First Friday ArtWalk, Downtown Flagstaff
Join us in Downtown Flagstaff on the First Friday of each month for art and music! 5 p.m.
Learn More
Discover Flagstaff — Find spring events this week, including First Friday Artwork, with Flagstaff 365
Category: Business
April at the Museum of Northern Arizona
There needs to be a word to refer to the vibrant cultural community we are part of, in the same way we can refer to an ecosystem. Like organisms in an ecosystem, the many arts organizations in Flagstaff interact and create a stronger, more vibrant place for us all to thrive. That’s why this month’s Museum News includes upcoming events put on by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestraand Theatrikos Theatre Company. We often work together with these and other arts organizations and decided to reach out to our mailing lists together. Strengthening existing partnerships and broadening our engagement with the community is all part of MNA’s Strategic Plan.
Sedona Arts Center — Even More Art Classes and Workshops to Explore!
Art Classes & Workshops at Sedona Arts Center
Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years. Click here to see all of our classes and workshops
Board of Supervisors Designates April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in Coconino County
At the April 4, 2023, meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the voting members present unanimously approved a proclamation designating the month of April 2023 as Fair Housing Month in Coconino County.
The Fair Housing Law of 1986 and subsequent amendment in 1988, makes it illegal in the United States to discriminate against people because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, family status, or disability when selling, renting, advertising, or maintaining housing. In adopting the Fair Housing Month proclamation, the Board acknowledges Federal policy and affirms that fair housing is a fundamental human concept and entitlement for all Americans.
“Affordable housing and fair housing are extremely important as we see the cost of housing in our communities increasing,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Vice-Chair of the Board. “This is making it difficult for families to find a place to live and still have a comfortable life. We need to continue to be advocates so our community does not fragment because people can’t find affordable places to live.”
13th Annual Small Business & Community Health Fair to be held April 7
Join us at the Flagstaff Aquaplex on Friday, April 7th from 7 a.m. to noon. Open to the public, the health fair features free health screenings, fitness advice, health insurance and wellness information, healthy snacks from local businesses and much more.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Support F3 on AZ Gives Day!
Sedona Arts Center — Arizona Gives Day is April 4!
“There are so many reasons to support the arts and Sedona Arts Center on AZ Gives Day and every day! First and foremost, the arts enrich our lives and help define our cultures. They help us build bridges and open dialog and create understanding. They contribute to better health and wellness, heal trauma and allow us to age more gracefully. They alleviate stress and that alone has saved lives. The arts are an incredible economic driver and contribute billions to our economy nationwide.
Willard Springs Green Waste Site Reopens Saturday, April 1 for Free Green Waste-Only Disposal
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Public Works will reopen the Willard Springs Green Waste Site on Saturday, April 1, 2023 for free green waste-only disposal all season long to support residents’ efforts to clean up their properties for wildfire season.
Residents will be allowed to dump acceptable green waste such as pine needles, branches, leaves, and brush free of charge with no load limits on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through the end of the season on Saturday, October 28, 2023.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 27-31, 2023
Fundamentals Program returns to Albright Training Center
A redesigned NPS Fundamentals Program has relaunched! The staff of Horace M. Albright Training Center (HOAL), a National Park Service employee development facility located within the park, are excited for the return of NPS’s keystone Learning and Development program: NPS Fundamentals. The NPS Fundamentals Program has been redesigned into a three-part training opportunity for new permanent employees in agency. The program serves as the foundation for all careers in the NPS. The program’s mission is to invest in new employees, deepen their understanding of the NPS mission and operations, and build their commitment to the NPS core values.
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Save the Date: BioScience Roadmap Update
As the Bioscience Roadmap enters its third decade, we hope you will join us next month for the annual update on the growth and progress of Arizona’s bioscience sector.
The Flinn Foundation, which originally commissioned this long-term strategic plan more than two decades ago, will be hosting the free Zoom session from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 19. You can register to attend HERE.
The event will feature presentations by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero on the capacity of municipalities to drive growth in this sector.
