Category: Government

African Diaspora Advisory Council Accepting Entries for Black History Month Essay and Art Contest

The Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council (ADAC) is now accepting entries for its Black History Month Essay and Art Contest. 

The contest is open to all elementary through high school students in Coconino County including homeschooled students. Submissions will center around the theme of “Black Examples of Courage and Resilience” and must be received by February 10. 

“We’ve hosted the Black History Month essay contest at least 11 years, and this is our second year with the addition of the art contest,” said ADAC Chair Khara House. “Last year students really seemed to connect with the ability to express themselves in multiple ways, so we look forward to seeing what they bring to the theme. I’m excited to see and read what the students of Coconino County will offer this year.”

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Recognizes Survivors and Victims of Holocaust with Official Proclamation

At their first meeting of the new year the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) took time to acknowledge the upcoming International Holocaust Remembrance Day on January 27, 2023 and unanimously approved a first-of-its-kind proclamation to recognize and honor the memories of victims and survivors and bring awareness to the historic atrocity of the Holocaust to successive generations. 

Board of Supervisors Designates January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month

At the Jan. 10, 2023 special session of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Board unanimously approved a proclamation to designate January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in Coconino County.

According to the US State Department, Arizona is a hub for illicit activity and a transit point for labor and sex trafficking due to our state’s geographic location and network of Interstate freeways. Locally, in the past five years various law enforcement and victim service agencies have encountered over 600 confirmed victims of human trafficking. Furthermore, numerous sting operations during that time have identified almost 500 individuals suspected of attempting to purchase sex with an underage victim.  

“The exploitation of human beings for sex trafficking is a terrible crime and we must raise awareness and educate ourselves on this matter so that we can take action to end this travesty. This is an issue that affects all of our communities,” commented Chair of the Board Patrice Horstman. 

City of Flagstaff announces two-hour delayed start on Jan. 18

All City of Flagstaff non-essential facilities will operate on a two-hour delayed start on Wednesday, Jan. 18 due to inclement weather and poor road conditions. The City urges all residents to delay travel if possible. For an overview of the opening times of various City facilities, please visit flagstaff.az.gov/4801/Delayed-Start.

Annual ‘Point in Time Count’ to begin Jan. 25

The annual Point in Time Count (PIT) will take place starting Jan. 25 throughout the City of Flagstaff. This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and is conducted across the country.

Local data collected during the annual PIT Count measures progress at local and national levels related to preventing and ending homelessness.

The NAU Review — Honoring MLK, Go Baby Go is going and how NAU is addressing disparate cancer rates in Indigenous tribes

Addressing cancer disparities in tribes

The Center for Native American Cancer Health Equity, funded by a new $4 million grant from the American Cancer Society, aims to improve education and screening rates in Native American tribes, which have disproportionately high rates of cancer.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Memories that YOU Made Possible

We hope you are having a wonderful 2023 so far, and wanted to start off this new year right by thanking you.

You make the work of United Way of Northern Arizona possible and we wanted to share some of our favorite memories of the past year that happened because you generously gave through your donations, leadership, or volunteerism.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 9-13, 2023

Winter Weather Returns; National Weather Service issues Travel Risk for impending weekend storm

According to the National Weather Service-Flagstaff, winter weather returns to the area this weekend, with periods of heavy snowfall likely beginning Saturday night across the high country. Snow levels will gradually fall from 6000–7000 feet Saturday evening to 4000–5000 feet Tuesday. One to two feet of snow is possible in the high country by the end of next week.

Prepare for an extended period of poor travel conditions next week!

REMEMBER – PLEASE KEEP ROADWAYS CLEAR OF VEHICLES; PARK IN YOUR DRIVEWAY AND FOR THOSE ON APACHE ST, PARK IN THE ALLEY. ALLEYS AND RESIDENTIAL ROADWAYS WILL BE PLOWED

Awardees selected for the 2023 Neighborhood Sustainability Grant program

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is excited to announce the recipients of the 2023 Neighborhood Sustainability Grant cycle. The initiative is a competitive grant program that funds a range of community projects related to food, waste, climate action, resilience, building energy, public health, and transportation with awards up to $5,000.

