Wishing you all a very Happy Holiday Season.
AmigosNAZ.com will be taking a holiday vacation, off Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 and returning to work Monday, Jan. 6, 2025.
AmigosNAZ taking a break for the holiday season
Category: Finance
Community turns out in force seeking answers regarding potential federal immigration sweeps
Organizers plan a follow-up forum in early 2025.
Editor’s note — The first in a series of articles on local immigration rights and information sharing efforts in Coconino County. We encourage community members to provide information on upcoming events, issues and programs by sending an email to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com
By AmigosNAZ.com
While local law enforcement officials stated they do not work for the incoming presidential administration’s immigration program, community members and local immigration officials called for more local law enforcement information on how to protect themselves from potential federal immigration sweeps.
In what promises to be the first of a number immigration information programs in reaction to the potential new federal immigration policies starting on Jan. 20, 2025, members of the Flagstaff community gathered at Killip Elementary School for the “Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration” forum on Dec. 3, 2024.
The event, presented by the Northern Arizona Interfaith Council (NAIC), drew more than 150 individuals to the school’s gymnasium, who listened to live presentations by Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly, incoming Coconino County Sheriff Bret Axlund, Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, staff from the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix, plus a virtual presentation from the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.
Board of Supervisors Recognizes Retiring Employees at Final Meeting of 2024
COCONINO COUNTY — After conclusion of regular business at the final meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the Board took time to recognize, thank, and congratulate six outstanding public servants …
… who will be retiring at the end of 2024, and who spent much of their professional careers in Coconino County.
Sheriff Jim Driscoll leaves Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) after 50 years, beginning as a Deputy on patrol in 1974, and serving as our Sheriff since 2017. The CCSO will now be led by Chief Deputy Bret Axlund, elected in November.
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration
Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible
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President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.
Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.
Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 16-20, 2024
See you in 2025! Wishing you all a joyful holiday season. This newsletter will return on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
Coconino County Hope Receiving Center Earns AACo Statewide Summit and Merit Award
The Hope Receiving Center, developed by the Coconino County Juvenile Court, with participation from 12 community partners, was awarded a Summit Award in the Court Administration & Management category at the AACo Annual Conference last week. The project drew praise for its foresight in creating a space where at-risk youth as well as their parents and guardians can access services including formal deflection, truancy response, therapy dogs, and educational programming all designed to keep youth in school and stem the tide of juveniles entering the justice system.
Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Stage Buddies: Hunchback of Notre Dame and Theatre Camp
The Stage Buddies program, now in its tenth year, brings the classic Hunchback of Notre Dame to the Theatrikos stage for six performances in February. In this abilities-inclusive program, actors age 15-18 are paired to share a role in the play.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition celebrates busy but productive 2024
COCONINO COUNTY — As 2024 comes to a close, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to recognize a very busy but productive year for the organization.
Virtual System Change Symposium
The Coalition presented its first “System Change Symposium”virtual presentation on Oct. 22, 23 that benefitted the more than 200 attendees in Northern Arizona and statewide. In addition, the individual workshops reported a total recorded audience of 69 views to date. Participants were impressed with the diversity and the quality of the information provided.
“I am thinking currently about how I can use a systems change lens to address unemployment and poverty in the organization that I work for, instead of just providing direct career development service to my clients,” said Dylan Wilder of TransIntimate Online Courses.
Museum of Northern Arizona — Looking for a holiday gift?
Give the gift of membership this holiday season!
Looking for a last-minute holiday gift? Consider giving the gift of membership to the Museum of Northern Arizona! By giving the gift of membership you are providing essential support for our exhibitions and educational programs. The recipient of your gift membership will become part of a community that is inspiring a sense of love and responsibility for the beauty, diversity, and cultural heritage of the Colorado Plateau. Click here to learn more about gift membership.
