Recently, ECoNA and our regional partners took Northern Arizona’s story of opportunity and innovation to two major industry event – SEMICON West and ICSC@Western – reaching decision makers who can help shape our region’s economic future.
This was the first year the SEMICON West was hosted in Phoenix, underscoring Arizona’s growing leadership in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.
WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations on the Tusayan Ranger District beginning Friday, October 24, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the weekend and may begin operations on the Williams Ranger District next week as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Prescribed fires planned for the area include:
We would like to keep you informed about a recent development impacting the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library. Baker & Taylor, a U.S. – based company that supplies books to schools, libraries, and bookstores – including the Flagstaff Public Libraries – has gone unexpectedly out of business after a failed merger. Baker & Taylor plans to fully cease operations by January 2026.
FLAGSTAFF — Asphalt paving operations along sections of Cedar Avenue and West Street (as shown in the map) are set to take place the week of October 27. Work will occur along half of the roadway at a time, with the other half used to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction. Access to side streets and driveways may be temporarily restricted during asphalt paving operations; however, our crews will work diligently to restore access as soon as the new asphalt has been placed and conditions allow. Following asphalt paving operations, crews will return to perform utility valve and manhole adjustments and striping operations. This work is highly weather dependent and subject to change.
Autumn Elevated Eats & Music Series
Arizona Snowbowl
Autumn Elevated Eats & Music Series brings golden aspens, mountain dining, and live country music to Arizona Snowbowl this fall. 3:30 p.m.
Learn More
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin demolition of the former Montalvo Fire Station Two, located at 2230 E. Spruce Avenue, on Oct. 27, 2025, with work scheduled for completion by Nov. 11, 2025. The demolition, performed by Loven Contracting, Inc., marks the first major step toward construction of the Montalvo Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Community Center.
COCONINO COUNTY — WIC recipients that rely on the Arizona Department of Health Services WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program will not go hungry in Coconino County due to the federal government shutdown.
“Good nutrition in the first years of life provides the foundation for a lifetime of health and learning,” said Patrice Hortsman, District 1 Supervisor and Board Chair. “The WIC program is vital for our most vulnerable residents and I’m proud that Coconino County can offer this temporary assistance.”
WIC is a federal program that provides healthy food for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and young children. About 1,900 children in Coconino County count on WIC for daily nutrition.
Coconino County’s Nov. 4 Jurisdictional Election has begun.
Early voters that are on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) and have not received their ballots by Wednesday, Oct. 15 should call the Recorder’s Office at 928-679-7860 or 800-793-6181 to check their voter registration status and mailing address.
On Thursday, October 9, the Flagstaff City Council voted to adopt the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 with a list of Conditions of Approval and an Errata document.
The Conditions of Approval and Errata direct staff to make several edits to the plan. City Council discussed and modified the recommendations by the Planning & Zoning Commission, which first reviewed and refined these lists. Click the links below to access these documents.
The Kaibab National Forest of the USDA Forest Service is hiring! We are looking for dedicated individuals to support fire operations. These positions are vital to wildfire preparedness and disaster response across federal and state agencies.
Jobs include dispatchers, equipment operators, fire engine operators, fire prevention specialists, forestry aids and technicians, handcrew members, helitack crew members, hotshot crew members, prescribed fire and fuels specialists, smokejumpers, and more.
F3 is happy to report that on October 9 City Council unanimously chose to reject two Conditions of Approval that would have had negative impacts on the Core Priorities of the Regional Plan and render the Plan out of compliance with Flagstaff’s 2021 Carbon Neutrality Plan.
Your action in response to F3’s October 5th Action Alert resulted in the City receiving 80 letters of concern from the public about these two issues! Many thanks to NAZCCA and Dara Marks Marino for sending alerts to their contacts as well.
View this email in your browser Join us for more Fall Festivities Spanish Conversation Group October 20th at the Historic Ice House You’re invited to Spanish Conversation Group with Culture Connection AZ 📍 Historic Ice House 201 E Birch Ave,…
From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more — our upcoming classes and workshops offer something for every artist. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to expand your skills, join us in the studio or online and be part of Sedona’s creative community.
FLAGSTAFF — With the arrival of 2025 Tax Notices, the Coconino County Treasurer’s Office is warning residents about the potential for fraudulent websites that falsely claim to accept property tax payments.
Residents should be on the alert for sites that don’t end in .gov, require unusual forms of payment like gift cards or wire transfers or that charge additional processing fees.
“We want to ensure that taxpayers know the only safe and secure way to pay their property taxes is directly through the County’s official channels,” said, Sarah Benatar, Coconino County Treasurer. “Using these channels can prevent financial loss and identity theft.”