The NAU Review — Protecting global supply chains, a marathoner’s Olympic dreams and a modern twist on Mozart
We all remember the empty shelves that marked the early days of the pandemic and the high fuel prices that accompanied the war in Ukraine. Access to food, water, energy and other supply chains is critical for the U.S. economy and the well-being of the American people, yet the infrastructure that keeps the supply chain moving is at risk—not only from world events but also from hackers or terrorists. NAU is building on its FEW-Viewtechnology, a groundbreaking project that maps the entire U.S. supply chain, to reduce these risks through data science and technology.
Discover Flagstaff — Find spring events this week with Flagstaff 365
Thursday-Saturday, March 30-April 2
The Northern Arizona Book Festival, Flagstaff
A festival of literary art, culture, and community on the Colorado Plateau.
Learn More
CCC Community Education — April Courses: Stress Management | True Colors | Aikido | Charcuterie | Shakespeare & Kabuki
Stress Management
Monday, April 3 and 17
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join a discussion about the neuroscience of trauma- and stressor- related disorders, and adaptive interventions. Zoom option available.
Stress Management – Learn more and register!
Flagstaff stormwater rate increase effective April 1
The City of Flagstaff has adopted a new stormwater rate, equivalent to a 12 percent annual increase, effective April 1, 2023. The current rate will increase from $3.74 per equivalent rate unit (ERU) to $4.19 per ERU, then increase by 12 percent annually through 2028. Funding from the rate increases will be used to create enhanced flood mitigation and flood risk reduction through improved infrastructure and maintenance services.
Lane closures planned on Beaver St and Butler Ave for fiber installation starting April 1
Beginning April 1, the City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Network Cabling Systems, will be installing fiber-optic line in the Southside area of Flagstaff between Aspen Ave and Butler Ave. There will be lane closures from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Beaver St and Butler Ave, as well as mobile flagging operations along Phoenix Ave and Mikes Pike St. Work is expected to be completed by May 1.
This project will enable better traffic signal management on Butler, higher internet speeds at the Visitor’s Center, and future expansion of low-cost, high-speed internet access for the Flagstaff community.
The NAU Review — Celebrating HSI and inclusion work, Indigenous Youth Media Workshop and Rima Brusi answers our questions
Creating inclusive spaces: policing and education at NAU
Luis A. Fernandez, professor and chair of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, is also the Hispanic-Serving Institution Advisor to the Provost at NAU currently researching the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement on policing and how to create a more balanced approach to community safety while working to support Latinx students and increase their access to education. Fernandez aims to create inclusive spaces that promote safety, inclusivity and opportunity for all students.
Construction of the Beulah/University Realignment project in Flagstaff to begin the week of April 3
The City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction,are set to begin Phase 1 of the Beulah/University Realignment Project the week of April 3, 2023.
Phase 1 of the project includes extending present-day Beulah Boulevard northward to present-day University Avenue, with a roundabout constructed at the new intersection. Present-day University Avenue will then be realigned, east of the new roundabout, to match up with University Drive. In addition to this work, Phase 1 includes stormwater infrastructure improvements and sewer and water pipe-upsizing along University Drive, between Knoles Drive and Milton Road, and within the Milton/University intersection.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 20-24, 2023
Rockfall frequency increases; flash flood warnings remains in effect throughout Northern Arizona
Recent storm impacts have created near impassable road conditions throughout much of Coconino County, especially in flooded roadways adjacent to creeks. Although these areas are limited within park boundaries, please be aware of the increased likelihood of rockfall and flash flood activity within the inner canyon as temperatures rise and active snowmelt occurs.
This week there were three reported sizeable rockfalls along the Bright Angel Trail reported by staff at the Backcountry Information Center. The trail remains passable to hikers. It is likely these events will occur on a routine basis in the coming weeks/months.
If you observe an active rockfall along a trail, please notify Grand Canyon dispatch as soon as possible at 928-638-7805. If you have a camera or phone, photos of the rockfall can be helpful to staff on Trails and the Backcountry Information Center.
For a more comprehensive list of backcountry trail updates, visit our park website here.
