Category: Government

Grand Canyon National Park to close overnight hotel accommodations beginning Aug. 31

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim beginning at noon on August 31 in response to the significant flash flooding that occurred along Bright Angel Canyon on August 29.  

The flooding caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the inner canyon, including the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. The waterline is currently not operational, leaving the park with limited water reserves and requiring significant water conservation measures to ensure available supplies can be maintained. 

City of Flagstaff to begin the removal and installation of a new sheet roof for City Hall

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Starting September 2, 2026 the City of Flagstaff will begin replacing the City Hall roof. This capital renewal project was identified to protect the long-term need for a weather-tight building envelope and represents a sound investment in maintaining an existing city asset. Work is expected to conclude by November 16, 2026.

During removal and installation, residents and visitors may experience temporary noise and minor traffic disruptions around City Hall. Oliver Roofing and the City will implement safety measures to reduce impacts on nearby residents and businesses.

Homolovi State Park in Winslow hosting first Arizona Family Campout Sept. 5-6

ARIZONA — Registration is now open for the inaugural Arizona Family Campout to be on Sept.5-6 at Homolovi State Park, Winslow.

Arizona Family Campout weekends are designed for families with kids that have little or no experience camping. We welcome campers six (6) years of age and older. We will introduce you to fun experiences you can share with your family and inspire you to continue to explore the great outdoors from one of our campgrounds! You will learn how to set up a tent and an introduction to cooking outside, plus you will get to try some fun activities you can do while camping! No pets allowed.

Join us on a family campout to learn the ropes of camping and experience all the fun of being outdoors!

Coconino County Superintendent seeks applicants for school governing board vacancies

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is inviting community members to apply for appointment to local school governing boards. Applications are now being accepted to fill five vacant governing board seats that remain unfilled following the 2026 election cycle. Appointments to these positions will serve terms ending December 31, 2028.

The following school districts have one vacant seat available:

Grand Canyon Unified School District #4
Chevelon Butte School District #5
Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District #6
Tuba City Unified School District #15
NATIVE (Tuba City)

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

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.

Unregulated food vendors can pose health threat

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health is reminding community members that eating at an unlicensed food vendor location can pose a high risk of serious foodborne illness. Consuming food from an unlicensed food vendor…

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

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.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Fall events for families right around the corner. See remaining back-to-school events here

COCONINO COUNTY — Back-to-School events in Coconino County — including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals — will soon conclude, but local organizations are already planning for a variety of youth events this upcoming Fall.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.

City of Flagstaff seeks community input on Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events (PROSE) Master Plan

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The City of Flagstaff has launched the PROSE Master Plan campaign to develop a new Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Comprehensive Master Plan. This year-long process will include numerous opportunities for residents to share their ideas and vision for the future, including:

Intercept survey at Science in the Park on September 26

Community Workshop #1 at the Flagstaff Aquaplex on October 22

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

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.

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.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Don’t Miss the City Council Candidate Meet & Greet on Aug. 24

We are excited to announce that a coalition of business groups, including the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, will co-host a Flagstaff City Council Candidate “Meet & Greet” at Coconino Community College on August 24.
Mitch Strohman will emcee the forum, which will focus on issues of importance to the business community. Candidates will answer questions from each of the organizations sponsoring the event: ECoNA, the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, and the Northern Arizona Association of Realtors. Attendees will also be able to submit questions for candidates.
Six candidates are vying for three seats on the City Council this year: Austin Aslan, Nancy Baca, Patty Hansen, Khara House, Lori Matthews, and Drew Stanley. Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett is running unopposed. Election Day is November 3.

Coconino County appoints acting Deputy County Manager

COCONINO COUNTY — Cynthia Nemeth, Parks and Recreation Director, has been appointed acting Deputy County Manager following the resignation of Eric Peterson.

“Cynthia is well suited for this interim leadership role at Coconino County,” County Manager Andy Bertelsen said. “Her steady, collaborative approach will ensure that we continue to deliver the high-quality services our residents rely on.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 17-21, 2026

Grand Canyon Music Festival 43rd Season Starts this Weekend

The Grand Canyon Music 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 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. 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/

South Rim Services Expand as Water conservation measures continue at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to ease water conservation measures as water supply levels improve.

