Category: Business

City of Flagstaff announces Martin Luther King Jr. Day closures

Flagstaff city administrative functions will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. City Hall administrative functions will reopen on Jan. 19 with regular hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library and East Flagstaff Public Library will also be closed on Jan. 18. Both locations will resume curbside hold pickup and phone reference services on Jan. 19. 

Solar co-op launches for northern Arizona residents to go solar together

The city of Flagstaff, city of Sedona, and Coconino County, the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of the Northern ArizonaSolar Co-op to help area residents go solar.

“The co-op will enable northern Arizona homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Bret Fanshaw, Arizona program director for SUN. “Together, we’re building a movement to create a more sustainable electricity system that directly benefits households and small businesses in the community.”

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — Coconino County Swears in Elected Officials in Virtual Ceremony

On the evening of Monday, Jan. 4, Coconino County swore in elected officials during a virtual ceremony. Elected officials taking a term in office after winning election in November of 2020 include the Board of Supervisors, the County Constitutional Officers and Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols.

“It’s an honor for all of us to serve the residents of Coconino County. Together, we are ready to face 2021 with optimism and action from the most diverse set of leaders the County has ever had,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to face our community and I know that together we will demonstrate the resilience and leadership our County is known for. The immense commitment of our elected officials to community and public service is something our County residents can be very proud of.”

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Moves to Vaccinating Priority Populations Within Phase 1b

Seven days after opening its own COVID-19 vaccination site located at Fort Tuthill County Park to individuals in Phase 1a, Coconino County is opening vaccination appointments at select sites to priority populations within Phase 1b.

Priority populations within Phase 1b include education and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services, and individuals aged 75 and older.

Vaccination opportunities will open at a later time for other populations in Phase 1b, including essential workers and adults with high-risk conditions in congregate settings.

Sedona Arts Center’s Online Learning Online learning opportunities are perfect for

Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.

Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Visit us Here to learn more about all of our online learning opportunities!

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Neighborhood Meeting and other news

Dear Neighbor,

The purpose of this message is to inform you that the City of Flagstaff’s Open Space Program proposes to file for a Zoning Map Amendment for the McMillan Mesa Natural Area, application number: PZ-20-00063. The application intends to change the existing Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space Zoning for passive recreation and preservation.

On November 8th, 2016, Flagstaff voters voted in favor of Proposition 413 – Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park. This proposition restricted the use of approximately 300 acres of City-owned property on McMillan Mesa to public open space and passive recreation. The City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment (Resolution Number 2018-50) on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018. The next step is to amend the McMillan Mesa Natural Area’s existing zoning from Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space.

A second and final meeting to provide interested community members the opportunity to ask questions about the proposal and provide comments will take place on January 13th.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

ECoNA — Thornager’s Opens Up Kitchen to Food Entrepreneurs

A commercial kitchen that until recently was the catering arm of Thornager’s on Kiltie Lane is finding a new life as an affordable testing ground for food entrepreneurs who do not have access to a fully-stocked professional cookery.

After 30-plus years in catering, including three decades as the owner of Thornager’s, Karen Sorensen was ready to hang up her apron. She even toyed with the idea of selling the Equestrian Estates event venue, but ultimately decided to shut down the catering portion of the her business while continuing to rent out the clubhouse.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Swears in Elected Officials in Virtual Ceremony

On the evening of Monday, Jan. 4, Coconino County swore in elected officials during a virtual ceremony.

Elected officials taking a term in office after winning election in November of 2020 include the Board of Supervisors, the County Constitutional Officers and Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols.

