Flagstaff Mayor Highlights Importance of State and Federal Partnerships

Funding for city projects relies on strong relationships with state and federal leaders

Jan. 31, 2026 at 9:31pm

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Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett emphasizes the critical role that state and federal partnerships play in funding important infrastructure projects for the city. She discusses several key legislative priorities that the city is advocating for at the state and federal level, including affordable housing, transportation improvements, and wastewater management. Daggett also highlights the city's ongoing collaboration with Arizona's congressional delegation to advance key initiatives like the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project.

Why it matters

As a mid-sized city, Flagstaff relies heavily on state and federal funding and support to tackle major infrastructure challenges. By maintaining strong relationships with state and federal leaders, the city is able to secure the necessary resources to address pressing community needs around housing, transportation, and environmental resilience.

The details

Flagstaff's legislative agenda for 2026 includes several key priorities that require state and federal assistance. At the state level, the city is supporting HB2804, which would establish a Rural Development and Housing Tax Credit program to boost affordable housing in rural communities. The city is also backing SB1064, which would allocate $3 million toward improvements on West Route 66, a high-traffic, high-injury corridor. At the federal level, Flagstaff has requested funding for three major projects: the La Plaza Vieja Phase 2 Infrastructure Improvements, the Flagstaff Airport Terminal Expansion and Drainage Improvements, and the design and construction of a biochar facility at the city's wastewater treatment plant.

  • Mayor Daggett is traveling to Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Conference of Mayors winter meeting.
  • HB2804 and SB1064 are currently being considered by the Arizona Legislature.
  • Flagstaff has requested federal funding for its priority projects in the FY 2025 budget, which has not yet been allocated.

The players

Becky Daggett

The mayor of Flagstaff, Arizona, who is advocating for the city's legislative priorities at the state and federal level.

Teresa Martinez

An Arizona state representative who is sponsoring HB2804, which would establish a Rural Development and Housing Tax Credit program.

Wendy Rogers

An Arizona state senator who is sponsoring SB1064, which would allocate $3 million toward improvements on West Route 66 in Flagstaff.

Mark Kelly

One of Arizona's U.S. senators, who has included several of Flagstaff's federal funding requests in the FY 2025 budget.

Ruben Gallego

One of Arizona's U.S. senators, who has also included several of Flagstaff's federal funding requests in the FY 2025 budget.

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What they’re saying

“Arizona's cities rely on our state and federal partners. Funding for city projects is often complex. The City of Flagstaff depends on state and federal grants in addition to local dollars to complete infrastructure projects, highlighting the importance of strong relationships with our state and federal delegations.”

— Becky Daggett, Mayor of Flagstaff

What’s next

Mayor Daggett plans to continue advocating for Flagstaff's legislative priorities, including meeting with Senators Gallego and Kelly and staff from Congressmen Crane and Stanton's offices to urge support for the city's funding requests. She will also be speaking with lawmakers to push for the inclusion of a Post-Authorization Change Report for the Rio de Flag Flood Control Project in the upcoming Water Resources Development Act.

The takeaway

Flagstaff's ability to address critical infrastructure needs and improve the quality of life for its residents is heavily dependent on maintaining strong partnerships with state and federal leaders. By working collaboratively across different levels of government, the city is able to leverage a diverse array of funding sources and resources to tackle complex community challenges.