Category: Government

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 31-April 4, 2025

by Community Contributor • April 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Northern Arizona Weather Outlook: Navigating Drought, Fire Season, and the Anticipated Monsoon

Northern Arizona, including Grand Canyon, faces ongoing weather-related challenges. While March brought some relief, an exceptionally dry winter has left much of the region grappling with severe to extreme drought conditions. Flagstaff’s snowfall, at just 46.8 inches, represents only 56% of the average through March, and overall precipitation wince October 1, 2024, has remained below 50% of normal across the region.

Looking ahead, the forecast indicates a high likelihood of drier and warmer-than-normal conditions throughout Arizona during the fire season from April to June. This combination elevates the risk of wildfires. However, there is an anticipation that a warmer and drier spring could lead to an earlier or more intense monsoon season from July to September, with projections favoring above-normal precipitation alongside warmer-than-average temperatures.

Want more information on weather and fire projections for 2025? The National Weather Service-Flagstaff Office recently compiled this outlook in the attached powerpoint here.

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

by Community Contributor • April 3, 2025 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff and Arizona Public Service (APS) have partnered on a pilot program to transform 10 utility cabinets into stunning works of art. Building on the City’s highly successful traffic signal cabinet program, this initiative continues to turn utilitarian cabinets into colorful, community-centered art. Now in its fifth year, the program has introduced a variety of designs to Flagstaff’s streetscapes, from imaginative scenes of northern Arizona’s flora and fauna to playful abstract compositions.

City of Flagstaff announces selected Accessory Dwelling Unit designs for Model Plans Library; Public invited to vote in Community Choice Awards

by Community Contributor • April 3, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is pleased to announce the winners and runners-up of the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Model Plans Request for Informal Proposals (RFIP). ADUs can help advance the City’s adopted climate action and housing goals as ADUs are smaller housing units that have the potential to offer lower rent and monthly utility costs, provide additional income opportunities, and increase the available housing stock.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on April 3 to share your story

by Community Contributor • April 2, 2025 • Comments Off

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 3. Our meetings provide our Coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

Scheduled guest presentations include the United Way of Northern Arizona on FUSD’s KinderCamp and Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona’s “My Career Advisor” program.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Coffee Conversations with F3’s Executive Director on April 2

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2025 • Comments Off

Come and engage directly with F3’s Executive Director at F3’s monthly Coffee Conversations. Share your concerns, questions, and ideas about Flagstaff issues while meeting others who want to get involved with issues in Flagstaff.

The April Coffee Conversation will take place on Wednesday April 2nd at Campus Coffee Bean from 9:00-10:00 am.

The May Coffee Conversation will take place on the first Thursday of the month, May 8th. This will allow those who have not been able to attend the Wednesday meetings to join these conversations. More details on the location will be forthcoming.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting to be held April 3

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2025 • Comments Off

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

City of Flagstaff to celebrate Water Awareness Month in April

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will celebrate Water Awareness Month in April with events hosted at various locations around town. Events will be focused on helping residents and community members conserve water.

The Flagstaff Water Conservation team will provide free water efficiency consultations and supplies at events throughout the month. They will also host a raffle for a free high efficiency toilet. The full schedule of events and tabling is below:

Grand Canyon National Park to Implement New Campground Fees

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2025 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Grand Canyon National Park will implement a fee increase for frontcountry standard campsites at Desert View, North Rim, and Mather Campgrounds starting May 1, 2025. Rates for standard campsites will increase to $30 per night. Group sites will remain $55 per night.

April at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • April 1, 2025 • Comments Off

With the arrival of spring, the Museum of Northern Arizona is filled with beauty and activity from our gardens to our galleries.

The MNA gardens are waking from their winter slumber, and we’re excited to see our native plants flourishing once again. At Colton Garden, we’re kicking off the growing season with a free Garden Starts Workshop this Saturday, April 5th.

As we embrace the season of renewal, we invite you to mark Slow Art Day with us. The April 5th global event encourages us to slow down, look deeply, and genuinely appreciate the beauty and complexity of art. In a world that often moves too fast, Slow Art Day reminds us to pause, reflect, and connect with creativity more meaningfully. We hope you’ll join us in taking a closer look at some of the remarkable works in our galleries.

At the end of April, we are thrilled to welcome six talented emerging artists to MNA for the Namingha Institute, an annual two-week residency program led by master artists Dan and Arlo Namingha.

We look forward to sharing this beautiful time of year with you. Thank you for being part of our MNA community.

Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of Week of 3/31/25

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2025 • Comments Off

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Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Communications Issue #38: Update on Mill Town Student-focused Housing Development

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

City of Flagstaff Hosts Earth Day Celebration at Bushmaster Park on April 19

by Community Contributor • March 31, 2025 • Comments Off

Attendees are encouraged to “move another way” to the event. Walking, riding a bike, or taking public transportation helps reduce the impacts on our world. To help us celebrate, Mountain Line is providing free service on all routes all day on April 19, and there will be a free bike valet at the event. For more information about bus routes, download the Mountain Line app. Attendees can also join the community bike ride, leaving from the Flagstaff Visitor Center at 10 a.m. To register please visit the Earth Day Celebration webpage

Live musical performances include Cameron Jameson, bands Side Project and Deviled Eggs, and flutist Aaron White.

