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Assessor’s Office accepting applications for property tax exemption and relief programs

Arizona law provides property tax assistance options for eligible widows and widowers, veterans with a disability and individuals with a permanent disability, commonly referred to as individual exemption programs. These exemptions reduce the assessed value of qualifying property, which may include individually owned real estate, mobile homes and, in some cases, personal property. Applications for individual exemptions are accepted Jan. 1 through Mar. 1 each year.

Long-Term Recovery Plan survey for Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires

COCONINO COUNTY — Small businesses, community stakeholders and residents affected by the 2025 Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires are invited to take part in a community survey that will help shape long term recovery priorities.

This survey follows nine public listening sessions held across Coconino County in December 2025.

Your experiences matter, and your voice can directly influence how recovery resources are prioritized. Please complete the community survey by Jan. 30, 2026, if any of the following apply to you, your household, your community or your business:

Flagstaff’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (backyard homes or casitas) Model Plans Library now available

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff announces the launch of its Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Model Plans Library at www.flagstaff.az.gov/ADUs. The Library contains 10 pre-approved, publicly viewable ADU model plans, while additional plans are currently under review.  

ADUs, also known as backyard homes or casitas, are important to the City’s climate and housing goals because these smaller housing units have the potential to offer lower rent and monthly utility costs and increase Flagstaff’s housing supply. These units can also provide more flexible housing options for households of all sizes, generate supplemental rental income for homeowners, and increase housing availability in established, more central neighborhoods. 

Volunteers needed for 2026 Point in Time Count

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2026 Point-in-Time Count is almost upon us, and my amazing team of fellow organizers and community partners wanted to pass along a little bit of information regarding what we know so far and what to expect going forward!

If you are unfamiliar with the Point-in-Time Count, it is a survey conducted across the nation that aims to survey people experiencing homelessness and ask them where they were staying on one particular night during the week of the survey (whether that be a shelter, Safe Haven, in a place not meant for habitation, etc.).

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Dec. 4 to share your story

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. 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.

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.

Kaibab National Forest prepares for pile burns on Williams and Tusayan ranger districts

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire pile burns on up to approximately 9,000 acres on the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the winter as weather conditions allow.

Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews in hand piles and after the completion of timber projects, with the aim of reducing flammable fuels. The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, forecast weather and wind, and resource availability. We use prescribed fire to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

City of Flagstaff launches Wildfire Resilient Homes Initiative Free home assessments now available to help residents reduce wildfire risk

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is proud to announce the launch of the Wildfire Resilient Homes Initiative (WRHI), a collaboration between the Flagstaff Fire Department and the Flagstaff Sustainability Office aimed at helping residents protect their homes and neighborhoods from the threat of wildfire.

Through WRHI, homeowners, renters, and property managers can take simple, effective steps to reduce wildfire risk with support from three program offerings:

City of Flagstaff Regional Plan 2025 now available

The updated Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is now available! Read the plan at www.flagstaff.az.gov/RegionalPlan2045.

Hard copies of the Regional Plan will be available shortly. Reference copies will be available for review at the City Hall Community Development counter, the Downtown Library Information Desk, and the East Flagstaff Library Information Desk. To request a take-home hard copy of the plan, please email Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov.

The Regional Plan was adopted by the Flagstaff City Council on Thursday, October 9th. Council directed staff to revise the draft based on Conditions of Approval and an Errata document. The plan has now been updated to incorporate these revisions. Find more information about the public hearings and adoption at the project website linked above.

Coconino National Forest — Prescribed burns planned for Nov. 12-14

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest is planning to conduct several prescribed burns next week, pending all required approvals.
Work is to continue throughout the week as weather conditions allow. Prescribed burns are used to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Prescribed burns planned for the area include:

Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff Ranger District prescribed fire continuing through Nov. 6

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations through Nov. 6, pending all required approvals. Coconino National Forest estimates this work to begin Tuesday and continue throughout the week as weather conditions allow.  Coconino National Forest uses prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Grand Canyon National Park announces increased water and fire restrictions during Infrastructure Work

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 3 Water Restrictions and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Oct. 31, 2025, in response to limited water availability and construction activities associated with the ongoing Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project.

