Economic Development Manager Jeff McCormick addressed Council about the Green Business Boot Camp and encouraged interested businesses to register through Local First Arizona. The seven-week program helps businesses reduce energy, water, waste, and transportation emissions, develop sustainability plans, incorporate community impact, and receive up to a year of follow-up support, along with expert guidance, peer connections, and access to green financing options.

Colleen Maring, Chief People Officer at Northern Arizona Healthcare, addressed Council to clarify that NAH is a separate nonprofit hospital system and not affiliated with North Country Healthcare, despite similar names and shared physicians with hospital privileges. She emphasized the importance of North Country as a federally qualified health center and described NAH’s role in supporting continued care during North Country’s financial challenges, including providing space and financial support for the NACASA program and issuing a loan to help sustain services through bankruptcy.

Councilmember Matthews announced the monthly Mountain Line board meeting. She shared that she attended the CJCC, which concluded a yearlong consultant-led process to clarify goals and mission, with a focus on building community trust, culturally rooted services, and equity in the justice system. 

Councilmember Garcia reported that the Library Board will hold its monthly meeting on later that week.

Councilmember Aslan reported on a half-day Discover Flagstaff and Tourism Commission retreat focused on reviewing data and setting the vision for the year ahead. 

Councilmember House shared that she also attended the Discover Flagstaff retreat virtually, announced the Housing Commission meeting scheduled for that week and noted that the Commission on Diversity Awareness meeting was cancelled due to lack of quorum but emphasized the commission’s desire to be more actively involved in Council discussions on inclusion and community impact.

Vice Mayor Sweet reported that she attended the Northern Arizona Municipal Water Users Association meeting where they approved their budget and reviewed legislative positions. She shared that NACOG was down at the League participating in Legislative Day, and Mountain Line and MetroPlan continued their efforts to secure funding for US 180 safety improvements. She noted that Mayor Daggett is attending the Senate Appropriations Committee to speak in support of SB 1064 and funding for West Route 66.

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to appoint Caitlin Stewart to the Heritage Preservation Commission.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to appoint David Merrell to the Building and Fire Code Board of Appeals.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Vice Mayor Sweet pulled Items 7C and 7D for discussion.

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to approve the Consent Agenda as presented with the exception of 7C and 7D.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Councilmember Garcia asked how the cooperative contract works. Housing Director Sarah Darr explained that the city used a cooperative purchasing agreement, which allows the city to rely on another agency’s completed procurement process to identify a qualified contractor, while the contract itself is directly between the city and the vendor. The city remains fully responsible for administering the contract, ensuring the work is completed correctly, and overseeing inspections in coordination with Building Safety. She also confirmed that residents will be able to remain in their homes during the reroofing process and that no temporary relocation is required. 

Councilmember Matthews raised a concern about the timing of the expenditure, noting that the Council recently approved bond funding for future redevelopment of the homes. Ms. Darr responded that the roofs are in need of immediate repair, while redevelopment is still in early stages and could be five to seven years away, with Brannen Homes likely being the second site to be rebuilt. Given the current conditions and long redevelopment timeline, she explained that addressing the roofing needs now is necessary to protect residents and the housing stock in the interim.

Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to approve the purchase for roofing repairs and installation through a cooperative purchase contract 1GP contract number 21-06P-02 with Progressive Roofing in the amount of $628,347.00 and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Councilmember House asked staff to provide a high-level explanation of Peregrine software and how the Police Department is using it.

Chief Information Officer CJ Perry explained that Peregrine is a data aggregation platform. Its primary purpose is to support the Police Department’s transition from an aging dispatch and records system to a new system. As part of this upgrade, the department must retain all historical data for record-keeping and legal purposes. Peregrine allows the department to extract data from the old system, store it securely, and make it searchable, enabling the old system to be shut down while the new one is brought online.

Police Chief Sean Connolly highlighted an additional benefit related to officer wellness. The system can help break down data silos and tag high-stress or traumatic incidents, such as domestic violence calls involving injury. By tracking officer and dispatcher exposure to these incidents, Peregrine can function as an early warning system, flagging individuals who may be experiencing high cumulative stress. This allows leadership to proactively intervene and connect personnel with wellness resources, including counseling services currently used by both Police and Fire departments.

