Staff outlines Flagstaff regional plan review and county comprehensive plan timeline; April 22 work session and May 2 joint retreat planned

Coconino County Community Development staff updated the commission Feb. 26 on long‑range planning projects, including the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan and the county comprehensive plan update (branded Envision 02/1945).

Jess McNeely told commissioners that the Flagstaff regional plan’s 60‑day public review closed in December and generated about 2,400 public comments; staff is organizing and analyzing those comments and expects additional public outreach. Staff confirmed a joint retreat for May 2 with city and county elected officials and planning and zoning commissioners; the retreat will be facilitated by the project consultant. In advance of that retreat, staff scheduled an April 22 Board of Supervisors work session at 1:15 p.m. and arranged a lunch from 12:00–1:00 p.m. for planning and zoning commissioners and supervisors to meet informally prior to the work session. McNeely said the April 22 work session will be hybrid for those who cannot attend in person.

On the county comprehensive plan update (Envision 02/1945), McNeely said the advisory group last met on Feb. 20 and reviewed chapters on community services, public safety and partnerships; the next advisory review will cover economic development (resilient economies) and housing. Staff hopes to complete a draft of the comprehensive plan in April, begin a 60‑day public review in May and June with outreach (including one open house in each district), revise in June and bring the draft to the Planning and Zoning Commission in July for recommendation. McNeely described this schedule as optimistic, with an earliest completion by late summer or early fall.

Commissioner Best noted the Flagstaff plan’s glossary includes housing definitions—affordable, workforce and attainable housing—and encouraged staff to consider adopting the same definitions in the county plan to provide consistent, quantifiable terminology. McNeely said staff prefers matching the Flagstaff definitions where possible because the Flagstaff plan will be an amendment to the county comprehensive plan.

Staff will circulate calendar invites for the April 22 events and for the May 2 retreat once details are finalized.