A temporary interruption in water pumping is scheduled for Nov. 4 through approximately Nov. 18 to allow crews to replace and test a critical pipeline segment. This work is part of a multi-year effort to modernize the park’s aging water delivery system, expected to be completed in 2027.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for September 2025

Latest news updates for September 2025

Kelly Joins Kaine, Colleagues in Pressing for Answers from Trump Administration on Strike in Caribbean …

Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Small Businesses from Trump Tariffs …

Kelly, Colleagues Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …

Kelly, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Amendment to Raise Annual Pay Cap for Wildland Firefighters …

Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner ..

MORE …

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for September 2025

Latest news updates for September 2025

Attorney General Mayes Announces Town Halls on Health Insurance Denials

Attorney General Mayes Files Brief in Support of Federal Employees’ Right to Collective Bargaining and Free Speech

Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs

MORE…

City of Flagstaff to lift fire restrictions Thursday, Sept. 4

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current fire restrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. … Residents and visitors should not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire. All outdoor fires should be extinguished properly by drowning fires with plenty of water and stirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Charcoal should be dunked in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it. Fires should never be left unattended as sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.

Coconino National Forest to lift fire restrictions Thursday

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will lift fire restrictions at 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, due to recent widespread precipitation across the forest.

While forest-wide restrictions will be lifted, several areas of the Coconino National Forest are subject to permanent year-round fire restrictions, which will continue to remain in effect.

Forest visitors are asked to adhere to best practices when building a campfire. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires, and keep fires small. It is always illegal to leave a campfire unattended.

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Sept. 3, 2025 — 80 percent contained

Current Situation: Firefighters continue to make steady progress in the suppression repair efforts for the Dragon Bravo Fire. Each new shift, crews complete more crucial repair tasks that align with the suppression repair standards agreed upon by the resource advisors and the agencies. The goal of this phase is to eliminate safety hazards and return the land to as much of a pre-fire status as possible. Over the past several weeks, 37 miles of dozer line have been repaired, 2 miles of hand line rehabilitated, and 48 miles of road systems have been thoroughly inspected and completed to support recovery efforts.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for August 2025

Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego

Latest news updates for August 2025

Gallego Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers from Navy Federal Credit Union on Overdraft Fees

Gallego Backs Bill to Reverse GOP Energy Tax Hike and Cut Americans’ Electricity Costs

Gallego Backs Legislation to Cap the Cost of Prescription Medication

MORE …

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for August 2025

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Latest news updates for August 2025

Kelly, Gallego Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Weakening of U.S. Cyber Agency Following Arizona Election Cyberattack

Kelly Calls Out Trump Administration for Funding Cuts Threatening Community Colleges

Kelly, Arizona Lawmakers Demand Full and Immediate Disbursement of Solar for All Funds

Areas of County around Coconino National Forest adjust fire restrictions. Moving to Stage 1 on Aug. 27

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 1 fire restrictions effective Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 8 a.m.

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

Coconino National Forest reducing fire restrictions

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 27,due to widespread precipitation across all three districts of the forest.

Motorized closures around specific areas of the San Francisco Peaks, Marshall Lake area and Pumphouse Wash area will be lifted, and campers at developed recreation sites are allowed to burn campfires following proper campfire guidance.

Dragon Bravo Fire Daily Update for Aug. 11, 2025

Operations: The Dragon Bravo fire continues to be a full-suppression effort. Yesterday, additional containment was gained along Highway 67. Containment in this area allows suppression resources to be moved to other high priority locations on the fire. On the east side of the fire near Cape Royal, crews identify and extinguish hotspots.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Action Alert: Flagstaff Regional Plan available for review: Public hearings scheduled

The Public Hearing Draft of the Regional Land Use Plan 2045 (Draft Regional Plan) was recently released by the City of Flagstaff online (PDF here; this is a large file and may take some time to download). A take home hard copy of the Draft Regional Plan can be requested by emailing Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – Aug. 1, 2025

Firefighters are successfully repairing suppression lines. Resources continue to patrol the fire and backhaul equipment. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team of interdisciplinary professionals has begun evaluating fire impacts to determine rehabilitation needs and strategies. The Color Country Type 3 Team is coordinating closely with the North Kaibab Ranger District, BLM Arizona Strip District, and local cooperators to meet the needs of the changing fire conditions.

