Category: Government

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Adopts Final Redistricting Map

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted map Scenario F (April 12) during their regular meeting as part of the Board’s statutory responsibility to reapportion county supervisory districts.

The Board adopted the final map after beginning the redistricting process in Fall 2021.Every ten years, according to A.R.S. § 11-212, county supervisory districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. The Board adopted map Scenario F from five proposed draft maps submitted for public comment in March. The draft maps under consideration by the Board of Supervisors are available at coconino.az.gov/redistricting.

Earth Day 2022: Invest in Your Planet, Invest in Your Community

On Friday, April 22nd, communities around the world will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. This year’s theme is “Invest In Our Planet.” Coconino County, in partnership with Friends of Coconino County Parks, the City of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, and the U.S. Forest Service are partnering to facilitate three cleanup events throughout the community.

Patrice Horstman — April 2022 District One Newsletter

We certainly are hoping for April showers to bring May flowers and provide much needed moisture to Coconino County. April is also the month we celebrate Earth Day. Since 1970, April 22nd marks the day that is referred to as the birth of the modern environmental movement. This year’s theme is “Invest in our Planet” and in keeping with that theme and the importance of us all working together to build a healthier and more sustainable planet, Coconino County has a number of “Earth Month” events including litter cleanups, climate action and renewable energy programs. Go to http://www.coconino.az.gov/2884/Earth-Day-Schedule for more information.

Sediment Reduction Project Breaks Ground in Museum Flood Area

A Coconino County Flood Control District project to reduce sediment production and transport on private lands below the Museum Fire burn scar is underway in Lockett Ranches & Mt. Elden Estates.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service and District-funded Emergency Watershed Protection Project will reduce erosion and sediment transport downstream. 

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Celebrate Earth Day and more news

Earth Day is next week and there’s no better way to celebrate than participating in a local event. Join Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, Friends of Coconino County Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service for a volunteer cleanup and an activity afterwards in honor of Earth Day 2022. All cleanups start at 10 a.m. and include a fun outdoor activity. Register at the Sign-Up Genius Links below.

Can’t make it? Invest in yourself and your community by getting outside and making a difference on your own. Tag a picture with #NAZEarthDay22 to be a part of the celebration.

Wed., April 20 cleanup at Highway 180 (Peak View) https://tinyurl.com/et7jdajj
Thurs., April 21 cleanup at Fort Tuthill County Park https://tinyurl.com/yc7t6ykn
Fri., April 22 cleanup at Ashurst Lake
https://tinyurl.com/2s4pmk5v

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 11-15, 2022

Grand Canyon and Tusayan April vaccine events  

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccination team will hold its next mobile vaccination event for Grand Canyon and Tusayan on Monday, April 25. The Grand Canyon event will be held at the Rec Center from 9-11 a.m. (see full flyer here) and the Tusayan event will be held at the Tusayan Fire Station from 1-3 p.m (see full flyer here).

As a reminder, the FDA and CDC have approved a second booster dose for individuals who are age 50 or older. They recommend the booster be given 4 months after your first booster.

NPS employees are authorized to take administrative leave up to 4 hours (and 8 hours if traveling) for COVID vaccines, including vaccine booster doses. You may also use this leave to support family members receiving COVID vaccines or booster doses. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y providing free training as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has unveiled a free training webinar for parents, caregivers and all community members as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.

This quick overview video is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness. It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.

With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals. Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.
A very special thank you to all of our partners who help get this information out to our community!

Comments from those who have already seen the training.

“loved the acknowledgment that we can all recognize stressors are high right now”
“realized this was my first mindful breath of the day”
“feels supportive and a great jump off point to learn more”

For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org

Community engagement sought during survey in April for the Thorpe Park Annex

Southwest Decision Resources, the City of Flagstaff (Parks Recreation Open Space and Events Division), and Wheat Design Group have announced it is conducting a survey through April for the Thorpe Park Annex.

The community survey will continue generating great ideas and continue problem solving. 

Click here to take part in the survey.

Grand Canyon National Park — Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 4-8, 2022

Grand Canyon Visitor Center changes in operations 

Due to low staffing levels, there will be modified operations to Grand Canyon Visitor Center information desk hours this spring. 

