11.M.
City Council Draft Agenda
- Meeting Date:
- 06/16/2026
- From:
- Kevin Fincel, Deputy City Attorney
TITLE:
Consideration and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-18: An ordinance of the Flagstaff City Council authorizing the acquisition of approximately 14.7 acres of real property interests for the John Wesley Powell Extension Project.
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
At the June 16, 2026, Council Meeting:
1) Read Ordinance No. 2026-18 by title only for the first time
2) City Clerk reads Ordinance No. 2026-18 by title only (if approved above)
At the July 7, 2026, Council Meeting:
3) Read Ordinance No. 2026-18 by title only for the final time
4) City Clerk reads Ordinance No. 2026-18 by title only (if approved above)
5) Adopt Ordinance No. 2026-18
Executive Summary:
Article VII, Section 5, of the Flagstaff City Charter provides that the City acquire real property interests by ordinance.
In November 2018, Flagstaff voters passed Proposition 419 to approve the continuation of a levy of a transportation sales tax at the same cumulative rate of 0.426% as the current taxes to be in effect for a period of 21 years beginning July 1, 2020, for roadway, pedestrian, bicycle, and safety improvements. The roadway improvements include the extension of John Wesley Powell Boulevard from its current terminus east of Pine Canyon to South Fourth Street (“John Wesley Powell Extension Project”). The Flagstaff City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 2019-01 to codify the local sales tax rate approved by the Flagstaff voters for the transportation improvements, including the John Wesley Powell Extension Project, and the City of Flagstaff has programmed funding for the John Wesley Powell Extension Project in its Capital Improvement Program.
The City of Flagstaff desires to acquire approximately 14.7 acres of real property interests for the John Wesley Powell Extension Project generally depicted on Exhibit A to the ordinance (“the Property Interests”). The owners of the Property Interests have agreed to dedicate them to the City, and on June 2, 2026, the City Council approved the Second Amendment to the Canyon Del Rio Development, which identifies the amounts to be paid for the Property Interests.
The attached ordinance authorizes the acquisition of the Property Interests, as required by City Charter.
In November 2018, Flagstaff voters passed Proposition 419 to approve the continuation of a levy of a transportation sales tax at the same cumulative rate of 0.426% as the current taxes to be in effect for a period of 21 years beginning July 1, 2020, for roadway, pedestrian, bicycle, and safety improvements. The roadway improvements include the extension of John Wesley Powell Boulevard from its current terminus east of Pine Canyon to South Fourth Street (“John Wesley Powell Extension Project”). The Flagstaff City Council has adopted Ordinance No. 2019-01 to codify the local sales tax rate approved by the Flagstaff voters for the transportation improvements, including the John Wesley Powell Extension Project, and the City of Flagstaff has programmed funding for the John Wesley Powell Extension Project in its Capital Improvement Program.
The City of Flagstaff desires to acquire approximately 14.7 acres of real property interests for the John Wesley Powell Extension Project generally depicted on Exhibit A to the ordinance (“the Property Interests”). The owners of the Property Interests have agreed to dedicate them to the City, and on June 2, 2026, the City Council approved the Second Amendment to the Canyon Del Rio Development, which identifies the amounts to be paid for the Property Interests.
The attached ordinance authorizes the acquisition of the Property Interests, as required by City Charter.
Financial Impact:
In November 2018, voters approved Proposition 419, which allocated a proportional share of funding for roadway, bike, and pedestrian improvements along the future John Wesley Powell extension. The City has reached agreement with the owners of the property on which the JWP extension will be constructed for the dedication and purchase of right-of-way and road construction obligations. The identified funding from Proposition 419 will pay for the City's proportionate share of the cost of the JWP extension, including the purchase of the Property Interests identified in the attached ordinance. The John Wesley Powell Extension Project is budgeted in account 048-10-117-3369-6 with an FY2025-26 estimate of $6,520,000 and FY2026-27 budget of $25,780,000.
Policy Impact:
None.
Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:
The City Council approved the Second Amendment to the Canyon Del Rio Development Agreement on June 2, 2026, which sets out the compensation to be paid for the Property Interests.
Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:
Do not approve the attached ordinance and direct staff accordingly.
Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:
N/A
Connection to Regional Plan:
The John Wesley Powell Extension is identified as a future improvement in the Regional Plan.
Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:
N/A
Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:
The John Wesley Powell Extension will allow for future residential development in the corridor.