FLAGSTAFF — At last week’s Council meeting, Mayor Becky Daggett proclaimed September 15 to October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Flagstaff. This month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx communities, integral to Flagstaff’s past, present, and future.
The partial reopening will include Highway 67 to the W1 road, (approximately at mile marker 11), and the Cape Royal Road, providing access to both Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Additionally, Fire Point and Swamp Ridge will reopen. These areas will be open daily from official sunrise to official sunset. No overnight use is permitted on the North Rim with the exception of Swamp Point and Fire Point. Open areas will remain accessible through Nov. 30, 2025, or until the first major snowfall, whichever occurs first.
Earlier this month, R. Glenn Williamson, founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council (CABC), spoke to the ECoNA Advisory Council about the unique relationship between Arizona and Canada and the pressures it is currently facing.
For northern Arizona, the relationship is significant. Canadian companies employ more than 300 people in Coconino, Navajo, and Yavapai counties, with another 2,600 jobs impacted by exports to Canada.
Statewide, Canada remains Arizona’s largest foreign direct investor. Additionally, an estimated 1 million Canadians visit the state each year, while about 100,000 Canadian “snowbirds” live in Arizona for part of the year. Combined, they contribute $2.4 billion to the local economy.
That impact is impressive – but not without pressure
When voters in Flagstaff resoundingly rejected Proposition 480, they did more than simply block a development plan. They issued a clear, community-wide statement: we want our hospital to stay where it is. The Northern Arizona Healthcare(NAH) proposal to abandon the long-established Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) campus and build an entirely new facility on the outskirts of town was not what this community wanted. And it still isn’t.
“The life of one of our community members tragically ended last Saturday and my heart goes out to everyone this individual personally touched. Several members of city and police leadership and I met with family and friends to express our heartfelt sorrow and share our condolences. I was touched by their expressions of love for this individual. I know I speak for the entire city council as I convey our sympathies for this tragic loss.” – Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett
Discover the joy of working with clay at Sedona Arts Center!
Our ceramics program welcomes all levels to explore, experiment, and create in a supportive community. With guidance from studio manager Ben Roti, instructors Lolo Howe and John Post, plus visiting guest artists, you’ll gain hands-on experience in both traditional and contemporary techniques. Join us for a class or workshop and see where your creativity takes you!
FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff and FANN Contracting are proud to announce the completion of the Fourth-Lockett Roundabout Project. With the project finished, the roundabout is now open to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic! Please be patient as you and your fellow motorists and pedestrians get used to the new roundabout, and follow the marked signage and striping to get to your destination. Please remain alert as crews install final fencing and perform clean-up operations over the next few weeks.
Building bikes for local children, a fun-filled block party and casino night and a record-making football game that included a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of the first half—Lumberjacks know how to do Family Weekend right! NAU Social was out over the weekend to capture all the fun.
Our 2025 Virtual Auction to benefit the Museum of Northern Arizona is now open! This year’s auction includes exclusive experiences with MNA experts and beautiful, authentic jewelry and accessories.
View the auction online here! All bidding for this auction will take place online. If you are in need help or have any questions, please contact us at development@musnaz.org or call 928-774-5211 x 285. This auction will be open until Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 12:00 pm.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
at SAC
✨ Spark your creativity with upcoming classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center! From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more, there’s something for every artist and learner — whether you’re beginning a new journey or expanding your practice. Join us in the studio or online, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of a vibrant community in the heart of Sedona.
• NAU Office of Inclusion announces September calendar of events on Sept. 16, 19, 24, 26
• More details to come — NAU Hispanic Heritage Month Football game to feature halftime performance by NAU’s Mariachi Los Madereros on Sept. 26
• NAU Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month Tailgate Party to be held at Walkup Skydome on Oct. 4
• Coconino Community College to present course on ‘Exploring Flagstaff’s Latino Heritage and Community’ with Eva Barraza on Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30
Each year, the Festival features 10-days of engaging events and programs, all free, for the community to enjoy and celebrate the wonders of science! This year’s theme is “Harvesting Knowledge”! Various Times.
Learn More
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, lane closures are scheduled on N Highway 89 between N Country Club Dr and old Rte 66 for overlay removal and pavement marking. The work is schedule to take place from Monday, Sept. 29 – Wednesday, Oct. 1 between the hours of 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. Drivers in the area should expect delays.
FLAGSTAFF — The City Council of Flagstaff voted unanimously on Sept. 16, 2025 to authorize the City Attorney to take all actions necessary to ensure that the City’s regional water resource at Red Gap Ranch is not impaired by helium exploration operations, including if necessary the filing of a new suit. The City is unaware of active helium exploration near Red Gap Ranch at this time and the City will continue to protect its vital resources if needed.
