Flagstaff Sustainability Office Hosts Fix-It Clinic on Feb. 15

Fix-It Clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more. Join us for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff. 

Sedona Arts Center — Vision and Sound : An African American Experience

Sedona Arts Center presents “Vision & Sound: An African American Experience” from February 7-28, 2025. This multi-city event features an array of free public programs that celebrate Arizona’s Black artists.

Exhibitions, artist demonstrations and musical performances are planned for Sedona, Goodyear, Peoria and Tolleson. A symposium in partnership with the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy is scheduled for Feb. 8 in Sedona and will feature keynote speaker and renowned dancer, choreographer and scholar LaTasha Barnes. These events offer opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to explore African American creativity and cultural perspectives.

City of Flagstaff underscores the importance of grant funding for local communities

Mayor Becky Daggett said “while we’re relieved that it appears the federal funding freeze has been temporarily halted, I’d like to stress the critical importance this funding has in our community. It’s not an overstatement to say that the freeze would have a catastrophic impact on Flagstaff. Many of the city’s flood mitigation, transportation, and public safety projects are dependent upon this funding from our federal partners. Additionally, this funding freeze impacts local non-profit organizations we rely upon to provide basic services and our partners such as Coconino County and Northern Arizona University.”

CCC Community Education — March Classes: Sign Language, Sustainable Landscaping, Backcountry First Aid, Yoga

Basic Conversation Sign Language

Tuesday, March 4, 18, 25, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Join us to learn basic sign language as well as communication tips when interacting with Deaf and hard of hearing people.

Sign – Learn more and register!

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting on Feb. 6

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

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 27-31, 2025

Winter Arrives to the Canyon (Finally!)

This week, Northern Arizona finally got the memo that it’s winter—bringing much-needed precipitation across the region, including several inches of snow on the South Rim and a hearty 8 inches on the North Rim.

As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road on the South Rim have REOPENED following several days of closure. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Roads Line at 928-638-7496.

For those who like to be ahead of the curve, Everbridge alerts are a great way to stay informed in real-time about road closures, power outages, weather events, and any other emergency situations that might pop up. This free service helps ensure you’re never caught off guard when the weather gets unpredictable.
Sign up today by following this link.

Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton and Deputy City Manager Joanne Keene credentialed by International City/County Management Association

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton and Deputy City Manager Joanne Keene both recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). City Manager Clifton and Deputy City Manager Keene join over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

ICMA’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics by increasing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators, and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities around the world.

Sedona Arts Center to present ‘Vision and Sound: An African American Experience — An African America Experience,’ Feb. 7 through 28, other upcoming events

Sedona Arts Center presents “Vision & Sound: An African American Experience” from February 7-28, 2025. This multi-city event features an array of free public programs that celebrate Arizona’s Black artists.

Exhibitions, artist demonstrations and musical performances are planned for Sedona, Goodyear, Peoria and Tolleson. A symposium in partnership with the ASU Center for the Study of Race and Democracy is scheduled for Feb. 8 in Sedona and will feature keynote speaker and renowned dancer, choreographer and scholar LaTasha Barnes. These events offer opportunities for audiences of all ages and backgrounds to explore African American creativity and cultural perspectives.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — After Day One: Trump Wants to Redefine America

On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued a series of immigration-related executive orders and proclamations that will quickly re-shape the U.S. immigration system. These executive orders affect nearly every facet of a complex and demanding system. Most of the policy changes introduced through these actions are framed as directives to federal departments and agencies. However, their language also aims to stoke fear as a means of testing the boundaries of executive authority.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — The Draft Regional Plan 2045

F3 has paid close attention to the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 because it will greatly impact the way Flagstaff will develop in the next twenty years. The plan is a policy guide for land use and development decisions and should be the vision for the shape and character of the community.

This newsletter summarizes our concerns. Here is a quick overview:

We are concerned that the plan is almost singularly focused on an increase in housing density. While we see the need to address the housing crisis, density alone is not enough. It must be paired with the values that make a community a community such as open space, public space, and community character.

Office of Navajo Nation President shares Tip Line to address immigration concerns. See related news stories

Message from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Rising fears of ICE raids have caused significant anxiety among Diné citizens in Albuquerque, Phoenix, and other border areas.

Although my office has only received a few unconfirmed reports, we have diligently followed up on those leads. We are designating the “Operation Rainbow Bridge” tip line to field calls for my office on this issue.

Walk-in Wednesdays are here! Explore career opportunities with the City of Flagstaff on Jan. 29

FLAGSTAFF — Join us on Wednesday, January 29 at one of two locations for a chance to meet recruiters and explore career opportunities with the City of Flagstaff.

No RSVP needed- just walk in and explore career opportunities with us!

Interested candidates can walk-in and explore all of our job opportunities, meet recruiters and hiring teams, and learn about the amazing work we do for our community.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Family and children service providers reviewing local, state impact of federal freeze on federal grants, loans

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

State and local organizations that provide services to families and youth are reviewing the ramifications of the Trump administration’s order on Jan. 27 to pause all federal grants and loans. Meanwhile, nearly two dozen attorneys general have announced they will sue to stop the federal funding freeze.

A federal judge issued a stay on the federal freeze until Monday, Feb. 3.

Nationwide, officials say the freeze halts loans and grants to local governments, nonprofit organizations and schools — impacting such programs as Head Start, the Dept. of Agriculture’s tribal food sovereignty program and other federally funded economic assistance programs.

