Coconino supervisors declare January 2026 Human Trafficking Awareness Month and approve targeted enforcement funding

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to adopt a proclamation designating January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month and to approve a state funding agreement to enhance local anti‑trafficking enforcement.

Kate Wyatt of the Northland Family Help Center and the Flagstaff Initiative Against Trafficking read the proclamation and told the board that local agencies have identified roughly 522 victims through investigative work since 2018. "Coconino County is uniquely affected by human trafficking," Wyatt said, citing the county's tourism corridors, large geographic area and housing shortage as risk factors.

Sheriff's staff described a separate agreement with the Arizona Department of Public Safety that provides $100,360 in fiscal year 2026 to reimburse travel for two detectives assigned to trafficking cases and to cover training, supplies and specialized technology — items Wyatt said local nonprofit response teams do not fund. The sheriff's presentation noted an immigration‑status clause in many state grants that requires the county to use E‑Verify for hiring tied to those funds; the sheriff said the county's HR system already uses E‑Verify.

Chair Patrice Horstman called for the motion to adopt the proclamation; the motion and second carried without opposition. Supervisors urged broader community outreach — including tribal media — and education efforts to help identify and support victims.

The board's action is largely symbolic but is paired with the approved enforcement funding and promises of outreach planning with local nonprofits and law enforcement. Officials said follow‑up will include coordination with the Flagstaff Initiative Against Trafficking and discussions about awareness campaigns and victim services.