Water spigots in Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been turned on. Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public on Friday, August 21.

Fire restrictions at Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been lifted; however, campfires are only permitted in established campfire rings. Visitors and residents are reminded to use caution and practice responsible fire use at all times.

City of Flagstaff — Safe Streets Master Plan seeks community input on transportation future

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff, in partnership with MetroPlan, Coconino County, Mountain Line, Northern Arizona University (NAU), and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), is developing the Flagstaff Safe Streets Master Plan (SSMP) — a shared vision for how people move throughout the Flagstaff region today and into the future.

The plan will examine the entire transportation system — including streets, sidewalks, bikeways, trails, transit, and regional connections — to make travel safer, easier, more accessible, and better connected for everyone.

City of Flagstaff — Construction to Begin Along a Section of Meade Lane

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – Starting Monday, August 31, the City of Flagstaff (City) and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, will begin the Meade Lane Utility Improvements Project. The project, which runs along a section of Meade Lane between Highway 180/Fort Valley Road and the Rio de Flag bridge, consists of: improvements to the stormwater infrastructure, removal and replacement of aging water and sewer utility infrastructure, improvements to the FUTS trail, concrete curb, gutter and driveway entrance repairs and full roadway reconstruction. The project is scheduled to be complete in summer 2027 and is partially funded by the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program from the Federal Emergency Management Administration through the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs.

City of Flagstaff opens applications for sustainability grants

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission announce the opening of applications for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants Program. The annual funding opportunity, will accept applications from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, 2026. The competitive grant program provides funding up to $7,500 for sustainability projects that strengthen community partnerships and environmental stewardship within Flagstaff city limits. Eligible applicants include community groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with projects that address key sustainability priorities. Priority focus areas include energy, community health and climate resilience, food, transportation, and waste reduction.

City of Flagstaff — Multiple road closures along Lockett Road starting Tuesday, Aug. 18

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – Beginning on Tuesday, August 18 Dyer, Childress, King, Wayman, and Walker streets will be closed at Lockett Rd. starting at 5 a.m. for work related to the 2026 Road Repair and Street Project. The work will include concrete curb, gutter and sidewalk replacement in preparation for asphalt paving.

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

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.

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

“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.”

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

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.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts &; Sciences — We want to hear from you!

We want to hear from you! The City of Flagstaff invites community input on a landmark three-dimensional artwork for installation at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street, as part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project.  

An online survey, open now through September 3, is available to provide feedback on the preliminary design. Through a series of questions, participants can share how well the sculpture connects to the site, whether it serves as a welcoming feature for the area, and offer any additional thoughts regarding materials, color or design.

Community input will guide the artist team. If you live or work on the Eastside, or have a meaningful connection to this area, your input is especially valuable.
Image: Courtesy of City of Flagstaff

Applications now open for City of Flagstaff’s Beautification in Action Grants

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff, through its Beautification, Arts & Sciences (BAS) program, is accepting applications for Beautification in Action (BIA) grants now through September 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. Grants of up to $8,000 are available for publicly visible and accessible projects that enhance and enliven the urban environment. Artists, community members and groups, schools and local businesses are encouraged to apply.

Discover Parks and Recreation Summer Adventures with Our August 2026 Newsletter

The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair is Coming September 4-7!
Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend! A clear bag policy is new this year, and volunteer sign-ups are open now.

New clear bag policy in effect for 2026; see details below
Get your tickets online at coconinocountyfair.com and skip the line on fair day!
Early bird carnival wristbands are still available. Get yours today!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Downtown Keynote Recordings & JW Powell Blvd Public Meeting

I’m pleased to let you know that video recordings of the three keynote presentations from the July “Downtown Matters” Conference are now available on YouTube.

Many thanks to Hunter Hebert and the Downtown Business Alliance for making these available to the Flagstaff community!

City of Flagstaff seeks community input on proposed Spruce Wash Wedge artwork

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff invites community input on a landmark three-dimensional artwork for installation at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street, as part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project.  The proposed 13-foot sculpture features a tassel-eared Abert squirrel, an icon of Flagstaff, and a species and subspecies native to Flagstaff and the region.

