The Flagstaff Commission on Diversity Awareness convened on April 16, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding housing density and development challenges in the city. A significant focus of the meeting was a recent code analysis project that evaluated the effectiveness of current housing regulations in meeting Flagstaff's climate and housing goals.

The analysis revealed that existing density maximums are relatively low compared to other cities, which, combined with extensive land use requirements for parking and landscaping, complicates the ability of developers to meet even these limits. As a result, the types of housing being constructed tend to be larger and more expensive, limiting affordability for potential buyers.

The consultant's report included prototype modeling that assessed various housing types, including single-family homes and duplexes. Findings indicated that the current zoning codes are producing larger units that are not only costly to purchase but also expensive to maintain. This trend poses a barrier to addressing the city's housing crisis effectively.

Commission members discussed the implications of these findings, emphasizing the need to increase density in specific areas to alleviate housing shortages. Suggestions included reducing parking requirements to facilitate higher density developments and exploring different scenarios to adjust zoning codes in alignment with community goals.

The meeting concluded with a call for further engagement and collaboration among commission members and stakeholders to explore potential changes to the housing code. The commission expressed a commitment to addressing these challenges and improving the development environment in Flagstaff, recognizing that increased housing density could lead to reduced reliance on cars and enhance overall community sustainability.