A groundbreaking regional trails plan was unveiled during the Prescott Valley Town Council Study Session on October 2, 2025, marking a significant step towards enhancing community connectivity and promoting outdoor recreation. Amanda Hart, a planner with Simpo, passionately introduced the initiative, emphasizing its importance in preserving and improving the Quad City Trail Network, which she described as vital for community health and tourism.

"This plan is about identifying opportunities, challenges, and long-term visions to ensure our trails are preserved, enhanced, and accessible for generations to come," Hart stated. The plan is the first of its kind to emerge from a regional conservation planning process, highlighting a shift in focus towards integrating conservation and recreation into the region's transportation infrastructure.

Over the next 18 months, community engagement will be a priority, with several events planned to gather input and foster collaboration. Hart extended an invitation to council members and the public to participate actively in shaping the future of the trails.

In addition to the trails initiative, Leslie Contreras, the regional development manager for Simpo, provided an update on Yaviline, the local public transit system. Since its oversight transitioned from Prescott Valley in July, Yaviline has successfully completed over 99,000 rides, connecting residents to essential services and opportunities. However, with over 132,000 ride requests, there remains a significant demand for improved transit services.

Contreras highlighted the importance of partnerships with local organizations to enhance transit accessibility, particularly for vulnerable populations. As Yaviline seeks a new operator, the response to their recent request for proposals has been promising, with five major transit companies expressing interest.

The council also discussed ambitious goals for regional projects, aiming to double the impact of past initiatives, which have already delivered $77 million in significant projects over the last decade. This goal, however, comes with the challenge of rising costs due to inflation, potentially requiring a budget of around $250 million for future developments.

As Prescott Valley moves forward with these initiatives, the emphasis on community involvement and strategic planning underscores a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents through improved infrastructure and connectivity.