Category: Business

June Update from Flagstaff Arts Council

Dear Supporter of Art, Science, and Culture, 
As you may know, funding for the arts in Arizona is in jeopardy. Without action, the Arizona Commission on the Arts will lose the majority of its funding this year. We are asking Governor Doug Ducey to allocate funding from the State’s CARES Act funding. The artists of Arizona are changemakers and the Commission has been doing amazing work over the past several years to advance cultural equity and to ensure that the voices of artists of color are supported. 
Our executive director sent the this letter to Governor Ducey in response to the defunding of Arizona Commission on the Arts and in support of Arizona Citizens for the Arts’ request to allocate money from the State’s CARES Act funding. 
We are also asking our supporters to take action to let Governor Ducey know Arizonans believe funding for the arts in Arizona is vital to our states well being. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — PBS Kids: Talking to Children Authentically About Race and Racism

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
New COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
PBS Kids: Talking to Children Authentically About Race and Racism
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

NAU News: COVID-19 special edition

President Cheng on returning to campus this fall

With the announcement of our early start on August 12, President Cheng makes a commitment to transparency and to continue moving NAU forward. Watch the full video online.

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — This Week’s Virtual Highlights

This Week’s Virtual Highlights
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Sedona Arts Center — Studio Tour with Stuart Shils Friday, June 19, 2020

Join us on Facebook Friday, June 19th at 4:00pm for a free Studio Tour with Stuart Shils. He’ll be interviewed by Chuck Spence, Vice President of our Board of Directors. We will be looking at how Stuart’s work has evolved from the past into the present and discussing the unique content that he brings to his popular workshops. Stuart will be teaching a virtual workshop “Re-framing the Ordinary” July 17th and 18th. Watch for more information coming soon here and on our website.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Special Edition: F3 on Racism and Our Community

Dear friends of Flagstaff’s future,

The work of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is directed toward achieving a
“sustainable, just, and thriving community.” But until people of color, indigenous
people, and undocumented people in our community know they are safe,
protected, and valued, we will fall short of this goal.

The death of George Floyd makes it clear that it is not enough to condemn
racism. And it is not enough to condemn police violence and the many crushing
forms that discrimination takes. We must hold ourselves accountable for what
happens to people of color, native peoples, and undocumented people in our
community. And we must pay attention to all the ways in which discrimination has
taken hold and all the ways it plays out in the life of our community.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future commits itself to participating in meaningful change
to dismantle racism in our community. As we monitor issues related to
development, planning, land and resource use, and the local economy, we will
listen closely to the guidance given by people of color, native peoples, and
members of our immigrant community. Now, more than ever, we will ensure that
justice and equity—and the dismantling of the legacy of racism and white
supremacy—is an orienting principle of our organization.

Racism is a pandemic. Each of us can be an antidote, counteracting the poison
of racism. True sustainability and community vitality depend on it.

Let’s create the change we want to be and push for better conditions for all!
The Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future

Coconino County Fair modified due to COVID-19

Coconino County Parks and Recreation is modifying the 71st Coconino County Fair due to COVID-19 concerns.

This decision was reached after months of deliberation, research and consultation with local health officials and the Board of Supervisors. Several county fairs in Arizona have cancelled their events this year due to COVID-19 safety concerns.

During the June 2 meeting, the Board of Supervisors supported a modified event that will incorporate measures to focus on 4-H youth member exhibits, the livestock auction, and online or virtual ways to engage the community in lieu of an in-person event at Fort Tuthill County Park. The safety and health of attendees, exhibitors and staff are very important to the County, as is continued support to area youth with their 4-H and livestock projects.

President’s Letter to CCC Community

For many of us, COVID-19 has intensely altered and distorted our lives in contrast to our usual safety net of how we view and live in this world.  Besides the terrible impact of this illness on friends and loved ones, the loss of income and constant worry about today, tomorrow, and the future keeps many people frozen in time.  Without the emotional and financial support to move forward and make decisions about life, this fear of the unknown is causing anxiety to a level never before experienced by many people. 
 