Awarded projects selected by the Sustainability Commission this year include:

City of Flagstaff announces Martin Luther King Jr. Day closures

City Hall administrative offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Jan. 16 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 17 with regular hours of 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Other City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed Martin Luther King Jr. Day include:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 2-6, 2023

COVID Updates

Masks Optional
As of January 5, Coconino County has remained in MEDIUM CDC Community Level. Masks are optional in all public buildings. We encourage individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to practice physical distancing from others while in indoor common areas.

Total new COVID cases in Arizona for the week of December 29-January 4 was 6,187 which is an increase from the week before at 4,973. There were three new COVID-19 cases reported in the park this week.

As a reminder, be sure to promptly report any illness, to include possible COVID-19 symptoms, COVID exposure, or a positive COVID test to your supervisor and our Public Health Consultant, Ronan King. Ronan can be reached at: 202-891-8599 or Ronan_King@nps.gov.

City of Flagstaff announces 2023 Bulky Waste Collection Schedule

The City of Flagstaff Solid Waste Section has published the 2023 schedule for bulky waste collection, which is provided to all single-family households within Flagstaff city limits. Bulky waste collection will continue to be performed in five geographic sections throughout the City once every five weeks per the map and schedule that can be downloaded athttps://www.flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/74416/2023-Bulk-Pickup-Schedule–.

City of Flagstaff — Call to artist for traffic cabinet art wrap initiative

The City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts and Sciences team is calling artists to participate in its traffic cabinet art wrap initiative by creating designs for traffic signal cabinets around Flagstaff. This initiative is supported by the City’s Beautification and Public Art Commission and is an opportunity to enhance the visual landscape by using traffic signal cabinets as canvasses.

This call is open to all artists, graphic designers, and illustrators, who are 18 years of age or older and currently live or work within the United States. Submitted designs must be original artwork and can be created in any medium, so long as it can be represented in a high-resolution digital image without loss of integrity or quality. The application period ends on Feb. 1, 2023.

Feb. 2 — Spruce Wash/ Museum Flood Area Community Meeting

The City of Flagstaff invites residents impacted by post-wildfire flooding in the Spruce Wash/ Museum Flood Area to a community meeting on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall (211 W Aspen Ave). During the meeting, City staff will discuss planned long-term mitigations in the area and take questions from residents.

This community meeting is specifically targeted towards residents who live in the Paradise, Grandview and Sunnyside neighborhoods. This meeting will not provide information on flooding impacts in west Flagstaff, Doney Park, or Timberline. 

Feb. 28 — New Short-Term Rental Ordinance Under Consideration by Coconino County Board of Supervisors

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is considering a new ordinance that would regulate short-term rental properties in Coconino County. 

There will be a virtual public hearing about the ordinance on February 28 at 6 p.m. via Zoom followed by discussion among the County Board of Supervisors and a vote on the ordinance.

Any interested person may observe the hearing and comment during the public comment period. 

March 2 — Beulah/University Realignment Project – Community Open House

The City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, invite you to attend a community open house meeting for the Beulah/University Realignment Project. The meeting will be held on Thursday, March 2, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Flagstaff City Hall Lobby and Council Chambers located at 211 West Aspen Avenue. The open house meeting will provide an opportunity for community members and business owners to view design plans, ask questions and learn more about the upcoming improvements project. Please note that there will be no formal presentation; residents are welcome to drop by at any time during the meeting.

Through March 7 — Enroll now for Winter Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) Training

Since 2007, over 600 local residents have enrolled in Coconino County’s Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development training. Now we’ve added BBE Support Services Group (BBESSG) presentations, plus new cash assistance and referral incentives each worth up to $500. It’s been said 70% of the U.S. population has dreamed of starting a business but only 10% do, mostly for lack of know-how and capital. BBE training is for those starting and/or expanding a home-based or other micro-business (five or less employees).

March 27 — City of Flagstaff to host short-term rental license open house

The City of Flagstaff is hosting an open house event to gather feedback from the public on a draft short-term rental (STR) ordiance and license. The open house will be held on Monday, March 27, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall (211 W. Aspen Ave) or online. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or virtually for an informational presentation and an opportunity to provide feedback to City staff. To participate virtually, visit flagstaff.az.gov/STRL to access the Teams meeting link.

March 31. April 1 — City And County to host public scenario planning workshops for the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045

The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County will be hosting four public workshops centered around how we can plan for multiple possible future scenarios, including potential uncertainties, as part of updating the Flagstaff Regional Plan. This is a critical opportunity to help ensure the Regional Plan 2045 is a successful tool no matter what the future holds.

