FLAGSTAFF — Each year, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors directs the establishment of legislative agendas and priorities to advocate with our state and federal legislators and administration partners.
State and federal action can affect the County’s ability to develop and deliver services and resources needed in communities across Coconino County, in addition to removing obstacles to delivering those services.
“These legislative agendas and priorities represent a robust County advocacy program at both the state and federal levels with particular focus on securing post-wildfire flood mitigation funding, enhancing the pace and scale of the forest restoration industry, and ensuring adequate resources to assist communities with disaster recovery,” said Board of Supervisors Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman.
Coconino County has engaged state and federal legislative advocates, resulting in determination of legislative agendas and priorities to pursue government financial resources and policy changes in upcoming meetings between the Board of Supervisors, state legislators, federal legislators, and respective administrations. The agendas also include ongoing issues that the County will monitor for potential action should opportunities arise.
Gregory Nelson, PhD, Coconino County Government Relations Manager, along with the County’s state and federal legislative advocates, presented staff recommendations for legislative agendas at the Board of Supervisors meeting on November 15, 2022.
The following County initiatives will be addressed in upcoming meetings with state elected officials: flood control and mitigation; forest restoration; rural water security; short-term rentals; economic development; transportation infrastructure; military installation sustainability; environmental protection and health; education; health and human services; elections; justice and public safety; and emergency management.
During the Board meeting, several supervisors addressed the need to put forth those agenda items most likely to succeed as leaderships changes occur at the State and Federal levels.
Coconino County’s Legislative Policy Committee Representative and District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan explained, “The intent of directing the establishment of these legislative agendas and priorities is to maximize the flexibility of the County in its advocacy efforts with state and federal officials to best deliver results on behalf of the citizens we serve.”
Next February, the Board of Supervisors will travel to Washington, D.C. for meetings with federal legislators representing Arizona. Initiatives to be discussed will include the following: flood control and mitigation; forest restoration; emergency management; public lands; economic development and water; health and human services; elections, justice, and public safety.
For more information, please contact Gregory Nelson at gnelson@coconino.az.gov.