Tony Allender

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.

The meeting involved discussions and updates on the community plan. Topics included grassroots housing meetings, the concept of placemaking, and ideas for enhancing Sedona's beauty. There was also discussion of a new Coconino County ordinance regarding short-term rentals and the governor's consideration of returning control over Airbnb issues to local communities. The citizen survey results were reviewed, and there was a discussion about improving public relations and marketing efforts for the city.