The Joint City/County Regional Plan Retreat held on May 2, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona, focused on key discussions surrounding community identity and planning strategies. The meeting aimed to summarize public feedback from a recent 60-day review period and propose a way forward for the regional plan.

One of the primary recommendations from staff was to shift the terminology from "community character" or "identity" to "sense of place." This change was suggested to create a more universally applicable term that resonates with diverse community perspectives. Participants noted that "sense of place" encompasses various meanings, from fostering a sense of belonging and addressing housing affordability to preserving the aesthetics of historic neighborhoods. This approach aligns with existing goals in the regional plan, particularly the goal of maintaining a unique sense of place that celebrates the area's ecosystems and heritage.

The meeting also reviewed results from a spring survey, which garnered approximately 200 responses. The survey assessed public support for five emphasis areas within the plan, with the creation and retention of a sense of place receiving the highest level of support. Detailed survey results were made available for further review by attendees.

Additionally, the introduction of "best practices" into the plan was discussed. This new section aims to provide specific suggestions for implementing policies and goals related to creating a sense of place. Some proposed practices are already part of city and county codes, while others suggest voluntary compliance measures. The incorporation of subject matter experts in these discussions was emphasized to ensure informed decision-making.

In conclusion, the retreat highlighted the importance of refining community planning language and practices to better reflect the diverse needs and values of Flagstaff residents. The next steps will involve revising the plan priorities and integrating feedback from the meeting and survey results into future planning efforts.