“It’s an honor for all of us to serve the residents of Coconino County. Together, we are ready to face 2021 with optimism and action from the most diverse set of leaders the County has ever had,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to face our community and I know that together we will demonstrate the resilience and leadership our County is known for. The immense commitment of our elected officials to community and public service is something our County residents can be very proud of.”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Community Stakeholder Committee on Reclaimed Water

As we look back at the many events of 2020, I am reminded of the importance of participatory action. At both the national and local levels, we made our voices heard about issues of importance this past year, from the presidential campaign, to the BLM movement, to the need for Flagstaff to declare a climate emergency.
These Communications from F3 are designed to make it easier for you to participate in our community. They provide an easily accessible way for you to track what’s going on in Flagstaff and to participate in the discussions and local decisions that affect you. Join us and help make 2021 a year of joyful participation in our Flagstaff community. Happy New Year!

Coconino County Swears in Elected Officials in Virtual Ceremony

On the evening of Monday, Jan. 4, Coconino County swore in elected officials during a virtual ceremony.

Elected officials taking a term in office after winning election in November of 2020 include the Board of Supervisors, the County Constitutional Officers and Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols.

“It’s an honor for all of us to serve the residents of Coconino County. Together, we are ready to face 2021 with optimism and action from the most diverse set of leaders the County has ever had,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to face our community and I know that together we will demonstrate the resilience and leadership our County is known for. The immense commitment of our elected officials to community and public service is something our County residents can be very proud of.”

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Elected Officials Swearing-In Ceremony to be held Jan. 4

Coconino County will hold a virtual swearing-in ceremony for elected officials Today, January 4th at 5:30pm. Congratulations to elected officials taking a term in office: Supervisors Horstman, Archuleta, Ryan, Begay and Fowler; Sheriff Driscoll, County Attorney Ring, Recorder Hansen, Treasurer Benatar, Assessor Ruiz, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lewis.

Join on Zoom//bit.ly/3rbzzJs
Webinar ID: 994 7622 4476
Or Join Via Telephone: 888 788 0099 (Toll-Free)

Jan. 18 — Coconino Board of Supervisors to hold a livestream virtual Special Session regarding the COVID Emergency

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Session regarding the COVID Emergency at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan, 18, 2021.

The Board of Supervisors’ meeting will be held via webinar technology using Zoom. The live meeting can be viewed via our YouTube stream link at:

Feb. 17 — City of Flagstaff to hold Climate Emergency open houses

The city of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Program will host an online Climate Emergency open house series. The series will discuss the pathway to carbon neutrality, updates to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and actions the program will take moving forward.

The open house series will take place in two parts. The first part will be on the Open House website, which will host videos from community experts and activists, resources about the Climate Emergency and the framework of the upcoming Carbon Neutrality Plan. This website will launch on Feb. 4, 2021. Community members can use this resource to view and learn at their own pace. Site visitors will be asked to create a free account using their name and email. The site will also include a survey via the Flagstaff Community Forum to collect feedback from residents.

April 8 — Coconino Community College, Northern Arizona Building Association (NABA), hosting a virtual Construction Job Fair

The Virtual Construction Job Fair is a special opportunity for all Coconino County students and residents to connect, network and ultimately find a job in construction.Attendees can be introduced to local construction companies, browse open positions, submit their resumes for consideration and can even have potential “on-the-spot” employment interviews as well.

April 27 — CCC to present Business Financial Series

Business ownership and financial planning go hand in hand, and there’s always more to learn.

Join CCC for a virtual workshop series that will ease your stress and set your business up for success.

$55 for all four (4) classes, or $16 per individual class.

Through May 25 — Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development 9-week training

The 2021 Spring Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development 9-week Zoom-based training through May 5.

Call now (928-679-7463) or send an email to sneuman@coconino.az.gov for information and/or to enroll for our Spring 2021 BBE, Zoom-based training, 6-9pm, Tuesdays, March 30th through May 25th. The class fee is only $125 and includes LivePlan writing template portal access. We also offer a need-based 50% BBE training scholarship. Also, sessions are recorded in case participants miss a class or need additional review. Please share this information with others and let me know if you have any questions. We are here for your success.

