
You asked, we listened! Early bird pricing is back for one final encore—but only through May 19.
Register for the Beethoven 5K today and help support Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, one step at a time.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forest to help maintain highly-visited sites and standardize the recreation pass program for all forest visitors.
Most recreation sites on the forest will not require a fee, with more than 67% of sites on the forest remaining free for general public use and enjoyment. The forest will continue to honor the suite of “America the Beautiful” Interagency Passes and Red Rock Passes at all standard amenity fee sites and provide several fee-free days throughout the year. Also, the Sedona Shuttle program, which provides free transportation from two Park and Ride lots to popular recreation fee sites, will continue to operate.
On Monday, May 5, the Town of Tusayan will be hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration from 4:30-9 p.m. at the Squire Resort in Tusayan. Mexican food and music will be featured as well as pinatas for kids, a face painter, balloon artist, a dive-in movie and indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a drone light show.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here.
“The EPA’s decision to terminate this grant is deeply alarming—not only for the City of Flagstaff, but for the many residents, community leaders, and partner organizations who have worked tirelessly to enhance local preparedness. These community hubs were already delivering measurable impact, supporting those most vulnerable to extreme weather-related threats, as well as workforce development. We stand firmly behind this vital work and intend to challenge the EPA’s decision. Flagstaff remains unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and future of our residents.” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.
Heidi Hansen, Economic Vitality Director for the City of Flagstaff, is the Vice Chair of the Executive Board of ECoNA. Originally from Delaware, she moved to Flagstaff when her father, a W.L. Gore & Associates employee, relocated to Arizona. After earning her bachelor’s degree in advertising from Northern Arizona University, she spent more than 20 years in media advertising before becoming the City’s Convention and Visitor Bureau’s director in 2012.
The deadline to take the Spring Survey on the Regional Plan has been extended to Friday, April 25. Your input is needed! Survey results will inform the upcoming Joint Retreat on May 2nd, when City and County elected officials will discuss the plan.
Click here to start the Spring Survey on the Regional Plan
Story/photos courtesy of www.MosaicNAZ.org
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes Town Hall to be held April 15 in Flagstaff. More protests to come April 19, May 1 at Flagstaff City Hall.
FLAGSTAFF — Protesters (estimated between 2,000 and 2,500) flooded the zone in downtown Flagstaff for the “HANDS OFF! Flagstaff AZ Fights Back!” rally, part of a national day of protest held on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
The Arizona Daily Sun put the estimated crowd at 2,500 people, who surrounding City Hall from the corner of Humphrey Street and Aspen Avenue south to Route 66 and west to Milton Road.
A small overflow crowd could be seen across the street from City Hall, with others protesting from the traffic islands at the Santa Fe Avenue and Milton Road exits.
Carrying a variety of signs reflecting the organizer’s multi-issue event, protesters took aim at everything from Hands Off Medicaid to Medicare, Social Security, Our Jobs, Our Wallets, Our Books, Fair Elections, Personal Data, Public Lands, Veteran Services, Cancer Research, NATO, Consumer Protections, Clean Air, Schools, Libraries, Free Speech, LGBTQ+ Rights, Immigrants, Courts and other issues.
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.
We want to provide you with an update on the proposed Mill Town student-focused housing development that was discussed by City Council on February 4 and March 4. The development will be located across the street from Target on Milton Ave. and will be composed of a commercial development located in front of student-oriented housing. The original plan for Mill Town was approved by Council in 2018 and allowed for over 1000 beds as well as the commercial development.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — A variety of CCC&Y member partners and supporters that support children, youth and facilities throughout Northern Arizona are taking part in the annual Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025.
“Every year 1000+ nonprofits come together across the state to build a better Arizona and tens of thousands of donors come together to support the amazing work nonprofits are doing in our community,” Arizona Gives reported. “Arizona Gives is an initiative of AZ Impact for Good that began in 2013. This partnership has helped raise nearly $47 million for Arizona’s nonprofit sector, directly benefiting thousands of nonprofits across Arizona.”
Some taking part on Arizona Gives Day include:
These are interesting times to say the least. I realize that it is hard to know what is going to happen from one day to the next but we here at Sedona Arts Center are continuing to move forward despite the uncertainty.
You see, we have to – because when life is uncertain and people are feeling stressed, they turn to the arts more than ever.
The arts heal. The arts calm. The arts focus our minds so that we can be productive.
That is what we strive to provide at Sedona Arts Center – whether you are participating in an art workshop or class, perusing our Gallery Shop or one of our Special Exhibitions, or attending an event. We improve lives. We change lives. And some have told us, we’ve saved their life.
El Consulado General de México en Phoenix presenta “Consulado Móvil en Flagstaff,” Sábado, 29 de marzo, 8am – 12pm, Coconino Community College, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff.