Pine needle pickup kicking off March 31 in University Heights, additional neighborhoods to follow

by Community Contributor • March 28, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Fire Department and the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Division are facilitating the placement of rollout dumpsters in neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. The Flagstaff Fire Department recommends that residents remove excess pine needles from their yards and areas near their homes to lower the risk of wildfire danger.

Discover Flagstaff — Archaeology & Heritage Awareness Guided Hike, Picture Canyon on March 29 and more news, events

by Community Contributor • March 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Join Open Space in celebrating Arizona Archaeology & Heritage Awareness Month with a free guided hike at Picture Canyon! 10 a.m.

Learn More

City of Flagstaff, Arizona Public Service announce new public art initiative

by Community Contributor • March 28, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Arizona Public Service (APS) have partnered on a pilot program to transform 10 utility cabinets into stunning works of art. To celebrate this collaboration, the City and APS hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 25 to unveil a newly wrapped cabinet at the entrance of Sinagua Middle School, featuring artwork by local artist Jo Rohrbacker.

Building on the City’s highly successful traffic signal cabinet program, this initiative continues to turn utilitarian cabinets into colorful, community-centered art. Now in its fifth year, the program has introduced a variety of designs to Flagstaff’s streetscapes, from imaginative scenes of northern Arizona’s flora and fauna to playful abstract compositions. The artistic wraps, made of durable vinyl, are designed to last up to five years while providing the added benefit of deterring graffiti and vandalism.

AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection — Seguro Social: CAMBIOS RECIENTES

by Community Contributor • March 28, 2025 • Comments Off

En este programa dialogamos sobre la propuesta de usar otros fondos para En este programa explicaremos los recientes cambios aplicados por la Administración del Seguro Social y qué implicaciones tienen para beneficiarios del programa.

City of Flagstaff hosts Earth Day Celebration on April 19 at Bushmaster Park

by Community Contributor • March 28, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites community members to the annual Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Bushmaster Park. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., join us for fun in the sun! Listen to live music, attend a free workshop, eat food from a local food truck, and discover dozens of sustainable-minded organizations and activities.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 24-28, 2025

by Community Contributor • March 27, 2025 • Comments Off

Havasupai Dance Group, Guardians of Grand Canyon performed by Hopi House this morning and will dance at the Visitor Center Plaza at 2 pm today – Thursday, March 27.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition Partners, supporters participating in Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025

by Community Contributor • March 26, 2025 • Comments Off

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:

Beulah/University Realignment Project – Closure of the University Avenue and Milton Road intersection extending

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Due to the recent winter weather, University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) will be closed between Milton Road and Yale Street, 24 hours a day, until the week of April 7, 2025. Thru traffic along Milton Road will not be impacted.

Channeling the spirit of César E. Chávez, community leaders provide passionate response to our times at annual community breakfast

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — With a mixture of fiery speeches, presentations featuring the importance of telling everyone’s stories and a commitment to refusing to be erased from the history books, the 7th annual Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council’s (CHAC) César E. Chávez Community Breakfast took on a more feisty tone this year.

The event, held at the American Legion Post 3, included an opening presentation of the importance of remember the community’s history presented by Dr. Pedro A. Cuevas, assistant teaching professor at the Dept. of Ethnic Studies at Northern Arizona University.

Cuevas, who is a nationally recognized, award-winning educator with more than 25 years of experience working with incarcerated felons, gang members, drug addicted teenagers and migrant families, used his own family’s history in Flagstaff to tell of the importance of the Hispanic community to the fabric of the region’s society. He drew upon the oral history tales of the NAU Los Recuerdos del Barrio en Flagstaff Collection featuring interviews by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces member Delia Muñuz, who happened to be attending the breakfast program.

Linda Vista Drive reopening prior to Fourth Street and Cedar Avenue/Lockett Road intersection closure

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

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).

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 17-21, 2025

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — 2025 Summer Camps registration continuing. See our listing

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2025 • Comments Off

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of upcoming summer camps in Coconino County. Contact individual programs for more information on their 2025 summer camps.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

(INFORMATION UPDATED March 18, 2025)

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group meeting on March 20

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

Sedona Arts Center — Join us for an Artist Reception on March 19

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us on Wednesday, March 19, from 4 to 6pm for the “44th Annual Juried Friends Show & Sale” artist reception! You will have the opportunity to meet participating artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and explore a stunning selection of artwork available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public, with complimentary parking available behind SAC’s Art Barn.

