Envision 2045 — The Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing draft is available!

The County has updated the Plan and will hold public hearings this fall.  Opportunities for public comment will be available during the public hearings.  To submit written comments in advance email: mshaw@coconino.az.gov.

To view the public hearing draft and the 60-day review comments

Visit the project website https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045. 
Visit the Community Development office to review a print copy.
For questions contact Melissa Shaw at mshaw@coconino.az.gov 

Coconino Center for the Arts — Apply Now: Creative Flagstaff’s 2026 Arts & Science Project Grants!

Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Arts & Science Project Grant Program. With $125,000 available for funding, these grants are designed to empower and expand the creative, scientific, and cultural landscape of the Flagstaff community!

Arts & Science Project Grants are available to non-profit ORGANIZATIONS or INDIVIDUALS with a non-profit fiscal agent for INNOVATION:

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.

Kaibab National Forest to lift fire restrictions Sept. 4

WILLIAMS — Due to an increase in rainfall over the last several days, the Kaibab National Forest will lift all fire restrictions at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement and rescind fire restrictions. The forest has received enough widespread rain to increase fuel moisture and decrease the risk of severe fire.
To help prevent human-caused fires, forest visitors should always be vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels.

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.

Sedona Arts Center — SAC Art Classes: Unleash Your Creativity

Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.

Annoucing Theatrikos Theatre Company’s 2026 Season

It is with immense excitement and pride that I invite you to join us for Theatrikos Theatre Company’s 2026 Season, our most vibrant, daring, and heartfelt season yet.

From the first laugh of a lightning-fast mystery in Clue to the final, haunting chords of A Christmas Carol, this season is a celebration of everything that makes theatre magical: joy, depth, humanity, and connection. Whether you’re a lover of musicals that stir the soul, comedies that leave your cheeks sore from laughing, or dramas that spark meaningful reflection, this season was made for you.

Each production in our 2026 lineup has been chosen with care to speak to the broad, beautiful spectrum of human experience. You’ll find yourself swept up in nostalgic harmonies, provocative questions, moving love stories, and more than a few surprises. We’re not just putting on plays, we’re building a season of shared moments and unforgettable nights at the theatre.

And there’s never been a better time to subscribe.

Indivisible Northern AZ — Next big event ‘Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!’ on Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall

Also see:

• USA Today — Workers Over Billionaires’ protests- Where will they be?

FLAGSTAFF — Indivisible Northern AZ has announced the next big event “Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.. Flagstaff.

About this event

This is a pivotal moment. The billionaire agenda is dismantling our government: overseeing mass firings, gutting worker protections and social services, and transferring wealth to the 1% while funding a private army of ICE agents.

This Labor Day won’t just be a barbecue. Across the country, unions and community organizations are deepening our coalitions, growing our capacity, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder to fight back. Workers are confronting attacks on public schools, civil rights, and democracy, while supporting each other’s local fights against workplace abuse.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 25-29, 2025

Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Aug. 28

The Dragon Bravo Fire remains at 145,504 acres and 64% containment, with 654 personnel assigned. Crews continue to make progress removing hazard trees along Hwy. 67 and other roads, with an average of 15 truckloads hauled out each day. Suppression repair, mop-up, and patrols are ongoing, and no additional fire growth is expected.

With the fire stabilized, attention is turning to post-fire impacts. The DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is now on-site in the park, while the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team is working on the Kaibab National Forest.

Single lane closures scheduled on San Francisco St in early September

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, single lane closures are scheduled on N San Francisco St from Sept. 2 – 8 for street paving and pavement marking. The work may also necessitate short term closures of intersections along N San Francisco St between W Cherry Ave and W Columbus Ave. Motorists are asked to follow marked signage, be cautious of work crews, and expect delays when traveling through the project area.

Coconino County Fair (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment to include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Aug. 31

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to staff Coconino County booth Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31. Come by for a visit. SEE MORE COCONINO COUNTY FAIR INFORMATION BELOW…

COCONINO COUNTY — In what is becoming an unofficial Latino entertainment day, the Coconino County Fair’s (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment will include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Sunday, Aug. 31

Our entertainment schedule is now posted. You can now view the schedule for each day of the Fair. Check out the lineup here

Snowbowl Road to temporarily close Sept. 6

FLAGSTAFF — Snowbowl Road (Forest Road [FR] 516) will close from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday Sept. 6 to accommodate the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event.

Electronic road signs will be posted to remind motorists of the temporary closure.

While Snowbowl Road will remain open before and after the closure window, drivers are asked to remain alert and cautious. Event coordinators and sponsors will be using the road to initiate event setup in the days leading up to the event.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Bioscience Roadmap’s Next Chapter

We hope we’ll see you at High Country Conference Center as the next chapter of our state’s Bioscience Roadmap – a long-term strategic plan to advance the state’s bioscience sector – is launched.