Discover Flagstaff — Find spring events this week with Flagstaff 365
Easter Bunny, Flagstaff Mall — March 24-25
The Easter Bunny has returned to Flagstaff Mall. Fri. 3 p.m. & Sat. 12 p.m.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Volunteers Evaluating Grant Requests
Right now, two UWNA volunteer groups are evaluating more than 50 requests for grants from either the Community Impact Fund or the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Earlier this year, the City of Flagstaff chose UWNA to administer $700,000 in ARPA funds on behalf of the City.
District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — February/March 2023 District 1 Newsletter
In This Issue
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Short Term Rentals
Hearing on Coconino County Fair Fees
BOS Adopts New Fort Tuthill Management Plan
Upper Rio de Flag Watershed Forest Restoration
County Receives $10.9 Million State Funding for
Flood Mitigation
County Comprehensive Plan and Flagstaff
Regional Plan Explained
Community Meeting on Proposed Forest
Restriction Plans and Emergency Preparedness
NACo Legislative Conference
Fort Valley Gets Its Sign!
Fort Valley Community Meeting on Rain and
Snow Melt
Valle It Is!
County Parks and Recreation Receives Arizona
Forward Environmental Excellence Award
Congratulations to Jim Driscoll, Western States
Sheriff of the Year!
Community Events
Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Public Meetings (March 22) for Proposed Fair Fees
Coconino County Parks and Recreation is inviting you to attend presentations to learn more about the proposed Coconino County Fair fee updates.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22 beginning at 6:00 PM through Microsoft Teams. We expect these presentations to last approximately 1 hour including the Q&A. You can learn more, RSVP to those meetings, and provide comments at coconinocountyfair.com/feeupdate. The public may also post comments and questions to the Fair’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CoconinoCountyFair.
March 2023 Hispanics Hunting and the Outdoors (HECHO) Newsletter
March is Women’s History Month, and HECHO honors the leadership and contributions of women in conservation. Elevating their voices is essential to our mission. From Indigenous women in Oak Flat fighting for environmental justice and Latinas working in the wilderness to safeguard wildlife for future generations to many other female conservationists are an example of courage, resiliency, and strength.
Here are their stories and other important news about our efforts across the Southwest.
Sincerely,
Camilla
NAU Review — World Water Day, learn about NAU students’ Super Bowl activities and a look at NAU en Español
What sustainable freshwater management looks like in Arizona
World Water Day is an annual United Nations observance day held on March 22. The day highlights the importance of freshwater and the need for sustainable management of freshwater resources—a pressing issue for all. Abe Springer, professor of ecohydrogeology in the School of Earth and Sustainability, shared his expertise with The NAU Review, giving insights on the critical importance of sustainable freshwater management and why it is essential to ensure a healthy future for our planet.
Read the blog
Check out the Galleries at Sedona Arts Center!
NOW FEATURING:
Ed Buonvecchio, Mary Heyborne, Casey Cheuvront, and Sue Horine
Our Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 13-17, 2023
Grand Canyon Trails Update and Flash Flood Safety
Possible flash flood and rockfall activity this week and throughout the next month
Increased precipitation and seasonal snow-melt may lead to enhanced flood risk along creek drainages in the inner canyon. Backpackers and hikers should be especially aware of elevated flows in rivers, creeks, washes, and low water crossings. Low water crossings may become impassable due to flooding or flood damage.
Public Meetings (March 18, 22) Set for Proposed Increases to County Fair Fees
Parks & Recreation is hosting public meetings about the proposed Coconino County Fair fee updates. Two meetings have been scheduled for the public to hear the presentation, ask questions, and inform the Department of any concerns they may have.
Discover Flagstaff — Shamrock Shuffle Pub Crawl, Uptown Pubhouse
Ramada Rentals Now Available at Coconino County Parks
The Coconino County Parks & Recreation Department is now offering ramada rentals for the 2023 season. Ramadas are available seven days a week for full or half days. Rental rates range from $46 to $114.
Ramadas are perfect for gatherings of many sizes, with the smallest ramada serving up to 20 people and the largest up to 125. They may be used for birthday parties, reunions, get-togethers, and other gatherings.
