Category: Finance

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 31 – Sept. 4, 2026

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Bright Angel Flash Flood Response and South Rim Water Conservation

Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery efforts following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search, accountability, infrastructure assessment, and recovery work are ongoing under a Type II Incident Management Team.

Flash Flood Response and Search Efforts

At this time, 82 people have been rescued, two people have been recovered deceased, and one person remains missing. Search efforts for the missing hiker continue with park staff and partner agencies.

The flood caused extensive damage to trails, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure in the inner canyon. Early assessments indicate that approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline and five to seven miles of the North Kaibab Trail have been severely damaged. Four bridges in the Box were severely damaged or washed away. Assessments are continuing, and these estimates may change as crews learn more about the extent of the damage.

Grand Canyon National Park expands inner canyon closures following Aug. 29 flash flood

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2026 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the destructive August 29 flash flood that caused significant damage in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.

Park staff and partner agencies are conducting damage assessments and beginning repair and stabilization work in areas where trails, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. Maintaining safe access for response personnel and keeping visitors out of hazardous areas is critical as this work continues.

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) including ‘ICYMI: Kelly Blasts Trump for Enriching Himself While Americans Can’t Afford Their Lives’

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — September Community Events

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2026 • Comments Off

Community Council Candidate Forums

September 3rd: Historic Preservation Forum with City Council Candidates: 5:30 to 7:00 pm at LCM Canterbury Chapel at 319 S San Francisco St. Includes educational information and Q&A with candidates.

September 10th: Southside Community City Council Forum: 5 to 7 pm at the Murdoch Community Center. More information here.

September 17th: Northern Arizona Interfaith Council Candidate Accountability Session: 6:00-7:45 pm at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. More information here.

*September 28th – Friends of Flagstaff’s Future Forum: 6 pm at Coconino Community College Lonetree Campus. More information here.

Flagstaff Youth Riders

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2026 • Comments Off

For the past 10 years, FLYRS has been about more than riding bikes.

It’s about giving kids a place to belong.

It’s about building confidence and resilience.

It’s about getting outside and discovering what they’re capable of.

And it’s about making sure that cost isn’t a barrier to being part of the FLYRS community.

This September 1-3, we’re celebrating FLYRS Giving Daysas part of our 10-year FLYRS Forward campaign.

City of Flagstaff — Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to businesses impacted by Pocket Fire

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County received a Declaration of Economic Injury from the Small Business Administration (SBA) which opens the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to businesses impacted by the Pocket Fire.

The EIDL program provides 30-year loans with an interest rate as low as four percent. Principal and interest payments are not required in the first year of the loan to help businesses survive the loss of tourism. The program is available to all businesses in Coconino County and Yavapai County, as well as neighboring Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave and Navajo counties, San Juan and Kane counties in Utah and Tribal Nations.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Thank you, Dolly

by Community Contributor • August 28, 2026 • Comments Off

On Tuesday, we experienced a moment of collective heartbreak with the passing of Dolly Parton.

In addition to losing a talented singer, songwriter, actress, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, we also are in mourning for the woman who seemed to transcend an increasingly divided world. Several years ago, The New York Times famously captured her near universal appeal in a story headlined “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”

United Way of Northern Arizona is proud to be a partner in one of her most impactful philanthropic efforts – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

Coconino County — Switch Together solar co-op deadline Sept. 18

by Community Contributor • August 28, 2026 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — As part of our sustainability initiative, Coconino County is a partner in Switch Together, a group buying program for solar installations. Switch Together uses a group buying model to help residents save money on home solar installations.

The most recent auction secured a discount of 17 percent, which translates to an average discount of $5,200. The program is supported in partnership with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. Switch Together makes rooftop solar installations more affordable, while also offering solar education through online resources and in-person events.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Building careers at home, building ties abroad

by Community Contributor • August 28, 2026 • Comments Off

I was honored to be part of a panel discussion at the recent League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference, which focused on whether Arizona’s workforce development pipeline was robust enough to support the phenomenal growth the state has experienced.

