Open Spaces Commission

Overview

The Open Spaces Commission was established by a City Council ordinance (PDF) in 2003 to serve as an advisory body on the acquisition, management, use, restoration, enhancement, protection, and conservation of open space within the City of Flagstaff. The Commission consists of seven voting members - 6 Council-appointed members and a representative from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Learn more about the authority and responsibilities (PDF) of the Open Spaces Commission.

In 2015, the Open Spaces Commission adopted their Strategic Plan (PDF), which describes conservation criteria for potential open space designation and prioritizes areas for conservation and public access. Ultimately, the plan outlines the Commission's vision for a connected system of open space in the Flagstaff community.

Contact the Open Spaces Commission

If you have any questions about the Open Spaces Commission or the Open Space Program in general, please email Robert Wallace, the City's Open Spaces Staff Liaison or call at 928-213-2154.

Helpful Resources

• Agendas
• Authority (PDF)
• Meeting Videos
• Minutes
• Open Spaces Commission Virtual Meeting - 10/25/21
• Open Spaces Commission Virtual Meeting - 9/27/21
• Open Spaces Commission Virtual Meeting - 8/23/21

Meetings

Meetings are open to the public and held on the fourth Monday of every month at 4 pm in Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall. View the Arizona Attorney General's Office Agency Handbook regarding Open Meeting Law (PDF).

• Email us to sign up for meeting and agenda announcements.

Members

Current Flagstaff Open Spaces Commission members are:

• Wm. Michael Wilson, Chair
• Andy Bessler, Vice-Chair
• Jim Burton
• Mark Loseth
• Eric Nolan, Planning and Zoning Commission Liaison
• Joseph Thomas
• Jack Welch

Commissioner Requirements

Interested in serving on the Open Spaces Commission? Check out the City's Boards and Commission webpage to see if there are any upcoming vacancies and complete an application.

Please note that all City commission members must live within City limits at the time of their appointment and for the full duration of their term in office. Appointments are approved at public meetings and individuals are selected solely at the discretion of the City Council. Commissioners are generally appointed to three-year terms, unless they are appointed to fulfill the remainder of a term.