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Residents and Chamber urge workforce housing at Western Gateway project
Summary
Two speakers at public forum urged the council to include workforce housing in the Western Gateway project. Cheryl Baron, a Sedona resident and lodging council president, and David Key, executive of the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce, said housing near jobs will help employers retain staff and strengthen the local economy.
Two public commenters urged the council to include workforce housing in the Western Gateway project and to prioritize housing for hospitality and service workers.
Cheryl Baron, who identified herself as a Sedona resident and president of the lodging council, said her lodging-industry experience shows employees face housing shortages and urged the council to incorporate workforce housing into the Western Gateway Project. "Incorporating workforce housing into the Western Gateway Project is crucial for fostering a vibrant and balanced community," she said, arguing that housing near jobs supports schools, local businesses and community stability.
David Key, executive director of the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce, said his organization surveyed more than 100 members and was instructed to advocate for housing. "Their directive to me as the executive of our organization is to advocate for housing," he said, and added that the chamber plans to work with the city while reviewing project details.
Why it matters: commenters framed workforce housing as central to retaining hospitality staff, supporting local businesses and sustaining community life. Both speakers asked the council and staff to keep community and employer concerns in mind as the Western Gateway project advances.
Ending The council closed public forum with no immediate action on the comments; public commenters said they would continue engagement with staff and council about the project as planning proceeds.