Councilmember Garcia asked whether this item would be reviewed by the upcoming Citizen Technology Task Force. Mr. Perry explained that this implementation was not initially intended for that group because it involves existing crime data and no new data collection or privacy impacts, only a change in platform.

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to approve the purchase of the Peregrine software in the amount of $82,500 with funding allocated by the State for participation in a state-funded pilot program.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Events and Marketing Manager Haley Reynolds provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

FOURTH OF JULY DRONE SHOW
2025 RECAP
2026 DRONE SHOW
CONTRACT DETAILS
OPTION 1 / OPTION 2

Council asked a series of questions regarding the proposed drone show, focusing on contract terms, attendance, viewing logistics, creativity, traffic, safety, and site selection.

Senior Procurement Specialist Josh Liman confirmed the vendor contract is renewable annually and can be terminated for convenience, ensuring the city is not locked into a long-term commitment. 

Attendance estimates from last year placed approximately 15,000 spectators in the Buffalo Park/McMillan Mesa area, not including other informal viewing locations. The new Foxglenn Park location is expected to accommodate similar or increased attendance, with room for growth.

Viewing for the event will be centralized at Foxglenn Park, with the intent that spectators attend the event site rather than dispersing across multiple off-site viewing locations. Other nearby areas are not planned as viewing locations.

Council raised questions about creativity and originality of the drone show. Ms. Reynolds explained that the vendor allows the city to fully customize the show, including Flagstaff-specific imagery and themes. Last year’s shared content was partly due to Independence Day timing, but future shows can be made entirely unique.

Traffic and parking were a major focus. Police Lieutenant Ryan Beckman shared that planning is ongoing and informed by lessons learned last year. Butler Avenue is expected to be closed for safety reasons, with reopening after the event considered but not guaranteed due to pedestrian safety concerns. Foxglenn Park will have no public on-site parking; lots will be reserved for event operations and emergency access.

Ms. Reynolds added that to address parking, they were exploring shuttle service through Mountain Line, pending an amendment to the intergovernmental agreement. Potential park-and-ride locations include large lots such as the mall and NAU. A free ticketing or reservation system is also being considered to manage expectations and prevent attendees from attempting to park at the site.

Staff reviewed alternative locations that were considered and rejected, including Coconino High School (used last year) and Continental Country Club Golf Course (rejected due to private ownership). Foxglenn was selected for its similar logistical profile but better proximity to major roads, allowing for more efficient ingress and egress.

Councilmembers asked about fire and safety risks related to drones. Ms. Reynolds stated drones pose minimal fire risk, do not use pyrotechnics, and can safely land in the event of a malfunction. The show can proceed regardless of fire restriction levels.

There was discussion of two layout options for the Foxglenn site. While staff initially leaned toward Option 1 for operational and emergency access reasons, several councilmembers expressed interest in Option 2 for increased viewing space. Council left the final decision to staff, in coordination with police and fire, to balance public viewing space with responder access and safety.

Ms. Reynolds shared that staff plans to return to Council in May with more detailed plans addressing traffic control, parking, shuttles, and event activation.

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to approve the Contract for Services in the amount of $122,500, annually, with Open Sky Productions, LLC and authorize the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Management Services Director Rick Tadder provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

CITYWIDE COST RECOVERY POLICY
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
COST RECOVERY FRAMEWORK
PERIODIC REVIEWS
DATA ELEMENTS FOR COST ANALYSIS
COST RECOVERY SCHEDULE
FEE REVIEW SCHEDULE

Council confirmed that approving the policy does not prevent future recommendations for fee or rate changes. Mr. Tadder confirmed and noted that staff will review all areas annually and bring any proposed adjustments to Council, with ranges provided for context and discussion. Final adoption of any changes remains with Council.

Ms. Keene thanked Mr. Tadder and Public Works Solid Waste staff for their flexibility and responsiveness, noting that moving up the solid waste fee review will be helpful for future discussions.

Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to approve the Citywide Cost Recovery Policy.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Vice Mayor Sweet opened the public hearing.

Zoning Code Manager Tiffany Antol provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

AMENDMENT TO ZONING CODE DIVISION 10-50.100 SIGN STANDARDS
SIGN STANDARDS
CITY’S PROPOSED ZONING CODE TEXT AMENDMENT
PURPOSE (SECTION 10-50.100.010)
GENERAL RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SIGNS (10-50.100.040)
PERMANENT SIGNS (10-50.100.050)
SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES MADE TO TABLE 10-50.100.050.A
STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC SIGN TYPES
COMPREHENSIVE SIGN PROGRAMS (10-50.100.060)
SIGN DESIGN INCENTIVES (10-50.100.070)
PORTABLE AND/OR TEMPORARY SIGNS (10-50.100.080)
SIGN DISTRICTS OF SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS (10-50.100.090)
DEFINITIONS “S” (10-80.20.190)
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
PLANNING AND ZONING RECOMMENDATION

Councilmember House expressed appreciation for the amendments, noting that the updated process greatly simplifies approvals for temporary and marketing signage in multifamily housing projects. She highlighted her experience working directly in multifamily housing and emphasized that these changes will have a meaningful impact on communities providing housing in Flagstaff. Regarding Planning and Zoning Commission input, staff explained that there were only minor comments about temporary signage, with the overall vote being unanimous, though not all members were present.

Councilmember Aslan raised concerns about dark sky protections, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging Flagstaff’s dark sky heritage in any signage and lighting regulations. Ms. Antol confirmed that existing dark sky provisions remain intact, with external lighting required to comply with the lighting code, internal signs needing opaque or dark backgrounds, and external lights shielded to prevent upward light scatter. A notable update allows simulated LED neon in place of traditional gaseous neon, primarily to reduce costs while maintaining the aesthetic value of neon signage, particularly for historic signs.

Other significant updates include changes in the Central Business District, where relief requirements for signs were reduced based on feedback from local businesses and sign companies to lower production costs. Signage allowances for multifamily buildings were also increased, moving from a very minimal size to more practical dimensions. Throughout the amendment process, staff consulted with local sign companies, who were generally supportive of the simplified and clarified regulations.

Regarding billboards and nonconforming signs, staff noted that off-site signage and billboards are prohibited in Flagstaff, with all remaining billboards having been bought out by the city. Nonconforming signs retain grandfathered rights unless removed, and historic signs, such as the Monte Vista neon sign, can be designated as historic or cultural, which exempts them from the standard code. The allowance for simulated LED neon provides flexibility for such historic signs while ensuring compliance with preservation requirements.

There being no further comment Vice Mayor Sweet closed the public hearing.

Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to read Resolution No. 2026-03 by title only.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to read Ordinance No. 2026-01 by title only for the first time.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Grants, Contracts, and Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler-Knaggs and Deputy Fire Chief Mark Wilson provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

$4,000,000 A HUGE LIFT & GIFT
A REGIONAL ASSET
WILDLAND MANAGEMENT STATION
TRAINING CLASSROOM
BUILD TIME IS ESTIMATED AT 2-3 YEARS OUT

Ms. Keene took a moment to recognize the collaborative effort behind a major funding and grant success. The initiative began with legislative advocacy, with the city’s State Lobbyist Brian Murray assisting in navigating agency funding opportunities. In addition to Council and city staff, external partners, including Coconino Community College President Heiser and the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, also played a significant role.

Council expressed appreciation for the extensive work that went into securing the funding, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on community safety, training capacity, and forest management. They acknowledged the exceptional reputation of Flagstaff’s fire department and the professionalism of staff, noting that this achievement reflects a national standard of excellence. 
 

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Anthony Garcia to read Resolution No. 2026-05 by title only.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to adopt Resolution No. 2026-05.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

A break was held from 4:51 p.m. through 5:04 p.m.