An online survey, open now through September 3, is available to provide feedback on the preliminary design. Through a series of questions, participants can share how well the sculpture connects to the site, whether it serves as a welcoming feature for the area and offer any additional thoughts regarding materials, color or design. The artist team of Haddad|Drugan, in collaboration with the City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences program, will review all survey submissions, identifying possible refinements and address any community concerns.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition provides listing of 2026 Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Are you a member of a nonprofit or governmental agency seeking to share information with other service providers to help improve the lives and well-being of children and youth in Northern Arizona?

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains a listing of health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona, including the upcoming Tuba City Community Resource Zoom meeting on Aug. 12 and the Page Community Resource Meeting on Aug. 13.

These meetings offer monthly in-person and virtual community resource opportunities to share information between a variety of nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve children and families throughout Northern Arizona.

READ MORE

Coconino County celebrated National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on Aug. 11

“Poll workers are the foundation of elections,” District 1 Supervisor and Board Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Every election relies on dedicated neighbors stepping up to ensure ballot integrity, assist voters and keep polling locations running smoothly. This proclamation honors their commitment while inviting new voices to join us serving the voters in our county.”

City of Flagstaff — Pedestrian improvements to begin along Fort Valley Road

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Starting Monday, August 17, the City of Flagstaff (City) in partnership with Mountain Line and their contractor, Kinney Construction Services, will begin pedestrian crossing improvements in multiple locations along Fort Valley Road. Pedestrian crossing installation at the Fort Valley Road and Anderson Road/Whiting Road intersection and the Fort Valley Road and Meade Lane intersection will be complete in 2026. Work at the Fort Valley Road and Forest Avenue intersection will be completed at a later time.

Coconino County Attorney’s Office and Navajo Nation launch historic Peacemaking Diversion Program

The Peacemaking Diversion Program offers eligible individuals an opportunity to resolve criminal cases through a restorative process that brings together participants, victims, family members and community members to repair harm, promote accountability and strengthen relationships. Successful completion of the program may result in eligible charges being dismissed while providing victims with a meaningful voice in the justice process.

Action Alert: Provide Input on Parks Master Plan

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

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.

Creative Flagstaff — First Friday is Here! August ArtWalk Details

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life. Local galleries stay open late with special artist receptions and entertainment, so check out the gallery map to visit them all!

Join us for First Friday tomorrow, August 7, starting at 5pm, with a Dark Skies theme to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Flagstaff’s designation as the first international dark skies city. Constellation art activities, telescopes, and more!

The 2026 ArtWalk season is generously underwritten by Dapper Dre, supporting Car-Free First Fridays with traffic closures on Aspen St. for art and performance activations.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 3-7, 2026

Transcanyon Waterline Repair Continues; Water Restrictions Remain in Effect

Water utility crews continue making progress on repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. As of today, crews are back on site fitting replacement pipe as work advances toward restoring water service.

Coconino County earns six national recognitions for excellence in public service

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has received national recognition for its commitment to innovation, technology and excellence in public service, earning six prestigious awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Center for Digital Government. 

The NACo Achievement Awards honor innovative county government programs that strengthen services, improve operations and enhance residents’ quality of life. Coconino County received recognition in five different areas including: Pipeline Post-Wildfire Flood Mitigation, Dragon Bravo-White Sage Fires Long-Term Recovery Plan, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s Justice Bus, Citizens Academy and Children of Incarcerated Parents Activity Book. 

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

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.

Coconino County completes July Primary Election canvassing

COCONINO COUNTY — The final election results for the July 21, 2026, Primary Election are available. These results were made official after the Board of Supervisors canvassed the election on Friday July 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. Board meetings can be viewed online.

Coconino County School Superintendent seeks public input on potential appointment to PUSD

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking public input regarding the potential appointment of Bob Jensen to fill the current vacancy on the Page Unified School District Governing Board.

The vacancy was created following the resignation of a Governing Board member effective June 17, 2026. The appointment would fill the remainder of the current term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2026.

Coconino County School Superintendent seeks public input on potential appointment to CAVIAT Fredonia

FREDONIA — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking public input regarding the potential appointment of Corrine Olson to fill the current vacancy on the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) Fredonia District Governing Board.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins partners at grand opening of Peaks Youth Center in Flagstaff

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — It was a packed meeting room when local non-profit leaders, elected officials, youth and other community supporters joined officials from the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) for welcoming remarks video clip 1, 2, 3,) and the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the CCHHS Peaks Youth Center on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

The Peaks Youth Center, at 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, is part of the renovation of the remodeled CCHHS Southern Region Office. Visitors to the front lobby will see a creative children’s play space featuring a hand-painted mural celebrating the unique diversity of Coconino County.

