Consideration and Approval of Street Closure(s):  NACo (WIR) Western Interstate Regional Conference and Consideration of Alcohol Service on Heritage Square: NACo (WIR) Western Interstate Regional Conference

Subsidiary Decisions Points: By allowing the NACo Western Interstate Regional Conference, as an exception to the special event permit regulations regarding the full closure of Aspen Ave between San Francisco Street and Leroux street, the City is providing a safe location for an important community event. Whenever alcohol is served on Heritage Square, permission by City Council has been sought.

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

Effective governance.

Other events have received this exception for both street closures and the serving of alcohol.

Deny the request to close the proposed downtown streets.

• Pro: Closure of streets in the north downtown area area has the potential to negatively impact business 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 is a significant event for Flagstaff to host, showcasing unique aspects of our community.  Confining the event to Heritage Square, without the street closure, limits its scope and impact.

In May of 2011 Coconino County was selected as the host for the 2013 National Association of Counties (NACo) Western Interstate Regional (WIR) Conference.  The conference is scheduled May 22 through May 24 2013.

WIR is affiliated with NACo and is dedicated to the promotion of Western interests within NACo.  These interests include public land issues, economic development and other issues critical to the western region of the United States.  The membership consists of 15 Western states.

The conference will provide county officials with the opportunity to hear speakers, discuss legislation and network with other officials.  The WIR conference is expected to attract between 350 and 450 attendees to the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. 

The car show portion of the event is open to the public. 

Alcohol will not be sold to the public (served only to invited guests) and will be served in a controlled environment and will not be allowed outside of Heritage Square.

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. 

Whenever alcohol is served on Heritage Square, permission by City Council has been sought. 

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

Counties who have hosted the WIR conference have experienced a significant economic benefit.  These benefits include hotel bookings, food sales and increased visitation to the area. Currently, three hotels have been reserved for the conference, the Drury Inn, Embassy Suites and the Radisson.  Currently, the Drury Inn is completely booked and the Embassy Suites is expected to fill shortly.  The county is also using local vendors to provide food at local events.  The event that will be hosted at Heritage Square will feature the Route 66 car club and will bring individuals, other than conference attendees, to the downtown area.  The county expects the conference to be an economic boom to the City of Flagstaff for the event at Heritage Square, as well as throughout the entire conference.

The Public Participation Goal of Inform has been chosen: The April and May Downtown Newsletter informed residents and local downtown businesses of the date and time that this agenda item will be presented to City Council. County representatives have conducted additional outreach with businesses around Heritage Square and the Downtown Business Alliance. 

05/07/13 - APPROVED - SLS