Coconino National Forest — Grand Annual Pass being discontinued – New annual Sedona Pass debuts Jan. 1
SEDONA — The Coconino National Forest and partners will discontinue the sale of the Grand Annual Pass on Dec. 31, 2024, to simplify pass requirements across the forest, but existing Grand Annual Passes sold through the end of 2024 will be honored at all fee sites through 2025.
ExplorUS, in coordination with the Coconino National Forest, is excited to announce the launch of the new annual Sedona Pass. The annual pass will be sold for $50 starting in January 2025, and will provide visitor access for one vehicle and up to five people per pass to the following day-use sites on the Coconino National Forest.
CCC Community Education — New Year … New Classes!
Death and Dessert
Wednesday, Jan. 22
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Join us as we sweeten the topic of death by providing a safe and open space to discuss end-of-life questions, concerns, and experiences. And yes, there will be dessert!
D.D. – Learn more and register!
Catholic Charities Community Services seeking volunteers for National Point in Time (PIT) Count Jan. 23-25
The count provides a snapshot of those experiencing homelessness at a single point in time. It is an opportunity to collect basic data that is used to measure homelessness on a national, state, and local level. This data is used for system and program planning and to measure progress in ending homelessness.
2024 Giving Machine back at Heritage Square Dec. 18 through Jan. 1, 2025
FLAGSTAFF — We are excited to share that the Light the World Giving Machines are back this year at Heritage Square! They will operate every day starting tomorrow, Dec 18th – Jan 1st. The local charities in the machines this year are Flagstaff Shelter Services, Flagstaff Boys and Girls Club, Flagstaff Family Food Center. The statewide charities are Gathering Humanity and Child Help. The Global charities are iDE and Days for Girls International.
This is the third year we have had the opportunity to bring the Giving Machines to Flagstaff, the last two years we have raised about $150,000 just in Flagstaff. Please know that 100% of the donations go directly to the charities, each charity picked their own needed items that will be showcased in the machines.
Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 – Comment by Dec. 19!
The 60-day public review of the draft Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is ending on December 19! That means you have THREE DAYS to read, ask questions, and share your feedback on the draft contents. Visit bit.ly/RPpublicreview to learn more about the 60-day public review.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Top 10 Highlights from 2024
It has been an extraordinary year for the United Way of Northern Arizona and, more importantly, for the communities we serve. We saw dramatic increases in some programs, added benefits to others, and witnessed the amazing ability of our communities to pull together and collectively improve conditions for all in our region.
Here are our Top 10 highlights of the year:
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 9-13, 2024
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Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Update Winter 2024 Newsletter
Stay Informed!
Keeping residents updated and informed about the County’s Comprehensive Plan – Envision 2045 – is a priority for the County. We have been busy at work on the update and have news to share with you! For all the latest information about Envision 2045 visit the project website: https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045.
The Literacy Center — Reflecting on a Year of Impact – Your Support Made It Possible
As we approach this giving season, we want to take a moment to share the incredible impact your support has had over the past year. …
Designers invited to submit Accessory Dwelling Unit designs for Model Plans Library
FLAGSTAFF — We want your designs! The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is seeking design proposals for detached Accessory Dwelling Units to be turned into pre-approved model plans. ADUs are important to the City’s adopted carbon neutrality and housing goals because they are generally smaller housing units that have the potential to offer lower rent and monthly utility costs, and could increase available housing stock.
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Arts: A Cornerstone of Northern Arizona’s Economic Growth
The arts are more than a source of inspiration – they are a vital economic driver for northern Arizona.
We know from data collected by the national Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6), the latest economic impact study conducted by Americans for the Arts, that the arts account for more than $85 million in direct economic activity in Flagstaff annually, and another $13.5 million in Sedona.
The arts are one of the top 10 sectors in the region based on employment and our 5-year Strategic Plan calls for community leaders to support the expansion and enhancement of arts and cultural venues and offerings within our communities.