Support Services Section Director Allison Hughes explained that the agreement formalizes an existing partnership for dispatch services, ensuring consistent and coordinated communications while allowing the department to recover costs without adding staff or affecting service levels.

Council expressed support and appreciation for the work leading up to this point. They noted the long effort to get the agreement finalized and expressed excitement to see it moving forward. Councilmember Garcia acknowledged the county supervisors’ role in facilitating the agreement, affirming support for the proposal.

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to read Resolution No. 2026-06 by title only.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Khara House, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to adopt Resolution No. 2026-06.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Deputy Chief Charles Hernandez presented information regarding a $280,500 grant from the Arizona Department of Public Safety to support the Flagstaff Police Department’s investigations into serious and complex crimes with regional or cross-border connections. These include drug trafficking, human trafficking, smuggling, and offenses involving the sexual exploitation of children, including internet crimes and child sexual abuse material. He strongly emphasized that the grant will not be used for routine immigration or ICE enforcement.

Deputy Chief Hernandez further explained that $150,000 of the grant will support detective overtime and officers assigned to the Metro Multi-Agency Task Force, helping investigators manage heavy caseloads without straining the city’s general fund. An additional $35,000 will fund two unmarked hybrid investigative pickup trucks, replacing existing fleet vehicles. These trucks provide capacity for transporting personnel, equipment, and victims across rural and multi-jurisdictional areas, while aligning with Flagstaff’s climate action goals.

Deputy Chief Hernandez clarified that only Flagstaff Police Department personnel will operate the vehicles, and the unmarked status is intended for surveillance and investigative support, not as primary enforcement vehicles. Surveillance operations are behavior-based and comply with legal and procedural standards.

Councilmember House asked about the use of vehicles for federal or state enforcement and the differentiation between border-related and immigration enforcement. Deputy Chief Hernandez confirmed that operations remain under local control and that the grant does not support immigration enforcement.

Councilmember Matthews inquired whether the department would cease investigations without the grant, and Deputy Chief Hernandez explained the grant enhances efficiency and reduces strain on the general fund but is not essential for continuing investigations.

Councilmember Aslan questioned whether the unmarked vehicles could be removed from the grant and whether the vehicles could be more visibly marked. Deputy Chief Hernandez explained the vehicles are required under grant specifications and are replacing existing vehicles.

Councilmember Garcia asked about intelligence gathering versus profiling and the department’s control over operations involving state task forces. Deputy Chief Hernandez emphasized that surveillance is behavior-based, profiling is not conducted, and all operations remain under local control with no outside influence.

The following individuals addressed Council in opposition of the contract:

• Izaya “Clay” Emmanuel
• Chelsea Green
• Sean Parson
• Sarah Andrews

The following comments were received:

• Concerned that the grant could harm the community rather than build resilience.
• Fear that funding might be used to disrupt residents under the guise of addressing border-related crimes, potentially targeting immigrants or people of color.
• Noted prior experiences of harassment by federal enforcement and worry that unmarked law enforcement vehicles create fear among residents.
• Advocated for investment in community programs, job creation, and support for individuals impacted by drug use and poverty rather than punitive measures.
• Concerns about the transparency and oversight of the grant and related initiatives.
• There needs to be foresight to protect the community.
• Criticized reliance on large financial backers (Sequoia Capital, BlackRock, Vanguard) for related programs, suggesting conflict of interest or misalignment with community priorities.
• There is fear and mistrust within Flagstaff’s immigrant community regarding the grant and law enforcement activities.
• The City Council should delay approval to allow for broader public engagement and dialogue.
• Concerned about expansion of police powers and civil liberties, referencing lessons from the 2020 protests after George Floyd’s death.
• Urged careful consideration of the police’s role in the community and the importance of transparent communication with vulnerable populations.
• There is nationwide patterns of violence and discrimination in immigration and border enforcement.
• Questioned the trustworthiness of policing outcomes, even for crimes like sex trafficking, due to prior events undermining community trust.
• Warned that accepting these funds and working with outside agencies could further marginalize immigrant communities.
• Emphasized human rights and safety concerns over expansion of policing resources.
• Concerned about alignment of local law enforcement with federal enforcement, it is part of a broader authoritarian trend.
• Stressed constitutional and ethical obligations to avoid endorsing actions perceived as illegal or oppressive.
• Reject the grant to avoid contributing to systemic harm or fear in the community.

