Kurt W. Christianson

The City of Sedona's 2024 Municipal Sustainability Plan serves as a deliberate guide and commitment to sustainable operations for the next four years. Building on prior successes, it aims to address and adapt to climate change impacts while strengthening municipal sustainability and resilience. The plan outlines seven core objectives: to be resilient, maintain flourishing municipal lands, be water smart, practice zero waste, practice carbon neutrality, be a healthy place to work, and practice equity. These objectives are to be achieved through cross-departmental actions, fostering collaboration, and aligning with community values to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for Sedona.

The City Council Priority List for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) outlines key projects and initiatives for the City of Sedona, derived from its 10-year Sedona Community Plan. It addresses strategic goals including Wildfire Preparedness and Community Resilience, Circulation, Housing, Environment and Sustainability, Land Use, Community, Economy and Tourism. The document aims to transparently communicate these priorities and progress to residents, businesses, and visitors, focusing on projects vital for the city's future development.

This document outlines the City Council's priorities for Fiscal Year 2026, detailing special projects and initiatives for City staff, based on the Sedona Community Plan. The main strategic pillars include Wildfire Preparedness and Community Resilience, Circulation, Housing, Environment and Sustainability, Land Use, Community, Economy and Tourism, and other projects. The plan aims to effectively communicate these projects and their impact on the city's future.

The meeting focused on discussing the parks, recreation, and open space chapter, including identifying major changes or gaps since the last plan. The group reviewed and discussed the issues identification document and had an initial discussion on upcoming community listening sessions. Updates were provided on the city council's emphasis on using listening sessions, focus groups, and community groups to gather input. There was also discussion about economic development related to short-term rentals and their impact on the community. The importance of considering strategies from peer communities with similar problems was also highlighted.

The discussion centered on the critical shortage of workforce housing and the impact of short-term rentals on the community. The lack of housing diversity affects young families, leading to displacement and declining school enrollment. There is a need to restructure the housing stock to accommodate aging residents and to find solutions for bringing affordable housing into Sedona, despite limitations imposed by the legislature.