And yet, as I watch the civil unrest continuing to grow throughout our nation, I am sadly reminded once again of how many of our friends and neighbors (close by, throughout the nation, and throughout the world) have always lived with and continue to live with fear of the unknown.  Now, more than ever, that sense of community that is at the heart of the community college mission is important for students, co-workers, friends and neighbors throughout our great country.  It is through community that we listen, learn, and seek to understand.  It is through community that we demonstrate our support and care for others.  And it is through community that we can overcome those fears and accomplish our dreams for a vibrant future.

Bilingual report — Museum Flood area sandbag placement end on June 17

The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) and the City of Flagstaff are helping Museum Flood area residents prepare for the 2020 monsoon season by placing pallets of new sandbags throughout the neighborhoods, which residents can use to repair their sandbag walls.The sandbag placement will run through June 17, 2020.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — AZDHS just updated their COVID-19 website which now includes race and ethnicity on confirmed cases

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Sedona Arts Center is OPEN!

The Sedona Arts Center has reopened its Fine Art Gallery and live in-person classes to the public with a Covid-19 protocol of: ongoing sanitation, social distancing, following government guidelines, and wearing face masks in our indoor public spaces. New gallery hours are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. The Administrative offices will remain closed to the public at this time, please call 928-282-3809 for assistance or call the gallery at 928-282-3865.

NAU News — NAU pathogen scientist collaborating on vaccine that could prevent, treat COVID-19

NAU pathogen scientist collaborating on vaccine that could prevent, treat COVID-19
C. Todd French, assistant professor of biology and leader of NAU’s COVID-19 Testing Service Center, is studying a vault-based coronavirus vaccine that could represent a step toward blocking the outbreak of a similar virus in the future

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino Volunteer & Decorated Vietnam War Vet Billy Weldon Wins America’s Favorite Crossing Guard

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
America’s Favorite Crossing Guard
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

This Week’s Virtual Highlights
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

ECoNA —Highgate Senior Living Poised to Hire 80+ Workers

As our region tentatively enters into its economic recovery, it is encouraging to know a new enterprise is coming to Flagstaff and planning to hire more than 80 workers.

Highgate Senior Living, a new assisted living facility under construction on 3.3 acres of McMillan Mesa, is starting to fill positions in advance of its grand opening next spring.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Communications Issue #2

What a season! Up high, the Peaks are cleared of snow welcoming the coming summer sun; down below, the fruit trees are blossom-filled and mountain irises are quietly opening their wings. Nature’s breath, thank goodness, is as close and intimate as ever.
 
Still, social isolation is hard. There’s just no good substitute for gathering in a coffee shop or sharing a meal with friends. The need to be in a common space with one another is so strong that it feels like a magnetic force. 

But physical distancing doesn’t have to mean social distancing! Below are some links to local projects of mutual aid and solidarity in action, as well as ideas from other communities.

Let’s create the change we want to be! Stay healthy!
The Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Replacement Sandbags are Coming to Your Neighborhood

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Replacement Sandbags are Coming to Your Neighborhood
Fourth County COVID-19 Testing Blitz collects 341 tests
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Museum of Northern Arizona — June at the Museum

As I pass the one year mark as Director here at MNA, I look back on a memorable and sometimes challenging year. From the Museum Fire last year to a Pandemic in 2020, our staff, volunteers and members have demonstrated resilience, imagination, flexibility and their passion for MNA. After many weeks working from home, some of the museum staff are now gradually and gratefully returning to their offices, after undergoing training to further enhance their safety while at work. From increased cleaning and socially distanced meetings to wearing masks when together, we are adjusting to new ways of working safely. We will be equally cautious reopening to the public. We are currently planning so that you can come and experience the museum in a safe and enjoyable way. To see some of the changes we are putting in place, I invite you to join the virtual tour of the museum on June 18, as we continue to bring the museum to you, until you can come to us. I look forward to that day. It is the people of MNA, all of you included, who make this museum the remarkable place it is. Thank you for being a part of MNA, and for helping to make my first year here such an enjoyable and rewarding time.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

Governor Doug Ducey issued a statewide Declaration of Emergency, including putting in place a curfew starting at 8:00 p.m. May 31, 2020. The curfew is in effect from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m. and shall expire on Monday, June 8, at 5:00 a.m. unless further extended. The text of the order is available here.

