The Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission convened on September 29, 2025, to discuss several critical topics related to the city’s energy policies and development regulations. A significant focus of the meeting was the city's goal of achieving carbon neutrality and its connection to Arizona Public Service's (APS) carbon-free commitment.

During the meeting, staff members expressed concerns about linking the city’s sustainability goals directly to APS's commitments, which are subject to change. Jenny Nieman, the Climate Action Section Director, emphasized that the language in the city’s energy and climate action chapter should be revised to reflect a broader approach to decarbonization without being overly reliant on APS's current commitments. The commission unanimously supported staff's recommendation to modify the language to ensure flexibility in achieving sustainability goals.

Another key discussion revolved around the regulation of data centers and their potential impact on local resources. Commissioners debated the implications of allowing resource-intensive data centers, particularly regarding water usage. While some members expressed a desire to prohibit data centers that do not implement water conservation measures, others noted that such prohibitions might not effectively prevent negative impacts on the water supply due to the evolving nature of technology and regional regulations. Ultimately, the commission did not reach a consensus on this issue, with a majority voting against explicit prohibitions.

The meeting also included discussions on revising definitions related to paratransit services for individuals with disabilities, which received unanimous support. Additionally, the commission reviewed the inclusion of "universal design" in the glossary of terms, ultimately deciding against it, as it was deemed unnecessary.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the commission's ongoing efforts to balance sustainability goals with practical regulatory measures, particularly in the context of energy use and resource management. The revisions proposed by staff aim to ensure that Flagstaff can adapt its strategies as circumstances evolve, while also addressing community concerns about development impacts.