City Council Recap

Here’s a recap of recent City Council meetings and some decisions you might want to know about:

- On Aug. 9, 2022, City Council approved the Rent Local Program, in which homeowners of current short-term rentals can be given cash incentives to rent long-term instead of short-term. Learn more at www.sedonaaz.gov/housing.

- On Aug. 9, 2022, City Council unanimously adopted the City’s final budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 at $105,745,040. Explore the City’s budget here.

- On Aug. 10, 2022, City Council approved amending the Western Gateway and Soldiers Pass Community Focus Area Plans to remove lodging references and replace them with mixed-use development references to respond to changing circumstances and community needs given the proliferation of short term rentals and the need for additional residential units instead of more lodging units. Residents have expressed strong opposition to adding any additional hotel rooms when the amount of increased lodging from short-term rentals is resulting in visitor capacity exceeding the ability of City infrastructure to support it.

New Slots Open for Straight Talk with Karen

Want to sit down and talk directly with the City Manager about a topic of concern? Book a slot during one of two upcoming sessions in September and October at www.sedonaaz.gov/straighttalk.

Did You Know?

Did you know that in partnership with Local First, the City offers a Fuerza Local accelerator course for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs that gives them personalized training to strengthen their skills and grow their businesses? The second cohort of 13 business owners began in early August and the third cohort will open for registration in January 2023. Watch this video to learn more.

Other News

Don’t miss these other announcements:

- Help us plan Sedona’s future by attending this important Community Plan event on September 7^th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sedona Performing Arts Center. You’ll learn about the planning effort, participate in interactive stations and listen to three engaging keynote speakers.

- Help us congratulate our own Deputy Chief Stephanie Foley’s promotion to Police Chief, who starts September 2^nd! Read these parting thoughts from current Chief Husted.

- Calling all volleyball players! Sign up before September 18^th for the Co-Ed Adult Volleyball League.

- Make sure and attend two upcoming events at Posse Grounds: the Wagfest & Fair on September 17^th and the Fall Red Dirt Concert Series every Friday evening in September.

- Hope House of Sedona received a Housing Hero Award from the Arizona Department of Housing. Grant money from the City helped fund this project. Join us in congratulating them on this great achievement.

- Looking for a free COVID-19 rapid test? Come grab one for free, first come, first served, at City Hall in the Police Department lobby, Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

- Don’t forget that Posse Grounds playground is closed for improvements including installation of new slides, swings, climbing boards, rubberized ground and shade structures. The new playground will be open by the end of September, but keep in mind Sunset Park’s playground and Splash Pad are open during this time.

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