Areas of County within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rescind fire restrictions

COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with Forest Lakes Fire District and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are no longer under fire restrictions.

This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, applies to all private property within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This includes the unincorporated community of Forest Lakes and all private campgrounds and recreation areas.  

Based on significant improvement in forest conditions, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rescinded fire restrictions on Friday, July 25, 2025.  

Coconino County — Forest restoration project reduces wildfire risk

COCONINO COUNTY — The risk of catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding in the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed near Flagstaff represents a natural disaster with a potential economic impact of nearly $3 billion.

To reduce this risk, the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) and Coconino National Forest (CNF) have partnered together in the Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Project to facilitate critical forest restoration projects in the area.

“Wildfire and post-wildfire flooding are the top two public safety threats in Coconino County,” Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Flood Control District Board of Directors said. “Forest Restoration, such as what is underway in the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed, is the best way to proactively address these threats.”

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 28, 2025

Latest Update: Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Two has taken command of the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Containment has decreased to 13% following updated perimeter mapping and recent fire growth. Yesterday saw a significant push 3 to 4 miles to the north, particularly on the western flanks. Spot fires were confirmed in North Canyon, and extreme fire behavior was observed with pyrocumulus columns developing to heights of 24,000 feet.

Coconino County — Now available: Regional Plan Public Hearing draft

The Public Hearing Draft of the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is now available on the project website: www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045
This draft will be discussed at a series of public hearings with the Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission and the Flagstaff City Council, who will vote on adopting the Regional Plan in October.
Hard copies of the plan are available for review at:
City Hall Community Development Counter
Downtown Library Information Desk
East Flagstaff Library Information Desk
To request a take-home hard copy, please email Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov
More updates on the City hearings, how to comment, and Coconino County’s hearing schedule will be provided via this newsletter in the coming weeks.

Coconino County seeks community input for Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

FLAGSTAFF —The frequency and severity of disasters continues to rise across the country.  To prepare for, and reduce the risks, Coconino County is updating our Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.  The purpose of this plan is to evaluate the risk posed to the community by natural and man-made hazards and to identify actions that can reduce or eliminate those risks.  This update is a joint project between Coconino County, and the cities and towns of Flagstaff, Fredonia, Williams, Tusayan, and Page, as well as Northern Arizona University.  Community participation is at the heart of this planning process. Input from residents, business owners, and local organizations is essential to help planners understand local priorities, concerns, and historical knowledge. 

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 25, 2025

Highlights

Highway 89A has been re-opened to the public. Highway 67 toward the Grand Canyon remains closed.

The White Sage Fire is mapped at 58,980 acres (no change), and is 81 percent contained (6 percent increase from yesterday). The Oak Point Fire to the south is mapped at 85 acres and is 100 percent contained.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 89A from heavier fuels burning in the interior of the fire footprint. In addition, wind across burned areas may create dust and ash clouds, which can look like smoke from a distance.

Across the fire, firefighters are engaged mainly in mop up and suppression repair. Fire managers expect suppression repair on the west side of the fire to be completed within a few days. Crews are completing mop up and repairing fences on the north side of the fire.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 25, 2025

Latest Update: Thursday brought record breaking dry conditions to the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Firefighters held control lines and are preparing for increased activity in the coming days as critically low humidity and gusty winds persist through the week.

Ongoing & Planned Operations: Firefighters continue building fireline on forest roads 610 and 611. Crews have completed work along Forest Road 223 northwest of the fire and are now preparing contingency lines along Forest Road 222. Fire behavior analysts are determining the feasibility of building contingency lines northeast of the Dragon Bravo Fire near Lookout Tower Road. Structure protection groups continue to install and improve defense measures around the Kaibab Lodge and gas station, as well as other critical infrastructure. Aircraft successfully limited spread on the western flank of the fire near the Dragon Creek from moving further northeast. Fire continues to back down into the canyon southeast of the fire.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 24, 2025

Highlights 

The White Sage Fire is mapped at 58,980 acres and is 75 percent contained, an 11 percent increase from yesterday. The Oak Point Fire is mapped at 85 acres and is 100 percent contained. Weather conditions are conducive for active fire behavior. 

