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Flagstaff outlines 'courtesy' snow-berm relocation and Snow Hero volunteer program
Summary
City staff described two winter services: a PROS-run snow-berm relocation program for medically qualified residents (79 courtesy locations among 293 assignments) and a Snow Hero volunteer program that connects volunteers with residents to clear sidewalks; staff said outreach is largely word-of-mouth plus targeted mailers and periodic media.
City staff on Jan. 27 outlined two complementary winter programs aimed at helping residents with snow removal: the PROS-operated courtesy snow-berm relocation program, and the Snow Hero volunteer program managed by the Sustainability Office.
Gino Leone, parks manager, said the berm relocation effort is a courtesy service for residents with qualifying medical conditions and is managed through an annual application and renewal process. He said the city tracks snow assignments and prioritizes 178 high-priority locations before deploying resources to the 79 courtesy locations.
"There’s a total of 293 assignments, 178 of which are considered the highest priority," Leone said, describing the city’s snow-tracking dashboard. He added that deployment to courtesy locations typically occurs 24–48 hours after the last snowflake once higher priorities are complete.
Steven Thompson, manager in the Sustainability Office, described the Snow Hero program that pairs volunteers with eligible residents (62+ or those with physical disabilities). "The Snow Hero program — this is the third year of it," Thompson said, noting earlier high participation: roughly 20–30 resident requests and about 30–40 volunteers in heavy snow years. Volunteers are required to provide their own transportation and equipment and to respond within 48 hours of the last snowfall.
Council members praised both programs and asked about outreach and scalability. Thompson said the city uses word-of-mouth, targeted mailers to current program participants, local newspaper articles, social media and neighborhood associations to recruit volunteers and notify residents. Council members expressed support for continuing and expanding community-based approaches.
Staff asked the public to sign up via the city website or by contacting the Sustainability Office directly for more information.