Representing a rural region, my perspective was slightly different.

Northern Arizona already produces a tremendous amount of highly educated talent; nearly 56% of Flagstaff residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The challenge is keeping that talent here.

The NAU Review — Welcome back, Jacks!

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2026 • Comments Off

Campus came alive with excitement, nerves and new beginnings last week as students moved into their residence halls, said goodbye to their loved ones and made new friends. See photos from move-in, the Welcome Week Festival, the Part-Time Job Fair and of course, NAU’s iconic Letters.

Coconino County — Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to businesses impacted by Pocket Fire. (Help available at sites in Flagstaff, Sedona)

by Community Contributor • August 24, 2026 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available to businesses impacted by the Pocket Fire.

Coconino County received a Declaration of Economic Injury from the Small Business Administration (SBA) which opens the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to businesses impacted by the Pocket Fire.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Call for Donations: Bedtime Stories needs your help!

by Community Contributor • August 20, 2026 • Comments Off

he Flagstaff Festival of Science is raising funds for our Bedtime Stories project, now entering its fourth year! This special program brings science, storytelling, and local voices together to create meaningful learning experiences for young children and their families.

Each year, we work with local and regional authors to film them reading their science-themed children’s books. These read-alouds are then made freely available on YouTube, giving families an opportunity to tune in for a science-filled bedtime story from the comfort of home.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra — FSO’s Silent Auction is OPEN — and it’s a GOOD one!

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2026 • Comments Off

We can’t wait to welcome you to Sippin’ with the Symphony on August 29! But you don’t have to wait until the big night to join the fun—FSO’s Sippin’ with the Symphony Silent Auction is now open.

From getaways and one-of-a-kind experiences to jewelry, arts and entertainment, local favorites, and more, this year’s auction is packed with reasons to bid.

Browse the auction, find your favorites, and start bidding today! Bidding closes at 6:50 PM on August 29, though you don’t have to attend Sippin’ to participate (but we’d love to see you there!).

Get started by texting “hello” to 928-563-9090 or click the button below.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors approves more than $2.5 million for local schools

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2026 • Comments Off

“Education funding in Arizona is at a crisis point,” Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Coconino County has made strategic decisions over the last two years to leverage additional federal resources for education while continuing to advocate at both the state and federal levels for the funding our schools need. Increasing funding to schools and establishing the Special Needs Allocation Program will help protect educational opportunities for our children and communities.”

United Way of Northern Arizona — This August, take 20 minutes for your family’s future

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2026 • Comments Off

At United Way of Northern Arizona, we spend every day thinking about how to build a stronger, heathier, and more financially secure future for everyone in our region. But today I want to take a moment to talk about planning for you and your family’s future.

August is National Make-A-Will Month, and I have to admit that I was a little surprised to learn that, according to a survey done last year by Caring.com, only 24% of American adults have a will. Even more concerning? The “sandwich generation” – those middle-aged adults who are caring for both their growing children and their aging parents – are the largest cohort without an estate plan.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 10-14, 2026

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2026 • Comments Off

The Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail has been fully repaired. Water utility crews successfully began pumping water to the South Rim late August 11, and South Rim tanks are now slowly filling.

Action Alert: Provide Input on Parks Master Plan

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2026 • Comments Off

F3 encourages you to provide specific FEEDBACK and input on your PRIORITIES for Parks and Open Space, add to an interactive MAP, and complete the SURVEY as the City of Flagstaff starts the process of completing the PROSE Master Plan (Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events).

The PROSE Master Plan is a long-range plan (10+ years) that will provide a roadmap and guide the City’s project priorities and funding. This Plan will create a vision for the future and will include both short-term and long-term goals for achievement.