Flagstaff College to present Post-election Community Get-together on Dec. 11
Flagstaff College/Communiversity, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future, and Catch Fire, are hosting a post-election community get-together! Please join us and share your energy, concerns, and your persistent hope that we can make our communities places of kindness, resilience, health, and equity.
We’ve invited local organizations to talk to us about their concerns, needs, and strategies–and how we might support them in their efforts to navigate the coming months.
If you want to know how you can take local action around important issues including immigration, climate change, health care, human rights, regional land use, and economic systems, join us on:
Museum of Northern Arizona — Make Your Year-End Gift to MNA Today!
Why support MNA today?
Because in a world that’s increasingly filled with replicas, virtual experiences, and even artificially created images and videos, museums matter more than ever.
Because nothing can replicate the experience of this place. The bubbling fountain in the Golightly Courtyard surrounded by the life zones of the Colorado Plateau.
The anticipation of walking into a new exhibition, or the quiet communion of sitting with an artwork or object in one of MNA’s intimate galleries. The exhilaration of watching a traditional Indigenous dance performance – not on your phone, but live and in person.
City of Flagstaff announces preliminary work to begin for the Cedar Avenue Crossing Project
FLAGSTAFF — Lane shifts are set to begin along Cedar Avenue. The City of Flagstaff and contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, are beginning work on the Cedar Avenue Crossing Project. The project involves replacing the box culvert underneath Cedar Avenue, between Grandview Drive and Monte Vista Drive.
Fire Managers Planning for Prescribed Fire Operations on the North Rim this Week
GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park are preparing to conduct a prescribed burn operation on the North Rim this week, which will begin on Tuesday, December 10. These operations will help reduce hazardous fuel loads, improve forest health, and restore natural fire regimes. The burns are expected to occur over several days and will coincide with prescribed burns planned on the North Kaibab Ranger District.
Burn Operations Schedule:
Prescribed Fire Planned on North Kaibab Ranger District
FREDONIA — Fire managers are expecting to conduct a prescribed fire operation on the North Kaibab Ranger District this week. The Telephone Hill Unit is located approximately 14 miles south of Jacob Lake adjacent to State Route 67, which has closed for the winter season. Fire Managers are focusing ignition around the Pleasant Valley Cabin area of the unit to reduce hazardous fuel loads around the cabin and State Route 67 corridor, the operation is expected to affect about 700 acres in that vicinity. Operations could begin as early as Tuesday, December 10, and are expected to be completed in 2-3 days, coinciding with prescribed fires planned on Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim.
Updated: Luminarias to light way for annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Dec. 12, 2024 in Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — Luminarias will once again light way for the annual Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Flagstaff.
The Celebration begins on Wednesday, Dec. 11 when participants meet at 5 p.m. at San Francisco de Asis Church, 1600 E. Rt. 66 (Rt. 66 & Ponderosa Parkway), to ride a busy to the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the procession. Participants can also meet at the chapel at 224 S Kendrick St., Flagstaff.
The procession will begin from the chapel to San Francisco de Asis Church at 5:30 p.m.
The procession will take a brief stop at the Flagstaff Fire Dept. Station 2, 1701 E. Ponderosa Parkway, for coffee and other drinks and sweets, and to watch a dance by Los Matachines de San Francisco de Asis before proceeding up to the church for another performance at 7 p.m. by Los Matachines, an Apparition Reenactment and the Consecration to the Virgin Mary. (There will be no Mass on the 11th).
A Mass will be held at 6 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at Our Lady of Guadalupe, where participants will be greeted by the glow of more than 100 luminaries surrounding the chapel placed by members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces, who will also present the breakfast in the church’s basement following the Mass.
See more photos here.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 2-6, 2024
Resume Workshop Series at Albright Training Center
Albright Training Center is hosting a series of resume workshops designed to help individuals apply for and compete for jobs with the National Park Service. Led by Paul Ganas and Dalirca Matos, Human Resource Specialists for NPS, these sessions will provide valuable insights into building strong resumes and navigating the federal hiring process.
