Page local news summary

Council Advances Data Center Talks Amidst Controversy

County Updates Health Code, Targeting Glamping and Food Trucks

Wildfires Trigger County-Wide Eligibility for SBA Disaster Loans

City Approves Six-Month Outreach Plan for Downtown Revitalization

City Crime Rate Jumps 25%, Officials Report

County’s “Justice Bus” Bridges Access Gaps in Rural Areas

1. Council Advances Data Center Talks Amidst Controversy

PAGE - In a contentious meeting marked by significant public opposition, the City Council voted 5–2 on August 27 to continue negotiations with Huntley, LLC regarding the potential sale of up to approximately 500 acres of city land for a proposed data center near Horseshoe Bend. The decision directs staff to proceed with talks as discussed in executive session and mandates the pursuit of a public engagement session with the developer. Councilors Hammond and Preller voted against the motion; Hammond called the proposal a “predatory land grab” that does not support the city’s long-term growth, while Preller argued the scale was incompatible with Page’s vision. Proponents argued for gathering more facts and exploring economic diversification, emphasizing that any future zoning changes would still require a full public process.

2. County Updates Health Code, Targeting Glamping and Food Trucks

COCONINO COUNTY - The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a major overhaul of the Unified Health Code on August 26, modernizing regulations across 17 chapters. Updates include specific standards for campground and luxury-camping (“glamping”) operations; stronger enforcement tools (including immediate seizure/discard of unsafe products or equipment under imminent hazard conditions); and updates to mobile food unit/commissary and annual inspection requirements.

3. Wildfires Trigger County-Wide Eligibility for SBA Disaster Loans

COCONINO COUNTY - Officials announced that the U.S. Small Business Administration has made Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) available due to the impacts of the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires, which together burned well over 200,000 acres region-wide and forced the closure of the Grand Canyon North Rim. SBA Business Recovery Centers have been deployed to assist applicants.

4. City Approves Six-Month Outreach Plan for Downtown Revitalization

PAGE - A comprehensive public engagement strategy for the downtown revitalization project was unanimously approved by the City Council. The plan, presented by consultant Norris Design, runs from September 2025 to March 2026 and includes surveys, town halls, and pop-ups at major events. The extended timeline is possible thanks to federal grant support for the project; the U.S. EDA previously awarded $5M for related infrastructure improvements in Page.

5. City Crime Rate Jumps 25%, Officials Report

PAGE - A report to the City Council stated the city is experiencing a 25% year-over-year increase in its crime rate. The update, citing data from Judge Andrew Hettinger and the police chief, also noted an uptick in suicide calls related to substance abuse and issues with young dirt-bike riders. While crime rates are rising, the council also heard positive news regarding the local recovery program, which is achieving a 57% graduation rate, exceeding its 33% target.

6. County’s “Justice Bus” Bridges Access Gaps in Rural Areas

COCONINO COUNTY - The Justice Bus initiative continues to bring court and related services—such as warrant resolution, clerk services, and legal aid—to remote communities. Dianna Kalandros, Director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council, reported four events held in 2025 (including Tuba City) with future stops planned for Williams and Leupp.

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