MINUTES
NOTICE AND AGENDA
DISCOVER FLAGSTAFF
NOTICE AND AGENDA
DISCOVER FLAGSTAFF
| TOURISM COMMISSION THURSDAY OCTOBER 8, 2026 |
VIRTUAL TEAMS MEETING CITY HALL - STAFF CONFERENCE ROOM 211 WEST ASPEN AVENUE 2:30 P.M. |
To participate in the meeting virtually use the following link:
Join the Meeting Online
The public can join the meeting to provide public comment. Please notify Carrie Nelson at cnelson@flagstaffaz.gov if you need any assistance joining the meeting.
1.
Call to Order
Chair Salas called the meeting to order at 2:34 p.m.
Chair Salas called the meeting to order at 2:34 p.m.
2.
Roll Call
| NOTE: One or more Commission Members may be in attendance telephonically or by other technological means. |
| REGINA SALAS, CHAIR, Present CODY HALF-MOON, VICE CHAIR, Excused JULIE COMNICK, Excused ANGIE GRUBB, Present |
MICHAEL MARQUESS, Present BELEN MENDEZ, Present JAMIE THOUSAND, Excused |
3.
LOCAL CHECK-IN
Heidi Hansen:
• DOT confirmed $800k for additional air service at the airport.
• Two airlines have expressed interest: Delta (to SLC) and United (to Denver).
• Airlines are already booking and advertising; agreements in progress.
Heidi Hansen:
• DOT confirmed $800k for additional air service at the airport.
• Two airlines have expressed interest: Delta (to SLC) and United (to Denver).
• Airlines are already booking and advertising; agreements in progress.
A.
Council Liaison - Councilmember Aslan - No Report
B.
Commissioners and Chair
Commissioner Grubb:
• Snowbowl fall colors are peaking; heavy visitation expected.
• Opens at 10 AM; seasonal lift available through October 18.
• Lift tickets discounted, starting at $9.
Commissioner Mendez:
• Increased demand for bookings for Fall Break.
• Hilton released 2027 hospitality trends.
Chair Salas:
• Attended Arizona Sister Cities Conference; met with representatives from international partner cities.
• Shared Flagstaff’s initiative with Navajoa, Mexico; delegation will visit in 2027.
• Exploring future sister city collaborations in India and Oman; Governor Hobbs signed partnership agreement with Oman.
• Flagstaff Exchange Club held its law enforcement awards, recognizing Public Safety personnel.
Commissioner Grubb:
• Snowbowl fall colors are peaking; heavy visitation expected.
• Opens at 10 AM; seasonal lift available through October 18.
• Lift tickets discounted, starting at $9.
Commissioner Mendez:
• Increased demand for bookings for Fall Break.
• Hilton released 2027 hospitality trends.
Chair Salas:
• Attended Arizona Sister Cities Conference; met with representatives from international partner cities.
• Shared Flagstaff’s initiative with Navajoa, Mexico; delegation will visit in 2027.
• Exploring future sister city collaborations in India and Oman; Governor Hobbs signed partnership agreement with Oman.
• Flagstaff Exchange Club held its law enforcement awards, recognizing Public Safety personnel.
4.
Open Call to the Public
The Commission cannot act upon items presented during the Open Call portion of the Agenda. Individual Commission members may ask questions of the public but are prohibited by the Open Meeting Law from discussion or considering the item among themselves until the item is officially placed on the Agenda. Each public comment or presentation will be limited to three (3) minutes.
None
The Commission cannot act upon items presented during the Open Call portion of the Agenda. Individual Commission members may ask questions of the public but are prohibited by the Open Meeting Law from discussion or considering the item among themselves until the item is officially placed on the Agenda. Each public comment or presentation will be limited to three (3) minutes.
None
5.
Approval of Minutes
A.
Commissioner Mendez made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 27, 2026 meeting. Commissioner Marquess seconded the motion. No discussion. Motion carries.
6.
Reports/Discussion Items
A.
Public Safety Presentation
Presenter: Shannon Anderson
• Overview of Propositions 404 and 405.
– Prop 404: 0.5% tax increase to fund additional public safety staff.
– Prop 405: $40M bond for infrastructure and equipment upgrades.
• Commission listened to the presentation.
Q&A:
• Staff asked about public feedback; Shannon reported active community engagement and questions.
• Chair Salas asked about EMS preparedness for cyber-attacks; Shannon confirmed ongoing preparation.
• Regina asked about simulations for threat readiness.
Presenter: Shannon Anderson
• Overview of Propositions 404 and 405.
– Prop 404: 0.5% tax increase to fund additional public safety staff.
– Prop 405: $40M bond for infrastructure and equipment upgrades.
• Commission listened to the presentation.
Q&A:
• Staff asked about public feedback; Shannon reported active community engagement and questions.
• Chair Salas asked about EMS preparedness for cyber-attacks; Shannon confirmed ongoing preparation.
• Regina asked about simulations for threat readiness.
B.
Attractions Report - None
C.
Staff Report
Visitor Services:
• Sales and walk-ins have exceeded 2025 numbers.
• November 11: 100th Year Mother Road Birthday Bash featuring treats, car show, vendors, and Route 66 tours by Freaky Foot Tours.
International Travel & Meetings – Jessica Young:
• Commissioner Mendez asked about leads from the “It Pays to Meet in Flagstaff” Incentive Program.
– FY27: 1 booking.
– FY26: 9 qualifying bookings.
• Staff clarified the program is not restricted by segment; information available on Discover Flagstaff under Meeting Planner > “It Pays to Meet.”
• Program has been featured in Corporate and Incentive Travel and Convention Southwest.
5. International Travel Trade – Commissioner Grubb
• AZ GCOT: Top 8 activities statewide can all be found in Flagstaff, affirming its status as a top destination.
• France ranks as the third European country with the highest number of U.S. visitors.
• Request: Add links to referenced articles in Carrie’s weekly email.
6. Social Media Update
• August focus areas included Discover Flagstaff highlights, Coconino County Fair, Tillamook event, and Michelin Guide content.
Visitor Services:
• Sales and walk-ins have exceeded 2025 numbers.
• November 11: 100th Year Mother Road Birthday Bash featuring treats, car show, vendors, and Route 66 tours by Freaky Foot Tours.
International Travel & Meetings – Jessica Young:
• Commissioner Mendez asked about leads from the “It Pays to Meet in Flagstaff” Incentive Program.
– FY27: 1 booking.
– FY26: 9 qualifying bookings.
• Staff clarified the program is not restricted by segment; information available on Discover Flagstaff under Meeting Planner > “It Pays to Meet.”
• Program has been featured in Corporate and Incentive Travel and Convention Southwest.
• AZ GCOT: Top 8 activities statewide can all be found in Flagstaff, affirming its status as a top destination.
• France ranks as the third European country with the highest number of U.S. visitors.
• Request: Add links to referenced articles in Carrie’s weekly email.
6. Social Media Update
• August focus areas included Discover Flagstaff highlights, Coconino County Fair, Tillamook event, and Michelin Guide content.
7.
Agenda for Future Meeting(s)
• Next Commission Meeting: November 24, 2026
• Annual Partner Luncheon: November 19, 2026. Please RSVP.
• Annual Partner Luncheon Community Impact Awards nominations open until November 23, 2026.
• Next Commission Meeting: November 24, 2026
• Annual Partner Luncheon: November 19, 2026. Please RSVP.
• Annual Partner Luncheon Community Impact Awards nominations open until November 23, 2026.
8.
Adjournment
Chair Salas adjourned the meeting at 4:05 p.m.
Chair Salas adjourned the meeting at 4:05 p.m.