Fire season is upon us early this year, to disastrous effects. Volunteer efforts helping to clear debris and assist those impacted have seen large turnouts and I want to thank all those who are helping our neighbors through this time of struggle. The City of Flagstaff has been preparing heavily for wildfire and flood season, cutting through bureaucratic red tape to get things done quickly. Two major projects in the Sunnyside neighborhood - Killip Elementary Detention Basin and the Dortha … [Read more...] about Volunteers, Projects Helping to Prepare for Wildfire, Flood Season
Mayor Paul Deasy
Taking Action to Protect Flagstaff
There is a lot going on these days. Wildfire season has started early and my heart goes out to those who have been afflicted by the Tunnel Fire. Thirty homes were lost. Despite the tragedy, I saw our community come together to help those in need, providing homes for evacuees, giving food and clothing, and sheltering animals. I want to thank our brave firefighters and all our first responders who helped our surrounding community in the midst of such a crisis. Council recently held our budget … [Read more...] about Taking Action to Protect Flagstaff
Building a Stronger Flagstaff
Flagstaff faced many challenges in 2021. Through it all, residents have come together to face them head on. When wildfires were raging close to town, our community raked needles from yards, cleared debris for our elderly and less-abled, and helped neighbors in threatened neighborhoods get ready to evacuate. When flooding hit, nearly 1,000 of us were out there filling and piling sandbags, clearing the mud from our neighbors’ homes and helping each other physically and emotionally. Through … [Read more...] about Building a Stronger Flagstaff
Stormwater Projects Continue to Gain Support
I hope this New Year is going well for everyone! There are a lot of exciting things happening in our community to update you on. First and foremost, our stormwater infrastructure projects have received more financial support through our intergovernmental partnerships. On Jan. 19, we got word that Flagstaff will receive $2.7 million from the AZ Water Infrastructure Authority through the leadership of Congressman Greg Stanton. We are the only city in Arizona to have received two funded … [Read more...] about Stormwater Projects Continue to Gain Support
Looking Back on Accomplishments, Forward on Projects
I hope you all had an amazing 2021! It seems like yesterday our new Flagstaff City Council was sworn into office and I am very happy with what the city has accomplished over the last year. The city’s broadband investment has increased drastically, from $200,000 to $2.9 million in one year, and with new state fiber coming up I-17 to I-40, this new infrastructure will provide a huge catalyst to our economic future. The city has developed a master plan that will connect government facilities in … [Read more...] about Looking Back on Accomplishments, Forward on Projects
Big Projects Ahead for Improving Life in Flagstaff
A lot of big things are coming up before the Flagstaff City Council after having our summer recess. One major discussion coming up Sept. 7 is how we will be allocating the American Rescue Plan Act dollars from the federal government. Millions were given to the city, with certain guidelines on how it can be spent. Some of the proposals that we’ve suggested for the use of these funds could have a significant impact on our economy, infrastructure and social services. A priority is to improve our … [Read more...] about Big Projects Ahead for Improving Life in Flagstaff
Serving, Protecting Flagstaff
We have gotten a lot done at City Hall that I’m excited to share. We recently passed the final budget, which, among many things, included funding for a fully functioning alternative policing crisis response for three years, whereby a medic and social work professional will respond to 911 calls that are not criminal in nature. Calls for a mental health crisis, homelessness, public intoxication, etc., will now be diverted as appropriate to this alternative response team, reducing the call volume … [Read more...] about Serving, Protecting Flagstaff
Keeping Up On Vaccinations, Affordable Housing, City Services
We’ve had a lot going on this month. I am happy to report that COVID-19 vaccinations have been opened to all 1B essential workers by Coconino County. With production ramping up, I am hopeful we will see an influx of more appointments at the same time as an influx of those who can now receive it. To learn more about the phased approach and to check for appointment times, please go to the Coconino County vaccination site at coconino.az.gov/covid19vaccine. Flagstaff City Council has approved … [Read more...] about Keeping Up On Vaccinations, Affordable Housing, City Services
Communicating to Discuss Issues, Solve Problems
I am honored and excited to have taken office as Flagstaff’s next mayor. The world looks a bit different now than I expected when announcing my run for office, but the foundation of my campaign is now more important than ever – better communication, accountable government and transparency in decision-making. We have seen mass protests across the country and in Flagstaff, a sign that large swaths of the community feel unheard and that their grievances seemingly are unrecognized by those in … [Read more...] about Communicating to Discuss Issues, Solve Problems