Grand Canyon National Park prepares for $208 million multi-year repair to Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water for local community and millions of park visitors
The National Park Service (NPS) is preparing for a multi-year $208 million rehabilitation of the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) and related upgrades to the associated water delivery system within the inner canyon and South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. This critical investment will ensure the park is able to meet water supply needs for the next 50 plus years, supporting 6 million annual visitors and approximately 2,500 year-round residents.
Initial activity in late spring and summer 2023 will focus on establishing construction infrastructure and staging areas in the Grand Canyon Village Area on the park’s South Rim. The NPS does not anticipate restrictions or closures in 2023 that would impact visitors. The TCWL replacement is projected for completion in 2027.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 6-10, 2023
Grand Canyon Trails Update
Trails into Grand Canyon remain snow-packed and icy. As many of us know, rain, snow, and ice can increase the risk of rockfall on backcountry trails. Foot traction and trekking poles are strongly recommended for those planning to hike into the canyon in the coming weeks.
In the wake of the highest snow accumulations in decades, it is imperative hikers demonstrate the highest level of preparedness for evolving and extreme winter weather conditions. On most trails, expect snow packed and icy trails for roughly the first three miles, with some sections retaining drifts of snow. Every hiker needs to evaluate not only their individual level of skill and preparedness, but that of their group as a whole, for extreme winter conditions.
On the North Kaibab Trail, staff reported conditions below the Coconino Overlook are virtually impassable. Hikers should expect deep snow above Redwall Bridge and mountaineering conditions above Supai Tunnel. Hiking is not recommended in the upper North Kaibab Trail at this time. Conditions may improve as temperatures warm this week, but given the volume of snow, expect travel on the North Kaibab to remain very challenging for some time.
For a more comprehensive list of backcountry trail updates, visit our park website here.
The Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) Q&A: Coconino County Manager Steve Peru
Steve Peru became Coconino County Manager for a second time in 2021. He was originally hired by the County after graduating from Northern Arizona University in 1979 and had a storied 32-year career that culminated in becoming County Manager in 2006. He retired in 2011 and went on to positions at W.L. Gore & Associates, United Way of Northern Arizona and Coconino Community College before returning to County Government in 2021. Below is an excerpt from our recent interview with him. You can see the full conversation here.
Sedona Arts Center — NOW SHOWING! 42nd Annual Juried Members Exhibition
42ndAnnual
Juried Members Exhibition and Sale
March 6–31, 2023
Sedona Arts Center’s 42nd Annual Juried Members’ Show, our community’s largest and longest-running group exhibition of visual art in Uptown Sedona is now showing! Free to the public and all the works are for sale, with no sales tax included.
Visitors will find everything from painting and watercolor to metal, wood, jewelry, and fiber art. A focus is also placed on drawing, mixed-media, photography and digital art. The Members’ Show is steeped in tradition and remains open to all current Arts Center members, whether seasoned professionals or new and emerging artists.
The show is open 10am – 5pm Monday through Saturday, and 12 – 5pm on Sunday in our Special Exhibitions Gallery.
Opening Reception / Meet the Artists
Friday, March 10 from 4 to 6pm
March at the Museum of Northern Arizona
March certainly arrived like a lion. Beautiful as all this snow is, I’m looking forward to some more lamb-like weather and eventually some spring flowers. While we may not see those flowers until April or May, we have lots to look forward to at the Museum this month, including fun activities for kids during spring break next week. It’s another example of our efforts to broaden our engagement with visitors and the community, as identified in our Strategic Plan.
This is also the final month for the exhibition Baje Whitethorne Sr: Náátsʼíilid/Rainbow Light, which has been nominated for a Viola Award in Visual Art. If you haven’t seen it yet, come in to enjoy a burst of vibrant color by one of Flagstaff’s preeminent artists. Then come back on March 25 for a closing event to celebrate Baje and this marvelous exhibition, which was curated by another Viola honoree – Alan Petersen.
