You and I rely on Flagstaff nonprofit organizations to do the work that benefits our lives, but often goes unnoticed and underfunded. It’s well established that Flagstaff lacks enough housing that people living and working here can afford. The problem is beyond the capacity of the city or any single non-profit housing organization to solve, but we work well together to find solutions. These organizations help us and our neighbors find emergency shelter, provide rental assistance or find stable … [Read more...] about Nonprofit Organizations Do Heavy Lifting
Becky Daggett
Flagstaff’s Search for a New City Manager
The city manager is arguably one of the most important positions within a city government. In Flagstaff and by city charter, we have a Council-Manager form of government. The city council hires the city manager, and the manager has ultimate responsibility for enacting policies passed by the council and for the day-to-day functioning of the city. The city council has been clear about what we’re looking for in a new city manager upon the retirement of Greg Clifton. Greg is an extraordinary … [Read more...] about Flagstaff’s Search for a New City Manager
City Homebuyer Assistance Program Opening Doors to First-Time Homebuyers
Flagstaff residents have much to appreciate about this special place. We work hard to make our community stronger and more prosperous – each one of us plays an important role. This is why I place such importance on creating opportunities for residents who have invested their lives in our community. Whatever your profession, you help make Flagstaff healthier, safer, smarter and more beautiful. Of course, one thing we all have in common is that we all need places to live. Regardless of our stage … [Read more...] about City Homebuyer Assistance Program Opening Doors to First-Time Homebuyers
Taking Wildland Fire Training to the Next Level
Intense, prolonged drought throughout the Southwest means wildfire risk is present year-round. The city recently received the exciting news that the state of Arizona has allocated $4 million to us for the construction of a regional wildland fire training facility. This facility will provide year-round, high-quality training opportunities for local and regional fire personnel. Serving as the base for the Flagstaff Fire Department’s (FFD) Wildland Fire Management Program (WFMP), this facility will … [Read more...] about Taking Wildland Fire Training to the Next Level
Potential Harm to Our Community’s Priorities Through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
As I’ve written here before, city staff and council pay close attention to legislation at the state and federal levels. Based on the needs of the community, the council determines our annual legislative policies and tracks bills that impact those priorities. We remain in regular communication with state and federal representatives throughout the legislative sessions and visit with them at least once a year. These relationships are important to ensure we’re weighing in on legislation and … [Read more...] about Potential Harm to Our Community’s Priorities Through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Participating in Flagstaff’s Evolution
Among the many things I love about Flagstaff and that I think make this a special place to live are all the opportunities to be involved with its evolution. Most walks in the city limits will take you past a utility cabinet wrapped with art, a mural, a community garden, a sculpture or perhaps even a giant chessboard. If you enjoy this art or a stroll along a litter-free trail or cleared sidewalk in winter, consider becoming one of the people who make this happen. Some of this art and these … [Read more...] about Participating in Flagstaff’s Evolution
How Flagstaff Funds Improvements, Mitigation, Restoration, Safety, Beautification
You undoubtedly wish that road and other infrastructure construction would come to an end. Nobody enjoys the inconvenience of the delays and noise that comes with these projects, but we all do enjoy the results. I want to update you on some current and future infrastructure projects discussed at a recent capital improvements retreat. The city maintains a multi-year capital improvements program (CIP) to adequately plan, finance, design and implement construction. Capital improvements staff work … [Read more...] about How Flagstaff Funds Improvements, Mitigation, Restoration, Safety, Beautification
Wildland Fire Preparedness: We All Play a Part
Living in Northern Arizona, destructive wildland fire is always on our minds. This year has been warmer than normal, with below average precipitation. I want to share a few updates on what’s being done to make sure that Flagstaff is as prepared as possible should we be faced with such a fire. A large part of Flagstaff’s strategy for protection from destructive wildland fire involves many partners engaged in the planning of forest thinning treatments, prescribed fire and wildfire response. … [Read more...] about Wildland Fire Preparedness: We All Play a Part
What’s Next for Flagstaff City Council?
On Dec. 17, Councilmembers Anthony Garcia and David Spence were sworn in and joined the Flagstaff City Council and, as the highest vote getter, Miranda Sweet was selected as Vice Mayor. I’m eager to get to know our new councilmembers better and look forward to continuing to work well together as a City Council. I’d like to give you an update on some of the issues and projects that will soon be before us. At our first meeting in 2025, we’ll be discussing our state and federal legislative … [Read more...] about What’s Next for Flagstaff City Council?
Promoting a Healthy Community through Trauma-Informed Systems Change
During the post-wildfire flooding of 2021, I witnessed interactions between people who were worried, tired and angry. Residents, volunteers and staff were all scrambling to protect homes, find solutions and bring relief to those impacted. We were all doing our best during a time when nobody’s best seemed good enough. As my time as a city councilmember and then mayor has progressed, I’ve gotten to know many city staff and I see how difficult and stressful their jobs often are. Most would agree … [Read more...] about Promoting a Healthy Community through Trauma-Informed Systems Change
