The Flagstaff Sustainability Commission convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss various initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness and community engagement. The meeting highlighted several key agenda items, showcasing the commission's ongoing efforts to foster sustainability in Flagstaff.

The session began with an announcement regarding the upcoming Youth Climate Leadership Academy, scheduled for Saturday from 12 PM to 5 PM. This event aims to engage local youth in climate discussions, with speakers including commission members discussing relevant topics.

Next, the commission reviewed the recent announcement of winning designs for the AU Model Plan Library. Voting for this initiative was extended until mid-April, and the results were shared during the meeting, emphasizing the community's involvement in the decision-making process.

The commission also reported on community engagement efforts, noting that the Neighborhood Engagement Volunteer Services team interacted with 476 individuals through various outreach activities in March. This included workshops and events aimed at increasing public awareness of sustainability practices.

A significant highlight was the success of the residential food scrap drop-off program, which successfully diverted 2,500 pounds of food waste from landfills. Additionally, the commission shared statistics on the usage of the "Recycled by City Flagstaff" website, which serves as a comprehensive resource for residents seeking information on recycling practices. Over 1,400 users accessed the site, which provides details on recyclable materials and collection schedules.

The meeting also touched on the commission's social media outreach, which has expanded significantly under the guidance of Kenzie Marino. In March, the commission reached over 12,000 people on social media platforms, with 7,500 followers on Facebook alone. This increase in engagement reflects the commission's commitment to communicating its initiatives effectively to the public.

In closing, the commission discussed plans for biannual updates to the city council, providing a snapshot of their activities and progress. The next update is scheduled for October, reinforcing the commission's dedication to transparency and community involvement.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Flagstaff Sustainability Commission's proactive approach to environmental stewardship and community engagement, setting the stage for continued efforts in promoting sustainability within the city.