Volunteers, Projects Helping to Prepare for Wildfire, Flood Season

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 Inlet – are on track for completion by July 1. Thus far, through our partnerships, we’ve secured more than $14 million from five government agencies to help mitigate flooding from the Museum Fire scar since October 2021. I want to thank our partners and commend our staff who’ve worked so hard to get these projects funded, designed and completed in such record time. There is lots of work still to do but plans and actions are fast in motion.

Sandbag replacement and debris clean-up events are up and running. On May 21, we hosted a debris clean-up where we went through the Spruce Wash picking up trash and plant matter that would otherwise potentially clog our drain system. It’s great to get out there and super fun to work with our community to help our neighbors, and I urge others to join us! Volunteer efforts are occurring every weekend through the City of Flagstaff and/or United Way of Northern Arizona. Please take a look for volunteer opportunities through our organizations and consider spending a few hours of your weekend with us.

Recommendations for potential bonds from the Citizens’ Bond Committee will be discussed through June and will help inform our discussion on what the Flagstaff City Council will place on the ballot this November. Much of the discussion focuses on flood mitigation, our wastewater system and housing. One thing not well-known to the public is that our wastewater plant is nearly surpassing capacity and requires substantial upgrades to handle our population. Not many of us think about what happens after we flush the toilet, but it is a large and expensive operation to ensure this basic infrastructure is sustainable, and we may be going to the voters to bond for the needed upgrades.

We continue to see successes with the new C.A.R.E. team (Community Alliance Response and Engagement), a patrol unit that responds to 911 calls with a behavioral health specialist and fire department EMT. Since implementation at the end of March, hundreds of calls have been diverted to handle mental health and substance use issues in our community. We are already in discussions regarding potential expansion of the program to reduce even more calls that traditionally fell on our police department’s shoulders. Council recently annexed land for a detox facility on the outskirts of town. I am excited to see our priorities and plans coming to fruition, as we re-envision how we approach social ills with more help and fewer handcuffs.

Stay safe! FBN

By Mayor Paul Deasy

Paul Deasy is the mayor of Flagstaff.

These statements and views are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Flagstaff City Council.