April 5 — City of Flagstaff hosts final interview event for Deputy City Manager candidate

The City of Flagstaff invites members of the public to attend a final interview event on Thursday, April 6 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall (211 W Aspen Ave) for the position of Deputy City Manager. The City had 175 potential candidates, invited 11 to preliminary interviews, and identified two candidates to participate in the final interview process. One of these two candidates recently accepted another position and therefore the City will be moving forward with the remaining candidate for the final interview.

April 14 — City of Flagstaff to present Job Fair at Downtown Library

• See current job openings
• Lean how to create a resume and cover letter and use Microsoft Teams for interviews
• Speak with members of city departments to see what they’re looking for in applicants
• Sign up for personalized resume and cover letter to help or a mock interview

April 19 — City and NAU host first Neighborhood Partnership Coalition meeting

Residents of the La Plaza Vieja and Southside neighborhoods are invited to attend the first Neighborhood Partnership Coalition (NPC) meeting on Wednesday, April 19, from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Murdoch Community Center (203 E Brannen Ave). Hosted by the City of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University, the NPC meeting will create a space for staff to share updates relevant to the two neighborhoods and engage in related discussions with attendees.

May 19 — Coconino County to present Wildfire and Flood Preparedness Event

 A FREE community wildfire and flood awareness event is being hosted by the Coconino County Flood Control District this Friday, May 19 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater, 15 W Aspen Ave, Flagstaff, AZ. Those attending will learn about fire and flood preparedness, connect with local leadership, and learn how to build resilience.

The evening will consist of tabling from local and statewide organizations, a short film on the current state of wildfires in the West, a keynote presentation from Flagstaff author John Vankat on the history of the region’s forest health, and a Q&A with a panel of regional experts from the field of forest management, fire management, emergency response, public health and more.

Through June 17 — Grand Canyon National Park hosts 33rd annual Grand Canyon Star Party

The thirty-third annual Grand Canyon Star Party will be held through Saturday, June 17, 2023, on both the South and North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. National parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States.  

The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix. Numerous telescopes will offer views of planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, as well as double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe! 

June 28 — City of Flagstaff hosts informational meeting for Switzer Canyon Waterline – Phase IV project

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff is hosting an informational meeting for the Switzer Canyon Waterline – Phase IV project on Wednesday, June 28 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St). Members of the public are invited to learn about the project, its expected impacts and to ask questions.

July 28-30 — Heritage Days Returns to the North Rim

Heritage Days will return to the North Rim within Grand Canyon National Park July 28 through July 30, 2023. Each day, Heritage Days programs and demonstrations will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. throughout the North Rim developed area. Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon area.

Throughout Heritage Days, members from Associated Tribes will offer special programming and demonstrations, ranging from music and dance performances to presentations on their connections to the Grand Canyon. For more information and a complete list of event activities, including times and locations, please inquire at the North Rim Visitor Center.

Aug. 14 — City of Flagstaff hosts event celebrating Indigenous Code Talkers Day

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will celebrate Indigenous Code Talkers Day with an event on Monday, Aug. 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Aquaplex Community Room (1702 N. Fourth St). Members of the public are welcome to attend.

The event will feature a variety of speakers, including Keynote Speaker Ms. Jamescita Peshlakai, U.S. Army Veteran, Persian Gulf War, former Arizona State Senator, former member of the Arizona House of Representatives, and member of the Navajo Nation. The event will also feature youth ambassadors and the Yoyhoyan Hopi youth dance group, which will provide a cultural share. A pre-event 2K honor walk/run (in-person/hybrid) will be held near the Aquaplex at 8:30 a.m. 

Aug. 31 — City to host Spruce Wash/ Museum Flood Area Community Meeting

FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff invites residents impacted by post-wildfire flooding in the Spruce Wash/ Museum Flood Area to a community meeting on Thursday, Aug. 31 from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall (211 W Aspen Ave). During the meeting, City staff will discuss the Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project scheduled to start in the fall, as well as review 30% design plans for the Spruce Wash Improvements flood migration projects funded by Prop 441.