Through Aug. 10 — Next. Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development 9-week training

Call now for information and/or to enroll for our Spring 2021 BBE, Zoom-based training, 6-9 pm, Tuesdays, June 15th through August 10th. The class fee is only $125 and includes LivePlan writing template portal access.

August — All are invited to join the Coconino County Diversity Council Meetings

All are invited to join the Coconino County Diversity Council Meetings in August, which aim to connect our diverse communities with their local governments.

The Councils include the African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and the Indigenous Peoples Council. A joint meeting of the three councils is held every quarter.

Click on the image above and then click on the link to the Virtual Meeting you want to attend.

Sept. 25 — 2021 Sustainable Building Tour – Carbon Neutrality Strategies

This coming Saturday, September 25, the Coconino County Sustainable Building Program is hosting the 17th annual Sustainable Building Tour.

This coming Saturday, September 25, the Coconino County Sustainable Building Program is hosting the 17th annual Sustainable Building Tour, in partnership with the Flagstaff Festival of Science, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, and the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Program.

Sept. 29 — Open house event highlights free program for property owners businesses & exciting NAIPTA project

On September 29, 2021 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County and the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) will hold a free open house at 216 West Phoenix Avenue.

The event, held in a former City warehouse, will highlight two items. First, the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority’s (NAIPTA) plans for the property will be showcased, including a new Downtown Connection Center building and channelization of the Rio de Flag. 

Oct. 20 — NAU’s Climate Science and Solutions program hosting virtual Flagstaff Climate Resilience Forum

Graduate students from NAU’s Climate Science and Solutions program are hosting a virtual Flagstaff Climate Resilience Forum on Wednesday, October 20th, from 4:00-6:00 PM to discuss local climate resilience.

Recent flooding events and wildfires have brought increased attention to the climate threats that currently and will continue to impact our community. The students will explore and consolidate Flagstaff’s various climate plans and documents to create a centralized resource for both the City and community to access important information, data, projections, and plans focused on how we will prepare for the impacts of climate change. 

Nov. 9 — CCC Page Center Open House

Let’s “Taco” ‘Bout Coconino Community College. FREE and open to the public, the CCC Page Center is hosting an Open House on Tue., Nov 9, 2021.

Everyone is invited to attend and welcome to join CCC at the Page Center for food, fun and community information about your college.

Through Nov. 16 — 2021 Fall 9-Week Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) training

Coconino County’s next Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development Zoom (and Classroom, assuming the pandemic doesn’t worsen) -based training will run 6-9pm, Tuesdays for 9-week through Nov. 16. If you are eligible, our Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grant opportunity is also available.  This email has information, below and attached, on the benefits of each program and how to sign-up.

City of Flagstaff announces Treecycling Program

The city of Flagstaff has a Treecyling program to address the issue of Christmas trees sent to the landfill. Residents with curbside trash service can place their tree curbside by 6 a.m. on Jan. 4. The city’s Solid Waste Section will pick up trees throughout the city through Jan. 8. All tinsel, lights and ornaments need to be removed before the tree is placed on the curb.

Residents living in multifamily housing can also participate by bringing their trees to one of the following locations until Jan. 17:

Old Public Works Yard: 419 N. Mogollon St.
Continental Little League Field: 5700 E. Old Walnut Canyon Rd.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Looking Forward to 2021

Happy New Year’s Eve!

I wanted to first and foremost send you well wishes for the New Year. It’s my hope that 2021 brings you and yours much happiness and good health.

I also wanted to take a moment to provide you with an update on the United Way of Northern Arizona’s annual campaign and our plans for the coming year.

For most of 2020, we focused on mitigating the economic impact of Covid-19. That work will continue because even with the vaccine rollouts, we are still facing the often devastating consequences of the pandemic in our communities.

Deputy County Attorney Brian Furuya Appointed to Arizona Court of Appeals

Gov. Doug Ducey recently named Coconino County Deputy County Attorney Brian Furuya to the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division I.

