Flagstaff officials begin public mapping exercise for regional planning discussion

The Joint City/County Regional Plan Retreat held on May 2, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona, focused on collaborative planning efforts between city and county officials. The meeting aimed to gather input from participants on various regional development issues through an interactive mapping exercise.

During the session, a participant expressed uncertainty about their previous support for a green initiative, suggesting a shift to a more cautious stance, indicating a "yellow" rating instead. This comment highlighted concerns about the gap between theoretical plans and practical implementation, prompting discussions on the need for further evaluation of proposed strategies.

The retreat transitioned into a mapping exercise, where attendees utilized laptops and paper maps to identify areas of concern and interest. Facilitators guided participants through the use of a virtual tool, Miro, to drop comments on specific geographic locations. This interactive approach aimed to foster dialogue about various regions, including Central Flagstaff and surrounding county areas.

Facilitators emphasized the importance of gathering feedback on specific locations, encouraging participants to mark areas they wished to discuss further. They provided assistance for those unfamiliar with the technology, ensuring that all voices could be heard in the planning process.

The meeting underscored the collaborative effort between city and county officials to address regional planning challenges and the significance of community input in shaping future developments. As the retreat concluded, participants were encouraged to continue engaging in discussions about the mapped areas, setting the stage for future planning sessions.