Through Sept. 5 — Enroll now for Spring Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) Training

Coconino County’s Summer 2023 Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development Zoom-based hybrid training will run 6-9pm, Tuesday evenings for 9-weeks, July 11th through September 5th. To join this training, please fully complete and email the BBE application and all other required supporting information. The purpose of this training is to assist development of viable business plans for successful enterprises, addressing the need for planning, one of two main reasons for business failure. BBE training is available to confirmed Coconino County residents. Attached are BBE and match-saving grant flyers and a fillable-PDF BBE application.

Sept. 30 — Coconino County Presents 19th Annual Sustainable Building Tour

Coconino County’s Sustainability Division is pleased to present the 19th Annual Sustainable Building Tour this month as part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science.

The theme for this year’s tour is The Diverse World of Sustainable Building. The free community tour will be held completely in person on Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Oct. 10 — Coconino County to hold Fort Valley Sign Dedication Ceremony

Coconino County will unveil a new community sign identifying the community of Fort Valley located north of Flagstaff city limits.

WHO: 

Coconino County District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman
Deputy County Manager Andy Bertelsen
Public Works Director Christopher Tressler
Arizona Snowbowl General Manager Rob Linde
Fort Valley Homeowners Representative John Vankat

Oct. 18 — City of Flagstaff hosts public meeting for the Butler-Fourth Improvements project

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff is hosting a public meeting for the Butler-Fourth Improvements project on Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at the Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth St). Members of the public are invited to learn about the project, its expected impacts, and to ask questions and offer comments on preliminary design.

The Butler-Fourth Improvements project consists of widening present-day Butler Avenue from Little America to Sinagua Heights Subdivision and widening present-day Fourth Street from Warm Springs Trail/Sparrow Avenue to the upcoming Canyon Del Rio development south of Butler Avenue.

Oct. 19 — City of Flagstaff hosts open house on zoning and city code text amendments

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Community Development Division is hosting a public open house on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 4 – 6 p.m. at City Hall (211 W Aspen Avenue) in the first-floor Council Conference Room. During the open house, City staff will discuss several proposed Zoning and City Code amendments and take feedback. This event is in-person only. Interested individuals who are unable to attend the meeting can view all information on the proposed text amendments online at flagstaff.az.gov/3000/Amendments.

Oct. 25 — City to host open house event for 2023 proposed charter amendments

FLAGSTAFF — Ahead of the Nov. 7, 2023 special election, the City of Flagstaff will host an open house event on Wednesday, Oct. 25 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at City Hall to provide information on the 19 proposed charter amendments that will appear on the ballot. Members of the public are welcome to attend the event to discuss the proposed charter amendments with City staff and ask related questions. Proposition 480 will not be discussed at this event.

Dec. 7 — Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff hosts informational meeting on water rate study

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting a virtual informational meeting about the current drinking water, wastewater, and reclaimed water rate study on Thursday, Dec. 7 from 5:30-7 p.m. The meeting will be accessible both virtually and by telephone. Members of the public are invited to attend to learn more about the rate study and to ask questions. The meeting will consist of an informational presentation, followed by time for questions and answers.

To attend the meeting online, please register at bit.ly/ratestudy. Members of the public may also attend the meeting by phone by calling 888-400-1932 for English or 888-400-9342 for Spanish at the time and date of the meeting. All attendees, whether attending online or by phone, will have the opportunity to ask questions and make comments. Spanish interpretation will be available at the meeting.

Dec. 13 — Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Join Us for Our Open House

Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 13 for a morning Holiday Mixer at the ECoNA office in downtown Flagstaff.
Enjoy beverages from Noble Ground Coffee and cinnamon rolls from Honey Pie Bakery as we celebrate the successes of 2023 and the joy of this special season.
We look forward to seeing you! Please RSVP by Friday, Dec. 8.
WHAT: ECoNA Holiday Mixer
WHEN: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 8 – 10 am
WHERE: 201 E. Birch Ave., Suite 12, Flagstaff

Please RSVP via email HERE.

Dec. 20 — Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff hosts open house for Fourth Lockett Roundabout project

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting an informational meeting for the Fourth-Lockett Roundabout project on Wednesday, Dec. 20 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N Fourth St., Suite 5). Members of the public are invited to drop in and learn about the project, expected construction impacts, and ask staff questions. Spanish interpretation will be available at the meeting.

