Prescott council approves charter amendment to send open-space protections to voters, adds two parcels

The Prescott City Council voted 5-2 on Feb. 25 to place a charter amendment on the Aug. 5, 2025 ballot that would protect dozens of city-owned natural open-space properties in perpetuity and specify permissible uses on those parcels.

City Attorney Joe Young and staff presented a revised draft after months of meetings with petitioners and public input. The amendment aims to prevent city-owned open space from being sold or transferred without voter approval and to specify allowed uses such as trails, trailheads, restroom facilities and other limited ancillary infrastructure.

Supporters said the measure responds to long-standing community concerns that council majorities could dispose of valued natural areas. Petitioners and civic groups urged the council to send the measure to the voters quickly; dozens of residents spoke in favor during the meeting.

Council discussion centered on which parcels to include and what…