Navajo County Economic Director Chris Pasterz gave a presentation to the Board of Supervisors during last week’s regular meeting. Pasterz explains the direction of the county by outlining the priorities put in place years ago by the Real AZ, which is northeastern Arizona’s economic development board. The county had a vacant economic director position until Pasterz took the role a few months ago, preventing much advancement on these areas. The priorities were: transitioning coal communities, enhancing regional infrastructure, and development and expanding broadband access, each underpinning the county’s forward-looking economic development strategy.
The transition of coal communities represents a multifaceted challenge and opportunity for the region. Pasterz detailed the county’s proactive strategy here by engaging in national projects like the Building Resilient Economies in Coal Communities project, which positions Navajo County at the forefront of regional economic resilience efforts. Furthermore, the development of a comprehensive regional transition strategy, in partnership with Apache and Coconino counties, exemplifies a collaborative approach to economic redevelopment. This strategy encompasses a broad range of initiatives designed to attract new industries, stimulate job creation, and foster workforce development, ensuring the region’s adaptability and growth in a post-coal economy.
One recent win for the local economy Pasterz shared was the first tourist-focused RV park in Winslow in over two decades which should provide both direct and indirect benefits to the local economy. Pasterz also proudly announced the successful hosting of two federal funding summits in Navajo County, aimed at enhancing workforce and job creation initiatives. He gave special recognition to the Northeastern Arizona Local Workforce Development Board, highlighting the collaborative efforts with its Executive Director Jeremy Flowers, on securing significant grant funding. Pasterz proudly told the supervisors that, “The [workforce development] board was awarded $400,000 to support local workforce development activities.” He followed this by speaking about another grant, the county itself received in the amount of $25,000 for hiring a grant writer to bolster the Northland Pioneer College’s Forestry Operations Training Program, which will also help train workers in the county.
Pasterz also announced the launch of REALAZ.org, a new website designed to showcase Navajo County’s business opportunities and real estate listings. This platform provides detailed demographic data and economic information across the county’s northern, central, and southern regions. “One of the things that we’ve done to make sure that all of our communities don’t miss out on business interests or business inquiries is we’ve developed REALAZ.org,” Pasterz stated. The site features active listings of all available commercial and industrial properties across Navajo County. Pasterz highlighted the goal of the website was, “to put more hooks in the water for these businesses to see what’s available when it comes to industrial, commercial properties.”
Enhancing regional infrastructure and development is another critical focus, addressing the foundational needs that underpin economic growth and community wellbeing. Pasterz spoke to initiatives aimed at improving workforce housing, strategic planning and economic branding. The housing needs assessment report for local jurisdictions is a key component of this effort, providing essential data to guide development and policy decisions. This initiative is complemented by strategic planning efforts that aim to build a coherent and actionable framework for regional development, alongside branding initiatives designed to position Northeastern Arizona as an attractive destination for business investment and tourism.
Lastly, the expansion of broadband access is identified as a pivotal initiative to bridge the digital divide and catalyze economic development. Pasterz outlined the county’s commitment to enhancing internet connectivity across Navajo County and its neighboring regions, recognizing the crucial role of digital access in enabling educational opportunities, healthcare access and business growth.
Also, during the meeting, the board approved an intergovernmental agreement between the county and the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to fund Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks and pathways in Joseph City, improving pedestrian access between local schools. With design work nearly finished, ADOT will advertise, bid and award, and administer the construction of the project. The project’s construction, estimated at $886,760, requires a $48,835 local match from the county.
The supervisors also heard two citizens express concerns during the call to the public, particularly focusing on election integrity and the voting process. Celia Loughlin voiced a comprehensive list of demands aimed at enhancing transparency and confidence in local elections. Loughlin’s requests included the formation of an Election Integrity Fast Task Force, a return to paper ballots, the preservation of ballots from the 2022 election until a thorough investigation is completed and the removal of electronic voting machines.
Steve Carval, another community member, urged the supervisors to attend meetings in person, arguing that virtual attendance undermines taxpayer expectations for direct communication. The supervisors typically do attend the meetings in person but this meeting was an exception. He also highlighted a widespread lack of understanding regarding the county’s voting process, suggesting a future public hearing be held to clarify these procedures.
In other business, the board:
* Approved $600 be allocated from the Anti-Racketeering Revolving Funds to assist in Alice’s Place, a domestic and sexual violence shelter in Winslow, for its 2024 Murder Mystery Dinner fundraiser.
* Approved the reissuance of stale dated checks and 19 back tax land parcels be sold for $10,001.
* Approved a second-year agreement with Microsoft for software utilized by the county, the agreement states there will be no change in services for the three-year contract.
* Approved the Navajo County Library District’s annual book sale.
* Approved a memorandum of agreement between the county and the White Mountain Apache Tribe Division of Transportation or assistance in road projects. Funding for which will be approved on a project-by-project basis.
The next meeting of the Navajo County Board of Supervisors will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, in the board chambers located at 100 E. Code Talkers Drive in Holbrook.