Each workshop is tailored to a specific audience, so be sure to attend the session that best fits your needs:
Flagstaff Festival of Science — Giving Tuesday — Campaign Extended: $1,000 left to raise!
We have $1,000 left to raise towards our goal! With supporters like you, we are confident that we can make this happen!
Will you make a contribution before it is too late and help us unlock our generous 1:1 match of $5,000?
In 2023, our In School Speaker Series, where we connect STEM professionals with classrooms, reached 6,000 students in N. Arizona! These presentations are so meaningful because students get to meet real scientists one on one. Connections like this can change the course of a young person’s life.
The NAU Review — NAU partners with Univision to launch new scholarship, Improving Arizona’s transit systems, meet a future PA
Incoming first-year students for the 2025-26 school year can apply for the scholarship by submitting a 250-word essay describing the impact their college degree will have on both their personal trajectory and the Hispanic community at large.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Today is Giving Tuesday!
Giving Tuesday is a global annual celebration of generosity that takes place each year.
By making a gift to Friends of Flagstaff’s Future today, you will help us to achieve a sustainable, just, and thriving Flagstaff.
Every contribution, no matter the size, has a tangible impact on our work. You can make a donation today at https://www.rfr.bz/f525c1d
We appreciate your support!
Michele James
Executive Director
United Way of Northern Arizona — Help Us Reach Our Campaign Goal on Giving Tuesday!
Welcome to the biggest single day of philanthropy on the calendar – #GivingTuesday. Can we count on you to help us reach our 2024 Campaign Goal during this international day of giving?
When you donate, you help LEAD THE WAY and support early childhood development programs and help our youth live up to their full potential. You also help fund programs that meet our community’s needs, quickly and efficiently, in times of crisis.
During our campaign kickoff, we announced a goal of $1.2 million. Today we are two-thirds of the way there, but still need $400,000 to reach our goal. Can you help us bridge the gap today?
Tynkertopia — Please Support Us on Giving Tuesday
iving Tuesday, an International Day of Giving.
Please Donate HERE.
Two Tynkertopia parents,
Reba Allen and Renea Atiemo,
have pledged to match all gifts up to $3,111.
If you have been considering a gift to Tynkertopia, we hope
you will use this opportunity to double your impact and contribute to
Tynkertopia, Flagstaff’s STEAM education center!
AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection — ¡Adiós 2024! … ¡Bienvenido 2025! … ¡GRACIAS!
Today we conclude the radial programming for 2024 We hope to continue in 2025 and, above all, continue to count on your tune. We wish to have served you as you deserve. THANK YOU!
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Hoy concluimos la programación radial de 2024. Esperamos continuar en 2025 y, sobre todo, seguir contando con su sintonía. Deseamos haberle servido como usted se merece. ¡GRACIAS!
Happy Thanksgiving from Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA)
On behalf of the leadership of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, I want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the communities we proudly serve.
We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support of our partners – local businesses, government entities, and countless individuals – who have been instrumental in shaping and strengthening our regional economy.
As we celebrate this holiday weekend with family and friends, let us reflect on the many blessings we share here in northern Arizona, from our abundant natural resources to the incredible talent and dedication of those committed to our region’s prosperity.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving
We couldn’t do it without you.
At United Way of Northern Arizona, we are committed to Leading the Way, bringing people together to make bold changes to improve communities in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Together with you, we are promoting early childhood education, positive youth development, and the safety and security of our friends and neighbors by working to meet basic needs.
This Thanksgiving we are more grateful than ever for your friendship, partnership and support.
Warm wishes for a wonderful holiday,
Liz and the United Way Team
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Happy Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (Nov. 20)
As we celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day today, we are reminded of the incredible strides women have made in business and entrepreneurship – and of the significant challenges that remain.