From April 8-23, the outdoor GCVC Information Desk will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday to Monday. Please note, the building is still closed to the public and the GCVC Theater is under construction. Ranger programs will continue at 11 a.m. at the Yavapai Geology Museum Amphitheater, Thursday to Monday through April 23

Creative Flagstaff — Join the Board

Creative Flagstaff, formerly Flagstaff Arts Council, the City’s nonprofit art, science, and culture agency seeks applicants to serve as board members. Applicants will fill seats previously filled by long-time board members that have terms ending June 30, 2022.

Diversifying stakeholders, community groups, experience, and expertise represented by the Board of Directors is an important part of Creative Flagstaff’s strategic plan adopted in June 2021.

Over the coming couple of years, the Board anticipates recruiting members that provide leadership experience in nonprofit governance, philanthropy, arts, education, sciences, public policy, and programming from diverse lived experiences including BIPOC and creative professionals.

City of Flagstaff announce Mayoral and City Councilmember candidates

The City of Flagstaff has received all candidate packets for the 2022 election and the following are official candidates for the mayor and city council positions:

The mayoral candidates are (alphabetical by last name):

Becky Daggett
Paul Deasy
Regina Salas
Daniel Williamson
City council candidates are (alphabetical by last name):

Austin Aslan
Lori Matthews

City of Flagstaff accepting applications to fill Council vacancy

The City of Flagstaff is accepting applications from qualified residents interested in serving on the City Council. An appointment will be made on or before May 5, 2022, to fill the Council seat vacancy created by the resignation of Becky Daggett. The appointment term will expire on December 20, 2022.

To be eligible for appointment to the City Council, a citizen must be registered to vote in the City of Flagstaff, a city resident for a minimum of one year, and cannot hold any other public office.

United Way of Northern Arizona — AZ Gives Starts Today

We hope that you’ll join us for Arizona Gives Day, a 24-hour, statewide celebration of charitable organizations that starts at noon today. It’s a special time that unites supporters of big and small nonprofits to increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving.

Many thanks to those of you who have already donated to United Way of Northern Arizona as part of this year’s #AZGIves campaign. If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, you can do so by clicking HERE.

Imma Barrera Named Next Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence

Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) and Grand Canyon National Park are proud to announce the selection of the next Grand Canyon Astronomer in Residence, biologist, landscape and nature photographer, and conservationist Imma Barrera. She will live and work at the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, with visits to the North Rim and Tuweep, from April 28 to May 23, 2022.

Barrera’s current project, “Under the Night Sky,” involves raising awareness about the importance of protecting the night sky by presenting different features of select National Parks in the format of a published book, combining photography and nature education and illustrating the efforts these parks have undertaken as part of their mission to preserve the environment. Barrera’s goal is to capture those inspiring landscapes under the night sky.

The NAU Review — 10 ways NAU attacks wildfires, the next phase of quantum computing and HAPA’s annual lu’au

In 2020, federal fire agencies spent a whopping $2.2 billion—that’s billion with a “B”—fighting fires. That number has increased tenfold in the last few decades. For Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week, take a look at NAU’s diverse efforts to increase forest health, improve firefighting capabilities, help communities become more resilient and rebuild after a fire and better understand fire behavior. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 28-April 1, 2022

Tuweep day-use civic engagement period ends April 6

Last week the park initiated civic engagement to solicit comments on implementation of a proposed day-use reservation system at Tuweep, including all park areas within Toroweap Valley and the Kanab Plateau. A $2 ticket fee per vehicle is proposed and would be available through recreation.gov.  

On busy, high visitation days, especially during the weekends, up to 50+ vehicles often travel into Tuweep around the same time of day, causing road congestion, long waits to access the Toroweap overlook, overcrowding in popular locations, impacts to property, and excessive noise. As a result, the overall visitor experience has deteriorated, and sensitive natural and cultural resources have been damaged. 

Coconino County Issues a Request for Information (RFI) to Help Inform ARPA Allocations

Coconino County has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to community partners to gather information on services and projects needed as the Board of Supervisors allocates American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to address COVID-19 pandemic impacts.

Please note that this is a Request for Information, NOT a Request for Proposals. Click here to access and download the Request for Information (RFI).

Make tax time more meaningful with Flagstaff Festival of Science!

Preparing to file your taxes is stressful for us all but it’s also when we’re most aware of our yearly giving. As a loyal follower of the Flagstaff Festival of Science you understand the value of bringing the excitement of STEAM and joy of discovery to Northern Arizona. Why not plan ahead to help both the 2022 Festival and your taxes? (If you’ve recently made a donation to the Festival’s Spring Campaign, THANK YOU!)