Fourth-Lockett Roundabout project – Preliminary construction activities to begin March 31

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff, and Fann Contracting are set to begin a project to construct a new roundabout that will replace the signalized intersection at Fourth Street and Cedar Avenue/Lockett Road to improve the safety and function of the intersection. This new roundabout will be designed with flashing pedestrian crossing beacons and will slow speeds, help avoid angle collisions and add a crosswalk at the fourth leg of the intersection. Additional work includes the installation of water, sewer and storm drain infrastructure.

City of Flagstaff invites local entrepreneurs to participate in Innovate Green Challenge Business Pitch Competition

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is thrilled to announce the return of the Innovate Green Challenge (formerly known as the Innovate Waste Challenge). Now in its fifth year, this initiative invites Flagstaff entrepreneurs to showcase groundbreaking ideas that promote environmental sustainability. Participants can win up to $30,000 in cash awards for their innovative project. This partnership between the City’s Economic Development and Sustainability teams underscores Flagstaff’s commitment to creative climate action, as this Challenge seeks product or service ideas in the following categories: converting waste into marketable materials, removing or reducing carbon dioxide, or conserving water.

Coconino County to host home energy efficiency workshop in community of Valle on March 19

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s Sustainable Building Program will host a free Home Energy Efficiency Workshop on Wednesday, March 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 269 Highgrove Rd. Williams, AZ.

Highgrove Road can be reached off HWY 64 or HWY 180 and is 30 miles north of Williams. The location can also be found as Grand Canyon Junction or Valle.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of Week of 3/17/25

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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Make your reservation now for Cesar E. Chavez Community Recognition Breakfast on March 21, 2025

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The public is invited to attend the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council’s (CHAC) 7th annual César E. Chávez Community Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025 at American Legion Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

The celebration includes guest speakers (with presentations on an upcoming Cesar Chavez/UFW-related student mural art project at NAU; update on NAU Hispanic Serving Institution programs, community updates by local elected officials), Cesar Chavez historical video presentations and the return of NAU’s Banda Latino Caribeña de Flagstaff.

Bring your handouts for our Community Information Tables!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 10-14, 2025

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Last Evening Program by Astronomer-in-Residence, Stephen Hummel

The Weird World of Upper Atmospheric Lightning
Thursday, March 13 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm | Visitor Center Theater

On rare occasions, under dark night skies, high above powerful thunderstorms, strange flashes of red and blue light leap skyward, forming dramatic, jellyfish-like shapes. These mysterious phenomena, known as sprites, are still poorly understood by science. In his final evening program, Stephen Hummel will explore how these events form and offer tips on how you might catch a glimpse of them yourself.

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences news & opportunities Update — BIA grant applications due Mar. 15

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Artists, local businesses, nonprofits, schools and community groups are encouraged to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant. The City of Flagstaff, through the Beautification and Public Art Commission, is accepting applications for grants up to $7,500 for creative enhancement projects that bring character and beauty to Flagstaff’s shared spaces. Eligible projects must be in publicly accessible locations and can include murals, sculptures, community or pollinator gardens, decorative benches, neighborhood pathways and more.

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

City launches Connect Flagstaff: new community information and engagement platform

by Community Contributor • March 13, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff has launched a new community information and engagement platform called Connect Flagstaff. This new site provides opportunities for residents to engage in various City surveys and other engagement initiatives, while also providing information on ongoing and longer-term projects in our community.

Residents are invited to engage on the Connect Flagstaff site by participating in open projects to share thoughts and feedback with City staff. While residents do not need to register to participate in some projects, registration offers the ability to select geographical areas and topics of interest and the ability to sign up to receive customized future notifications.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition Partners — Are you participating in Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025?

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — CCC&Y member partners have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and programs throughout Northern Arizona by taking part in the annual Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025.

Some of the Coalition partners currently taking part on Arizona Gives Day include:

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Flagstaff Family Food Center —

… FFFC believes that communities can truly thrive only when the essential needs of all members are met. The Food Center is a reliable food source for thousands of people in our communities, improving physical and mental health and resilience by reducing food insecurity.

Donate here

City of Flagstaff water reclamation facility certified in ADEQ’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has awarded Bronze Level to the City of Flagstaff Rio de Flag Water Reclamation Facility in their Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program.

Bronze Level recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong environmental compliance and go beyond legal requirements to protect human and environmental health. To qualify, regulated facilities must have zero violations on record with any environmental regulatory agency for the past three years.

City of Flagstaff unveils key findings from ‘Art, Culture, Science and the Future of Flagstaff’ report

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2025 • Comments Off

The report addresses core questions about how well existing programs serve the community, offering key insights into their successes, areas for improvement and the broader aspirations of residents. It highlights successful initiatives while identifying strategic opportunities with insights from peer cities. Additionally, the study emphasizes Flagstaff’s strong commitment to fostering a thriving arts and culture scene.

County Delegation has a Productive Trip to Washington D.C.

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

Coconino County elected officials and leadership visited Washington D.C. to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Legislative Conference, as well as visit with key members of Arizona’s Congressional delegation and Federal partners. The goals of the visits to…

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of Week of 3/10/25

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser March 10th, 2025 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…