Hello, Northern Arizona! Well, this is my second-to-last column for you as Flagstaff’s mayor. It has been a joy and an honor to serve my hometown, and I hope to continue to find ways to do so. When I was growing up, this community nurtured my brother and me. This community made sure we had what we … [Read more...] about Reflecting Back, Looking Ahead, Expressing Gratitude
Evans
Keeping Rural Economies Afloat
Hello, Northern Arizona. I hope you are all hanging in there okay. I know this is an incredibly uncertain and difficult situation. Like you, I have been personally and directly impacted by COVID-19. My business is currently in flux and I was laid off from one of my jobs, a small business. Most of … [Read more...] about Keeping Rural Economies Afloat
Considering Education Needs of Children, Schools, System
As you buy paper and markers, tissues and wipes, I invite you to pick up extras, because classrooms often don’t have an adequate supply of pencils. Let’s consider why there are never enough pencils. We know that a quality education is a key to the success of our children and our communities. A … [Read more...] about Considering Education Needs of Children, Schools, System
Urging More for Education
Hello, Flagstaff! I am the daughter of a former Elementary School Teacher and I taught Adult Basic Education, GED Preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) for the Flagstaff Unified School District for five years. As I write this, the state legislature is at work on … [Read more...] about Urging More for Education
Planning for a Sustainable Water Future
Hello, Flagstaff! Has everyone been enjoying our relatively active winter weather? I have, after last year’s exceptional dryness and the perpetual threat of wildfire. I deeply appreciate the rain and snow that we’ve been blessed with. Water is an ongoing concern and something I think we need to … [Read more...] about Planning for a Sustainable Water Future
Flagstaff’s Budget Process Means Identifying Community Needs
Hello, Flagstaff! Happy New Year! I cannot tell you how honored I am to serve as your mayor for another year. There is a lot we would like to accomplish in the next 12 months – enacting the climate action plan, making sure city services have what they need to meet our needs, supporting families … [Read more...] about Flagstaff’s Budget Process Means Identifying Community Needs
Practicing Love, Service, Thanksgiving
Hello, Flagstaff! As I sit to write this, we are less than nine days away from the general election. It’s also been one horrifying news cycle after another. Last week, a man walked into a synagogue and opened fire, killing 11 people while spewing anti-Semitic hatred. Two African-Americans were … [Read more...] about Practicing Love, Service, Thanksgiving
Preparing for Upcoming Elections
Hello Flagstaff! Fall is almost upon us! Students are returning to school, Northern Arizona University’s campus is coming back to life, and soon the aspens will turn golden. Fall also means election season is heating up. One of the many things I love about my hometown is that we … [Read more...] about Preparing for Upcoming Elections
Addressing Affordable Housing, Cost of Living
Hello, Flagstaff! Now that the holidays are over, we at City Hall are back to work and 2018 looks to be a busy year. When the current council set our goals for this term, it was obvious that affordable housing had to be at the top of the list. The cost of living here is legendarily high, and … [Read more...] about Addressing Affordable Housing, Cost of Living
Addressing Minimum Wage in the New Year
Hello Flagstaff and welcome, 2018! There are a couple things in store for this New Year that I’d like to take a moment to address. As many of you know, the minimum wage went up with the beginning of the year across Arizona to $10.50, and in Flagstaff, it climbed to $11. This is a result of voters … [Read more...] about Addressing Minimum Wage in the New Year