On the west side of the fire, crews with heavy equipment are engaged in suppression repair efforts. This entails pulling back berms, placing vegetation on disturbed soil, and spreading approved seed mix to stabilize soil and restore the natural appearance of the area. Today crews will begin repairing livestock fencing damaged during suppression efforts. Fencing is important infrastructure used to manage grazing allotments on public lands. 

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 24, 2025

Latest Update: The Dragon Bravo Fire located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park remains active during a period of critical fire weather. Continued suppression efforts are focused on securing existing containment lines, as well as preparing and scouting other contingency fireline options and protecting values at risk, including the Kaibab Lodge and infrastructure within the park.

White Sage Fire Daily Update for July 22, 2025

Highlights 
Firefighters have been making progress around all edges of the fire. The fire has now been mapped to include the slight increase in acreage attributed to the interior pockets of unburned vegetation that are now burned. Water tenders have been working diligently to shuttle water to the incident from sources such as Big Springs and the Colorado River, helping to fill portable drafting tanks for engines and supporting firefighting efforts in areas without nearby water access. 

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 21, 2025

Highlights
Containment increased 2 percent from yesterday and the fire is mapped at 58,842 acres. Crews completed line construction around the successful burnout operation and followed up with mop-up work, increasing containment along the southern perimeter north of the Highway 89A area.

To ensure thorough coverage, firefighters are patrolling in a gridding pattern, using a method called cold trailing to detect any latent heat near containment lines. This technique involves carefully feeling the ground with the back of their hand to detect lingering heat, ensuring nothing is left that could reignite. Heavy equipment and firefighters are also engaged in suppression repair, restoring soil stability and vegetative cover.

Firefighters continue suppression work on Dragon Bravo Fire amid light rain and moisture Morning Update for July 21, 2025

Latest Update: Light rain showers and moisture could potentially aid firefighting efforts along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on the Dragon Bravo Fire. Fire activity is expected to persist as gusty southwest winds drive the fire through vegetation.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona communities make housing gains

When ECoNA released its 5-year Strategic Plan in 2023, it confirmed something many of us already knew: northern Arizona is facing a critical shortage of workforce housing.

During the decade leading up to the plan, the average price of a single family home in our region soared – by as much as 294%, depending on the community. This surge has priced many out of home ownership and pushed rental prices higher, straining families and employers alike.

Dragon Bravo Fire Morning Update for July 15, 2025 — Firefighters continue protecting remaining park structures on Dragon Bravo Fire

Latest Update: Firefighters continue to use an aggressive full suppression strategy on the Dragon Bravo Fire working both daytime and nighttime operational shifts. Existing closures and evacuations remain in place. Firefighters are working to protect remaining structures on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, build and strengthen containment lines and hold the fire to as small a perimeter as possible.

Kaibab National Forest — White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 15, 2025

Over the past few days, the White Sage Fire has exhibited extreme fire behavior, with fire runs reaching 5–7 miles per day. However, yesterday’s fire growth was significantly less, with an increase of approximately 2,636 acres, thanks to the hard work of firefighters and more favorable conditions. The fire perimeter is approximately 158 miles around. Yesterday, the fire continued to spread actively, particularly through areas impacted by the 2020 Mangum Fire, where invasive cheatgrass is fueling rapid movement. The west side of the fire is holding well near White Sage and is now transitioning into suppression repair work to mitigate impacts from firefighting efforts.

Coconino County extends support to Grand Canyon National Park

COCONINO COUNTY — Grand Canyon National Park is a natural wonder of the world, geological storyteller, sacred cultural site and economic driver for Coconino County communities.

The loss of infrastructure at the North Rim from the Dragon Bravo Fire, including the lodge and visitors center, has a profound impact on residents and visitors alike and breaks our communities’ hearts. 