Continuing — Coconino County offers ‘Save then Spend More’ Program

For individuals looking to start or expand a small business, the Save then Spend More program may be the hand-up you need. This program helps small business owners and those wanting to start a small business access two match grant dollars. Generally, the process is as follows:

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — [Video] Looking Back on 2022

The past year had its challenges for businesses locally and nationwide – from inflation to labor shortages to continued supply chain disruptions. Yet we still saw progress in northern Arizona, from the opening of businesses and facilities to plans for future growth in Flagstaff, Camp Verde, Sedona, and Winslow.

Among the highlights this year were:

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: December 26-30, 2022

New Year’s Eve fundraising event for 8th Grade Washington D.C. Field Trip 

Grand Canyon Community Rec Center is hosting a New Year’s Eve Fundraiser Party to support the Grand Canyon Middle School D.C. Trip!

Live band, Juniper Hill, starts at 9:30 p.m. Pre-admission tickets and 50/50 raffle tickets available for purchase at the Grand Canyon Recreation Center. More information on the event can be found in the attached flyer here. 

Winter weather conditions returns to much of Coconino County

Winter weather returns to much of Coconino County Tuesday night! If you must travel, be sure to use extra caution as roads may be slick with ice and fresh snow. Be sure to follow this page, and Coconino County Emergency Management for the latest conditions and alerts.

Recycle your Christmas tree through the City of Flagstaff’s treecycling program

The City of Flagstaff is proud to provide a treecycling service during the month of January to assist with the proper recycling of Christmas trees. Collected trees will be mulched and used in the City’s parks and beautification projects throughout the year.

City residents can place their tree on the curb for pick-up by 6 a.m. from Monday, Jan. 2 through Friday, Jan. 6.

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — Happy Holidays December 2022

In This Issue

Greeting From Supervisor Horstman
City of Flagstaff Detention Basin Tour
Board Approve Applications for FEMA Grants for Flood Mitigation Projects
Coconino County Features Emergency Management (Video)
BOS Approves $5 Million of ARPA Funding for Community Projects
United Way of Northern Arizona, Thanks Our Community Volunteers
The Heart of Democracy: County Certifies Elections
Pathways To Communities Offers A Way Forward
Flagstaff Community Stuffed the Bus
Coconino Couty Celebrates the Holidays!
Winter Parking Ordinance
County Employee ” Dex” Honored
Welcome to Michael Jackiewicz Director of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJJC)
Community Events and Resources
Contact Us

Board of Supervisors Appoints Maia Rodriguez as Page Justice of the Peace

At the final Board of Supervisors (Board) meeting of 2022, the Board completed the weeks long process of appointing a candidate to fill the vacant office of Justice of the Peace for the Page precinct, selecting Maia Rodriguez to serve through 2024.

Ms. Rodriguez comes to the office with over 24 years of experience working for both the Flagstaff and Page Justice Courts in Court Clerk and supervisory roles, holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice, and has successfully completed the Coconino County Supervisors Development Academy and Executive Leadership Academy, as well as Court Management, Court Executive, and Court Fellows Programs with the National Center for State Courts Institute for Court Management.

City of Flagstaff announces holiday closures

City of Flagstaff administrative offices will be closed on Dec. 26, 2022 and Jan. 2, 2023 for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Closures and reopening schedules for other City facilities and services are listed below.

Coconino County Flood Control District Approved For $90 Million in Federal Funding

The $1.7 trillion Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Bill was passed by Congress today, expected to be signed by President Biden tomorrow.

Congress acted today to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, which includes funding for federal programs that support post-wildfire watershed restoration and flood mitigation. The legislation includes an overall $925 million for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP). The Coconino County Flood Control District (District) has two approved projects on the EWPP Project Waitlist totaling $50 million. The projects will provide flood mitigation in six neighborhoods within the Schultz/Pipeline Flood Area. The District will be considering in the near future the acceptance of these grants including ways to allocate the $12.5 million in required local matching funds. 

City of Flagstaff to begin dredging Frances Short Pond

The City of Flagstaff will begin the process of dredging Frances Short Pond to remove sediment from post-wildfire flooding. First, the pond will be drained and dried so that the sediment at the bottom of the pond can be more easily accessed and removed. Once the sediment has been removed, the pond will be refilled with reclaimed water and spring runoff. The draining process will begin today, Dec. 22, 2023, and the entire project is expected to take three to six months, with the pond scheduled to be reopened in the late spring or early summer. The public should avoid the pond while the dredging process is taking place.