Innovation grants awarded to four concrete production projects
A coalition of cities and counties in the Western United States has awarded $389k in funding to four projects that fight climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through the production of concrete. The 4 Corners Carbon Coalition — a partnership of Boulder County, CO, Flagstaff, AZ, Salt Lake City, UT, and Santa Fe, NM — pools resources to provide grants to accelerate carbon dioxide removal (CDR) project deployment and business development in the Four Corners region.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Our board leadership
To fulfill its mission of improving lives by mobilizing communities to make lasting positive change, United Way of Northern Arizona has always depended on its volunteer Board of Directors to direct its efforts.
The Board is comprised of 25 individuals representing the diversity of the region it serves. The Board sets and monitors policies, reviews the budget, and ensures United Way’s accountability to all donors.
Recently, the UWNA Board elected its officers for the 2023 year.
2023 Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — March Film Series on Wednesdays: BE INSPIRED!
Join Flagstaff College and Friends of Flagstaff’s Future on Wednesday evenings in March. We’re showing four inspiring documentaries on ways to create the world we want to live in.
Flagstaff Airport construction notice
The Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Terminal Lot entry and exit lanes will close for construction beginning this week. A temporary entrance and exit will be available for customers, and additional parking is available in the Overflow Parking Lot across Pulliam Drive.
Work will continue through June 2023 and is part of the airport’s implementation of a paid parking system. Airport patrons are asked to follow the traffic control signage in the construction area and park only in designated parking spaces.
Extreme Snow Loads Creating Danger of Roof Failure
Significant snowfall and resulting snow loads have caused several roofs to collapse within the Flagstaff area. The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County are encouraging residents to check structures for signs of damage or stress. These signs can include:
Sagging ceiling tiles or boards, ceiling boards falling out of the ceiling grid, and/or sagging sprinkler lines and sprinkler heads
Sprinkler heads deflecting below suspended ceilings
Popping, cracking, and creaking noises
Sagging roof members, including metal decking or plywood sheathing
Bowing truss bottom chords or web members
Doors and/or windows that can no longer be opened or closed
Cracked or split wood members
Cracks in walls or masonry
Severe roof leaks
Excessive accumulation of water at nondrainage locations on low slope roofs
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb .27-March 3, 2023
Grand Canyon National Park experienced its eighth busiest year ever in 2022 with 4,732,101 visits. Last year’s visitation was more than 200,000 above the previous year at a 4.5% increase. Grand Canyon also went from the fourth most visited national park to the second most visited. (#1-Great Smoky Mountains National Park).
Visitation to Grand Canyon reached its highest level ever with approximately 6.4 million visits in 2018. Although 2022’s reduced visitation lessens the stress on the park’s resources, park operations still rely on the revenue from all income sources. Fewer visitors translates to reduced revenue for park programs. Federal Lands Recreational Enhancement Funds (aka FLREA), transportation fees, and concession franchise fees are still reduced compared to pre-pandemic years. Funds from these sources support many programs across the park and park managers continue to work on programming costs with these smaller revenue projections in mind for this fiscal year.
March 2 Meet & Greet with CCC’s new president has been rescheduled
Due to considerable snowfall amounts in the Flagstaff region, the Meet and Greet event for Coconino Community College President Dr. Eric Heiser originally scheduled for tonight, Thursday, March 2, will be rescheduled for a later date in April.
Dr. Eric Heiser has scheduled Meet and Greet events throughout Coconino County in communities that CCC serves in order to listen to what matters most to the residents of those communities when it comes to what they need from their community college.
Future events scheduled for March 8 in Flagstaff, April 4 in Williams and April 13 in Page.
The NAU Review — DART=success!, Hip Hop National Champions, expanding nursing and celebrating Women’s History Month
Remember DART, NASA’s attempt to redirect an asteroid? Results are in. It worked.
After ramming a spacecraft into a small asteroid last fall, researchers knew almost immediately that the mission had worked—that the impact changed the asteroid’s orbit. A new study authored by Cristina Thomas found that the orbit changed by a whopping 33 minutes, suggesting that the momentum of the ejected material was a significant contributor to the change. The study is published in Nature alongside three other articles detailing findings from this groundbreaking NASA mission.