According to Wells Fargo’s inaugural Impact of Women-Owned Businesses, which was released earlier this year, women own more than 14 million businesses in the United States (about 39% of all companies), employing more than 12.2 million people and generating $2.7 trillion in annual revenue. In non-employer businesses, Arizona has a higher share of women-owned businesses than the United States as a whole.
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council: Biden has 64 days left in office to protect vulnerable immigrants
The federal government currently lacks the resources to fulfill Trump’s pledge of mass deportations in the first months of his presidency, but ICE?can and will act?quickly to target immigrants for arrests. However, before that begins, President Biden has two months left in office to take decisive action to protect people at risk under Trump’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement plans.
Ballet Folkorico de Colores de Flagstaff celebrates “¡Mueve el Esqueleto¡” performance at the Orpheum Theater
FLAGSTAFF — The beauty and magic of el Día de los Muertos through folkloric dances from the regions of El Estado de México- Concheros (Aztec dances), Oaxaca, Puebla, Jalisco and Veracruz was presented at the Orpheum Theater on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024 by Flagstaff’s own award-winning Ballet Folklórico de Colores during its “¡Mueve el Esqueleto¡” celebration.
The fundraiser also included an authentic altar/ofrenda presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to remember our loved ones who have passed on.
Traditional Mexican food for El Día de los Muertos was also available for purchase.
Local partners gearing up to Stuff the Bus to benefit Flagstaff Family Food Center
COCONINO COUNTY — The City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and Mountain Line are once again partnering for a Stuff the Bus event on Sunday, November 17 to benefit the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC).
This year’s event will be at the Safeway store located at 1201 S. Plaza Way in Flagstaff from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The public is invited to bring non-perishable food donations for a Thanksgiving meal, and FFFC staff and volunteers will be on-hand to accept monetary donations. Additionally, the partners set a goal to stuff the bus with 300 turkeys to help our neighbors in need.
Grand Canyon National Park Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Campground Fee Increase
GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed increase for frontcountry camping fees. This increase would begin April 1, 2025.
Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) collects campground fees from visitors for overnight stays. GRCA is seeking public comment on proposed fee increases for standard tent and RV sites at Mather, Desert View and North Rim campgrounds. The current camping fees have remained unchanged for the past 20 years.
The NAU Review — NAU named Fulbright HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) Leader
The annual recognition from the U.S. State Department acknowledges the university’s strong engagement with the Fulbright Program. It is NAU’s third year in a row to be named to this list.
CCC Community Education — November-December classes: Your Financial Plan & Comet Talks
Pillars of Your Financial Education
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 13, 20
5:45 to 7:15 p.m.
Improve your financial education with clear and practical information on the pillars of a financial plan: saving, preserving, transferring.
Financial – Learn more and register!
Coconino National Forest to sell limited number of Christmas tree permits
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest will begin selling a limited number of Christmas tree permits online starting Nov. 14 at 8 a.m., and permit owners will be allowed to begin cutting Nov. 15 through Dec. 31.
A total of 1,300 permits will be available for purchase on the Coconino NF Christmas tree permit site online through Recreation.gov, which also lists details about designated cutting areas, maps, dates, and types of trees that may be cut.
Supervisor Patrice Horstman — District 1 September / October 2024!
IN THIS ISSUE
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Community Meetings on Post Wildfire Flood Risks and Upper Rio Forest Restoration
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Homer Wilkes Returns to Discuss Forest Restoration and Celebrate RFOR’s Sawmill
Governor and Attorney General Join the County in Calling For Review of EIS For Pinyon Plain Mine
Capitol Hill Hears From Coconino County
NRCS Chief and Senior Advisor Tom O’Halleran Tour Flood Mitigation Projects Funded by NRCS
Happy First Anniversary to Baaj Nwaavjo I’Tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of The Grand Canyon National Monument
Honoring Former Supervisor Ryan with Matt Ryan County Natural Area
Wildland Fire Leadership Council Meet in Flagstaff
Babbitt Ranch Energy Center Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Mike Scott Retires and Flagstaff Family Food Center Acquires Grand Canyon Food Pantry
Supervisor Horstman Sworn In at the Governor’s Office for the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Board
Regent Liz Archuleta Honored
Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition Star Party Delivers!
