Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) recommends a YES vote to ratify Flagstaff’s Regional Land Use Plan 2045.
The Regional Plan provides a broad vision and guides future land use. The 2045 Plan improves significantly on the Regional Plan currently in place because its core priorities are housing attainability and climate action, two recognized emergencies in Flagstaff.
The 2045 Plan recognizes the need for diverse housing types including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, and town homes in all neighborhoods throughout the city—options that will help expand opportunities for housing attainability. This reflects zoning changes required by Arizona’s Middle Housing Bill (HB 2721), and will result in incremental changes in existing neighborhoods.
The 2045 Plan seeks to limit sprawl by directing new housing and housing density toward central areas of the city, existing neighborhoods, and public transit corridors within the Urban Growth Boundary. It also recognizes the importance of locating essential businesses near neighborhoods by supporting mixed-use development and community-scale commercial uses.
The Plan seeks to create walkable neighborhoods near public transit, improving access to services and jobs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. If done well, these are strategies that will increase neighborhood vitality and assist in creating more vibrant neighborhoods:
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Neighborhood coherence exists: neighbors know and see each other on a regular basis
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Near urban trails and nature
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Walkable & bikable to work, stores, schools, parks, etc.
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Have a diversity of neighbors (different ages, incomes, backgrounds, etc.)
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A variety of housing types that allow for economic diversity
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Contain informal social gathering places
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Residents enjoy being outside because the built environment is pleasing and encourages
social interaction and a sense of belonging
Ratifying this Plan is only the beginning. F3 will always have concerns about the financial pressures and water use that accompany growth and we know that housing attainability cannot be solved by just building more houses. Nevertheless, we recognize that there is land in Flagstaff that will be developed.
It’s important that Flagstaff have policies in place that encourage the type of development the residents need and want. The 2045 Plan is an attempt to do that. It places Flagstaff on a stronger path toward achieving housing attainability, reduced emissions, and vibrant community life.
Whether the Plan’s goals are achieved will depend on future city code updates and rezoning processes, public engagement, broader economic forces, and the city’s ability and commitment to implementing the 20245 Plan in ways that reflect our shared values.
This means that the Flagstaff community must remain vigilant by closely watching the city’s zoning code changes to ensure they accurately reflect the community’s vision. We also need to ensure that existing affordable housing is not lost through redevelopment and gentrification, that development incentives discourage by-right zoning of one unit-per-acre within the city, and that historic neighborhood structures and character are protected.
F3 will continue to encourage the city to develop a dedicated housing fund and consider purchase of AZ State Lands when auctioned in order to build the type of development that the City needs. And F3 will continue our work to create coherent, vibrant, and equitable neighborhoods.
Interested in learning more about the 2045 Regional Plan? Attend F3’s Regional Plan Workshop on Thursday, April 30th, 7:00-8:30 pm at the Murdoch Community Center: 203 E Brannen Ave.
Important Dates:
Return your ballot by mail on or before May 11.
Return your ballot to a Ballot Drop Box by 7:00 pm on May 19.
Find locations of Ballot Drop Box locations here:
**This is a mail-in election only; there are no polling locations.
As always, feel free to contact me with questions.
Michele James
Executive Director
MJames@friendsofflagstaff.org