Councilmember Matthews emphasized that the conversation was being complicated by national debates and fears, but that the issue at hand was a local, budget-related matter. She asked if the city had previously utilized this grant. Deputy Chief Hernandez indicated that the city had utilized this grant funding and that it was intended to fund compensatory overtime for officers working additional hours addressing serious crimes, such as human trafficking, sex trafficking, drug offenses, and other victim-centered crimes. He further clarified that the grant would not expand the police fleet or add new personnel but merely replace aging unmarked vehicles. 

Councilmember Matthews asked whether the grant contained any language that would allow federal border agencies to intervene in local policing. Deputy Chief Hernandez confirmed there was no such language: the funds must be used for the specific purposes requested in the grant, and any unused funds would have to be returned. 

Councilmember Matthews stated that accepting the funds does not grant ICE or any federal agency a “green light” to conduct operations in Flagstaff and emphasized her commitment to protecting the most vulnerable populations, especially children.

Councilmember Spence inquired about neighboring communities, and Deputy Chief Hernandez explained that Coconino County had previously received this grant, which had originally been limited to sheriffs but was now open to municipalities. 

Councilmember Aslan expressed strong reservations, acknowledging the merit of the grant but stating that the current national climate of covert federal operations and the use of unmarked vehicles made it difficult to support the initiative. He drew parallels to previous local debates, like the Flock issue, where public trust in law enforcement’s covert operations had been a major concern, highlighting how national headlines can amplify community fear.

Several councilmembers sought to address those fears by focusing on the local realities of the grant. Police Chief Sean Connolly and Deputy Chief Hernandez repeatedly affirmed that the grant was strictly for addressing specific criminal activity, not enforcing immigration law. Acceptance of the grant would not alter local enforcement policies or target immigrants based on status. Chief Connolly explained the operational necessity of undercover and unmarked vehicles, comparing them to essential tools for safely investigating serious crimes, protecting officers, and safeguarding victims. He emphasized that these vehicles and resources would remain under local control, used solely for the crimes identified in the grant. Both Deputy Chief Hernandez and Chief Connolly shared personal perspectives, reflecting their commitment to the community, cultural sensitivity, and maintaining trust, particularly with marginalized populations, including the Hispanic and immigrant communities.

Councilmember Matthews stressed the importance of separating national fears from the local, specific purposes of the grant, noting that not approving the funds would force the city to divert general fund money to maintain operations. She highlighted that trust in the Chief and the department is based on their repeated assurances and public commitments to local policies. 

Councilmember Spence voiced support, noting the grant would help prosecute and apprehend real criminals and that the use of unmarked vehicles is operationally justified. 

Councilmembers House and Garcia acknowledged the difficulty of decoupling national concerns from local actions but affirmed that the Chief and Deputy Chief’s transparency, personal integrity, and commitment to the community lessened those concerns. They also encouraged residents to focus on the shared priorities of community safety and protection of vulnerable populations, despite differing opinions on broader national issues.

Councilmember Aslan articulated a dissenting perspective, expressing discomfort with the optics of accepting federal-related funding and unmarked vehicles given the national climate. He framed his “no” vote as a response to public perception and community anxiety, not a critique of the department’s intentions or integrity, highlighting the tension between operational necessity and maintaining public trust.

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember David Spence to read Resolution No. 2026-04 by title only.

Vote: 5 - 1

NAY:

Councilmember Austin Aslan

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember David Spence to adopt Resolution No. 2026-04.