Con una variedad de mesas de información local.
Trámites:
Pasaporte electrónico
Matríconsular
Credencial ed elector
Actas de nacimiento
Haz tu Cita
1-424-309-0009
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff (City) and the Spruce Wash Flood Mitigation Team is hard at work constructing flood mitigation measures along Linda Vista Drive. We are currently on track to permanently open Linda Vista Drive, unimpeded, to all traffic on or before May 23, 2025 (the start of FUSD Summer break).
U.S. District Court and Grand Canyon National Park Implement New Fine Structure to Enhance Public Safety
The U.S. District Court of Arizona and Grand Canyon National Park are taking proactive steps to improve public safety for residents and visitors alike. As part of this initiative, the U.S. District Court and the park are implementing a new fine structure for certain violations, including fire safety and speeding in school zones.
To reduce the risk of wildfires, fines for having fires in undesignated areas have been significantly increased. During Stage 1 restrictions, individuals will face a $300 fine, while Stage 2 restrictions will result in a $500 fine. These increased penalties aim to deter unsafe fire practices and protect our park and community.
FLAGSTAFF — Discover how the Flagstaff Family Food Center is working to ensure that EVERYONE in our community has access to nutritious, affordable food. This report highlights key insights, challenges, and the steps we’re taking to fight food insecurity across northern Arizona.
Let’s build a more equitable future—one meal at a time.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College students Dawson Hernandez and Noah Stone have been nominated for the All-Arizona Academic Team as part of the prestigious All-USA Scholarship competition, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa!
Dawson plans to transfer to NAU to study psychology and philosophy, paving his way to law school. Noah has been accepted into NAU’s 2025 Compressed Nursing Program, working toward his goal of becoming a flight nurse.
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.
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.
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.
FLAGSTAFF — Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff (CATs) will hold its Spring Pop Up Care Village for the region’s unsheltered community on April 27.
Service providers and agencies that would like to connect and engage with unsheltered community members are invited to table at the event. At our PUCV event in October we had 160 people in need who attended the event, over 30 volunteers working the event and almost 20 other agencies/NGOs/businesses providing services.
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.
Mark your calendars for the Summer 2025 Family Engagement Fair! Join us for a fun and informative event hosted by the Coconino County Education Service Agency and Flagstaff Unified School District from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Building, 2384 N. Steves Blvd., Flagstaff
Meet and connect with community organizations, including: Coconino County Education Service Agency, Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD), the Boys and Girls Club of Flagstaff, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, the Coconino Parks & Recreation, Threaded Together, The Literacy Center, Chicanos Por La Causa, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), Flagstaff Girls Softball, Flagstaff Little League, Flagstaff Flyers, Camp Colton, Flagstaff Public Library.
This is your one-stop shop to discover summer programs, resources, and opportunities for your family! Questions? Contact Josie Hammond at johammond@coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-8052.
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.
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.
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.
FLAGSTAFF — NAU’s Department of Educational Leadership and the Arizona Schools Association are hosting a zoom panel and discussion on “Supporting Undocumented Students & Families in Precarious Times” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Join NAU’s Department of Educational Leadership & the Arizona School Administrators for this Inclusive Excellence Week event which will feature a zoom panel for educators, educational leaders, and students.
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, 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.
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)
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Sedona Arts Center presents “Vision & Sound: An African American Experience” from February 7-28, 2025. This multi-city event features an array of free public programs that celebrate Arizona’s Black artists.
Exhibitions, artist demonstrations and musical performances are planned for Sedona, Goodyear, Peoria and Tolleson. A symposium in partnership with the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy is scheduled for Feb. 8 in Sedona and will feature keynote speaker and renowned dancer, choreographer and scholar LaTasha Barnes. These events offer opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to explore African American creativity and cultural perspectives.
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.
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.
Message from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Rising fears of ICE raids have caused significant anxiety among Diné citizens in Albuquerque, Phoenix, and other border areas.
Although my office has only received a few unconfirmed reports, we have diligently followed up on those leads. We are designating the “Operation Rainbow Bridge” tip line to field calls for my office on this issue.
FLAGSTAFF — Join us on Wednesday, January 29 at one of two locations for a chance to meet recruiters and explore career opportunities with the City of Flagstaff.
No RSVP needed- just walk in and explore career opportunities with us!
Interested candidates can walk-in and explore all of our job opportunities, meet recruiters and hiring teams, and learn about the amazing work we do for our community.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
State and local organizations that provide services to families and youth are reviewing the ramifications of the Trump administration’s order on Jan. 27 to pause all federal grants and loans. Meanwhile, nearly two dozen attorneys general have announced they will sue to stop the federal funding freeze.
A federal judge issued a stay on the federal freeze until Monday, Feb. 3.