The Center is the result of work that began more than 6 years ago as pandemic-related disruptions and anxieties, social media pressures and increasing stressors for young people showed the need for essential support services, county officials stated in a media release.

READ MORE

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

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.

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Fun Way to Roll into Kindergarten

Now in its 21st year, KinderCamp™ has just wrapped up another successful session. You can see the impact it had in the happy faces of the kiddos who participated. (Scroll down to see what I mean).

But it’s what parents, caregivers, and teachers are telling us that really captures how this month-long program is changing the way these children step into school.

KinderCamp is open to 4- or 5-year-olds with limited preschool experience, giving kids who might otherwise begin kindergarten feeling behind a real head start – academically, socially, and emotionally. It is provided at no cost to families.

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

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.

Downtown Flagstaff — 11th Annual Summertime Tardeada (Aug. 1), 2026 Flagstaff International Film Festival (Aug. 1-2), Flagstaff Chili Festival Thorpe Park (Aug. 1-2), more events

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 27-31, 2026

Inner Canyon Waterline Repairs Complete 

Water has been fully restored to Manzanita Rest Area, Cottonwood Campground, and Phantom Ranch following the successful repair of a break in the Transcanyon Waterline. The pipeline was repressurized, water quality samples were cleared, and the water is once again safe to drink. Pumps at Havasupai Gardens are also operating and delivering water to the South Rim.

Coconino County earns six national recognitions for excellence in public service

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has received national recognition for its commitment to innovation, technology and excellence in public service, earning six prestigious awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Center for Digital Government. 

The NACo Achievement Awards honor innovative county government programs that strengthen services, improve operations and enhance residents’ quality of life. Coconino County received recognition in five different areas including: Pipeline Post-Wildfire Flood Mitigation, Dragon Bravo-White Sage Fires Long-Term Recovery Plan, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s Justice Bus, Citizens Academy and Children of Incarcerated Parents Activity Book.

Treasurer Sarah Benatar elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar was elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties (NACo), marking a historic moment in the organization’s 90-year history. Benatar is the first Latina and the first Treasurer to serve in this leadership role.

“I am honored to be elected 2nd Vice President of NACo. Thank you to county leaders from across the nation for your support and your belief in our vision that when counties decide, communities thrive,” Benatar said. “I look forward to working alongside each of you to strengthen our counties and champion local leadership because it’s time to return decision-making to the people who know their communities best.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 20-24, 2026

Community Library celebrates Summer Reading Challenge and looks to future
-Caroline Grass, Scientist in Park Intern

As the Grand Canyon Community Library continues to serve residents and visitors and as engagement in their programs increases, plans to better utilize their space in the Old Chase Bank building are underway.

Coconino County Justice Bus receives national Enhancing Justice Award

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Justice Bus has been selected to receive the 2026 Enhancing Justice Award from the National Association for Court Management (NACM), recognizing the program’s innovative approach to expanding access to justice and improving outcomes for residents throughout Coconino County. The award was announced in a letter from NACM President Kelly Hutton and was formally presented during the NACM Annual Conference on July 16, 2026.

The Enhancing Justice Award honors courts and justice-related organizations that demonstrate exemplary accomplishments and innovative projects that strengthen the administration of justice. The Coconino County Justice Bus was recognized for bringing court services and critical community resources directly to rural and underserved communities, reducing barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing the justice system.

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

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.

Coconino County responds to call for assistance after flooding in Moenkopi Wash

COCONINO COUNTY — On July 22, Emergency Declarations were issued by Hopi Tribal Leaders for the Moenkopi Wash area following a monsoon storm. The heavy rains and flooding damaged homes, schools, businesses, roads, fields and washes. Several homes were evacuated.

The declaration for Upper Moenkopi Village asked for assistance from several local, state and federal agencies, including Coconino County. The County deployed assistance from Emergency Management, Public Works and the Flood Control District to clear roads and provide 5,000 sandbags to residents.