At Theatrikos Theatre Company, we believe theatre is more than performance; it’s a catalyst for creativity, confidence, and community. And now, we’re one step away from building something extraordinary for Flagstaff.
This year, we launched a $30,000 capital campaign to transform a commercial building into a state-of-the-art rehearsal and education studio; a vibrant, dedicated space for year-round theatre education. We’ve raised $22,000 so far, and now we have thrilling news:
An anonymous donor has stepped forward to MATCH every dollar donated; up to our final $8,000!
NAU is celebrating Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month through Oct. 15 with games, discussions, a dance party and more, and all Lumberjacks are welcome! Browse a full calendar of events created by the Office of Inclusion.
park your creativity with upcoming classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center! From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more, there’s something for every artist and learner — whether you’re beginning a new journey or expanding your practice. Join us in the studio or online, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of a vibrant community in the heart of Sedona.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez for his long support of local Hispanic community during a ceremony held on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 at Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium.
Vasquez was presented with an award signifying all the “Barrios de Flagstaff.” The award was created by long-time Nuestras Raíces Armando Gonzales.
Pickin’ in the Pines
Pepsi Amphitheater
Join us for 3 days of music, jamming, camping, workshops, band contest, community dance, kids activities and more in the cool pines of Flagstaff, AZ. 9 a.m.
The underlying belief embodied by the supporters of United Way of Northern Arizona is that strong communities are built when we come together to learn, share, and act.
We had a chance to do just that recently at the kickoff breakfast for our Annual Campaign to raise $1.2 million.
Donations to the Annual Campaign will help ensure all who live in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties can thrive.
Significant progress continues on the Dragon Bravo Fire, which is now 86% contained at 145,504 acres with 617 personnel assigned.
Today at 6 a.m., the Kaibab National Forest reopened approximately 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District. This step was made possible thanks to extensive suppression repair work, including hazard tree removal and safety improvements along roads and trails. While more areas are now accessible, several roads remain closed. For the latest road status, maps, and closure information, visit the Kaibab National Forest Alerts page.
FLAGSTAFF — On January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $18.35 for all workers. There will no longer be a lower minimum wage for tipped employees.
COCONINO COUNTY — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) will temporarily close the railroad crossing at Angell Road from next Tuesday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 17 for maintenance work to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.
The crossing is located approximately six miles east of Winona.
The two-day closure will be in effect at 4 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Wednesday; however, this schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.
During the closure period, drivers north of the tracks should plan to detour west along Forest Road 415 for approximately four miles to reach the Porter Ranch Road railroad crossing.
Latest news updates for September 2025
Gallego, Cantwell & Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Extend Public Comment Period for Roadless Rule Repeal …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Protect Striking Workers …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …
Gallego Statement on Charlie Kirk’s Passing …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …
Gallego: “Ashli Babbitt was a traitor …
Gallego, Colleagues Call Out Trump Administration’s Wrongful Targeting of Dreamers in Illegal Immigration Scheme …
Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner …
Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
ICYMI: Gallego Questions Trump Nominees on Energy Costs, Reliability …
MORE …
Latest news updates for September 2025
Kelly Joins Kaine, Colleagues in Pressing for Answers from Trump Administration on Strike in Caribbean …
Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Small Businesses from Trump Tariffs …
Kelly, Colleagues Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
Kelly, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Amendment to Raise Annual Pay Cap for Wildland Firefighters …
Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner ..
MORE …
Latest news updates for September 2025
Attorney General Mayes Announces Town Halls on Health Insurance Denials
Attorney General Mayes Files Brief in Support of Federal Employees’ Right to Collective Bargaining and Free Speech
Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs
MORE…
The science behind every bite
The 36th Flagstaff Festival of Science promises to be a tasty treat. This year’s theme is Harvesting Knowledge, with talks, workshops, tours and other experiences uncovering traditional food science and its relevance to the environment, community health and culture. Here’s a list of some of the events at NAU.
There’s still time to be part of the Coconino Center for the Arts’ Theater Seating Fundraiser! Each seat sponsorship includes a personalized plaque on the seat of your choice — a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or show your love for the arts in Flagstaff.
Your gift goes further right now: thanks to a generous matching donation from a former Creative Flagstaff board member and their spouse, every contribution is doubled to help us reach our goal!
Special thank you to All Awards, Flagstaff’s local awards shop, for generously donating the plaques in-kind.
FREDONIA — Starting Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the public will have access to another 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District as the Forest Service further reduces the White Sage & Dragon Bravo Fires Temporary Closure. Crews on the Dragon Bravo Fire continue to make significant progress on suppression repair work, enabling the Forest Service to reopen more areas without compromising public safety or fire operations. Approximately 82% of the North Kaibab Ranger District will be open to the public.