Camp Colton Breaks Ground on New Lodge
In Remembrance of Dr. Miguel Vasquez
Fall Events
Community Resources
United Way of Northern Arizona — Nestle Purina and Joy Cone Lead the Way for United Way
Co-coordinators Robin Ayers, HR Manager, and Michelle Brown, Senior HR Coordinator, led Nestle Purina’s campaign this year with a mission of engaging employees and inspiring community support.
“When we can step up and make a difference, it is recognizable to others, which can encourage other agencies and individuals to do the same,” said Michelle. “We’re proud of our employees who are involved in community outreach.”
Nestle Purina introduced their workplace campaign during quarterly business meetings, combining informational presentations on the work of UWNA with opportunities to donate. Raffles were held for anyone completing a pledge form with additional prize opportunities for staff members who met specified donation goals.
St. Mary’s Food Bank — Help Us Make a Difference This Holiday Season – Volunteer Opportunities Available!
As the holiday season approaches, St. Mary’s Food Bank is preparing for our annual **Holiday Food Distributions** across several locations, and we need your help to make these events a success! Your support will ensure that families in our community receive the nourishment they need during this special time of year.
Voting Early? Be Sure to Understand Prop. 482
COCONINO COUNTY — Early voting in Coconino County began Oct. 9 and early ballots have been mailed.
Since there are many elected offices and propositions to vote on this year, remember to vote on both sides of the ballot, and find your local propositions toward the bottom of the ballot. Local ballot initiatives have the most direct impact on communities because counties, cities, and towns provide essential services like law enforcement, road maintenance, healthcare, and disaster response to residents.
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Power of Workforce Visualization
How can a community better plan for its workforce needs?
Given the increasing complexity of our economy and the difficulty of obtaining reliable data, it can be challenging for policymakers, businesses, and educators to plan for future growth.
That challenge is being addressed by the Arizona Education and Workforce Visualization Project, part of the Arizona State University / Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence.
The director of the Decision Center, Dr. Joe O’Reilly, will be presenting on the tools from the visualization project at an upcoming meeting of ECoNA’s Advisory Council.
United Way of Northern Arizona Leading the Way with Annual Campaign Kickoff
We are so excited to announce that United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) has officially launched its 2024-2025 Annual Campaign!
Our kickoff was last week at a high-energy event with our campaign co-chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and Dr. Rima Brusi, a professor at the university’s Honor College.
Below you’ll find details about the event, including the outstanding work of our Pacesetters in jump starting this year’s campaign. Thanks to everyone who attended and we hope you will join us in “Leading the Way” by supporting UWNA.
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona Bioscience Advancements
This is Arizona Bioscience Week, and there is no better time to spotlight the significant wins for bio-based businesses in Northern Arizona. From groundbreaking medical advancements to a growing bioscience ecosystem, the region is strengthening its position as a leader in innovation in the sector.
Here are some of the recent highlights:
Last month, Northern Arizona Healthcare announced it had entered into a cancer care coordination agreement with City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the nation, to help treat complex or rare cases of cancer in northern Arizona. The model will increase access to cancer care for northern Arizonans, and allow them to get expert support from City of Hope providers without having to leave NAH oncology care.
Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff announces minimum wage for 2025
FLAGSTAFF — Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 and $16.85 for tipped workers.
On Sept. 11, 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the consumer price index (CPI) numbers for August of 2024. The CPI for August 2024 was 2.5% greater than for August 2023. Accordingly, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025.
Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $768 million to local economy in 2023
“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.”
“We’re excited to see how the Grand Canyon continues to drive economic growth in our local communities,” said Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable. “The spending by our visitors not only underscores the park’s allure but also highlights its vital role in supporting jobs and boosting the regional economy.”