F3’s 2022 Accomplishments — Thanks for Your Support!

F3 continues to be a powerful force in the decision-making processes in our community. This year we have worked closely with city staff, council members, and community organizations to advocate for decisions and policies that align with F3’s eight Focus Areas. F3 grew in size to over 500 members and we grew in financial stability as well. We are thankful to our members for their support and for their devotion to making Flagstaff a place of community and heart.

In This Issue:
Accomplishments 2022
Looking Ahead to 2023: The Year of Regional Plan Planning!
Join F3’s Council Watch Climate Action Team!
Consider a Year-end Donation

Coconino County Parks and Recreation Completes Upgrades to Pond at Archuleta County Park

The improvements allowed for enlarging the pond space and adding a boardwalk, which makes the pond easier to access and enjoy, and an ultraviolet light system to reduce algae, so the pond will have improved visibility beneath the water’s surface.

Thanks to a heritage grant from the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), upgrades to the pond at Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park are complete and it is now open to the public. The grant allowed Coconino County Parks and Recreation to make the necessary improvements to create a place for the public to visit and watch wildlife. The original pond was small, contained considerable algae, and was difficult for the public to access. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Dec. 12-16, 2022

Volunteer to support the Grand Canyon Community this holiday season! 

On Tuesday, Dec. 20, Delaware North will be having a wrapping party to wrap the angel tree gifts from 1-5 p.m. in Yavapai Lodge atrium. All angels on the DNC Angel Tree have been adopted this year and donations should be dropped off before this Friday, Dec. 16 to the General Store. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 21, Delaware North will be making food boxes in the Canyon Village Market Deli starting at 3 p.m.  The food boxes will accompany the angel tree gifts to each family. More information on this event can be found in the attached flyer here. 

Both events are open to the community and participation is highly encouraged! 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 5-9, 2022

Throughout December, Grand Canyon National Park is featured alongside three other national parks in the East Room at none other than the The White House. The East Room décor reflects the communion we find in nature. As part of the fireplace mantel displays, visitors see four iconic National Parks from around our country represented: The Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park, the Great Smoky Mountains, and Shenandoah National Park. 

As the largest room in the White House, the East Room has hosted public receptions, ceremonies, bill signings, and other memorable occasions. More information on 2022 White House decorations can be found here. 

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — TGen Grows with Diagnostic Lab

Among the many changes that came out of the era of Covid-19 was the dramatic growth of one of the pillars of our local biosciences sector, the TGen Pathogen and Microbiome Division, better known as TGen North.

TGen North was on the front lines very early on in the crisis, using genomics to analyze the structure of the coronavirus and develop one of the first tests to detect it. The pandemic also prompted the nonprofit to build its own CLIA-certified diagnostics lab. (CLIA, which stands for Clinical Lab Improvement Amendments, is the federal certification needed before a lab can accept human samples for diagnostic testing.)

“That allowed us to test patient samples and return the results to patients and clinicians, which we hadn’t done before,” said Dave Engelthaler, PhD, the director of TGen North. “It had been a long-term goal for us to develop a diagnostics lab, but there’s nothing like an emergency to put things into place.”

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Approves Recommendations for American Rescue Plan Funding

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously approved 19 community funding proposals submitted by organizations within the County to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.

The funds, totaling approximately $5 million, were specifically set aside by the Board to fund community services and projects outside the scope of the County’s capacity.

The Board’s decision is the culmination of a process that began in July when the County published a request for proposals (RFP) from organizations that need additional funding to benefit the Coconino County community.

Bilingual report — Coconino County Signs Letter to Congress to Pass Behavioral and Mental Health Policies

Led by the National Association of Counties (NACo), a bipartisan group of nearly 150 county elected officials urged congressional leaders to pass key behavioral and mental health policies before the end of the year.

In a letter to congressional leaders, the county officials wrote, “As a key intergovernmental partner, we urge you to work towards the passage of a bipartisan behavioral health package that enhances our ability to provide comprehensive behavioral health services in all settings, strengthens the behavioral health workforce and increases resident access to services.”

“In alliance with counties across the United States, this letter to our nation’s leadership details our shared goals of ensuring resources are provided to address the behavioral and mental health needs of residents,” stated Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman. “I encourage everyone to read the letter sent to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, to learn more about the national policies we support.”