Chromatic colors in bubbles create a mesmerizing effect when light interacts with the thin film of soap, producing a spectrum of colors due to light interference and diffraction and splitting into its individual colors. As the bubble moves or changes shape, the iridescent spectrum of colors shift and transform due to the changing thickness of the soapy film, creating a dynamic and spell-binding result. As in the case of this image, a simple bubble against the blue sky can be used to create visually striking art and design pieces.
Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.
Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts this weekend
The festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.
All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday (August 29th) and running through Saturday, September 13, Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation with a suggested donation of $20. Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/
COCONINO COUNTY — The Superior Court in Coconino County has recently received several calls from concerned residents regarding a phone scam.
The caller identifies themselves as the Jury Commissioner and attempts to confirm personal information (addresses, phone number, date of birth and email addresses). This person uses threatening language and informs residents that a warrant has been issued for their arrest.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff plans to replace select sections of sidewalk and curb and repave a portion of Cedar Avenue and West Street in the coming weeks. There are sections of deteriorated and cracked sidewalk and curb, and the asphalt roadway has numerous cracks and patches that need to be fixed. Asphalt repair includes taking off a thin layer of the existing surface and then repaving with new asphalt. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 15, with plans to finish by early December (weather permitting). Work will occur along West Street/Linda Vista Drive, from the slip lane to Cedar Avenue, and along Cedar Avenue from West Street to the west side of the new Fourth-Lockett roundabout.
In 2023, Coconino County was awarded an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Grant to remediate hazardous materials such as lead-based paint and asbestos at the old Coconino County jail located at 211 North W.C. Riles, Flagstaff. The presentation will provide the community with updates regarding the clean-up grant award and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input on completed and proposed actions associated with the grant.
Explore the vast potential of ceramics in this six-week course, ideal for students looking to develop, strengthen, and advance their pottery skills in a playful environment. Working with the potter’s wheel, slab roller, extruder, texture tools, and more students will experiment with functional and decorative techniques, turning their creative ideas into tangible works of art.
Dear Museum Friends,
As the Museum of Northern Arizona marks its 97th year this month, I’m thrilled to announce Twilight Thursdays, our latest initiative to enable more people to visit. The Museum will stay open late every Thursday until 7 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-wish starting at 4 p.m. Guests are welcome to pay any amount—a few dollars, the regular admission price, or more if they’d like to support the Museum.
Whether you’re looking for an inspiring after-work outing, a family-friendly evening, or a peaceful way to wind down your day surrounded by art, culture, and science, Twilight Thursdays offer an exceptional opportunity for more people to enjoy the Museum galleries, exhibits, and Gift Shop.
Just 70 miles south of the Grand Canyon sits NAU Hat Ranch, a property rooted in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Once a working ranch, the property serves as a base for research, learning and retreat space for NAU students, faculty and staff. Hat Ranch is open to the public for overnight stays and events. The university is working to expand its offerings and honoring the past while building a future centered on education, community and hands-on learning.
The County has updated the Plan and will hold public hearings this fall. Opportunities for public comment will be available during the public hearings. To submit written comments in advance email: mshaw@coconino.az.gov.
To view the public hearing draft and the 60-day review comments
Visit the project website https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045.
Visit the Community Development office to review a print copy.
For questions contact Melissa Shaw at mshaw@coconino.az.gov
Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Arts & Science Project Grant Program. With $125,000 available for funding, these grants are designed to empower and expand the creative, scientific, and cultural landscape of the Flagstaff community!
Arts & Science Project Grants are available to non-profit ORGANIZATIONS or INDIVIDUALS with a non-profit fiscal agent for INNOVATION:
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current fire restrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. … Residents and visitors should not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire. All outdoor fires should be extinguished properly by drowning fires with plenty of water and stirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Charcoal should be dunked in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it. Fires should never be left unattended as sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will lift fire restrictions at 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, due to recent widespread precipitation across the forest.
While forest-wide restrictions will be lifted, several areas of the Coconino National Forest are subject to permanent year-round fire restrictions, which will continue to remain in effect.
Forest visitors are asked to adhere to best practices when building a campfire. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires, and keep fires small. It is always illegal to leave a campfire unattended.
WILLIAMS — Due to an increase in rainfall over the last several days, the Kaibab National Forest will lift all fire restrictions at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement and rescind fire restrictions. The forest has received enough widespread rain to increase fuel moisture and decrease the risk of severe fire.
To help prevent human-caused fires, forest visitors should always be vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels.
