and warmer than normal conditions across Arizona, extending into the spring and fire season (April-June). If these dry conditions persist, we can expect an extended and potentially significant wildfire season in northern Arizona.

For more details on the current outlook, please see the attached presentation from the National Weather Service Flagstaff Office.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — What happens to U.S. citizen children when an undocumented parent must leave?

Across the country, deportation is often discussed as an absolute end. What seems to be missing in the conversation is that for the deported people and their families, it’s the beginning of a new set of legal obstacles that often require advocates on both sides of the border to resolve. It is also the beginning of a new and often hard life chapter. 

City of Flagstaff — Beulah/University Realignment Project – Traffic Signal Installation to Begin

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to install new traffic signal poles at the intersection of Milton Road and University Drive on Tuesday, February 11, and Wednesday, February 12. To safely install these poles, the intersection of Milton Road and University Drive will be closed periodically with police officers present to assist.

The NAU Review — NAU receives $150K grant from Direct Relief

Northern Arizona University has received a grant from Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity to confront the critical nursing shortage in rural, underserved areas of Arizona by supporting Native American nursing students in their academic journeys.

The Fund for Health Equity mobilizes financial resources for organizations focused on non-clinical interventions that affect a person’s health. Commonly known as the social determinants of health, these factors include an individual’s physical, social, political, cultural and economic environment.

Grand Canyon National Park announces 2026 Noncommercial River Trip Lottery period

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, the National Park Service will begin accepting applications for noncommercial river trip permits to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park for specific launch dates within calendar year 2026.

A total of 450 permits will be available for 12- to 25-day river trips. Eligible individuals may apply online at the weighted lottery website (https://grcariverpermits.nps.gov). Applications will be accepted online through noon Mountain Standard Time on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences latest news & opportunities

The City of Flagstaff, through its Beautification and Public Art Commission, seeks Beautification in Action grant applications up to $7,500 for streetscape art and beautification projects that enliven Flagstaff’s public spaces. Projects must be publicly visible and publicly accessible and can take the form of community gardens, murals, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures and more. Artists, community members/ groups, schools, local businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply.

 
Spring Deadline: March 15, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)

Sedona Arts Center — Discover New Art Classes & Workshops

Gaining a Perspective: Sharpening Your Drawing Skillset ONLINE
with Jude Valentine
February 5–26, 2025
Wednesdays, 12–2pm AZ Time

Learn the ins and outs of how to draw convincing buildings, landscapes, interiors and round objects with the use of linear and empirical perspective. We’ll be understanding this drawing concept through demonstrations, hands on drawing exercises, individualized instruction and looking at examples of some of the accomplished Renaissance and modern masters. Learn how to use perspective to your advantage to make great drawings!

Flagstaff Sustainability Office Hosts Fix-It Clinic on Feb. 15

Fix-It Clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more. Join us for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff. 

City of Flagstaff underscores the importance of grant funding for local communities

Mayor Becky Daggett said “while we’re relieved that it appears the federal funding freeze has been temporarily halted, I’d like to stress the critical importance this funding has in our community. It’s not an overstatement to say that the freeze would have a catastrophic impact on Flagstaff. Many of the city’s flood mitigation, transportation, and public safety projects are dependent upon this funding from our federal partners. Additionally, this funding freeze impacts local non-profit organizations we rely upon to provide basic services and our partners such as Coconino County and Northern Arizona University.”

CCC Community Education — March Classes: Sign Language, Sustainable Landscaping, Backcountry First Aid, Yoga

Basic Conversation Sign Language

Tuesday, March 4, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Join us to learn basic sign language as well as communication tips when interacting with Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Sign – Learn more and register!

Former Coconino County Manager Steve Peru Earns Professional Excellence Award

“I am honored to receive this recognition,” Peru said. “Coconino County has given me the opportunity to learn, grow and build a team that feels like family. I will always be grateful for the support throughout the years and to work with amazing employees dedicated to public service.”

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting on Feb. 6

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly.  This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County.  The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 27-31, 2025

Winter Arrives to the Canyon (Finally!)

This week, Northern Arizona finally got the memo that it’s winter—bringing much-needed precipitation across the region, including several inches of snow on the South Rim and a hearty 8 inches on the North Rim.

As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road on the South Rim have REOPENED following several days of closure. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Roads Line at 928-638-7496.

For those who like to be ahead of the curve, Everbridge alerts are a great way to stay informed in real-time about road closures, power outages, weather events, and any other emergency situations that might pop up. This free service helps ensure you’re never caught off guard when the weather gets unpredictable.
Sign up today by following this link.

Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton and Deputy City Manager Joanne Keene credentialed by International City/County Management Association

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton and Deputy City Manager Joanne Keene both recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). City Manager Clifton and Deputy City Manager Keene join over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

ICMA’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics by increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators, and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — After Day One: Trump Wants to Redefine America

On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued a series of immigration-related executive orders and proclamations that will quickly re-shape the U.S. immigration system. These executive orders affect nearly every facet of a complex and demanding system. Most of the policy changes introduced through these actions are framed as directives to federal departments and agencies. However, their language also aims to stoke fear as a means of testing the boundaries of executive authority.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — The Draft Regional Plan 2045

F3 has paid close attention to the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 because it will greatly impact the way Flagstaff will develop in the next twenty years. The plan is a policy guide for land use and development decisions and should be the vision for the shape and character of the community.

This newsletter summarizes our concerns. Here is a quick overview:

We are concerned that the plan is almost singularly focused on an increase in housing density. While we see the need to address the housing crisis, density alone is not enough. It must be paired with the values that make a community a community such as open space, public space, and community character.

Workshop ‘How to Build a Successful Content Strategy’ to be held on Feb. 4 at Murdoch Community Center, Flagstaff

Presented by Mariah Zavala – Mountain Mojo Group, the workshop includes in depth discussions on:

Mission and Vision Statements

Goal Setting

Key Performance Indicators

Personas, Messaging Tone and Cadence