Willard Springs Green Waste Station Reopens Friday, April 1 for Free Green Waste-Only Disposal

Coconino County will reopen the Willard Springs Green Waste Station on Friday, April 1, for free green waste-only disposal all season long to support residents’ efforts to clean up their properties for wildfire season.

Residents will be allowed to dump acceptable green waste such as pine needles, branches, leaves, and brush free of charge with no load limits on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through the end of the season on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Variety of groups, including CCC&Y, sign on to oppose SB1399

Dear Arizona House of Representatives Members,

As organizations and individuals that support and advocate for the wellbeing of children and families in Arizona and nationally, we write to oppose SB1399. If passed, this bill will be harmful to children and families involved with Arizona’s child welfare system.

Arizona is experiencing a shortage of licensed foster homes for children in foster care. Limiting who can become a foster parent by permitting taxpayer-funded foster care licensing agencies to discriminate is not in the best interest of Arizona children. “There are currently 3,255 homes, an 11% drop compared with this time last year and down 33% from the recent high-water mark of 4,875 homes in 2017.” Arizona does not have a shortage of nonprofit agencies, it has a shortage of families seeking to foster. A law that permits agencies to turn qualified and willing families away for reasons that have nothing to do with their ability to parent does not encourage or support efforts to recruit and license more families.

Discover Flagstaff — Jazz performances, Gallery Art and Stage Comedians! Flagstaff has it all. Make your plans this weekend with Flagstaff 365

First Friday ArtWalk, Downtown Flagstaff. One of Northern Arizona’s premier arts events in historic downtown Flagstaff. 6 p.m.

Creative Flagstaff — Make a difference in Flagstaff’s Creative Community

Creative Flagstaff is seeking volunteers to serve on the grantmaking panels for our upcoming General Operating Support grant program. This is an important and highly valued volunteer opportunity. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn more about the grantmaking process and to have a high impact of Flagstaff’s creative community. Volunteers can sign up for either short-term or long-term commitments.

Creative Flagstaff — Don’t Miss April’s ArtWalk!

Join us for ArtWalk this Friday, April 1st! We are kicking off the month with several exciting activities.

Stop by Heritage Square from 5-8 pm to pick up your ArtWalk map from our info booth. While you’re there you can vote in the Through My Eyes: Diversity in My Community Art Contest, pick up some delicious food from Shift FLG who will be serving a special menu in honor of their 6 year anniversary, and listen to NPA’s Advanced Jazz Band, the winners of the CCA Youth Arts Battle of Bands.

We hope to see you there!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 21-25, 2022

Arizona and Grand Canyon Community Statistics    

As of March 17, Coconino County community transmission remains moderate, and the community level is low. In Arizona, 13 of the 15 counties have low community levels.  

Total cases for the week of March 10-16 is 5,153, which is an average of 736 cases per day for the seven-day rolling average for the week. No new cases have been reported this week within Grand Canyon National Park or in the 86023 zip code. 

Coconino County reports the Grand Canyon community is 73.1% fully vaccinated as of March 18.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Getting Your Donations Where They Are Needed Most

At the heart of the United Way of Northern Arizona’s grant process is the Community Investment (CI) Fund, a volunteer-driven process that invests your donations into the proven programs, partnerships and initiatives that are changing lives in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties every day.

There are currently 37 community volunteers participating in one of seven Community Investment Teams spread throughout northern Arizona.

This year, their review process is a little different.

Typically, UWNA disburses one-year grants to our partners, but in 2021, we chose to make two-year commitments to each of the the 42 programs supported through your donations, with an initial grant given last year and a “renewal” grant awarded this year.

That change gave our partners a little more stability and the opportunity to plan out beyond one year.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ‘Is Your Team Speaking the Same Language?’ and more news

Youth recently talked to a CEO of a youth-serving organization who is onboarding several new employees. He was pleased to know that CCC&Y had resources to ensure all staff could be trained in trauma-informed practices. We shared our list of on-demand webinars, and our CEO partner is now ensuring they are incorporated into the onboarding protocol.

With Child Abuse Prevention Month approaching in April, CCC&Y would love to support you to ensure all staff have the tools they need to become trauma-informed. CCC&Y has on-demand webinars on our website www.coconinokids.org. In addition, training topics can be provided to your organization on a day and time that work for the staff. Training is conducted either virtually or in person and is tailored to meet the needs of specific groups within Coconino County.

