Since getting elected to the Flagstaff City Council about a year and a half ago, I have made it a priority to focus on economic issues, the cost of housing and our infrastructure, most notably, our streets. The last half of 2013 saw some strides toward these goals while continuing to factor in Flagstaff’s unique character and balance environmental concerns.
If you and your family are like mine, you not only value the quality of life and natural wonders we all treasure here in Flagstaff, but you also want to see prosperity, jobs and economic growth.
Striking a balanced approach to attain these goals is very important. I’d like to point out some strides that I believe have been made toward these goals.
Approval of the Little America project along with several other re-zoning issues are positive developments for Flagstaff. The Little America Project alone is not only expected to bring hundreds of jobs to Flagstaff but also add something we desperately need: more housing. Flagstaff is well above the national average for housing costs. One way to alleviate some of the pricing pressures on housing is to increase the supply of housing.
Another step forward was amending the zoning code to allow for concept zoning, which eased what was often a cumbersome process that added layers and hurdles to the process. Simplifying this process, while maintaining vibrant public input helps keep the cost of housing and development lower, which is good for not only homeowners but renters as well.
The adoption of a modified 2009 Energy Code is another example of keeping costs down. The amendments made while adopting the energy code amounted to thousands of dollars in savings per new home while still offering advancements in energy efficiency. Striking a reasonable balance was key to its adoption.
Another issue that helps homeowners is property taxes being held flat. No increase in property taxes means more money in the pockets of Flagstaff residents and businesses, which they can use to further economic expansion as they see fit. Early indications are that property taxes will remain flat again this budget cycle. My ultimate goal is to reduce property taxes.
In my opinion, these economic gains have been accomplished through a balanced approach, with advancements being made in environmental concerns as well. 2013 saw the addition of Picture Canyon and Observatory Mesa designated as permanent open space. The addition of these two protected areas have increased the amount of open space in Flagstaff by about a factor of 10! Having pro business, pro development, pro economic growth does not have to preclude being environmentally friendly. I’m proud to be a part of a Council that has preserved more open space than any in Flagstaff’s history.
Another environmental issue dealt with recently is restricting the use of chemical deicer on our streets. These chemicals have killed over 600 trees on private property alone not to mention damaged our streets, sidewalks and vehicles. We are back to cinders on city streets and have made a commitment to increase street sweeping in order to keep the streets clean.
It looks like 2014 is starting off with policy decisions that should further improve economic and housing issues. After a five-year process, the Flagstaff Regional Plan was unanimously approved by the Flagstaff City Council. This came after many months of public input and suggested changes. In fact, Council made around 200 amendments to the draft plan. My major push was the protection of private property rights, changing the draft plan’s push requiring residents to do things to more of a suggestive and encouraging tone. I supported the plan after this and many other reasonable amendments were made that made the plan much more balanced.
I look forward to moving Flagstaff ahead in 2014 by not only preserving the character of our growing city but by also balancing the inevitable growth with smart policy decisions that help grow our economy while also protecting Flagstaff’s unique character. FBN
Jeff Oravits is a member of the Flagstaff City Council. He can be reached at 928-213-2015 or JOravits@flagstaffaz.gov.
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