The Sedona City Council convened on June 24, 2025, to address pressing issues regarding public lands and local governance. The meeting featured discussions on the Save Our Forest Act, public land sales, and community concerns about housing and environmental sustainability.

The session began with a report on the Save Our Forest Act, which aims to fully fund the Forest Service. Despite its current lack of progress, council members expressed urgency in advocating for the bill, emphasizing the need for proactive communication with state senators to ensure its passage. The council acknowledged the importance of maintaining public lands, particularly in light of recent legislative attempts to sell them.

Kevin Adams, representing the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition, urged the council to oppose any mandatory disposition of public lands, framing it as a significant threat to local resources. He highlighted the necessity of establishing a non-motorized trails coordinator to enhance conservation efforts and support Sedona's goals for mobility and sustainability. Adams stressed that once public lands are sold, they are lost forever, underscoring their value to the community and the local economy.

Peggy Chaikin, a founding member of Friends of the Verde River, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the critical role of public lands in sustaining the region's water supply amid ongoing drought conditions. She criticized proposals to sell public lands for development, arguing that such actions would jeopardize the community's long-term viability.

Brigitte Lowenstein contributed to the discussion by pointing out the importance of accurate language regarding land ownership, urging the council to remain vigilant against any attempts to undermine public land protections.

Tim Perry, a resident of Uptown Sedona, expressed frustration with the council's approach to housing and land use. He accused council members of prioritizing their interests over community needs, suggesting that there is sufficient land available for housing development. Perry's comments reflected broader concerns about affordability and accessibility in Sedona's housing market.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for continued advocacy against the sale of public lands and a commitment to explore actionable steps to protect local resources. The council plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in shaping Sedona's environmental and housing policies.