Furuya joined the Coconino County Attorney’s Office as Deputy County Attorney in January of 2016. During his time with the County, Furuya was responsible for health code enforcement litigation and zoning, among others.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Sedona Arts Center — Happy Holidays From our Family to Yours

Here at Sedona Arts Center we just wanted to say thank you for your commitment to our local nonprofit and all that we do. This holiday season is unlike any other, ending a year unlike any other. As we move into a new and better year, we wish you moments of peace amid the difficulties, connections with family and friends even if they can’t be in person, the warmth of memories from holidays past, and hope for a better future.

Thanks to our amazing members, supporters, and fantastic patrons like you, we have been able to continue sharing art and arts education throughout these challenging times, and we thank you. 

May you have a wonderful holiday season
and a safe and happy new year!

Utility Assistance in Arizona — Preventing Utility Shut-Offs

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, various cities and companies suspended utility shut-offs in an effort to help struggling residents. Now, as shut-offs are beginning to resume, residents are being encouraged to seek financial assistance or work with their utility company to develop a payment plan if they are unable to pay their bills.

Contact your utility company as soon as possible if you anticipate being unable to pay your bill for any reason. Your utility company will walk you through available assistance options such as setting up a payment plan, applying to one of their programs, or applying for aid through a local agency.

Dan Musselman named Police Chief

The city of Flagstaff has named Dan Musselman as the new Police Chief. Musselman participated in an open, competitive and thorough recruitment process that attracted 35 candidates.

“This was a very competitive recruitment process, with qualified candidates from across the country,” said City Manager Greg Clifton. “I want to thank everyone who applied and offer my congratulations to Chief Musselman.”

City of Flagstaff Holiday Closures

Flagstaff city administrative functions will be closed at noon on Dec. 24, all-day Dec. 25, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2021 for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will only be open from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Dec. 24. (East Flagstaff Community Library will be closed on Dec. 24). Both libraries will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. They will resume curbside hold pickup, phone reference services, and computer reservations on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4 after each holiday. 

Repairs to roundabouts near Flagstaff airport set for Dec. 23

The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan for early morning travel delays on Wednesday, Dec. 23, as crews make repairs to two roundabouts on J.W. Powell Boulevard just west of the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.

ADOT reminds drivers to slow down and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place:

Coconino County Offices Closed for Winter Holidays

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 25, and Friday, Jan. 1, for the Christmas and New Year Holidays.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be open on Thursday, Dec. 24 from 8 a.m. until noon, closed on Friday Dec. 25 and open on Friday, Jan. 1 from 8 a.m.  – 4 p.m., with limited staffing. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices. 

Sedona Arts Center — Winter Workshop Sale! 10% Off 2021 Workshops and more news

Art Workshops make a great gift to yourself… or others!

*Get 10% off all scheduled workshops when you pay in full at the time of registration. Use coupon code: 10WINTER2020 valid only for registrations between December 16, 2020 and January 6, 2021. Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax.

Below are a few more select workshops to represent the diversity of our workshop program – see all the offerings on our website HERE.

Coconino County Announces Appointment of Wes Dison as Emergency Management Director

Coconino County has appointed Wes Dison as Emergency Management Director, pending expected confirmation by the Board of Supervisors at their January 5th meeting.

“Wes has served as the Interim Emergency Management Director for more than six months. He joined us at the beginning of one of the largest emergencies this County has experienced and has served as an integral member of the COVID-19 Incident Command Team. Wes brings the skills, experience and commitment to excellence that equip him to help the County and our partners succeed,” said County Manager James Jayne.

NAU News — NAU partners with Mexican university to offer students a cross-cultural entrepreneurial experience and more news

A grant from 100,000 Strong in the Americas will give a dozen Northern Arizona University the opportunity for a unique cross-cultural learning experience with peers at both NAU and a university in Sonora, Mexico.

