Coconino County planners, residents review draft ‘Resilient Economies and Housing’ chapter; comments focus on tourism, forestry, housing and short‑term rentals

Coconino County staff and committee members reviewed the draft “Resilient Economies and Housing” chapter of the county comprehensive plan at a planning meeting, with participants urging clearer language and more data on tourism impacts, forestry and ranching industries, workforce retention and short‑term rentals.

John Solstol, the county’s economic development director, and Zach Schwartz, a county planner who helped draft the chapter, presented the document and answered questions from committee members and public commenters. Solstol said the housing material is new to this plan and that staff will package the chapter into a full draft before beginning the statutorily required 60‑day public review; staff told the group they expect public hearings to start this summer.

The meeting drew a mix of technical comments and local concerns. Several participants said the chapter overemphasizes tourism and service jobs and underdescribes production sectors and working landscapes that residents consider central to the county economy. “We need to hit those industries that underpin it,” said Diane Kessler, arguing that ranching, timber and other production activities should be more prominent in the chapter’s analysis and policies.

Public commenters and committee members…