Supervisors debate taxpayer costs for upcoming summit

Remote court 'pod' approved for Tuba City Library

Nearly $1 million allocated for Pipeline Fire flood mitigation

Wildfire protection plan targets rural and tribal communities

NAU Economic Policy Institute prepares tri-university housing center

United Way to track educational outcomes for Kinder Campers

Flagstaff Shelter Services receives funding for 20th anniversary

Creative Flagstaff seeks matching funds for federal arts grant

Supervisors debate taxpayer costs for upcoming summit

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors debated the financial implications of hosting a County Supervisors Association of Arizona summit, raising concerns about the potential burden on local taxpayers and businesses. While preliminary plans feature a private event at Lowell Observatory's newly opened Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation Astronomy Discovery Center, the discussion emphasized that the host organization must provide a stronger financial contribution than it has in past years. The board's consensus indicated that while showcasing the county's dark skies and local caterers is a priority, the event must be financially responsible and seek a balanced funding approach rather than relying heavily on local business donations.

Remote court 'pod' approved for Tuba City Library

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — In a move to increase access to justice for rural residents, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a license agreement to place a remote court "pod" at the Tuba City Library. The project, funded by an Access to Justice grant through the Arizona Supreme Court, will allow residents to attend court hearings and resolve warrants via video conferencing. Coconino County Health and Human Services data revealed that in 2023, over 900 people from Cameron, Tonalea and Tuba City had court hearings outside their immediate area, prompting the county to find an innovative solution to remove transportation barriers.

Nearly $1 million allocated for Pipeline Fire flood mitigation

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Acting as the Coconino County Flood Control District Board of Directors, the board approved a budget amendment allocating $951,226 in grant funding from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. The funds will be used for the Glen Drive storm drain project in the Pipeline Fire area's Peaceful Way corridor. Flood Control District Director Lucinda Andreani said this is one of the final mitigation projects required to address post-wildfire flooding in the targeted neighborhood, with construction expected to begin this fall.

Wildfire protection plan targets rural and tribal communities

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Greater Flagstaff Forest Partnership briefed the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on the development of a comprehensive Community Wildfire Protection Plan serving seven rural fire districts and tribal communities. Greater Flagstaff Forest Partnership Operations Director Anne Mottek reported that the plan, funded by a federal grant, is currently in the public review phase and will soon feature a web-based dashboard for residents to track forest mitigation projects in real-time. The partnership is also preparing to release a request for proposals for a 700-acre fuels reduction project on Observatory Mesa this spring.

NAU Economic Policy Institute prepares tri-university housing center

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Northern Arizona University Economic Policy Institute presented its annual update, detailing how $34,650 in county funding helped leverage major economic studies and rural financial literacy programs. EPI Director Nancy Baca announced the upcoming fall launch of a tri-university housing research center developed in partnership with the University of Arizona and Arizona State University. The county's investment also subsidized entrepreneurial competitions for rural and tribal high schoolers, as well as economic modeling for the county's flood control projects.

United Way to track educational outcomes for Kinder Campers

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — United Way of Northern Arizona President and CEO Liz Archuleta updated the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on the impact of the county's $118,000 investment, highlighting a new initiative to track students from early childhood to college. Supported by a recent $200,000 donation from Wellpoint, the organization will provide individual case management to families whose children completed Kinder Camp and received a tuition waiver for Coconino Community College or Northern Arizona University. The program aims to remove ongoing financial and social obstacles to keep local youth in the community for their post-secondary education.

Flagstaff Shelter Services receives funding for 20th anniversary

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved $5,750 in Community Initiative funds to support the 20th-anniversary celebration of Flagstaff Shelter Services. Executive Director Ross Schaefer highlighted the shelter's growth from a seasonal operation serving 40 people to a year-round facility that has served roughly 13,000 unique individuals over two decades. The funds, sourced from all five supervisor districts, will support an upcoming community event at Warner's Nursery highlighting the shelter's expanded capacity and ongoing impact on homelessness in Northern Arizona.

Creative Flagstaff seeks matching funds for federal arts grant

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Creative Flagstaff requested the Coconino County Board of Supervisors consider providing matching funds for a National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Projects award aimed at expanding cultural programming to rural areas. During her presentation, Executive Director Julie Comnick also thanked the board for its previous support in renovating the Coconino Center for the Arts theater, noting that new seating and carpeting have led to near-capacity crowds for recent performances. The organization utilized $17,600 in county operations funding this year to support 10 exhibitions and expand youth arts camps.

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