Schultz/Pipeline Flood Mitigation System receives statewide award

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2026 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Schultz/Pipeline Flood Mitigation System received the Project of Year Award from the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association at its annual conference last week in Tucson. The award was in the category of Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair over $75 million. The award selection committee noted the significant engineering and construction that was completed in just over two years, which mitigates much of the flood threat to lives, homes, businesses and public infrastructure near Flagstaff.

Upcoming Community Meeting on Aug. 18 for the JW Powell Extension Project

by Community Contributor • August 7, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff, Peak Engineering and Banicki Construction invite you to attend a Community Meeting for the upcoming JW Powell Extension Project. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, between 5 and 6:30 p.m., at the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth Street). This meeting will allow community members to learn more about the project, including the plan for the area and how it fits into the City’s transportation system. This meeting is an open house format with no formal presentation; join us anytime throughout the meeting. Project team members and City staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. Meeting displays and information will be available on our Project Webpage after the meeting for those who cannot attend.

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences — Apply for a Beautification in Action Grant

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2026 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff invites artists, community members and groups, schools, and local businesses to apply for a Beautification in Action grant to enliven our community’s public spaces. Projects can take the form of community gardens, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures, murals, and more. Priority will be given to community-initiated projects that provide a lasting impact—fostering cultural connections, strengthening neighborhood awareness and identity, and deepening how residents and visitors interact with the built environment. All projects must be publicly and visually accessible.

Up to $8,000 is available per project.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Arts & Science Grants announcement

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2026 • Comments Off

We are proud to announce that, this year, Creative Flagstaff has awarded General Operating Support grants to 43 Flagstaff nonprofit organizations totaling $505,000, and Project Grants to 16 organizations and individuals totaling $125,000.

Project Grants are designed to build capacity or expand a program, whereas General Operating Support Grants help sustain organizations. Both grants are intended to engage and enrich the Flagstaff community through arts, science, and culture. Additional BBB funding was allocated to ARTx 2026 Art + Ideas Experience for 23 projects totaling $125,000

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Join “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Director on Aug. 5

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2026 • Comments Off

Join the monthly “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Executive Director thisWednesday, August 5th from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan Winds
(2144 N. 4th St.). We had a great conversation last month!

Learn what F3 is working on, share your thoughts about Flagstaff issues, get updates on ongoing issues, and meet other citizens and members who are or want to be engaged with issues in Flagstaff.

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Double Your Impact: Keep the Curtain Rising

by Community Contributor • July 29, 2026 • Comments Off

For more than 53 years, Theatrikos Theatre Company has brought our community together through the power of live theatre.

Every performance, every student taking the stage for the first time, every volunteer giving their time, every standing ovation, none of it happens without people like you.

Today, we’re inviting you to make twice the impact.

Thanks to the generosity of a matching donor, every gift made during our Double Your Impact Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Making the Case for Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • July 24, 2026 • Comments Off

You already know what makes northern Arizona special. Our region has a natural beauty that has drawn visitors from all over the world for generations. But we also share an unwavering ambition to expand our foothold into some of the most vital and vibrant sectors of the economy, such as bioscience, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and transportation and logistics, as well as traditional tourism sectors.

Now we have a tool that captures all of it in one place. ECoNA’s new recruitment brochure showcases the full range of what the region has to offer. It’s a resource designed to help businesses see, at a glance, why northern Arizona is worth a serious look.

You can see it here.

City of Flagstaff — Parking rate adjustments to begin August 1

by Community Contributor • July 22, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff and ParkFlag will implement new parking rates starting Saturday, August 1. The hourly parking rate is increasing from $1 an hour to $2 dollars an hour. These parking rates were approved by the Flagstaff City Council following a comprehensive public process. The rate adjustments will help ensure a financially sustainable parking system while supporting enhanced services throughout the downtown parking district.

Coconino County seeks federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses affected by Pocket Fire

by Community Contributor • July 16, 2026 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has submitted an application for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) for review after the Pocket Fire caused economic injury to local businesses.

