ECoNA update for May 18

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2018 • Comments Off

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Coconino County Supervisor Art Babbott came to Flagstaff about 20 years ago, attracted to the region’s natural beauty and diverse community. After six years on the Flagstaff City Council, he was elected in 2012 to represent Coconino County’s 1st District on the Board of Supervisors. We talked recently with him about the importance of our forests to the region and why he is passionate about election reform. Below are some highlights, and you can see the entire interview here.

What prompted the move from city to county representation? On one level, serving in both the City and County as an elected official are similar in that they both provide the ability to develop personal connections to, and relationships with, the people we serve. Being so close to voters and constituents is one of the unique attributes of local government. Although I enjoyed my two terms with the City, I was really interested in getting more involved in the policies and opportunities around our public lands and the agency partners – such as the National Park Service, US Forest Service, and AZ Game and Fish- that manage those lands. The threat of catastrophic wildfire and post-fire flooding are the number one public safety issues facing Coconino County. I felt it was important to bring perspectives that highlighted the value of our public lands, the economic development opportunities around these lands and support the important regional forest restoration initiatives that are underway in northern Arizona.

You are known as a powerful advocate for forest health. How would you describe the importance of the region’s forest and other environmental assets to its economic vitality? Recreation and visitation to public lands, National Monuments, and National Parks are, without question, the number one economic and quality of life driver for Coconino County. The total economic impact of that visitation and recreation is some $1.5 billion for our region. Without healthy and restored forests, we jeopardize the very assets which are the engine of our regional economy.

What do you see the role of ECONA in regards to the economic health of the region? ECONA serves as an important link between the public and private sectors. As both a small business owner and an elected official, I understand how important and valuable it is to have collaborative “bridges” between the private and public sectors. ECONA serves to convene governmental entities, utilities, economic development practitioners and industry to provide strategic and focused navigation for economic development projects.

To see the full interview with Supervisor Babbott, click HERE.

Sincerely,