CCC’s Myers lives passion for getting students into construction trades

Hammer. Saw. Drill. Tape Measure. Level.

His teaching tools are a bit different from a typical community college faculty member, but his skill at using those tools and his passion for sharing that knowledge helps students quickly enter the workforce and find meaningful careers.

As a result, Ken Myers, Construction Technology Management faculty at Coconino Community College, is being recognized as Arizona’s Career and Technical Education Post-Secondary Educator of the Year.

Sedona Arts Center Reopens June 5

The Sedona Arts Center will be re-opening its Fine Art Gallery and live in-person classes to the public in early June with a Covid-19 protocol of: ongoing sanitation, social distancing, following government guidelines, and wearing face masks in our indoor public spaces. June 5th is the opening day for our Fine Art Gallery come see the exhibition from 10am – 5pm!

CCC advisors get job done ‘virtually’

Charlotte Willin appeared on the computer screen via a Zoom video conference with her Coconino Community College advisor Mitch Driebe.

Willin, a student at Northern Arizona University, wants to knock out Physiology & Anatomy 2 during the summer while she is at home in Long Beach, Calif. Her goal is to become an Occupational Therapist.

“I didn’t want to forget anything,” Willin said to Driebe.

Her reason for taking the five-week session at Coconino Community College: It ‘s very affordable.

Willin joins hundreds of other students filling out their class rosters for summer and fall “virtually” with advisors at CCC. The college began offering the service following the campus closures in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Local First Arizona Announces Additional $425,000 in Donations for Small Business Relief Fund From Rural Partners and Local Banks

Small businesses across Arizona have lost federal dollars to larger companies in urban areas — that is no secret. Lack of access to SBA-partnered community banks limited opportunities for many. Local First Arizona is proud to join forces these three partners to distribute grants — not loans — to businesses across the state.

Coconino County Statement on Statewide Curfew Order

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman, Sup. Liz Archuleta issued the following statement after the announcement of statewide curfew.

“Gov. Ducey has announced a statewide curfew for all of Arizona every night this week. The curfew begins at 8pm and will lift each morning at 5am. Coconino County encourages all persons to comply with the Governor’s order and limit any travel during curfew to essential needs for work or public health or safety.”   

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — CCHHS offers businesses reopening plan review and guidance 

Facilities across Arizona have reopened or are in the process of making reopening plans following the expiration of the Arizona stay-at-home order. The State of Arizona announced that criteria for entering Phase 1 of the phased reopening approach outlined in the Guidelines for Opening Up America Again have been met. The guidelines, published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state that a downward trajectory of documented COVID-19 cases within a 14-day period is one criterion for entering Phase I.

NAU News — NAU, Coconino County collaborate to measure business sentiment during COVID-19 pandemic

The Economic Policy Institute is administering a survey that is designed to measure business sentiment as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of local and state government pandemic restrictions on local businesses. It is the first survey to provide rolling data specific to northern Arizona.

CCC CARES Act grants available for fall

Did you know that you might qualify for money to go to college this fall?

But you will have to apply quickly for federal financial aid.

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the federal government has approved funds through the CARES Act to help U.S. citizens attend college.

Coconino Community College has received a share of this money and will distribute it for the Fall semester to students and prospective students who qualify.

CCC’s Friedman shares big ideas in the world of the small

Doug Friedman’s passion for the subject gives him the ability to make the world of microscopic organisms accessible – and fascinating – to his students.

As one of his students stated, “Doug showed me this passion for Microbiology I did not know I had. It’s a fascinating subject. I never had an instructor who made me think outside the box so frequently. He is exactly what college professors should be doing.”

Friedman was selected by students and colleagues as the 2020-21 Full-Time Faculty of the Year at Coconino Community College.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — FUSD High Schools Graduation Procession is May 29, 2020

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
FUSD High School Graduation TOMORROW
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

United Way of Northern Arizona COVID-19 Fund Assists Essential Workers with Child Care

Throughout this crisis, we have celebrated essential workers – those brave souls who have faced the threat of coronavirus on an almost daily basis so that everyone else could safely stay at home practicing social distancing to stem the pandemic.

But what happens to essential workers with small children? Who is there to take care of their sons or daughters while they were busy taking care of the rest of us.