Forest Restoration Initiative earns top honors at Arizona Forward’s Environmental Excellence Awards

The Coconino County Flood Control District’s Forest Restoration Initiative (FRI) won both the 2021 Governor’s and President’s awards at Arizona Forward’s 40th Annual Environmental Awards Gala on March 19 in Phoenix.

Arizona Forward has hosted the annual Environmental Awards Gala for over 40 years.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — A Changing of the Guard

It is the end of one era – and the beginning of a new one.

Chris Bavasi, who was instrumental in the formation of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona and served as the Chairman of its Executive Board since it began in 2010, stepped down from this post earlier this month. He will remain on the board, however, as a lifetime emeritus member.

Joshua Maher, Northern Arizona University’s Associate Vice President for Community Relations, has now stepped into the chairman’s role with Heidi Hansen, the City of Flagstaff’s Economic Vitality Director, serving as vice chair. Joe Barba, Director of Government Relations at Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona is our Secretary, while Steve Eiss, Vice President, Construction & Real Estate Development for Northern Arizona Healthcare is our Treasurer.

Construction work for Cedar to Dortha and Dortha Inlet Project to begin March 21

The City of Flagstaff will begin construction of drainage improvements in the Spruce Wash from Cedar Avenue to Dortha Avenue the week of March 21, 2022. The work includes improvements to the open drainage channel between Cedar and Dortha and reconstruction of the drainage inlet in Dortha to increase capacity. This project is part of the overall Spruce Wash improvements in response to the unprecedented Museum Fire flooding that the community experienced during the 2021 Monsoon season.

Coconino County Parks and Recreation — Recreation Program Catalog including Summer Camp is online

The Recreation Program catalog provides one easy place to view our upcoming programs such as Culinary Classes, Archery Clinics, Hikes, and the Outdoor Adventure Summer Camp. Program descriptions and clickable links direct to each program’s online registration page. Visit Coconino.az.gov/recprograms to view our digital catalog.

The Friends of Coconino County Parks (FCCP) have teamed up to offer Program Financial Assistance for certain CCPR recreation programs. Funds are limited and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, please contact Adam at asmath@coconino.az.gov.

Summer Ramada Reservations Available for County Parks

Coconino County Parks and Recreation is now accepting ramada reservation applications for the 2022 summer season, May 1 through October 31. There are 10 ramadas available for rent at three County parks – Fort Tuthill County Park, Raymond County Park, and Peaks View County Park. 

Patrice Horstman — March 2022 District One Newsletter

In This Issue
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Congratulations Board Chair Horstman and Vice Chair Vasquez
Call for Public Input on Redistricting Maps
Grand Canyon National Park Visit
Museum Flood Mitigation Status Update
Coconino Community College Tax Reset
Pending State Short-Term Rental Legislation
Library Seeking Volunteers
March COVID-19 Update
Contact Us

United Way of Northern Arizona — Page Regional Domestic Violence Services Providing ‘Another Way’ for Those Seeking Help

Over the years, Page Regional Domestic Violence Services (PRDVS) has evolved in its approach to breaking the cycle of physical and psychological trauma that often is a daily fact of life for American Indian women. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey reports that almost 46% of American Indian women are physically abused by an intimate partner during their lifetime, rates significantly higher than for other ethnic groups.

When it opened in 1997, PRDVS was a five-bed shelter in a single-wide mobile home trailer donated by the City of Page. Now, operating under the name Another Way, it has 32 beds in four double-wide mobile homes that have been converted into duplexes.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Photos from Rim to Rim

This week we are taking a diversion from our regular communications on COVID-19 and park operations to highlight some of the amazing places (and people) here at Grand Canyon through photographs taken by NPS, GCC, and Xanterra staff over the last several months. From the North Rim, to the Colorado River, to the South Rim, take a moment and enjoy these awe-inspiring landscapes.

Interested in raising chickens or composting at home? Apply for the City’s new rebate program!

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is providing rebates up to $100 to those who purchase prefabricated chicken coops, composters, or both after March 1 2022. At-home chicken keeping and composting methods work together to provide healthy soils while keeping food waste out of the landfill.  

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Registration now open for CCC&Y’s ‘Mindful Positioning’ workshop on April 27

Registration is now open for CCC&Y’s “Mindful Positioning — Seeking Change & Healing” virtual workshop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 27.

International child welfare expert Kevin Campbell will host the event.

