| Dear Friends of F3,
As we look back at the many events of 2020, I am reminded of the importance of participatory action. At both the national and local levels, we made our voices heard about issues of importance this past year, from the presidential campaign, to the BLM movement, to the need for Flagstaff to declare a climate emergency.
These Communications from F3 are designed to make it easier for you to participate in our community. They provide an easily accessible way for you to track what’s going on in Flagstaff and to participate in the discussions and local decisions that affect you. Join us and help make 2021 a year of joyful participation in our Flagstaff community. Happy New Year!
Community Stakeholder Committee on Reclaimed Water: In October 2021, a Stakeholder Committee was formed to study water strategies for using the City’s reclaimed water. The group is made up of 13 citizen volunteers with a background and/or interest in water management. F3 board member Marilyn Weissman is a member and is representing our organization.
Background: The City is concerned that Flagstaff’s water supply meets future needs. The guiding question is: what is the best and highest use of reclaimed water? This question is being asked as a result of multiple interconnected issues including population growth, the predicted effects of climate change, and the cost of water from other sources such as Red Gap Ranch. The Stakeholder Committee will look at potential uses for this water and determine how these uses comply with important values including safety and health. The issues we are following are: health and safety of reclaimed water, the relationship of reclaimed water to Flagstaff growth, sustainability into the future, and equity issues, among others.
What You Can Do: F3 is reading the book Troubled Water: What’s Wrong the the Water We Drink by Seth M. Siegal (2019). The book shows how drinking water in areas across the country has been contaminated, and what we can do to make it safe. We recommend this book and F3 is purchasing 5 copies that will be available for our members to borrow. The book is also available at various local and online locations. If interested, please contact Board member Marilyn Weissman at MWeissnam@friendsofflagstaff.org
F3 Community Forum on the Climate Emergency Plan: In partnership with the City Sustainability Program, F3 will be holding a community discussion about implementing Flagstaff’s Climate Emergency Declaration (June 2020) and updating its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030.
Keep an eye out for the Community Forum in January and join us to learn more about how Flagstaff can reach carbon neutrality and provide input into the process of achieving carbon neutrality. The date of the Community Forum will be released soon.
F3 2020 Member Campaign: The strength of F3 is its members and we depend upon your participation. We’re a grassroots nonprofit with a mission to achieve a sustainable, just, and thriving Flagstaff through community education, engagement, and advocacy. We focus on these areas:
- Land Use & the Built Environment
- Open Space, Public Spaces, & Viewsheds
- Climate Change Adaptation & Resilience
- Affordability
- Local Resilient & Equitable Economy
- Water and Natural Resources
- Transportation
- Civic Engagement
Are you a member of F3 yet? Have you renewed your membership? JOIN F3 for as little as $25.
Michele JamesExecutive Director, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future
City Council Update:
Downtown Visioning Plan: This on-going effort is spearheaded by the Downtown Business Alliance and consultants. The Plan is looking at strategies to improve long and short-term economic recovery, parking improvements, and proposing “catalytic” and “place making” projects. The Plan continues to be refined and vetted and more information will be forthcoming in the near future. An executive summary can be found here.
Local Efforts: Good Information to Have and to Share
The Rental Eviction Moratorium is expected to be extended through January 2021. If you or someone you know may be affected by eviction locally, assistance, including housing case management, and possibly aid (depending on your particular circumstances) can be accessed through Front Door. The two access points for these services are Flagstaff Shelter Services, Inc: (928-225-2533), https://flagshelter.org/ and Catholic Charities Community Services: (928-774-9125), https://www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/
Downtown Library Plaza Redesign, Input Opportunity: The library is seeking input on an important redesign of the outdoor entryway at the Downtown branch. Provide creative input to the designers, the public artist, and city staff by taking a short survey.
Affordable Housing Discussion: If you missed this informative discussion on Jan.9th about the affordable housing issue in Flagstaff, you watch the recording. This discussion features Devonna McLaughlin (Director, Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona) and Sara Darr (Director, City of Flagstaff Housing Department) in conversation with former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans.
Vote for F3 at High Mountain Health: Every month, High Mountain Health generously donates $1,000 to a Flagstaff nonprofit. If you are a High Mountain Health patron in the month of January, you will have the opportunity to vote for one of three local nonprofits at the time of your purchase. We would be so appreciative if you cast your vote for F3. Thank you to High Mountain Health for their generosity to our community!
Calendar of Events
Explore the Rio Watershed Speaker Series:
January 6, at 5:30 p.m.
“Sustaining and Healing our Watershed” via Zoom. Register here.
Documentary Parched: The Art of Water in the Southwest
Through January 9, 2021, online.
This excellent documentary about the creation of the exhibit by the same name, explores the complexities of water in the context of climate change and increasing demands on water.
McMillan Mesa Natural Area Rezoning Community Virtual Meeting
January 13, 2021, 5-7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
The City of Flagstaff’s Open Space Program proposes to file for a Zoning Map Amendment for the McMillan Mesa Natural Area, changing the existing Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space Zoning for passive recreation and preservation. For Zoom link to the Virtual Meetings and to comment if you cannot attend, visit the Flagstaff Community Forum.
Explore the Rio Watershed Speaker Series
January 20, 5:30 p.m.
“Rio for the People” via Zoom. Register here.
Environmental Justice, Equity, and Inclusion for Indigenous Americans
Anytime.
Recorded Webinar
General Contact Information:
• To attend City Council meetings virtually: https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/1461/Streaming-City-Council-Meetings
• To attend Coconino County meetings virtually: https://www.coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-7144.
• To access City Commissions including Open Space, Sustainability, Planning and Zoning:https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/994/Boards-Commissions
New Member Drive
Have you been thinking about joining Friends of Flagstaff’s Future for the first time? Have you been meaning to rejoin F3 after a lapse of membership? Join now for as little as $40 for an individual/$60 for a family. It’s easy! Just click below. |
