Since getting elected to the Flagstaff City Council about a year and a half ago, I have made it a priority to focus on economic issues, the cost of housing and our infrastructure, most notably, our streets. The last half of 2013 saw some strides toward these goals while continuing to factor in Flagstaff's unique character and balance environmental concerns. If you and your family are like mine, you not only value the quality of life and natural wonders we all treasure here in Flagstaff, but … [Read more...] about Council Striking Balance
Townsend Receiving Excellence Award
A firm dedication to serving Coconino County residents and helping prepare the County for a sound future earned Deputy County Manager Mike Townsend the 2014 Catherine F. Connolly Professional Excellence Award. The award was announced Thursday evening at the annual Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) Winter Conference in Sedona. The award was created in 2007 to recognize assistant city and county managers who demonstrate exemplary service to their organization and … [Read more...] about Townsend Receiving Excellence Award
Sedona International Film Festival
Award-winning animal rescue film Lion Ark is one of 145+ independent films selected for the 2014 Sedona International Film Festival (February 22 – March 2, 2014). Celebrating more than 19 years of screenings and educational workshops, The Sedona International Film Festival is considered one of the top regional festivals in the nation. Named the “Fest to Impress” by MovieMaker Magazine, the festival has featured a number of Academy Award-nominated films. Past festival guests and honorees include … [Read more...] about Sedona International Film Festival
Flagstaff, You to Ought Be in Pictures
It’s an unforgettable milestone for one Flagstaff filmmaker’s career. As Hollywood celebrates its best and brightest at a myriad of award shows, one local had his own cinematic January to remember. A University of Arizona film graduate and part of a highly successful filmmaking troupe whose work has garnered hundreds of millions of online views, filmmaker Tyler Gillett’s co-directing feature debut, Devil’s Due, came out nationwide on Friday, Jan. 17, backed by a hard-to-miss, eight-figure … [Read more...] about Flagstaff, You to Ought Be in Pictures
MNA Featuring New Exhibit
For decades artist Ulrike Arnold has been traveling the world creating abstract landscapes with paint made from the geological layers of earth and meteorites she finds at inspiring places. Arnold shares the energy she seeks from heaven and earth on large canvases. These visual journeys of the planet’s beauty are on display at the Museum of Northern Arizona in the Ulrike Arnold – EARTH Art Exhibition until May 4, 2014. “My inspiration comes from the land, the light and colors. I try … [Read more...] about MNA Featuring New Exhibit
Grand Canyon Receiving $1M APS Donation
Grand Canyon Association (GCA), the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, is announcing a $1 million donation from Arizona Public Service (APS) that will establish the Grand Canyon Trails Forever Endowment to help preserve and protect Grand Canyon’s trails. This is one of the most significant private, philanthropic gifts in Grand Canyon’s history. The Trails Forever endowment will provide on-going funding vital to help maintain the approximately 350 miles of … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Receiving $1M APS Donation
The Arizona We Want
The Center for the Future of Arizona Chairman and CEO Dr. Lattie Coor today announced the appointment of Darcy Renfro as the inaugural director of The Arizona We Want Institute. Renfro will be responsible for strategic direction and management of the recently created Institute and its statewide effort to reconnect Arizona citizens with leaders in all sectors who actively support taking clear, positive steps to move Arizona forward. Based on the Gallup Arizona Poll, The Arizona We Want 2.0: … [Read more...] about The Arizona We Want
Health Care Act a Mixed Bag
Sometimes big ideas can have ragged launches. For example, implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the workings of the state's Federally Facilitated Exchange (FFE) are showing mixed results, according to local health insurance experts. Akin to Social Security, the ACA ultimately relies on many people, including younger working people, to be successful in delivering both expanded health care coverage and affordable premiums – even to those who couldn't get it before the act. "It … [Read more...] about Health Care Act a Mixed Bag
Improving the Downtown Experience-Updated
The Flagstaff City Council has voted unanimously to move forward with forming a downtown business district. Several steps are still needed to formalize a district, which could bring benefits to business owners by improved management of downtown. Councilman Jeff Oravits says the district would shift more responsibility to the people and businesses in the district. "I'm confident the business district will help ensure that downtown and Flagstaff continues to flourish going forward," he said in … [Read more...] about Improving the Downtown Experience-Updated
County Increasing Energy Efficiency
Coconino County is always evaluating the latest tools and methods to increase customer service, efficiency and to enhance how we deliver the best possible services for our citizens. It’s something we are getting pretty good at – we’ve even received recognition nationally. But for some jobs, such as energy efficiency, our best efforts only get us so far. To go further, our best ally for efficiency can be found skyward: the sun. In an effort to increase energy efficiency, further the … [Read more...] about County Increasing Energy Efficiency