City of Flagstaff facilities to open noon Thursday, March 2 due to inclement weather
Update: all City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will now open at 12 p.m. (noon) Thursday, March 2. Opening of these facilities had originally been scheduled for 10 a.m. today but is being extended to 12 p.m. (noon) due to significant inclement weather and poor road conditions. Facilities will close at their normally scheduled times. This includes City recreation centers, libraries, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center.
Discover Flagstaff — Find great Flagstaff events this week with Flagstaff 365
Saturday, March 4
Orchestra Northern Arizona’s Spring Sing, Coconino High School
An evening featuring local soloists and Flagstaff composer Bruce Reiprich. 7 p.m.
Learn More
City of Flagstaff — Temporary suspension of residential trash and recycling collection service
Due to poor road conditions and limited accessibility related to recent snowfall, the City of Flagstaff’s Solid Waste section has temporarily suspended residential trash and recycling collection services for Thursday, March 2. At this time, commercial trash and recycling containers continue to be serviced, where accessible.
The Solid Waste section will attempt to collect trash and recycling from both Thursday and Friday residential customers on Friday; however, some services may be postponed until Saturday. Service may be delayed for the next two to three days.
Residents are asked to wait to place their carts out for service until 6 a.m. the morning of service to allow for more efficient snow clearing operations. Please place residential carts in front of snow piles, on the curb, or at the end of cleared driveways to facilitate access. Carts placed on or behind snow piles will not be serviced due to accessibility issues.
Flood Control District Board Approves Two Essential Funding Sources for County Flood Mitigation
At this week’s special session of the Flood Control District Board of Directors they approved acceptance of two new Federal grants that will enable the District to immediately proceed with the first phase of long-term flood mitigation projects.
The Schultz-Pipeline Flood Area is defined as the neighborhoods downstream of nine major watersheds damaged by the Schultz Wildfire in 2010 and the Pipeline Wildfire this past year. The District, along with several engineering partners, have determined that without extensive on-forest and neighborhood mitigation measures, the risk of life-threatening floods affecting our communities will only increase.
“The priority of local government is the health and safety of our citizens, and our citizens’ lives and homes were severely impacted this past monsoon season by the nine watersheds compromised by two major wildfires,” said Chair of the Board Patrice Horstman. “We want to thank Senators Kelly and Sinema and former Congressman Tom O’Halleran for their strong support with securing this unprecedented funding. Without it, the District and County would have likely had to cut other services to provide flood mitigation.”
Coconino County Parks & Recreation March 2023 Update
Book Corner
Blustery weather makes for the perfect time to curl up with a good book! 50 Things to do in the Urban Wild by Clare Gogerty is a book to get the creative juices flowing by giving you ideas for how to connect to your local area. Although written in the United Kingdom, the book is applicable to people living anywhere, including the diverse landscapes of Coconino County. Topics include how to create a leaf journal, how to identify trees in winter, cloud spotting, city hiking, and restoring natural habitats. Get inspired to enjoy your local trail system, nature, and wildlife. Maybe you can even learn skills that you can enter in the Coconino County Fair, with topics including growing plants and incorporating nature in art!
City of Flagstaff facilities closed Wednesday, March 1 due to inclement weather
All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be closed Wednesday, March 1 due to predicted severe inclement weather.
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Celebrating Education in Northern Arizona
Workforce development is a topic we often turn to when we talk about the critical needs of northern Arizona businesses, but often that discussion focuses on post-secondary education, internships, and job training.
The fact is that creating tomorrow’s workforce goes back much further, starting in elementary, middle, and high school. Which is why we are so happy that there are several upcoming events that celebrate our local educators.
It starts this Thursday with the annual STEMMY Awards being given out by Flagstaff STEM City to honor students, teachers and organizations who are STEM leaders in the greater Flagstaff community. Last year, Audrey Baird of Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy took top honors for STEM educator.
Thursday’s ceremony will be from 6 to 7 pm at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Proposed Hospital Relocation and Opportunities for Community Action
In This Issue:
The Proposed Hospital Relocation
Action Alert: Urge the City to Stop Banking with Wells Fargo
“Big Shift” Funding and Personnel Priorities
Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045
Action Alert: Beulah & University Realignment Project Open House
In Memoriam: Freda Van Houten
F3 hit the ground running in January and there’s a lot to report to our members. This newsletter contains important information, updates, and opportunities for community action.
