Friends of Flagstaff’s Future update for Sept. 5

Are you satisfied with the relations between the City and NAU? What are some areas for improvement?
Adam Shimoni: I am not satisfied with the cities relationship with NAU and the Arizona Board of Regents. Since the Standard first came to town a few years back, I have been advocating for the needs of the community and doing my best to negotiate with NAU and these developers to bring forward projects that best suite our needs, don’t displace people, and don’t disrupt neighborhoods. In speaking with president Rita Cheng, it seems she doesn’t see NAU’s growth to be an issue to Flag. This is a major concern of mine, since she’s responsible to communicate our town’s needs to ABoR. I look forward to tackling this subject and holding NAU accountable for their growth.

Mayor Coral Evans: The Flagstaff City Council made improving the relationship between the City and NAU a priority. While I am not satisfied with the relationship between the City and NAU, it’s important to acknowledge the progress made in the past 20 months between the two organizations (e.g. the joint City of Flagstaff-NAU Community Liaison position that works directly with city residents to resolve resident-student issues and the joint work session in early 2018 with the President of NAU (a first ever) to discuss topics of mutual interests). Areas for improvement include planning (joint effort[s]), housing (students, faculty, staff) and student off-campus conduct.

Paul Deasy: NAU and the city used to better communicate and work more collaboratively with each other. That seems to be less the case now, and as we grow, we need to act as the community partners that we are. Working with NAU to create high occupancy housing on south campus is in all our best interests. Working with NAU to attract private sector employment that fits with our workforce’s skillsets is in all our best interests. We can create a better community environment through collaborative efforts rather than drawing lines in the sand.

Regina Salas: Improve and build upon existing relations,and communication mechanisms and between the City and NAU. As partners in pursuit of community vitality, I will seek areas of cooperation and foster collaboration and synergy with NAU and its stakeholders on student housing, infrastructure, road and traffic management, workforce development, economic development, safety, and crime prevention.

Dennis K Lavin: I do not have a basis to determine how satisfied I am with the relationship. However, I would make one comment and one recommendation: Comment: Many Community members are concerned with the growth of the student housing stock and they were not aware as to how it was planned and approved. Reading “The Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030”, I do not see where the authors identify off-campus housing when dealing with all of the sustainable and cost factors in Appendix B. Recommendation: Enhanced messaging/communications from the City and NAU leadership can contribute to an educated Community during the next build out phase.

Austin Aslan: I have observed deepening strife between the City and NAU over the past several years, and believe improved relations are essential for sustainable development within the City. NAU’s growth is motivated by financial pressures from ABOR, but Flagstaff’s long-time residents bear the consequences of clogged traffic, overworked safety officers, and sacrificed historical neighborhoods. I believe the City should demand that NAU adequately support its student population with increased transportation options, strict vehicle limits, traffic infrastructure, and public safety officers, as well as adopting a more neighborly attitude toward sharing sporting and other facilities with city residents.

Alex Martinez: There is much discussion about NAU and how it is growing in student numbers. Traffic and large private student housing developments are primary concerns that impact quality of life for everyone. There is much finger pointing about who is responsible for change and what we as a community can do to effect positive change. Communication between both parties is crucial for creating productive solutions to community needs.