Vote: 5 - 1

NAY:

Councilmember Austin Aslan

City Attorney Sterling Solomon explained that the resolution authorized an amendment to the 2016 Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Flagstaff and the Arizona Department of Transportation. The original 10-year agreement is set to expire in 2026, and the amendment proposes a one-year extension to allow both parties to update and refine certain terms. This extension supports the city’s long-term efforts to develop a Regional Water Supply Pipeline from Red Gap Branch to Flagstaff, including establishing a permit process with ADOT for the central path along I?40. The amendment ensures continued progress on the regional water project, with the expectation that a longer-term agreement will be brought back for consideration later in 2026.

Moved by Councilmember Lori Matthews, seconded by Councilmember Khara House to read Resolution No. 2026-07 by title only.

Councilmember Aslan noted his support for moving the resolution forward to keep the process on the Regional Water Supply project moving, while clarifying that this does not indicate a position on future decisions related to the project.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Moved by Councilmember Anthony Garcia, seconded by Councilmember Lori Matthews to adopt Resolution No. 2026-07.

Vote: 6 - 0 - Unanimously

Grants, Contracts, and Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler-Knaggs, Capital Improvement Project Manager David Pedersen provided a PowerPoint presentation that covered the following:

INNER BASIN WATERLINE RESTORATION PROJECT
ARIZONA AWARDS
ARIZONA CHAPTER OF ASSOCIATED GENERAL CONTRACTORS (AGC)
ARIZONA TRANSPORTATION BUILDERS ASSOCIATION (ATB)
AZ WATER ASSOCIATION
ARIZONA CHAPTER OF AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES (ACEC)
REGIONAL AWARDS
ENGINEERING NEWS RECORD (ENR) SOUTHWEST EDITION
NATIONAL AWARDS
AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION (APWA)
MEDIA EXPOSURE
VIDEO

Council expressed appreciation for the tremendous work that went into completing the project. They praised the teamwork, dedication, and efficiency of the entire team. They highlighted the impressive speed and quality of the work, the long-term positive impact on the community, and the successful collaboration with partners on additional benefits, like installing drinkers to support local wildlife during droughts. Council members acknowledged the effort involved and commended the recognitions received through the various awards.

The following individuals addressed Council in support of the petition:

• Izaya “Clay” Emmanuel
• Chelsea Green
• Eric Descheenie

The following comments were received:

• Small community actions leading to larger change.
• The petition is a community-driven effort to stand against foreign intervention and wars.
• The diverse and multicultural nature of the local community demonstrates the need for projects that bring people together.
• Support the petition and continue with community-focused projects, such as infrastructure improvements.
• Symbolic actions at the local level matter, as they show dedication to community values.
• Fascism is extreme nationalism, suppression of democratic liberties, and pursuit of violence and expansion.
• Rejecting fascism locally matters, even symbolically, to set boundaries for acceptable behavior.
• There is a connection between local actions and global consequences.
• Criticized foreign interventions tied to capitalist interests and highlighting the moral and ethical implications of wars, including the US involvement in Venezuela.
• There are historical patterns of resource exploitation and parallels between U.S. treatment of Native lands and foreign interventions, particularly in Venezuela.
• Dialogue about historical and current injustices and local engagement in global issues is so important.
• There is a need for consistent moral and ethical stances by local officials.

There was not requisite support to advance the petition to a future agenda.

None

Councilmember Aslan thanked the citizen petitioner for their activism, acknowledging the effort even though the petition did not meet his rubric for moving forward. He encouraged continued community engagement, highlighting the importance of harnessing energy and momentum for issues that can make a tangible difference.

Councilmember Garcia indicated that he would be attending the City Manager’s Excellence Awards later that week.

Councilmember Matthews provided additional context on her position regarding the citizen petition. She explained that they are evaluated based on the potential for measurable impact and staff focus. She announced a temporary hold on her workforce housing incentive program FAIR item, pending coordination with ongoing regional plan initiatives. This pause is expected to last three to four months, after which the issue may be fully resolved.

The City Manager confirmed details of the City Manager Excellence Awards, noting that the ceremony will feature presentations by Assistant City Manager Shannon Anderson and Interim Deputy City Manager Kevin Fincel. It is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the outstanding work of city staff.

The Regular Meeting of the Flagstaff City Council held January 20, 2026, adjourned at 7:31 p.m.