When the City of Flagstaff began developing its Regional Plan 2045, city leaders turned to the Northern Arizona Interfaith Council (NAIC) to ensure the process included meaningful public engagement. 

Drawing on relationships with more than 20 institutions across Flagstaff, NAIC organized a broad effort to bring community experiences into the planning process. Through house meetings and civic academies, leaders gathered input directly from residents, naming the challenges that come with rapid growth, increased tourism, economic transitions, and climate change.

That input shaped both the priorities and direction of the plan. NAIC leaders worked with city officials to influence key areas, including increased investment in affordable housing, expanded funding for parks and green spaces, and a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2045.

After the city released the plan as a dense, 323-page document, NAIC leaders worked to make it more accessible. They broke it down into clear language and endorsed a simplified statement that will appear on the ballot.

NAIC is now continuing civic academies to help residents understand the upcoming May special election and what’s at stake, while building the relationships needed for a strong Get Out the Vote effort.

This work builds on NAIC’s ongoing relationship with the city. Three years ago, the organization worked with Flagstaff to launch a retrofit program that has since funded energy efficiency improvements for 80 low-income households.