Regional plan 2045 heads to Flagstaff city voters; staff urges mail ballots

Lauren Clementino, a senior planner in the city's comprehensive and neighborhood planning division, briefed the commission on the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 and the special election that will send the plan to city voters by mail.

"The regional plan helps shape how Flagstaff grows and how we protect what makes this community special," Clementino said, outlining the plan’s role guiding zoning changes, annexations and major development decisions. She told commissioners the plan covers housing, transportation, economic development, climate action, natural resources and public safety.

Clementino said the vote is limited to city residents and will be conducted by mail; she gave two dates for voters: April 20 is the registration deadline and May 19 is when ballots are due. According to Clementino, a 'yes' vote would make the 2045 regional plan effective immediately and replace the current 2030 plan; a 'no' vote would keep the existing plan in place and prompt staff to gather feedback and draft revisions for a future election.

The presentation emphasized that the general plan itself does not approve specific projects or change zoning by itself; subsequent decisions (zoning changes, project approvals and budget allocations) would proceed through separate public processes. Clementino encouraged public engagement, pointed listeners to the interactive online plan and gave contact information for Sarah Doctor, the comprehensive and neighborhood planning manager, for follow-up questions.

The commission did not take a formal action on the item; commissioners were reminded how the plan fits into future council decisions and public review processes.