Dear Friends of F3,
The 2045 Flagstaff Regional Plan Update
It’s time to start thinking about updating Flagstaff’s Regional Plan. Every 10 years, the City is required to conduct a comprehensive evaluation and update of the Regional Plan. A critical part of the creation of an updated Regional Plan is input from Flagstaff residents about changes in community needs, outside conditions that affect the region, emerging needs (such as equity, carbon neutrality, affordable housing, public health), and emerging technologies, and updating the vision of what the community wants Flagstaff to be in the future. Regional Plans are required to have a minimum 20 year planning horizon.
Why the Regional Plan is Important
The Regional Plan is the guiding policy document for the City of Flagstaff and is required by state law. Our current plan, The Flagstaff Regional Plan 2030, was adopted by Council in 2014. The Plan embodies the community’s dream of what the region could and should be for future generations. It applies to an area much wider than just the city limits: The 525-square-mile planning area extends from Bellemont to Winona and from Kachina Village/Mountainaire all the way to north of the San Francisco Peaks. While the Plan serves as the general plan for the City of Flagstaff, in the county areas it works in conjunction with the Coconino County Comprehensive Plan and other community area plans.
The Regional Plan is used for decision-making so that Flagstaff City government is accountable to publicly derived policy outcomes and goals. It provides the basis for policies and regulations that guide physical and economic development within the Flagstaff region. One can think of the plan as a guide, or roadmap, for the future of the City and the Region. It helps to establish priorities and predictability in the decision-making process, and a framework for other detailed planning tools such as the zoning code, strategic plans for neighborhoods, and master plans. The City considers the Plan a living and working document, and it is updated as needed through major and minor Plan amendments.
The Planning Process
City staff recently outlined to Council a broad plan for updating the Regional Plan. According to this schedule, the Regional Plan Update would go to the voters in 2025. With the required 20 year minimum planning horizon, the Plan update would consider conditions through the year 2045.
The Plan update process is divided into four phases as follows. The City’s fiscal year runs from July 1-June 30.
- Phase 1 (FY22): “Get curious.” Analyze data, get organized and jazzed about the process, work with the public to create art.
- Phase 2: (FY23) “What’s possible/what is the vision?” Models, maps, draft concepts, dot exercises, surveys, scenario development by the City based on what they’re hearing from the community.
- Phase 3 (FY24): Plan Creation: Using the outcomes of Phase 2, write parts of the plan, get drafts to the public, commissions, and lawyer for review and input.
- Phase 4 (FY25) Plan Adoption: Council adopts plan; sends to voters; if approved, it goes to County for Commissioners’ adoption.
Keep an eye on future F3 Communications as well as our Facebook page for information about upcoming opportunities and events in which you can participate as the City’s Planning process begins.
Michele James
Executive Director, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
Local Efforts: Good Information to Have and to Share:
- “Meet in the Street” Monsoon Season preparedness. June 9, 6:00 pm. Peak School Parking Lot, 2229 E. Spruce. Information here:
- Do it Yourself Container Gardening for Small Spaces. June 12, 10-11 am. 2300 N. Izabel St. Register here.
- Guided family-focused tours of McMillan Mesa. Includes a short hike. June 19, 10-11:30 am. Sponsored by Willow Bend and the City of Flagstaff. Register here.
- Community Discussion on Food System Development in N. Arizona. June 26, 10-11 am. 527 W. Elm. Register here.
- Provide input on the US Forest Service’s Mount Elden/Dry Lake Hills Recreation Planning Project Environmental Assessment (non-motorized trails). 30-day comment period closes June 30th. Details here.
- In preparation for upcoming City staff and Council discussions later this year about the use of reclaimed water for aquifer recharge and/or drinking, F3 encourages you to read Troubled Water: What’s Wrong with What We Drink by Seth Siegel. Please contact F3 board member Marilyn Weissman about receiving a copy.
Upcoming City Council Meetings*: Agenda Items of Interest
- Update on the 10-Year Housing Plan. June 8th.
- Resolution adopting the Climate Neutrality Plan Adoption. June 15. City Council. 3:00 p.m. Written comments can be sent to all Council members and the Mayor at: council@flagstaffaz.gov. Make a verbal comment during the public comment period by emailing your name, phone number and the agenda item number to: publiccomment@flagstaffaz.gov
- Modify the Zoning Code to include a new zone called Neighborhood Community Commercial (NCC). June 15.
- Modify the existing Accessory Dwelling Unit and Accessory Structure Encroachment Requirements. June 15.
- Public Hearing: Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Budget and Property Tax Levy. June 15.
- Beulah/University Roundabout 60% design review. June 29.
*Subject to change. Be sure to check the City Council’s Agenda page to confirm. All City Council meetings start at 3:00 pm and are currently meeting virtually only. Meetings can be streamed here. All Council meetings are recorded and can be viewed on the Agendas page the day after the meeting.
General Contact Information:
• To attend City Council meetings virtually: https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1461/Streaming-City-Council-Meetings
• To attend Coconino County Board of Supervisor’s meetings virtually: https://www.coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-7144.
• To access City Commissions including Open Space, Sustainability, Planning and Zoning, and others:https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/994/Boards-Commissions
F3 2021 Member Campaign
The strength of F3 is its members and we depend upon your participation. By joining you can help strengthen our voice in the community. Are you a member of F3 yet? Have you renewed your membership? JOIN F3 for as little as $25. It’s easy! Just click below. |
