For the city of Sedona, it’s a matter of setting an example before expecting others to do the same. In this case, it’s all about sustainability and what can be done not only now but for years to come. 

During its March 5 meeting, the Sedona Planning and Zoning Commission was given an update on the city’s plan for sustainability, as well as what city hall is doing to set that example. 

“What is sustainability? Because it can be a bit of a nebulous term,” Sustainability Coordinator McKenzie Jones said. 

“I view sustainability as making choices today that maximize our quality of life without compromising that of future generations to live healthy lives.” 

In terms of sustainability, the Sedona Community Plan states, “Policies and actions by government and citizens that enhance our natural and built environments, create a diversified economy, improve individual and collective quality of life and create an educated, equitable and prosperous community.”

Included in the Community Plan are goals such as preserve and protect the natural environment, ensure a sufficient supply of quality water for the future, protect Oak Creek and its riparian habitat, reduce the impacts of flooding and erosion on the community and environment, promote environmentally responsible building and design and reduce harmful emissions. 

In terms of how the community can be more sustainable, Jones said some ways include developing transit, designing additional bike/walking pathways, installing electric vehicle charging infrastructure, design for density/mixed use in community focus. areas, as well as updating building and energy codes. 

Jones said the city Sustainability Plan is expected to be completed later this year. Some of the goals in the plan include: Waste n Consider waste prevention, reuse, recycling/composting. 

Energy/Fuel 

• Right-size the city fleet, transition to electric vehicles. 
• Improve building efficiency, adoption of renewable energy. 

Water

• Conserve water and improve water quality. 

Resiliency 

• Examine vulnerability to extreme weather events like fires, floods and heat waves. Employees 
• Increase employee safety, health and retention. 

“So what do we do in Sedona?” Vice Chairman Randy Barcus asked. 

“Do we do our part or do we just say, ‘Oh, gosh we’re so small that any little thing that we could do is just going to be irrelevant?’ That’s the notion that one person can’t make a difference. I think we have a responsibility to our children and grandchildren to do our part.”