Due to COVID-19, more than 80 percent of licensed child care centers in Flagstaff were forced to close. Those that remained open had to operate far below capacity, collecting less revenue while simultaneously facing greater operational expenses.

That is why the United Way of Northern Arizona recently provided grants through its COVID-19 Fund to both the Flagstaff Family YMCA and the Association for Supportive Child Care (ASCC).

ECoNA COVID-19 Bulletin #9: Rapid Employment Training Grants

As we gradually move from crisis response to economic recovery, our region’s businesses are poised to reopen and a variety of entities are working to make sure that shift is both safe and successful.

To that end, here are some of the resources you may wish to consult during this time of transition.

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Click here for the entire e-newsletter   This Week’s Virtual Highlights Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts,…

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Face coverings required in Coconino County Court buildings/Revestimientos faciales requeridos en los edificios del Tribunal del Condado de Coconino

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Face Coverings Required in Coconino County Court Buildings
ACDL: The Impact of COVID-19 and Special Education
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

City of Flagstaff announces Coconino Estates Improvements Project

The city of Flagstaff began the Coconino Estates Improvements Phase I Project on May 26, 2020. The entire Project is anticipated to be complete in the Fall of 2022. Typical work hours are from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Thursday with occasional work on Fridays. The work will start on the Navajo Road portion of the project from Fort Valley Road to the east side of the Hopi Drive intersection. Improvements include replacing the existing water, sewer, and roadway infrastructure. Additionally, sidewalks will be installed within city right-of-way along both sides of Navajo Road.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Health and Human Services launches Healthy Habits Emergency Saving

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Healthy Habits Emergency Saving  Matching Program
Memorial Day Precautions
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
AZ COVID-19 Testing Blitz
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

A Note from Supervisor Archuleta

As we head into the long Memorial Day weekend, I want to honor all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and who have sacrificed their lives for our rights, freedoms, and liberties. Their sacrifice is not forgotten, and we are endlessly grateful for their service.

I encourage you to take this weekend to enjoy our beautiful spring weather (within safety limits). I want to thank you all for continuing to practice COVID-19 safety practices. I know this has not been an easy feat, but your commitment to our community during this time is crucial in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and ensuring the health and safety of all of our residents.

Bilingual report — Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD), City of Flagstaff, helping Museum Flood area residents prepare for the 2020 monsoon season

The Coconino County Flood Control District (FCD) and the City of Flagstaff, helping Museum Flood are residents prepare for the 2020 monsoon season.

Bilingual report — Coconino County Health and Human Services launches Healthy Habits Emergency Saving Matching Program

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is launching a program that matches people’s savings while helping them improve their financial habits.

The Healthy Habits Emergency Saving Matching program provides free financial education/coaching and matches participants’ saving over nine months. The longer participants save, the larger the matching ratio becomes – giving participants the opportunity to triple their savings from $225 to $675.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Communications Issue #1 — Local Efforts, Good Information to Have and to Share

Dear Friends,

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is entering a new phase in its 24 years of promoting the value of open spaces, participating in city planning, and supporting locally owned businesses.

This is the first of a bi-weekly communication containing information about Local Efforts and just plain good information to have and share about our community. Each communication will also contain quotes and references to Educational articles and New Ideas followed by a Thought for the Day.

If you have ideas to share, send them to us.
If you want more information about Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, take a look at our website: https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/ or our Facebook page.

Let’s create the change we want to be! Stay healthy!

~Board of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future

Mini-grants for small businesses from Local First Arizona

Local First Arizona has created a Small Business Relief Fund to provide mini-grants (typically ranging from $1000 – $2500) to locally-owned small businesses. Local First Arizona is attempting to serve as many individuals and families in need as possible. The application process is simple and can be completed quickly. Please review the criteria before applying:
 

Bilingual report: Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Memorial Day

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 25, 2020 in honor of Memorial Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Memorial Day, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be operating under normal schedules. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.  

KNAU eNews — Martian Home-Away-From-Home, Poetry for the Class of 2020 and more

More than fifteen hundred clinical trials are underway worldwide related to the coronavirus disease. Many of these experiments are focused on developing new drugs and therapies to treat patients. Along with public health measures, those are an important line of defense against COVID-19 until a vaccine is created. Learn more at KNAU.org.

