A coalition of residents and over 25 community organizations have formed to oppose the Northern Arizona Healthcare Health and Wellness Village project, stating that the City of Flagstaff lacks enough information about its potential social, environmental, and economic impacts. Despite these concerns, the Flagstaff City Council has approved the Phase I specific plan for the Flagstaff Medical Center and the required zoning map amendments and development agreement. The opposition coalition, “Flagstaff Community First,” is holding demonstrations and petition drives, aiming to force rezoning to a voter referendum.

Arizona has determined there is insufficient groundwater for approved housing construction in the Phoenix area, resulting in a halt to some new subdivisions. This decision could signal the end of rapid development in the region, which has been the fastest growing in the country. State officials will not revoke existing building permits, but will rely on water conservation measures and alternative sources for approved housing developments. The groundwater shortage will prevent developers in certain areas from receiving new permits for homes reliant on well water.