Coconino County Supervisor Meeting
Week of September 17, 2026
Officials prepare for new Medicaid work requirements
New volunteer portal to help residents keep Medicaid benefits
Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council unveils 2027-2030 strategic plan
Mobile 'Justice Bus' continues to reach rural communities
County highlights voter access concerns ahead of election
Officials prepare for new Medicaid work requirements
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Coconino County Health and Human Services Director Michele Axlund presented a local response plan to address federal Medicaid changes taking effect Jan. 1, 2027. The new rules will require Medicaid recipients ages 19 to 64 to complete 80 hours of work, school or volunteering per month to maintain their health insurance. Officials estimate the mandate could threaten medical and behavioral health coverage for 10,000 to 12,000 residents, potentially overwhelming local emergency rooms with uncompensated care. Native Americans and veterans with a 100% disability rating are automatically exempt from the requirements.
New volunteer portal to help residents keep Medicaid benefits
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — To combat the upcoming Medicaid work requirements, local officials announced the launch of a new online volunteer portal. Developed by Northern Arizona University with funding from United Way of Northern Arizona, the platform will serve as a centralized hub connecting residents with qualifying volunteer opportunities. The system will automatically track volunteer hours, providing essential documentation for individuals who must prove they meet the 80-hour monthly mandate to retain their medical benefits.
Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council unveils 2027-2030 strategic plan
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — The Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council presented its proposed 2027-2030 strategic plan, shifting toward a unified framework to address countywide safety and rehabilitation. The plan prioritizes expanding access to culturally responsive justice, increasing behavioral health diversion programs and strengthening community trust. The council's executive committee is expected to formally adopt the new guidelines on Oct. 14, following successful initiatives like a community-based mental health restoration program and Indigenous listening circles.
Mobile 'Justice Bus' continues to reach rural communities
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — As part of a presentation on criminal justice initiatives, officials highlighted the success of the "Justice Bus," a mobile court program designed to bring legal and social services directly to rural residents. In 2025, the program served more than 138 individuals across nine community stops, including Page and Tuba City. The initiative allows residents to quash eligible outstanding warrants, clear records, and process marijuana conviction expungements without the burden of traveling long distances to a courthouse.
County highlights voter access concerns ahead of election
COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Coconino County recently highlighted ongoing challenges for rural and Native American voters ahead of the upcoming election. Local documents noted that strict documentation requirements, such as providing physical addresses and birth certificates, continue to create barriers for Indigenous residents. Officials also emphasized the importance of defending the region's mail-in voting system, which is utilized by more than 80% of local voters.
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