Consideration and Approval of Street Closure(s):  Hopi All Native Arts and Cultural Festival

Special events are important to our community.  They bring excitement to our City and enhance our quality of life.  If done correctly, by addressing parking, trash, noise and congestion a community event street closure has the potential to enhance business in the surrounding area.

The City of Flagstaff, Office of Community Events, brings forward requests for street closures on behalf of the applicant.  The office encourages the event producer to conduct outreach and address any concerns that the community may have regarding this event.  As a courtesy, the Office of Community Events produces a monthly newsletter for downtown residents and business owners to inform them of the upcoming City Council meetings, street closures and events at Heritage Square.

Street closures have the potential to change traffic patterns for local businesses.

COUNCIL GOALS:
Does not address a City Council goal.

Other special events have received this exception in the past.  The Hopi Economic Development Corporation received this exception in 2013 and 2014.

Deny the request to hold the proposed downtown streets.

• Pro: Closure of the streets in the north downtown historic district have the potential to negatively impact businesses in this area.  By not allowing the closure, these north downtown businesses and residents could count on the ordinary flow of traffic and parking.
• Con: This event has the potential to bring participants into the north downtown historic district and increase retail and restaurant sales.

The Hopi Native Arts and Cultural Festival is sponsored by the Hopi Tribe's Economic Development Corporation to provide an opportunity for Native American artisans to sell their arts and crafts.  Additionally, this gives the Hopi Tribe an opportunity to share their life and culture through educating the public with art, dance and traditional foods.  The festival is in its fifth year and has annually drawn over 1000 residents and visitors into the downtown area.

The current special event permit regulations do not allow for the full closure of one-way downtown streets.  Deviations from the special event permit packet have been approved by City Council on a case-by-case basis.

The Hopi All Native Arts and Cultural Festival draws approximately 1000 residents and visitors to the historic downtown area and may generate tourism and business for Flagstaff hotels and restaurants.  The Hopi All Native Arts and Craft Festival provides an educational opportunity for residents and visitors through the sale and display of art, crafts and food.

INFORM: The City of Flagstaff, Office of Community Evens, produces a Downtown Newsletter which is available to businesses and residents on the 1st of each month.  The Hopi Festival agenda item, date and time was included in the August Downtown Newsletter. 

INVOLVE: The Office of Community Events works closely with the Downtown District Manager, Terry Madeksza.  The Downtown District Manager receives a copy of all applications during the review process and is given an opportunity to respond or apply conditions.  The Manager is involved in the process of helping to gauge the support of affected businesses.

CONSULT: The Office of Community Events recommends that event producers conduct outreach with businesses and residents who may be affected by the street closure.  The event producer is required to send a notification letter to all businesses and residents affected by the street closure with date, time and contact information. This letter is sent out between 2-4 weeks prior to the event date.