United Way of Northern Arizona — Deadline to Register Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast is 3 pm TODAY
Welcome back from the holiday weekend!
Today (September 3rd) is the last day to register for our Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast at High Country Conference Center. We need to hear from you by 3 pm to make sure we save your seat!
Two of our honored guests at the kickoff will be this year’s Annual Campaign Co-Chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and his wife, Dr. Rima Brusi, and we hope you enjoy learning more about them in the profile below.
But before you read it, if you haven’t already registered to join us for the Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast on September 13, please do it now!
Havasupai Canyon Flood Recovery Effort
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By the Havasupai Tribe
GRAND CANYON — Many of you have asked how you can assist the Havasupai Tribe following the effects of last week’s flash flood. The Tribe is so appreciative of the generosity of so many people.
Grand Canyon Caverns Inn can accept donations at any time.
Our focus is on rebuilding and repairing our community and providing supplies for our tribal members.
We thank you in advance for your donation.
Here is a link to the Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3B3UA7JCYD75G…
The NAU Review — Welcome back, Lumberjacks! Highlights from move-in, meet the new ASNAU president and don’t miss the welcome back BBQ
LumberSNAPS: Return of the Jacks
The new academic year is already off to an axe-citing start! Last week, the Flagstaff mountain campus buzzed with fresh energy as new students moved into residence halls, gathered at welcome events like Lumberjack Launch and donned matching T-shirts for the annual NAU letters portrait. More beginning-of-the-year fun is ahead this week, including the start of classes, the first football game of the season and the Running of the Freshmen, a beloved Lumberjack tradition.
New rates for water, sewer, and reclaimed water take effect Sept. 1, 2024
FLAGSTAFF —New rates and fees for potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services will take effect Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 for Flagstaff City customers. The rates will increase over a five-year period to adequately fund water infrastructure projects, operations, maintenance, and debt repayment contained in the five-year capital improvement program for Flagstaff Water Services.
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Evolving Retail Sector in Northern Arizona
Good afternoon,
At first glance, it’s felt like a cruel summer for northern Arizona’s retail sector, with a string of announcements about store and restaurant closings. Often they were places that had been staples of the community for years: Big Lots, Kachina Kitchen, Peter Piper Pizza, Grimaldi’s.
While those businesses will certainly be missed, their closings don’t tell the whole story of the retail landscape in our region.
When a retail business closes, it often creates opportunities for new businesses to emerge, a life cycle that’s a part of how this sector evolves.
Throughout northern Arizona, we’ve had far more retail business launches than closures this year.
Museum of Northern Arizona — Your gift today opens minds!
“This is the best field trip I’ve ever been on!” exclaimed a third grader who recently visited MNA as she admired the towering Therizinosaur in the museum’s lobby.
Did you know that in 2023, over 2,000 K-12 students visited MNA for free, thanks to generous philanthropic support like yours? A visit to the museum changes your perspective, regardless of your age. Recent visitor surveys tell us that 96% of visitors surveyed report gaining new insights and understandings from their MNA experience!
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona Represented at SEMICON West
ECoNA with its municipality partners got a chance to promote northern Arizona to hundreds of semiconductor manufacturers and related businesses during the recent SEMICON West expo in San Francisco.
According to SEMI, the international trade organization that organizes the expo, global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment are poised to reach $109 billion this year, a new industry record. ECoNA’s 5-year Strategic Plan identifies advanced manufacturing as one of the five sectors the region should pursue for economic development.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — New Member Drive: It’s Time to Join F-cubed!
Dear Friend of Flagstaff,
A thriving democracy needs organized people and organized funding. When you become a member of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3), you can contribute to both. The F3 Board of Directors invites you to join our local grassroots nonprofit.
We are a multi-issue organization whose mission is to achieve a sustainable, just, and thriving Flagstaff through community education, engagement, and advocacy.