Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No.  2012-36: A resolution of the City Council of the City of Flagstaff, Arizona, supporting the City of Flagtaff as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Community.

Effective governance.

Budgeted:  No
Financial Impact:  None

A sustainable community through economic vitality, environmental protection and social inclusion.
Diversity of arts, culture and educational opportunities.

At this time, the Council has not taken any action on this item. However, David Engelthaler of T-Gen North and Flagstaff 40 did present STEM to the City Council at the September 11, 2012 Council meeting.

1.  Read and Adopt Resolution No. 2012-36 supporting the City of Flagstaff as a STEM Community.
2.  Table Resolution No. 2012-36 supporting the City of Flagstaff as a STEM Community.
3.  Do Not Adopt Resolution No. 2012-36 supporting the City of Flagstaff as a STEM Community.

STEM is an acronym for the fields of study in the categories of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The initiative began as a means to address a perceived lack of qualified candidates for high-tech jobs. Maintaining a citizenry that is well versed in STEM fields is a primary focus of educational efforts around the state and the country. The Flagstaff community has been working to introduce its youth to STEM fields through science fairs, robotics programs, various clubs and after school programs.

There have been numerous efforts over the past few months to introduce the STEM intitiative to various community members and organizations.  The Flagstaff 40 group gathered various business and community leaders for a STEM Summit to discuss the community effort and vision on August 6, 2012.  As previously indicated, on September 11, 2012 David Engelthaler of T-Gen North, and a member of Flagstaff 40, presented information to the City Council about the STEM initiative and the outcomes of the STEM Summit.  And finally, on September 26, 2012, as a part of the Festival of Science , there was a STEM City Celebration which was held at Coconino Community College.  During the event, Mayor Nabours read a proclamation of support for STEM.  Also during the event, David Engelthaler unveiled a new sign to greet incoming travelers to Flagstaff as  "AMERICA'S FIRST STEM COMMUNITY".

Considering the preponderance of STEM fields in our community such as high-tech engineering and science-based jobs, it is important to have municipal support for the initiative. This resolution acknowledges the grass roots efforts that have groups of people working together to build the workforce and citizenry of the future.  A brief list of the community supporters reveals the broad cross-section of our community that has pledged their support for STEM.  Those groups include: Flagstaff 40, T-Gen North, W.L.Gore, Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, City of Flagstaff Administration and Economic Vitality, Coconino County, Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff Unified School District, and Science Foundation Arizona, as well as many other business and community leaders.

STEM is a focus of many economic engines in the community, including families that are employed in related fields.  Recognizing the importance of STEM to the education of present and future workforce, local business leaders, municipal leaders, and education representatives have joined together to advance the development of STEM activities, education, and related resources to grow STEM awareness. Adoption of the resolution demonstrates to the community that the citizens and their local elected officials are aligned, and also conveys support solidifying the idea that STEM is a unifying community effort.

STEM occupations currently abound in Flagstaff. Employers and employees in STEM fields share a love of the sciences, as well as the arts, which often complement the sciences quite nicely. Over time, various groups and employers have forged relationships in the community to elevate STEM education, which contributes so greatly to both economies and cultures. At two recent STEM events, David Engelthaler presented a Declaration of STEM Values whereby community leaders could sign to indicate their support for STEM.  The signers read like a "Who's Who" of Flagstaff, and includes educators, elected officials, industry leaders, contractors, bankers, athletes, astronomers, law enforcement, realtors, and foresters.   Virtually every segment of the community has signed this Declaration to show their support for Flagstaff becoming a STEM city.  The effort to make Flagstaff "America's First STEM Community" is a strong initiative receiving widespread community support.