In addition to the Dragon Bravo Fire, the White Sage Fire burning near Jacobs Lake has also led to evacuations and impacts on local communities who rely on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have assisted with emergency efforts including road closures, evacuations and operations. The fires grew exponentially due to high winds and dry conditions on the ground. 

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 14, 2025

Highlights

Yesterday, numerous aerial firefighting resources, including Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) and Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), dropped 179,597 gallons of retardant along the southern and northern perimeter. These efforts provided critical support to firefighters on the ground, by slowing fire spread. On the west side of the fire, near the point of origin, the line is holding well, and crews are actively mopping up and securing the perimeter. Multiple hand crews on the southern flank worked late into the night to continue building and reinforcing containment line.

Hutton Ranch Road – Rio de Flag Crossing Project completed

COCONINO COUNTY — A  project to build a new and improved Rio de Flag crossing culvert at Hutton Ranch Road has been completed.

The $548,000 Hutton Ranch Road – Rio De Flag Culvert Crossing Project will improve transportation in and out of the Hutton Ranch neighborhood when the Rio de Flag is flowing. The project, which broke ground in late March, features a 3×20-foot cast-in-place concrete arch culvert under Hutton Ranch Road at the Rio de Flag crossing along with new fencing, guardrails, water inlet & outlet protection, and a paved surface over the culvert.

Coconino County to Enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Wednesday

COCONINO COUNTY — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions.

Restrictions will go into effect this Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The City of Flagstaff is also entering Stage 2 fire restrictions on Friday.

County fire restriction stages are:

City of Flagstaff — Stage 2 Fire Restrictions start at 6 p.m. June 18

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 6 pm. on Wednesday, June 18. 

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include the following new restrictions:

The use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited throughout the city, including at private residences and campgrounds.
The use of propane and gas BBQs with an on-off switch are still allowed throughout the city.

Management of lightning-caused Basin Fire north of Flagstaff (on June 9)

FLAGSTAFF — Active management of the Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, will begin (on June 9).

Fire managers with both the Coconino and Kaibab national forests have spent the last several days preparing for firing operations (Monday) and Tuesday in order to restore ecological processes for about 9,000 acres of forest land through treatment.

Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on May 30

The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,

Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.
Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City parks, open spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) at all times.

The City cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions. Please help the City keep our community and forests safe by following all bans and restrictions.

For more information on City fire restriction stages, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for May 2025

Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Demand Answers from DHS and ICE After Arrests at Phoenix Immigration Court *** Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge HHS and DOJ to Streamline Domestic Violence Victim Services Funding *** Kelly, Gallego, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families *** MORE ***

Understanding the Costs of Living in the Woods: The Wildfire/Insurance Issue – A Growing Crisis work session on June 3

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is at a “very high risk” for wildfire according to researchers at Headwaters Economics.

The risk is higher than 96% of all counties in the country, which is creating a growing issue with securing, retaining and affording insurance within Coconino County and across the western United States. This growing “Wildfire/Insurance Crisis,” is why the Coconino County Flood Control District and County Board of Supervisors are hosting a series of public work sessions to hear from national and state experts about how community preparedness can help address wildfire risk along with insurance premiums and explore what other communities are already doing that is making a difference. 

The first session is scheduled for 1:15-2:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at the Coconino County Administrative Building, 219 E. Cherry Avenue in Flagstaff, which can be attended in person or streamed online at youtube.com/coconinocnty. A recording will be posted online at the Coconino County Flood Control District’s website the following week. 

Coconino County Forest Restoration Director Jay Smith Selected as 2025 Flinn-Brown Fellow

COCONINO COUNTY — Jay Smith, Coconino County’s Forest Restoration Director, has been selected to participate in the 17th cohort of the Flinn-Brown Fellowship, a flagship program of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation.

In his role with Coconino County’s Flood Control District, Jay Smith utilizes 28 years of forest management experience to develop and implement the County’s Forest Restoration Initiative. His experience managing logging operations and sawmills gives him a unique view of issues that slow the forest restoration process and innovative ways to tackle barriers.