An easy way to take action by contacting your member of Congress is available HERE

The NAU Review — Celebrate Black History month and read more about a 93-year-old volunteer

Honor Black history and culture this February 
 
Every February, the Lumberjack community comes together to celebrate Black History Month with a wide variety of events that recognizes the rich, diverse culture, history and societal contributions of Black Americans and the global African diaspora. Many of the month’s events also raise awareness of the historical and ongoing struggles faced by Black Americans. 

Coconino National Forest fire managers pivot to pile burns following Monday snow

FLAGSTAFF  — Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to continue pile burning this week following Monday’s snowstorm.

Firefighters will ignite piles located in three different areas of the Flagstaff Ranger District this week, and smoke is expected to be widely visible during burning.

The Coconino National Forest uses the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn ProjectsInciWeb page to relay last-minute project changes with the public should planned projects not proceed due to wind, weather, or other reasons.

Annual Willard Springs Green Waste Burn in Progress

COCONINO COUNTY — The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has ignited the annual green waste burn at the Willard Springs Green Waste Site, which is located about 15 miles south of Flagstaff at Exit 326 on the west side of I-17.

The burn is necessary to reduce the existing stockpile of pine needles, tree trimmings, and other green waste at Willard Springs before the start of the 2025 fire season.

The Willard Springs green waste burn is expected to produce smoke during its ignition period. Based on wind and weather conditions, this smoke may be heavy at times and visible to motorists on I-17. The Coconino National Forest plans to post signage on I-17 as necessary to notify motorists about smoke from the burn and to drive with caution.

Prescribed burns planned around Flagstaff (week of Jan. 27)

FLAGSTAFF — Area fire managers plan to continue work on local prescribed fire projects – including broadcast burning and pile burning – (week of Jan. 27) while northern Arizona’s wind and weather conditions remain favorable to do so.

Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers aspire to continue work on this week’s Crater Sinks prescribed burn project located roughly 12 miles southwest of Flagstaff.

Additionally, Coconino National Forest fire managers hope to begin work on pile burns located in various locations around the Flagstaff Ranger District.

City of Flagstaff announces Call to Artists

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences program seeks artists, graphic designers and illustrators to create original artwork for two utility cabinets along Route 66. The deadline to apply is Feb. 25 at noon.

Two artists will be selected to create artwork for two cabinets at the following locations: Route 66 near Postal Boulevard, and Route 66 near Fourth Street. The call is open to artists 18 years or older who currently live and work within the United States. Submitted designs must be original artwork and can be created in any medium, so long as the design can be represented in a high-resolution digital image without loss of integrity or quality. Designs will be professionally printed on vinyl and installed on cabinets.

“We are excited to partner with APS with these artist-designed utility cabinet wraps,” says Jana Weldon, Program Manager for Beautification, Arts and Sciences (BAS). “As the City’s collection of Public Art grows, we welcome emerging and established artists to contribute their creativity to enhance our urban environment.”

Crews to begin winter pile burning on the Kaibab National Forest

WILLIAMS — Fire managers on the Kaibab National Forest will be conducting prescribed pile burns throughout the 2025 winter season as conditions safely allow. Winter is often the ideal time for crews to burn piles of slash and woody debris left over from forest thinning projects because colder temperatures and snow help moderate fire behavior and keep it from spreading beyond the piles. Approximately 2,190 acres of piles on the Tusayan Ranger District, 5,500 acres on the Williams Ranger District, with additional acres of piles on the North Kaibab Ranger District are slated for burning this season.

Flagstaff STEM CITY — Make Your Nomination for the STEMMY Awards!

The STEMMY Awards recognize the stellar contributions of STEM leaders and educators publicly at the STEMMY Award Ceremony on Thursday, March 6th!

Presented by STEM City in Flagstaff Arizona, the event awards students, teachers, businesses, and community organizations to honor and celebrate their impact as STEM leaders, educators, and innovators here in Flagstaff.

Seeking nominations by Feb. 14! Do you know of someone who has made a real difference in the STEM sector?

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — January announcement

We are thrilled to announce our exciting partnership with National Theatre Live, bringing world-class British theatre performances directly to Flagstaff audiences. Starting this season, theatre lovers can experience the magic of London’s finest productions, captured live in stunning high definition and screened at our state-of-the-art facility through this innovative collaboration. Our season includes four performances starting in March.

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program — News & Opportunities

Applications are now open for the ARTx Art + Ideas Experience 2025 grant cycle. Submit your innovative idea and bring it to life through one of four exciting categories:

ARTx @ ArtWalk
ARTx @ The Arb
ARTx @ Coconino Center for the Arts
ARTx @ Free Range
ARTx is an annual, accessible community opportunity to engage with the arts in an immersive and interactive way. Visit Creative Flagstaff’s website to learn more and help shape Flagstaff’s artistic future.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

Image: Envision by Bryan David Griffith.

Discover Flagstaff — SUNGYUN KIM: THE EVOLVING MACHINE, Coconino Center for the Arts Jan. 24, 25, 29 and more events

Friday-Saturday, Wednesday, January 24-25, 29

SUNGYUN KIM: THE EVOLVING MACHINE, Coconino Center for the Arts.

In The Evolving Machine, Sungyun Kim brings together an array of video works and kinetic sculptures that highlight this evolving relationship between machines, media environments, and human intervention. 11 a.m.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Trump’s First Immigration Executive Actions

President Trump wasted no time trying to radically change the U.S. immigration system. On his first day in office, he issued 10 executive orders that seek to redefine America—excluding everyone from asylum seekers to countless children of immigrants.

In the American Immigration Council’s new fact sheet, After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions, we break down what these policy changes seek to accomplish immediately and what they will mean for immigrants and all Americans in the future.

Read the Analysis