The free event, being co-hosted by the Flinn Foundation, SRI International, and Genterra Enterprises, will be from 12 – 1:30 pm on Tuesday, September 9. Doors open at 11:30 am and lunch will be provided, but space is limited. You can register HERE.

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident update for Aug. 29, 2025 — Highway 67 is now open to Kaibab Lodge

Current Situation: With favorable weather, an infrared flight was completed which showed minimal heat and no growth of the perimeter. This new intelligence coupled with several days of precipitation and evaluation by firefighters has allowed an increase in containment for the Dragon Bravo Fire. With the successful completion of suppression repair work and hazard mitigation within the forest, Highway 67 has been reopened to Kaibab Lodge. In addition, more public lands are now accessible – please see the updated forest closure order for details.

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

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for August 2025

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Latest news updates for August 2025

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

Attorney General Mayes Announces Two Convictions for ESA Program Fraud

Attorney General Mayes Sues Hefty® Parent Company for Misleading Arizona Consumers

Attorney General Mayes Secures Full Relief for Arizona Schools in Lawsuit Challenging Withholding of Education Funding

Attorney General Mayes Joins 44 States in Demanding Tech Companies End Predatory AI Interactions with Kids

Attorney General Mayes Sues Operators of Real Estate Scam Targeting Elderly Arizonans

MORE …

The NAU Review — Can academics use AI with integrity?

The gray area of AI in academics

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the fabric of academic life, causing scholars to ask: When does innovation come at the expense of integrity? Two NAU faculty members and one Lumberjack alumna are part of a research team that’s examining the ethical gray area of AI usage in academic publishing.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Get your tickets now to hear two powerful speakers at CCC&Y 2025 Conference on Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory

Less than two weeks remain to get your tickets to attend the return of our popular and educational  CCC&Y Conference with this year’s  theme of “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change.” The 2025 conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.

We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights.

In her morning presentation “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” guest speaker Iya Affo will weave together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to spark transformation within organizations and communities. Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, will draw on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.

… During her afternoon presentation, Dr. Sandra Solano will talk about “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.” Solano, M.D., M.S. is a results-driven healthcare executive, will explore the science and practical applications of how your heart’s powerful energy works and influences your entire environment. You’ll discover that true, lasting change begins not “out there,” but within you.

READ MORE

Coconino County Health and Human Services receives award from Arizona Community Foundation/Flagstaff for Community Care Kits

FLAGSTAFF — Congratulations to Coconino County Health and Human Services who received $7,900 at the Arizona Community Foundation/Flagstaff awards ceremony to provide Community Care Kits.

The kits are backpacks filled with essential person hygiene items that help reduce stress by meeting personal care needs and provide an opportunity for HHS to connect individuals with community resources.

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Aug. 27, 2025

Acres: 145,504                          Containment: 64%                   Personnel: 646                  

Start Date: July 4, 2025            Cause: Lightning                     Location: Grand Canyon North Rim

Current Situation: With fire activity minimized due to several days of precipitation, crews are focused primarily on the large task of removing hazards and rehabilitating the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park lands to as much of a pre-fire condition as possible while reducing further impacts in the future.

Sedona Arts Center Special Update: New tax benefits for arts donations

Make Your Gift Count for Art,
Community, and Learning

Your support of Sedona Arts Center empowers creativity, community, and lifelong learning. Recent changes in tax law may provide new ways to maximize the impact of your giving—helping us continue our mission to inspire, educate, and connect artists and audiences across the Verde Valley.

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. 

CCC Community Education — October schedule … Check it Out!

Exploring Flagstaff’s Latino Heritage and Community

Thursday, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30
3:30 to 5 p.m.

Dive into the rich and diverse stories of the Latino communities that have shaped Flagstaff. This course offers a discussion of the people, traditions, and industries that have played a vital role in the city’s development.

Latino – Learn more and register!

City of Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Aug. 27

FLAGSTAFF — Due to recent moisture across the region, the City of Flagstaff will lower fire restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1 at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 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.

Coconino County Superintendent requests nominations for Teacher of the Year

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget requests nominations for the 13th Annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year, 8th Annual Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year and 5th Annual Coconino County Lifetime Achievement Award.

The awards are a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Even the simple act of nominating a teacher can mean the world to them. Nominating a teacher recognizes them for their hard-work and efforts throughout the academic year. 

City seeking input on Engineering Design Standards related to micro-trenching

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is seeking input from the public and relevant stakeholders on proposed updates to the Engineering Design Standards and Specifications for New Infrastructure. The proposed updates to the design standards will allow fiber providers who have a franchise or license agreement that allows them to place facilities within city right-of-way to utilize a new technology known as micro-trenching as a method to install fiber.