Register here.

More than ever- we need to unite with diverse community members in a process designed to gain answers and input. A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.

With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils

City launches Community Bond Survey

The City of Flagstaff is conducting a Community Bond Survey to gather feedback from Flagstaff residents on which potential bond packages are most important to them for the 2022 election. The survey will be available online from March 17 through March 31. If members of the public need help accessing the internet to complete the online survey, they can visit the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Downtown location (300 West Aspen Ave.) or East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N 4th Street, Ste 5). Paper copies are available at City Hall and both libraries.

Housing Solutions’ Rental Attainability Report Shows Cost of Flagstaff Rental Housing Increasing and Prohibitive for Moderate-Income Households

Housing costs in Flagstaff continue to increase, making housing affordability a greater challenge for households in our community. According to Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona’s annual Rental Attainability Report, the average cost of a 2-bedroom apartment in our community is now $1,758/mo. In order to afford the average 2-bedroom apartment without paying more than 30% of gross income on housing, a household must earn approximately $5,837 a month or $70,040 annually. That is a 13.7% increase from the average cost of a 2-bedroom apartment when HSNA did its survey in 2020-2021. 

For low-income households, the challenge of affordable housing is more severe. A full-time, minimum-wage earner, making $15.50/hr. would need to work more than two full-time jobs (86.9 hours per week), to afford a two-bedroom apartment at the average rental rate. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 7-11, 2022

March is Women’s History Month 

March is Women’s History Month and a time for us to honor and celebrate the many women who have helped to shape our nation and the National Park Service. The national theme for Women’s History Month in 2022 explores the role of women of all cultures in providing both healing and hope throughout history. 

In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, we would like to highlight the great feat of accomplishing goals and dreams, specifically one woman’s journey of doing it by herself. 

Mather Campground road improvement project to continue this summer within Grand Canyon National Park

A project to repave roads and parking areas within Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park will restart in early June and will continue through October 2022. Periodic closures will occur within Mather Campground throughout the summer and a fixed number of sites will be available to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.

The repaving will take place one loop at a time and campers booking reservations through www.recreation.gov will notice the following loop closures in effect beginning June 1, 2022 (closures subject to change): 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — How can you help families and children locally?

As CCC&Y celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, we are committed to:

Our Mission: Igniting collective action to cultivate, honor & empower resilient, thriving communities.  
Our Vision: We envision a holistic community where all children of Coconino County are increasingly free from trauma experience and all have equitable opportunities that build resiliency.  
To help us continue and expand our mission in 2022, please consider supporting the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth through your individual, family, student or group membership

By becoming a member of CCC&Y your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more. 

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Seeking Two Candidates for Vacant Seats on Coconino Community College District Board

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget  is seeking candidates for vacant seats for Coconino Community College District #2 and Coconino Community College District #3. 

Both Coconino Community College District #2 and Coconino Community College District #3 serve a term of six (6) years.

Virtual Public Input Sessions to discuss Draft Maps for Redistricting to be held March 12, 17, 23 and 29

County residents encouraged to attended Virtual Public Input Sessions March 12, 17, 23, 29

COCONINO COUNTY — Every ten years, state law requires county boards of supervisors to reapportion districts based on population according to the U.S. Census. The districts must be reapportioned so each district is substantially equal in population.

On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors will meet in a Special Session to consider six draft maps for redistricting Coconino County’s supervisory districts. Following consideration and discussion of the draft maps on March 2, a public input period will begin. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y March 4, 2022 Special Alert — CCC&Y Opposes HB 2808

CCC&Y has opposed this bill and encourages your participation as well.  

CCC&Y’s Position

HB 2808- Bill is aimed at addressing D and F graded schools. However, it is not addressing the root cause of issues children and families face such as poverty, access to nutrition and technology.  There has been no community input, and there has not been public debate.  Decisions will be made based on testing that many describe as flawed. These measures do not account for the societal variables schools face.  This bill would open the door to school take over from groups- including national ones- with little transparency and accountability.  At a minimum, this should be slowed down to allow for input and discussion.  Further, we have not resourced schools facing the most challenges appropriately. We continue to operate under a punitive system that punishes schools for the societal hardships they are facing rather than offering the necessary support. 

Updated — Prescribed fire planned along Colorado River near Lees Ferry may begin March 8

Grand Canyon National Park fire managers—working with resources from Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and the National Park Service Utah Parks Group anticipate initiating prescribed fire treatments as early as Tuesday downriver from Lees Ferry, Az. within Grand Canyon National Park. 

