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With the local city council election in November, those candidates for the Flagstaff City Council who will appear on the ballot have been given the chance to answer a weekly question in no more than 150 words.

This week’s question: What is the most critical factor in creating a positive local economy into the future?

Council

Dennis Givens

Maintaining a culture around supporting small business is one of my main initiatives. I believe the most critical factor in strengthening the local economy is promoting public information regarding the personal and widespread benefits of backing small businesses. Focusing on consumer education will ultimately lead to more residents choosing to keep their money circulating locally. For example, this could include investing in sustainable infrastructure, sponsoring responsible tourism development, the creation of grants and incentives for new businesses, mentorship programs, job training workshops, support of local agriculture, and revitalization of commercial areas. The benefits that come from these sorts of local development projects help to foster collaboration across businesses, government entities, nonprofits, and community organizers. This sort of community building will help to balance environmental, social, and fiscal needs to strengthen and sustain our local economy into the future.

Miranda Sweet

Over the last few years the Flagstaff economic landscape has endured some challenges. We are lucky, having a workforce that embraces the entrepreneurial spirit and continues to move forward even with the impacts of increased labor costs, a housing crisis, a climate crisis, and a general increase in the cost of running a business. Flagstaff has worked to attract a well rounded portfolio of businesses including manufacturing, bio-medical, software products, healthcare, and tourism. We have created business incentives and have worked one on one with new businesses utilizing resources like Moonshot to help take start up ideas and make them a reality. We must continue stabilizing our workforce which includes offering students internships and placing graduates into positions so that they remain part of our Flagstaff community. Training opportunities, housing solutions, and remaining diverse with our business sectors are some key factors to helping our local economy for the future.

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A “positive local economy�: one where people live, work comfortably, and enjoy the benefits of living in Flagstaff’s environment. We have much going for us: a natural environment, generous open spaces, quality water supplies, a pleasant climate, dark skies, clean air, significant institutions of science, etc. The one issue that comes up frequently is affordability. Flagstaff will always be affordable for the wealthy, but will it be affordable for average citizens; will our children be able to live here? The affordability crisis profoundly affects the future of our economy. Many citizens that would love to live and contribute here cannot afford to buy a home or pay high rents. Businesses, schools, and government agencies have difficulty filling jobs or keeping employees because of unaffordability. The Flagstaff City Council should carefully study this question by looking at communities that have successfully addressed these problems and by applying the spirit of innovation.

Amethyst Deasy

A positive local economy requires a multi-faceted approach. Diversification is critical; we must not rely on a single industry but instead foster growth in various sectors like technology, healthcare, and tourism. This broadens opportunities and builds resilience against economic downturns. Affordable and quality housing is essential to attract and retain a skilled workforce. By ensuring diverse housing options near employment centers, we reduce commute times and enhance quality of life.

Sustainable development must be a priority. Implementing green building practices and promoting renewable energy will create a resilient and environmentally friendly economy, ensuring long-term prosperity. In addition, workforce development is key to meeting the needs of our economy . Investing in education, vocational training, and apprenticeships will equip residents with the necessary skills for the evolving job market.

By addressing these areas, we can create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable local economy.

Anthony Garcia

Throughout its history, Flagstaff has thrived on individualism and our entrepreneurial spirit. From its first log mill in 1886 to the advent of the railroad and the burgeoning astronomy sector, our economy has been characterized by diversification.

Supporting new business incentives through Choose Flagstaff, fostering entrepreneurial opportunities via NACET’s Moonshot Accelerator, and nurturing small business incubation at the Market of Dreams are pivotal in shaping a resilient future economy.

As your Beautification and Public Art commissioner from 2017 to 2024, I facilitated the allocation of over $15 million in BBB funding to empower the arts, culture, and science sectors. As a prospective city council member, my vision is to transform Flagstaff into a cultural hub and a leading economic force in the arts and sciences within the southwest region. This growth will elevate Flagstaff as a cultural destination, thereby enhancing the sustainability of all local economic sectors.

David Spence

The most critical factor is to ask the question of how a business or project will benefit Flagstaff and economic concerns of people who live here rather than how it will benefit persons who want to make money and pretend to care about our community.

Another critical factor: careful planning. If we are presented with an economic analysis or prospectus, it will be important to investigate the funding/sponsorship for bias or vested interests as well as consulting with economic experts to determine if the economic methods are sound. I will carefully evaluate the proposed action in the context of Flagstaff’s unique geography, population and resources.

I recognize that tourism is a major economic driver for Flagstaff. To support this industry I will work to improve our transportation infrastructure (planes, trains automobiles and public transportation) including adequate EV charging, fueling and intelligent traffic management for snow-play and other tourist activities.

Mayor

Becky Daggett

Our economy depends upon a skilled workforce, good paying and low impact jobs, entrepreneurs willing to start businesses, utilization of Flagstaff’s strengths, and investment in the form of customers, infrastructure, and partnerships. It also depends on affordable housing—addressed in a future response. Flagstaff is fortunate to have talented teams focused on addressing workforce needs and entrepreneurial support, such as FUSD, CCC, NAU, Workforce Development Board, Chamber of Commerce, Moonshot, city’s Economic Vitality Team, and the Economic Collaborative of NAZ. Flagstaff’s strengths include these organizations, a culture of discovery and creation, ready access to the beautiful natural environment and dark skies, and transportation infrastructure. Our community is invested in the success of our local businesses, we’re an attractive place to visit, and cooperation and partnerships between institutions, researchers, and entrepreneurs are strong. Good paying jobs, sustaining our resources, and maintaining our unique character are our goals and all necessary elements.