Winter recreation traffic congestion has long been a two-pronged issue for residents and visitors alike. Tourism represents a major economic driver in our region and is an important contributor to all of us who live and work in Arizona’s north country. With increasing tourism comes the equally important second prong of public safety issues that accompany thousands of winter recreation visitors. Stories of emergency vehicles having to travel in wrong lanes; visitors invading local … [Read more...] about Managing Traffic, Preparing for Winter Visitors
Art Babbott
Cultivating Regional Forest Industries
Catastrophic wildfire and the flooding that often follows a destructive wildfire represent the number one public safety risk for Coconino County’s citizens and communities. Strong community support and regional cooperation exist to move initiatives, such as Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI) and the Flagstaff Watershed Protection Project (FWPP), forward. However, significant implementation challenges remain. Two critical areas needing attention are: 1) Supporting and expanding forest … [Read more...] about Cultivating Regional Forest Industries
Farmer’s Markets: A Growing Popularity
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) comprehensive National Directory of Farmers Markets, the number of farmers markets increased by 16 percent between 2009 and 2010. Arizona lists 74 markets in this directory, with two in Flagstaff. “People are more conscientious about what they are eating. A lot of them are coming out to the farmers market buying fresh vegetables and fruit,” said Fred Wong of Wong’s Farm. “I think, overall, everybody … [Read more...] about Farmer’s Markets: A Growing Popularity
Flagstaff City Council Candidates Share Ideas on Supporting Business
The contenders for Flagstaff City Council agree: supporting local business is good for the economy. Of the six people on the ballot, Scott Overton is the only incumbent, although Art Babbott served on the Council from 2002-06. The election on May 18 will fill the three vacancies on the Flagstaff City Council. Overton calls himself an advocate for business who has worked to keep fees and taxes reasonable. “I see a role in the city assisting individuals in attaining quality … [Read more...] about Flagstaff City Council Candidates Share Ideas on Supporting Business