On Tuesday, March 8, ignitions may occur on the Paria Beach Riparian Restoration project. The project is not expected to last for more than one day and targets 5 acres of riparian vegetation and tamarisk along the banks of the Colorado River, approximately 1.25 miles downriver from the Lees Ferry boat ramp. 

School Superintendent to Interview Candidates for School Governing Board and Seeks Input — Maine Consolidated School District #10

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget has announced the scheduling of interviews for two Governing School Board Member open seats at Maine Consolidated School District #10.

An advisory committee will be assembled consisting of a district resident, district teacher, chapter official, and two current board members to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointments.

The NAU Review — In congressional testimony, President Cruz Rivera shares critical need for increased access to students from historically underserved communities 

In congressional testimony, President Cruz Rivera shares critical need for increased access to students from historically underserved communities 

In addition to laying out the attainment gaps throughout the U.S.—only 40 out of every 100 white kindergartners are expected to get a bachelor’s degree and that number drops by half for Black children and one-third for Latino and Native American children—Cruz Rivera, himself a product of Hispanic Serving Institutions, offered policy recommendations to increase economic mobility and equitable postsecondary educational value. These include doubling the maximum amount of Pell grants; investing equitably by increasing per-student investments among all Minority Serving Institutions; improving data transparency and investing in P-12 education.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Supporting peace, thriving resilient communities

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

“We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community,” — Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth 

As recent world events show, those words ring true now more than ever, not only in Coconino County but around the globe.

​​​​​​​How can you help globally? 

Here is a list by a former high-ranking State Department employee who lives in Kyiv of how you can directly support humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Voices of Children addresses the psychological effect of armed conflict on children. Founded in 2015 in response to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Voices of Children provides art therapy, mobile psychologists, and individualized support to traumatized children. Individuals can donate through bank transfer, credit/debit card, or Apple Pay or via voices.org.ua/en/donat.
The International Rescue Committee has a long history of providing resources to refugees fleeing countries facing humanitarian crisis. Its leaders have responded to the situation in Ukraine by meeting with organizations in Poland and Ukraine to provide whatever assistance is needed. You can make a donation via its website. While the organization will accept donations of any size, it states on the site that a monthly donation of $108 will provide eight families with temporary shelter.
CARE is an international humanitarian organization that has set up an emergency Ukrainian Crisis Fund with the goal of providing immediate support for 4 million people.
Read More

Coconino County Announces Updated Masking Requirements in County Facilities

On Friday, February 25, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced new metrics to guide COVID-19 mitigation practices, including mask requirements.

CCHHS has consistently followed CDC guidance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to follow current recommendations. COVID-19 Community Levels will now be determined based on three pieces of data: new COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and new COVID-19 cases. Categories for COVID-19 Community Levels have changed to three levels: Low (Green), Medium (Yellow), and High (Orange).  

Masks no longer required in City of Flagstaff facilities effective March 7

During the March 1 Flagstaff City Council meeting, the Council decided to update mask requirements in City facilities to match updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), effective Monday, March 7. As the CDC currently lists Coconino County’s community level as “medium”, masks will not be required to be worn indoors at City facilities, upon the effective date.

Shifting from Cars: Online Survey Reveals Opportunities and Challenges

79% of drivers are willing to shift to another means of travel according to a recent online survey participated in by 640 Flagstaff area residents. However, those means like biking and transit need to be much safer and more convenient than they are today. “Understanding people’s choices helps us design systems and facilities that meet their individual transportation needs and larger community goals like climate and the economy,” said MetroPlan Planning Manager, David Wessel. MetroPlan, the region’s transportation planning organization, is developing Stride Forward a 20-25 year transportation plan.

Grand Canyon National Park announces backcountry camping fee increase

Effective July 1, 2022, Grand Canyon National Park will increase the cost of overnight backcountry permits. Grand Canyon began charging for overnight backcountry permits in 1997 and last modified backcountry fees in 2015.

The cost recovery charge for overnight backcountry permits will increase for all permits that begin on or after July 1, 2022. The charge of $10 per backcountry permit remains the same; the nightly per person fee will be increased from $8 per person to $12 per person or stock animal camping below the rim in designated backcountry camping areas. This increase does not affect camping fees at Mather, Desert View, or the North Rim campgrounds.