The EIDL program provides 30-year loans with an interest rate capped at four percent to affected businesses. Principal and interest payments are not required in the first year of the loan to help businesses survive the loss of tourism. The EIDL program, if awarded, would be available to all businesses in Coconino County, as well as neighboring Yavapai, Mohave, Gila and Navajo counties, San Juan and Kane counties in Utah and Tribal Nations.

County areas in and around Coconino National Forest move to Stage 2 fire restrictions

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2026 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest will move to Stage 2 fire restrictions effective Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 8 a.m.

Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest remains in Stage 2 and all other areas of the County will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions.

This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, applies to all private property within, and adjacent to, the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest.

Community attends in-person, online briefing of Pocket Fire (Update — Coconino County has activated a Call Center for the Pocket Fire)

by Community Contributor • June 29, 2026 • Comments Off

Coconino County has activated a Call Center for the Pocket Fire. If you have questions about the fire, shelters or evacuation stages please call 928-679-8525.

If you need information about the APS Public Safety Power Shutoff, call 800-253-9405. — Coconino County

***

06-29-26 Latest update on Pocket Fire: Highlights: Despite Red Flag conditions, firefighters held fire growth to a minimum. Ground crews and aircraft were employed to expand and reinforce contingency lines at strategic locations around the fire — USDA

(Also check:

Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azcof-pocket-fire
Watch Duty: https://app.watchduty.org/

Coconino County launches ‘Coconino Forward’ dashboard

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2026 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has a new public-facing performance dashboard designed to provide residents with transparent, real-time insight into the County’s progress toward achieving the Board of Supervisors’ strategic plan, entitled Coconino Forward: Where Vision Meets Action.

In March 2025, the Board of Supervisors approved an updated mission, vision, values and a five-year strategic plan following an extensive strategic planning process. The plan established priorities in six key areas: Public Lands/Cultural and Natural Resources; Organizational/Fiscal Health; Economic Development/Vitality; Community Vitality/Arts/Culture; Public Safety/Emergency Preparedness; and Health and Human Services/Public Health.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Support needed to prohibit source of income discrimination in housing

by Community Contributor • June 23, 2026 • Comments Off

F3 encourages you to submit written or verbal comments to City Council by 3:00 pm this Tuesday, June 23 in support of the adoption of a proposal (Agenda Item #7) to make it illegal for landlords to reject prospective tenants based on how they legally pay their rent.

Email written comments to: publiccomment@flagstaffaz.gov. Verbal comments may be made in person or online at the City Hall Council Chambers during discussion of Agenda Item #7. Comments are limited to a maximum length of 3 minutes.

Flagstaff City Council adds two public safety questions to November ballot

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — During the June 16 Council Meeting, the Flagstaff City Council called a Special Election for Nov. 3, 2026 to present two questions to voters. On the ballot, residents will consider two questions related to public safety services; one to increase the local Transaction Privilege Tax (sales tax) by 0.5% to enhance public safety services, and the other to authorize a $40M bond to invest in public safety infrastructure and equipment.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3)’s Auction: Don’t miss your chance to bid!

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

Auction Closes Tuesday, June 23
Our online auction is an important fundraiser for F3 and we would greatly appreciate your participation! We have achieved 25% of our fundraising goal thus far and we bidding will pick up as we approach Tuesday.

Support STEM City (and try some good beers) – Flagstaff Beer Festival (June 20) – 75% Discounted Tickets

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2026 • Comments Off

The annual Flagstaff Beer Festival is coming this Saturday and once again a portion of all proceeds go to support STEM City and our programs.

As a final push to increase attendance and support, Rugged Nature Productions are selling remaining tickets to Flagstaff STEM City supporters at a 75% discount. Please go to https://tinyurl.com/FBF2026-FriendsFamily or use the code FriendsFamily when you purchase.