Bilingual update — Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives you the chance to pay less for your internet
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives you the chance to pay less for your internet:
Up to $30 per month for broadband services purchased by eligible households and up to $75 per month for households located on Tribal lands.
One-time discount of up to $100 on purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if you contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Applications are now available. Only one monthly internet service discount is allowed per household.
United Way of Northern Arizona — UWNA to Coordinate Emergency Volunteers for City of Flagstaff
United Way of Northern Arizona has signed a memorandum of understanding with the City of Flagstaff to provide coordination of volunteers during “emergencies, disasters or special events” as determined by City officials.
The agreement is similar to one that UWNA has had with Coconino County since 2010 in the aftermath of the Schultz Fire.
UWNA will use Volunteer Hub as the management website for volunteers for both the City and County. The website includes the Volunteer Service Agreement that volunteers for the City need to complete before engaging in any volunteer work.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 20-24, 2023
Highway 67…plowed?!
Last week, North and South Rim Road Crew staff successfully plowed 30 miles of Highway 67, from Jacob Lake to the North Rim boundary, for administrative use. A team of three including John Venn, Brandon Alberta, and John Root completed the operation over the course of one week.
The primary objective of road clearing was to provide for a diesel fuel supply for the back-up generators on the North Rim. After a series of powerful snow storms this winter that knocked out power service, this backup fuel source is critical to support the staff and continuity of operations. Additional objectives included the ability to provide emergency ingress/egress to and from the North Rim, as well as improving safety for residents by allowing administrative traffic in motor vehicles instead of snowmobiles.
Thank you to the North Rim staff who continue to weather repeated storms and impressive snow removal operations!
Discover Flagstaff — Find great Flagstaff events this week with Flagstaff 365.
Saturday, February 25
Annual Eagle Celebration, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center
A family-focused interactive program. 11 a.m.
Learn More
Flagstaff facilities open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Feb. 23 due to inclement weather
All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 due to inclement weather and continued snowfall. This includes City recreation centers, libraries, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center.
Severe Storm Systems to Bring Snow, High Winds, and Hazardous Travel Conditions to Coconino County
The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting three to four Winter storm systems to affect much of Coconino County from Tuesday night through Sunday. These systems are predicted be more impactful than recent storms in Northern Arizona.
Flagstaff facilities closed Wednesday Feb. 22 due to inclement weather
All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 22 due to predicted severe inclement weather.
The City’s Public Works division has deployed all available equipment and operators during this winter snow event, with operations running 24 hours a day.
New Final Flood Maps Issued for Oak Creek Canyon in Coconino County
On September 21, 2022, Coconino County announced that updated digital flood hazard maps for the portion of Oak Creek Canyon in Coconino County would become effective March 21, 2023.
The flood maps are known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). They show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in Coconino County’s portion of Oak Creek Canyon are at risk for flooding. These flood maps are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements. They replace maps that were based on studies more than 30 years old. Note that the flood maps for the portion of Oak Creek Canyon in Yavapai County are still being finalized.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Nationally Recognized Leader Liz Archuleta Chosen as New President & CEO
Liz Archuleta, highly accomplished and nationally recognized leader, and former Coconino County Supervisor who has been serving as a presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture senior leadership team, has been chosen to be the new President & CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA).
“We are thrilled to have such a highly respected and accomplished leader as Liz join us,” said UWNA Board President Mike Kelly. “Her ties to UWNA and commitment to our program of work go back to 1997. During that time, she’s championed many efforts at UWNA. She’s been a Board chair, led an annual campaign and a capital campaign, been the chair of the Summit Society, and spearheaded a special 50th anniversary drive to support the KinderCamp program.”
Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 13-17, 2023
Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 17, 18, and 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by and meet Zuni fine art painter, Anthony Gchachu. He will discuss how he conceptualizes and executes his paintings.
Watch him work and learn how Zuni culture and art have influenced his unique painting style that uses layered acrylic paints to create texture, depth and movement to generate emotions.
This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy.