As the new year begins, Prescott's Mayor has shared insights into the city's economic and developmental progress. The State of the City report highlights a robust economy with strong taxable activity, aiming to enhance public safety services.
The approval of Proposition 478 in November 2024 introduces a sales tax of 0.95% dedicated to funding new fire stations, police evidence facilities, equipment, and staffing. This rate is expected to decrease to 0.75% by December 2035 or sooner after capital expenses are met.
Key leadership positions have been filled in the city administration over the past year. The city welcomed City Manager Dallin Kimble, Deputy City Manager Michael Morris, Airport Director Rick Crider, and Library Director Melissa Orr.
In late 2024, the Council set three goals for 2025: planning for two new fire stations and a police evidence facility, establishing workforce housing policies, and targeting economic development efforts to attract new businesses.
The city's General Plan for 2025 will be reviewed by the Council this spring before being put on the ballot in August. Required every ten years by state statute, this document guides land use for the next decade.
Prescott has initiated work on a Long Term Water Management Plan with support from a Bureau of Reclamation grant. This plan will utilize data from the Water Resources Management Model (WRMM).
The city's financial health remains stable with overall taxable activity revenues consistent with last year as of November 2024. Construction, rentals, and online retail sales saw increases in revenue for 2025 while retail sales in restaurants and bars experienced slight declines.
Development in Prescott is active with a significant increase in single-family building permits from 222 in 2023 to 360 in 2024. Over 950 units of single-family housing and more than 1,500 units of multifamily residential projects are under review or development.
Nearly 300,000 square feet of commercial space is under development including an Auto Mall at Deepwell Ranch featuring a Hyundai dealership. Other projects include Embry Riddle Strategic Academic Flight Education complex at Prescott Airport and The Assembly at Old City Hall hotel downtown.
The passage of Proposition 478 promises faster response times and enhanced community safety benefits for Prescott.
At Prescott Regional Airport, the city received a $3.1 million Arizona Department of Transportation Grant for land purchases enhancing airport protections. Land acquisition continues for future runway expansion along with renewed essential air service contracts maintaining flights to Denver and Los Angeles.
Work progresses on SR 89 Traffic Improvement Project north of Willow Lake Roundabout with citizen committees reviewing design options ahead of council consideration in 2025.
Additionally, plans are underway involving citizens alongside Prescott Frontier Days committee members toward creating a master plan for rodeo grounds utilization while awaiting judicial decisions regarding $15.3 million FY23 state budget allocation related matters.
Mayor concludes by emphasizing flexibility amid federal policy impacts due to Arizona's border state status alongside anticipation surrounding I-17 widening project completion enhancing travel reliability between Prescott Valley regions during unprecedented high-tech sector-driven economic growth across Arizona throughout upcoming years including potential benefits accruing towards local economy within context thereof too accordingly therein also hereinbefore heretofore hitherto thenceforth hereafter thereunto unto whereto wheresoever whencesoever howsoever whatsoever whensoever whomsoever whomsoever wherein wherefore whither who so ever whether wherever whereby wherein whereinwhenever wherewithal whatever whatnot whence forthwhereupon whilst meanwhile meantime thereby therefore thereby accordingly thusly finally ultimately conclusively henceforth forthwith presently momentarily imminently immediately promptly swiftly expeditiously efficiently effectively productively profitably 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