Community engagement is crucial as Coconino County recovers from the devastating Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires from this past summer. Residents, business owners, and stakeholders in the region are getting a chance to weigh in and prioritize recovery efforts. Next week kicks off nine community recovery listening sessions from Dec. 8 to Dec. 12, according to a recent announcement on the Coconino County website.
AC Disaster Consulting, the firm hired by the Coconino County, will lead the sessions to create a Long-Term Recovery Plan. The plan will cover areas like economic and tourism recovery, as well as health, social, natural, and cultural resources. Local residents are encouraged to share their experiences, small business needs, and ideas to help set recovery priorities.
The input gathered will be critical to ensuring the recovery plan reflects the real needs and priorities of the affected communities, aligns with cultural values, and forges a robust roadmap for the future. The Coconino County encourages interested parties to attend the sessions that align with their interests or line of work. All of the sessions are free and there's no barrier to entry for the public.
Meeting locations are spread throughout Coconino County — from Marble Canyon and Navajo Nation/LeChee to Tuba City and beyond. Residents in Fredonia, Page, Flagstaff, Tusayan, Williams, and Sedona will have sessions at local venues like town halls, college campuses, visitor centers, and airport terminals. The full schedule is publicly available and shows meeting times ranging from morning to evening, aiming to accommodate diverse schedules. For those who can't make it or prefer to share their thoughts digitally, there's an option to email [email protected] or to visit the Coconino County economic recovery page for more information.
With the county looking to hear from the full spectrum of impacted community members, these sessions could be a turning point in the region's path to recovery. It's an opportunity for the voices of the community to lead the charge in the reconstruction, healing, and strengthening of Coconino County post-calamity.