NAU is partnering with Universidad de Sonora (UNISON) in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico to put on The Big IDEA (La Gran IDEA), which will allow 12 students from each university to collaborate on finding solutions to challenges of food security and financial security in the Arizona/Sonora Megaregion. It is based on Jacks Big IDEA, which is put on by boundaryless@nau.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Seasons Greetings and Merry Christmas, District 2!

I want to thank you all for your continued support during this not-so-normal year. I know that 2020 threw us all a curveball, but I am grateful to each of you for doing your part in keeping our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your community spirit during this time.
As we move forward this holiday season, I want to wish you and your family’s a happy holiday! May each of you stay safe, create new memories, and find peace as we move into the New Year.

This will be the last newsletter of the year, however, you can continue to find information from the County and about COVID-19 on our website at https://coconino.az.gov OR by following us on social media here: www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Winter Recreation Update and Flagstaff Snow Park

Flagstaff Snow Park’s opening day is Friday, December 18. Tickets are generally available 2-5 days in advance. Flagstaff Snow Park tickets will only be available online this season, capacity will be limited to 50% of normal, and face coverings and a temperature check are required before entering. For more information and to buy tickets, visit https://www.flagstaffsnowpark.com

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — 2020 in Review

There’s no doubt that 2020 was a year like no other. Despite massive uncertainty caused by the pandemic, our local businesses adapted as best they could, changing operation models, providing curbside services, shifting online where possible and constantly pivoting to match conditions on the ground.

They were supported by highly responsive local and state governments that strove to balance public safety with economic survival.

Based on inquiries received by ECoNA this year, many were looking beyond the current pandemic to a possible future in northern Arizona. We received more than 50 inquiries from companies looking to start or relocate a business here. Together, these companies have the potential of bringing more than 14,000 jobs to the area.

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.

Coconino Community College — A quick word from the President and other news

The fall semester has come to a close, and the holiday season is upon us.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way Coconino Community College connects with students to help them realize their educational goals, we have, as our students have, risen to the challenge. This is a time of great uncertainty – for our students, for our faculty and staff at CCC, and for everybody across the country – and we are committed, with absolute certainty, to be here for all who need an education.

Sedona Arts Center — Winter Workshop Sale! 10% Off 2021 Workshops

Art Workshops make a great gift to yourself… or others!

*Get 10% off all scheduled workshops when you pay in full at the time of registration. Use coupon code: 10WINTER2020 valid only for registrations between December 16, 2020 and January 6, 2021. Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax.

Below are a few select workshops to represent the diversity of our workshop program see all the offerings on our website HERE.

See language in a new way at CCC

Coconino Community College graduate April Winters is at Northern Arizona University studying to be an English teacher.

While at CCC, she took American Sign Language courses to fulfill her foreign language requirements for her degree.

“The Deaf community is a smaller community,” Winters said. “And there is a need that isn’t always filled, especially in public schools.”

Forest Restoration Project Finishes on Bill Williams Mountain

Operations are ending on the first phase of steep slope treatment on the Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project.

The Bill Williams Steep Slope 1 Project successfully thinned 300 acres of dense standing trees and removed dead and down trees on the mountain located just outside of the City of Williams utilizing ground-based, helicopter and hand thinning operations.

Maintenance Tech training begins Jan. 25 at CCC

On any given day, they could be fixing a broken faucet, or a heater that has gone out. Or, they could be repairing a broken window, or fixing a dishwasher on the fritz.

Maintenance Technicians for apartments, hotels and other commercial properties are continually in demand in northern Arizona, and Coconino Community College is offering a course, beginning Jan. 25, in Certified Maintenance Technician to help get people quickly into the workforce.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday and a Very Happy New Year

Greetings!

I am so thankful to serve Coconino County District 5 for another 4 years. My work for all citizens has been the greatest honor and joy in my life. Thank you to all District 5 citizens for re-electing me to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. I am so excited for new opportunities and possibilities of the next 4 years. In this season of change and transition, I ask you to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Please stay vigilant and safe this holiday season.

Lena