Prescribed Burns planned on Coconino National Forest next week

FLAGSTAFF — As part of important active forest management, fire managers are planning a number of prescribed burn projects next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels in strategic areas of the national forest to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires to many northern Arizona communities.

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. The burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

Should wind and weather conditions become unfavorable, ignitions will be halted, and project plans will be postponed, changed or canceled. If that occurs, the updates will be posted on our Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available. The following projects are listed in chronological order.

Reminder! County Comprehensive Plan Open House May 27 in Doney Park

What is the County’s Comprehensive Plan?

The Comprehensive Plan is the County’s long-range policy document.  It provides a twenty-year vision and guide for future physical, economic, and social development for the entire county, and contains maps, goals, policies, and implementation actions that guide decisions about the County’s future, in particular with regard to land use decisions.

Areas of Coconino County within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to enter Stage 2 fire restrictions on May 15

“Coconino County implements fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. CCEM continues to work closely with our fire mitigation partners at the federal, state, and local levels to determine if fire restrictions are needed, and if so, to what extent,” said Tim Carter, acting Emergency Management Director. “In coordination with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ decision to enter Stage 2 restrictions, Coconino County will also enact Stage 2 restrictions for all private lands within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in southeastern Coconino County.”

Dates announced for additional neighborhoods for pine needle pickup initiative

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has announced dates during which roll-off dumpsters will be placed in additional neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. The schedule is listed below. 

• Rock Ridge Estates, Ridge Crest, and Anasazi Ridge – Friday, May 16 – Friday, May 23
• Lynwood and Cheshire – Monday, June 2 – Monday, June 9                         
• Country Club Estates – Friday, June 16 – Friday, June 23         
• Boulder Point – Monday, June 30 – Monday, July 7

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Greater Observatory Mesa Trails Plan at Council This Tuesday

The City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space division is presenting the Greater Observatory Mesa Area Trail Plan to City Council this Tuesday in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation.

According to the Council’s agenda, the meeting will provide the City Council an understanding of the trail plan, and offer the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation by the City via resolution.

Tuesday, May 13 City Council Work Session, starting at 3:00 pm

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 5-9, 2025

2025 Wildland Fire Season: Be Ready, Stay Informed, and Know Your Evacuation Plan

As we enter wildfire season, the newsletter released this week provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready.

It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.

The full newsletter can be viewed here. If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, please share with family, friends, and coworkers widely.

Grand Canyon National Park — 2025 Wildland Fire Season: Be Ready, Stay Informed, and Know Your Evacuation Plan

As we enter wildfire season, this message provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents and staff to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready. It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.

Active forest management continues across Coconino National Forest next week

FLAGSTAFF — As part of important active forest management, fire managers are planning a number of prescribed burn projects next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels in strategic areas of the national forest to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires to many northern Arizona communities.

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. The burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

City of Flagstaff and Coconino County to present Regional Plan 2045 Citizen Review Session to be held May 2

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County invite the community to attend the Citizen Review Session for the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045, which will be held on Friday, May 2 at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The session was originally to be held at the Aquaplex, but the location has changed to City Hall. The meeting can also be attended virtually, and the link will be available in the agenda.  

The session is a Joint City-County Retreat, where elected officials will discuss important updates to the draft Regional Plan, which was revised following the 60-day public review process. Flagstaff City Council, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the City and County Planning and Zoning Commissions will participate in the review and there will be an opportunity for public participation. The meeting agenda and packet will be available on Monday, April 28 at flagstaff.az.gov/RegionalPlan2045.   

City of Flagstaff — Updated dates for pine needle pickup initiative

FLAGSTAFF — Due to unforeseen logistical complications, the City of Flagstaff is updating the dates during which roll-off dumpsters will be placed in neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. Dumpsters will be placed in the University Heights neighborhood from April 25 – May 2 and the schedule for placement of dumpsters in other neighborhoods will be published when available.

Prescribed burn planned later this week west of Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers with the Flagstaff Ranger District plan on continuing portions of the Horseshoe Maxwell Springs prescribed burn project located 9.5 miles northwest of Flagstaff, just north of Bellemont.

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.