Nationwide, officials say the freeze halts loans and grants to local governments, nonprofit organizations and schools — impacting such programs as Head Start, the Dept. of Agriculture’s tribal food sovereignty program and other federally funded economic assistance programs.
An easy way to take action by contacting your member of Congress is available HERE
FLAGSTAFF — Area fire managers plan to continue work on local prescribed fire projects – including broadcast burning and pile burning – (week of Jan. 27) while northern Arizona’s wind and weather conditions remain favorable to do so.
Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers aspire to continue work on this week’s Crater Sinks prescribed burn project located roughly 12 miles southwest of Flagstaff.
Additionally, Coconino National Forest fire managers hope to begin work on pile burns located in various locations around the Flagstaff Ranger District.
Applications are now open for the ARTx Art + Ideas Experience 2025 grant cycle. Submit your innovative idea and bring it to life through one of four exciting categories:
ARTx @ ArtWalk
ARTx @ The Arb
ARTx @ Coconino Center for the Arts
ARTx @ Free Range
ARTx is an annual, accessible community opportunity to engage with the arts in an immersive and interactive way. Visit Creative Flagstaff’s website to learn more and help shape Flagstaff’s artistic future.
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025
Image: Envision by Bryan David Griffith.
President Trump wasted no time trying to radically change the U.S. immigration system. On his first day in office, he issued 10 executive orders that seek to redefine America—excluding everyone from asylum seekers to countless children of immigrants.
In the American Immigration Council’s new fact sheet, After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions, we break down what these policy changes seek to accomplish immediately and what they will mean for immigrants and all Americans in the future.
Read the Analysis
“LULAC wholeheartedly affirms the decision of the federal judge to stop this attack on one of our nation’s most treasured constitutional protections,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “Any child born on our soil has the right to be called a citizen, and that right is irrevocable and should not be tampered with. We call upon all Americans to rise in unity and respect for this important and invaluable right.”
In the face of a nationwide housing crisis, the 2025 MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship will explore what it means to house our communities, introducing mayors and their staff to planning and design frameworks – beyond housing supply and demand – that maximize all city resources to support the broad range of housing needs faced by a broad range of city populations.
Smallmouth Bass: Not a Small Threat to the Grand Canyon
A recent article in Intermountain Park Science magazine highlights the growing concern over smallmouth bass and their potential impact on the Colorado River ecosystem in Grand Canyon National Park. Researchers from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have collaborated to address this emerging threat to the park’s delicate ecological balance.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, are set to begin excavation operations for The Wedge Detention Basin Project. These excavation operations will take place within the area of the construction yard, which will shrink as excavation continues. These excavation operations are the first part of detention basin construction, with the majority of construction taking place in the spring when temperatures are favorable. The Wedge Detention Basin is being constructed to hold excess stormwater run-off that would otherwise overwhelm the box culvert being installed along Linda Vista Drive. The basin is designed to fill with water, and then slowly release it back into the City’s stormwater management system when it is safe to do so.
COCONINO COUNTY — The start of a new year always brings along a time of new challenges and opportunities — be it personal or professional.
To help parents and families get off to the right start in 2025, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.
Maybe you are looking for an escape from all the negative news of the day? If so, take a moment to take care of yourself with our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar
Maybe your child is having a challenging time getting back into the swing of school life (homework, social media) after the holidays? Then they may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar
Our growing library of on-demand webinars are also designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
Click on the image above to get a quick look at the various free programs we offer, or get more details below.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025.
The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant is a competitive grant program that funds up to $7,500 for community projects related to food, waste, climate action, resilience, building energy, public health, and transportation.
“We can’t wait to see these community-led projects come to life each year! We want to applaud these awardees for their vision for a more sustainable Flagstaff,” said Mayor Becky Daggett.
FLAGSTAFF — Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to take advantage of current weather conditions and begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project southwest of Flagstaff starting (Jan. 22).
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.
iPhoneography Crash Course
LIVE in-person at Sedona Arts Center and ONLINE
with Kelli Klymenko
January 31: Friday, 9am–2pm Arizona Time
In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day class for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.
Co-ops come in all sizes and many forms.
Did you know that the Associated Press is a co-op?
And so is our local credit union.
There are worker co-ops, housing co-ops, purchasing co-ops, and production co-ops. Any business—including child care, house cleaning, grocery store, or cafe–can be run as a co-op.
Cooperatives can play an important role in building more equitable, just, and humane communities.
We’ve invited 6 experts from across the western U.S. to talk with us about what it takes to build a successful co-op business. Learn what it takes to found and run a coop from people with firsthand experience.
This is a great chance to get your questions answered and meet others who are interested in this alternative business model.
You can join us in person or on zoom.