As I finish my tenure as mayor of the City of Prescott, I am encouraged by the projects and programs underway that will move our great city forward. One example is Deep Well Ranch development, put forth by the James family and Sun State Builders. I am aware that there are several misgivings about the project. Citizens have had the opportunity to express their concerns at recent Planning and Zoning Committee meetings. At these meetings, we have heard concerns about proximity to the airport, home … [Read more...] about Looking Ahead with Prescott Projects
Oberg
Showcasing Prescott Airport for Wings Out West
As my readers will know, development of the Prescott Municipal Airport has been one of the priorities during my term as mayor of Prescott. The Prescott Airport serves the entire Yavapai County region and offers everything from commercial airline service twice daily to Los Angeles and twice weekly to Denver, to flight schools for training future professional pilots, to a base for USDA Forest Service air attack flight operations such as the Goodwin Fire and many others. Our long-term goal is … [Read more...] about Showcasing Prescott Airport for Wings Out West
An Exciting Time for Economic Development in Prescott
Prescott is entering exciting new times in economic development, particularly in the area of high technology jobs for our young people. The city has retained James Robb as a consultant for economic development efforts in this area of focus. Robb is an experienced senior executive and business development professional, and dealmaker who has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for organizations over the last 30 years, and is connected to senior executives across private equity, venture … [Read more...] about An Exciting Time for Economic Development in Prescott
Look at What We’ve Started
Upon taking office in November 2015, I wrote a State of the City article to inform our citizens of the pressing issues facing Prescott. Now, 20 months later, it’s time to provide an update on how far we’ve come in addressing those issues. During my time as mayor, our Prescott City Council and city staff members have made significant strides. Let me summarize: Economic Development Early in my term we undertook a top-to-bottom review of our economic development team and realized we needed a … [Read more...] about Look at What We’ve Started
Seeking Support from the Governor
As the City of Prescott seeks to increase its ability to pay down the massive PSPRS liability that looms over our city, I have been reaching out to mayors in other jurisdictions, all of whom are greatly affected by PSPRS. In June, I sent a letter to Governor Doug Ducey, requesting his support at the State Legislature for PSPRS reform. The letter was signed by 18 mayors. Here are excerpts from that letter: Subject: Request for Executive Support at the State Legislature for PSPRS … [Read more...] about Seeking Support from the Governor
Managing Reservoirs for Water Supply, Recreation
Water is always an important subject in Arizona, and there is an old saying here in the West: “Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting.” As mayor, I receive many comments and emails from constituents asking the water levels in the Willow Lake and Watson Lake reservoirs not be lowered, but left "as they are." Present water levels are at a six-year high, making these community assets particularly scenic. The sentiments expressed in emails and verbal comments are understandable. With … [Read more...] about Managing Reservoirs for Water Supply, Recreation
Biomass Industry – A Boon to Yavapai County
On Nov. 15, a large group of policymakers, ranchers, industry leaders and others met to discuss local biomass extraction and potential uses during the All Hands, All Lands Conference held in Prescott. This event was initiated by the Upper Verde River Watershed Protection Coalition, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, and the Chino Winds and Triangle Natural Resource Conservation Districts. Speakers included State Senator Steve Pierce, State Forester Jeff Whitney, Senior Vice … [Read more...] about Biomass Industry – A Boon to Yavapai County
Arizona’s Christmas City Preparing for Holiday Season
Prescott is widely known for attracting families and people of all ages to enjoy our beautiful climate, four seasons, scenery, outdoor activities, the downtown plaza and much more. We’re becoming known as the best city in the Southwest to live, learn, work and play. As the fall and winter seasons approach, this attraction is abundantly clear: Prescott has a lot to offer for both our local residents and tourists, and holds a special honor as Arizona’s Christmas City. So designated by Arizona … [Read more...] about Arizona’s Christmas City Preparing for Holiday Season
Future Housing in the Prescott Regional Airport Area
One of my driving issues has and will continue to be economic development in Prescott. A diverse workforce is the key to a vibrant and thriving community. Closely aligned with a diverse workforce is the need for adequate, affordable housing. If we are to promote jobs for young people in the area, then we must also have available housing suited to growing families. Recently, the Prescott City Council discussed annexation of Antelope Crossing, a planned residential, workforce housing development … [Read more...] about Future Housing in the Prescott Regional Airport Area
Why the Prescott Airport Must and Will Thrive Again
Remember when you could take a reliable and reasonably priced air shuttle from the Prescott Airport (PRC) to Phoenix Sky Harbor or other western hub airports? In the past, a number of carriers served Prescott, including Horizon Air, which operated a large, 76-seat turboprop aircraft. You are probably thinking that those days are long past, never to be seen again. In collaboration with my regional counterparts, the mayors of Prescott Valley, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt, as well as private … [Read more...] about Why the Prescott Airport Must and Will Thrive Again
