Flagstaff reviews draft 2026 federal and state priorities, flags Rio De Flag and housing
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Summary
City staff and lobbying teams briefed the Flagstaff City Council on draft 2026 federal and state priorities, emphasizing continued advocacy for Rio De Flag funding, WRDA authorization, rural housing tools and wildfire/forest health programs; council asked additions on flood/wildfire insurance and HUD continuum‑of‑care protections.
Flagstaff City Council reviewed a draft list of the city's 2026 federal and state legislative priorities Tuesday, with staff and outside lobbyists urging concise, Flagstaff‑focused requests to guide advocacy in Phoenix and Washington.
Public affairs director Sarah Langley told the council the priorities are intended to be "succinct and easy to understand" so the city can use limited time with legislators effectively. Federal lobbyist Bob Holmes briefed the council that earmarks have returned to appropriations bills and that the city should press to increase the Water Resources Development Act authorization for the Rio De Flag project. "It looks like earmarks are back," Holmes said, adding that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act reauthorization and the Water Resources Development Act will be central to transportation and water funding next year.
Why it matters: the priorities will shape what city staff and Flagstaff's lobbying teams ask lawmakers and agencies, potentially affecting federal grant and earmark requests for major local projects such as Rio De Flag and the Red Gap Ranch pipeline. Council members pressed staff to add language protecting HUD funding streams and the continuum of care for supportive housing, and to include wildfire and flood insurance affordability as part of state priorities.
State lobbying consultant Brian Murray outlined likely state dynamics, including efforts to resurrect a low‑income housing tax credit (LIHTC) in Arizona and proposals to create a wildfire reduction fund or tax credit to help homeowners create defensible space. "We're going to be in a very tricky budgetary year," Murray said, warning of state fiscal pressure from healthcare funding changes and possible tax‑cut proposals. Council members expressed interest in housing tools and urged continued engagement with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns on short‑term rental preemption and other bills that could affect local zoning authority.
Council discussion also focused on insurance and utility policy. Multiple members asked staff to consider whether Flagstaff's priorities should include work with national partners to address insurer behavior and market access. Staff said wildfire risk reduction language will appear in state priorities and that the city will seek technical support, grants and policy tools to protect homeowners and neighborhoods.
Next steps: staff and the lobby teams will return a final priorities packet to the council next week for formal approval and to guide the city's outreach to state and federal legislators.