NAU News — NAU grad creates Native American Cultural Competency program to help others feel supported, encouraged in higher ed

Kalvina Lee Belin, a graduate of the master of public health program with an emphasis on Indigenous health, created the online training to offer strategies and tools to help faculty and staff create spaces where Native American students feel they belong and are motivated in the learning process.

City of Flagstaff announces Memorial Day closures

City of Flagstaff administrative functions will be closed Monday, May 25, 2020 in honor of Memorial Day. The administrative functions of the city will re-open Tuesday, May 26, 2020.

The East Flagstaff Community Library and the downtown Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will resume Curbside Hold Pickup and phone reference services on May 26, 2020. Other city facilities will remain closed to the public due to the COVID-19.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County currently has a response rate of 34.6% for the 2020 Census.

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

This Week’s Virtual Highlights
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Sedona Arts Center Reopens June 5

The Sedona Arts Center will be re-opening its Fine Art Gallery and classes to the public in early June with a Covid-19 protocol of: ongoing sanitation, social distancing, following government guidelines, and wearing face masks when social distancing is not possible.

City of Flagstaff announces 2020 street maintenance projects – Road Repair and Street Safety

The 2020 streets maintenance program was approved by Flagstaff City Council on May 19, 2020. This project will address various locations in the community and includes minor concrete repairs, asphalt overlays and chip sealing. The total cost of the project is $5.6 million and is scheduled to begin on May 26, 2020.

The maintenance work will be performed on the following roads:

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Congratulations Graduates

In This Newsletter:

A Note from Supervisor Archuleta
Public health officials recommend Memorial Day precautions
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website 
Division of Developmental Disabilities Virtual Town Hall Meetings
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!

Coconino County Fair (Sept. 4-7) is hiring

Coconino County Parks & Recreation is gearing up for another amazing Coconino County Fair, and they need your help! The Parks & Recreation Department is hiring temporary staff for the upcoming Fair, which takes place over Labor Day Weekend at Fort Tuthill County Park.  This four-day event gives staff the opportunity to earn some extra money while having County Fair Fun and helping to make this annual event memorable for the entire community.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Public trashing Coconino National Forest

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Public trashing Coconino National Forest
Coconino NF reopening some recreation sites
Flagstaff Family Food Center COVID-19 Service
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Visit our Website

United Way of Northern Arizona, Coconino County Launch COVID-19 Safety-Net Services Coalition

Coconino County has suffered greatly from the coronavirus pandemic. Our residents only make up about 2% of the state, but we have 6% of the COVID-19 cases and 10% of the fatalities attributed to the disease – the highest death rate in Arizona.

Add to that the economic impact of the disease. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the four industries that have been hardest hit in terms of unemployment during this time are hospitality, retail, education/health care services, and government. Those also are the sectors that make up the bulk of our jobs in northern Arizona.

The demands on our nonprofits are unprecedented. Which is why United Way of Northern Arizona established the COVID-19 Fund two months ago, and why we are teaming up with Coconino County to lead the COVID-19 Social Safety-Net Services Coalition.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

The CDC has recently announced the expanded the list of wide-range symptoms for COVID-19. The mild to severe symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after initial exposure to the virus. The expanded list of six new symptoms is crucial for individuals who are seeking testing whom must first show symptoms.

Please support COVID-19 Fund for Flagstaff’s Immigrant Families

We invite you to contribute to a campaign to assist undocumented members of our community at https://www.gofundme.com/f/covid19-fund-for-flagstaff-immigrants.

These are long-time residents who’ve been working here, paying taxes, raising families, and volunteering in our community — often for many decades. Yet they were specifically excluded from federal relief funding, even as many of them have lost their jobs because of the pandemic.

Immigrants have long held low-wage jobs in Flagstaff restaurants, hotels, cleaning services, and construction. And many have already been laid off in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Although undocumented workers are vital to our economic and community well-being, most are systemically excluded from safety-net programs like unemployment insurance and other public benefits. And despite paying into our tax system just like the rest of us, most will not receive a dollar of support from the COVID-19 federal relief program. This is a huge injustice!