The regularly scheduled Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting for May 6, 2026 has been cancelled. The cancellation notice can be seen by Clicking Here.

Upon calling the Clerk of the Board (928-771-3200) the Pulse was informed that the meeting was cancelled due to a lack of quorum. The lack of quorum occurred because all supervisors except District Two are attending a conference….in Hawaii. The clerk was quite weaselly and would not say which Supervisors were attending, but we have our sources.

2026 NACo Western Interstate Region (WIR) Conference

• Dates: May 5 – 8, 2026 (this week)

• Organizer: National Association of Counties (NACo)

• Location: Maui County, Hawaii (primarily at the Westin Maui Resort & Spa and Hyatt Regency Maui)

Cost per night at Hyatt Regency Maui (NACo contracted rate): $349 per night (before taxes and resort fees). Westin Maui Resort & Spa: Current rates: $700 – $950+ per night (plus resort fees and taxes) during early May. Current average airfare from Phoenix to Maui: $480-$650 per person.

What it is: This is a major regional conference for county officials (including Boards of Supervisors / Boards of Commissioners) from the 17 Western states. This year it emphasizes disaster response, recovery, and resilience workshops and tours.

Official Link: NACo WIR Conference page

Didn’t County Board Chair Brooks Compton make accusations of wasting taxpayer money and “disenfranchising” citizens against John Napper, presiding judge of Yavapai County at the annual budget meeting Wednesday, April 29?

At issue were the salaries of judges, state funds, and a court system struggling to staff an underfunded system.

The next BOS meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in Cottonwood. You will not be able to attend in person to watch the livestream in Prescott for this date, but you may watch the livestream from anywhere else.

We saw you out there yesterday, marching and chanting on the Courthouse Plaza. We saw lots of you on television with your fists raised against “the system,” hearts full of righteous fire. You’re fed up with stagnant wages, high gas prices, sky-high rents and mortgages. You’re fed up feeling that the world feels rigged against the little guy. We get it. That anger is real, and it’s human.

But on this International Workers’ Day in 2026, we’re writing to you with a heavy heart and unflinching honesty: your protests aren’t sticking it to the man. You’re sticking it to yourselves and to every other working family and elderly pensioner trying to keep the lights on.

It’s not your fault. Not really. For centuries, kings, emperors, dictators, and their modern heirs, (the clever ideologues, union bosses, and political puppeteers), have perfected the cruel art of emotional manipulation. They’ve dangled the thrill of rebellion like a drug: “Go out there and show them!” They whip up crowds with slogans about justice, flood the air with tales of greedy billionaires, and send the little guy home at dusk feeling victorious… while quietly tallying their own gains in power, donations, and influence.

You march for them. They never miss a meal. You lose a day’s pay or possible gain one from a billionaire. They gain another headline and power. This playbook isn’t new; it’s as old as the first mob that burned a palace while the real rulers watched from the hills. You’ve been played by masters of the game. Look at the scoreboard, friends.

Who really loses when the signs come down and life goes on? YOU DO!

The data is merciless. When strikes and economic “blackouts” grind things to a halt, as they did yesterday, workers lose wages immediately. No paycheck for the day you walked off the job. No tips for the waiter who stayed home. And don’t get us started on taking students out of school, that cuts like a knife…why do they want hurt our children?

Studies from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and labor economists show strikes routinely trigger lost income, benefit cuts, and, too often, permanent job losses. Supply chains snag, prices rise for everyone, and small businesses, you know the ones that created 55 percent of all net new jobs in America over the last decade, they get crushed first. They don’t have billion-dollar war chests or global hedges. They close doors, lay off the very people you claim to champion, and the ripple hits your grocery bill, your rent, your neighbor’s mortgage.

Bottom Line from the U.S. Chamber

“Strikes can often lead to lost jobs, lost income, and a decline in GDP, which affects companies, families, small businesses, and workers.” Click Here.

Meanwhile, the billionaires you’re targeting? They largely go unscathed. Their wealth rides on diversified stocks, patents, and global operations that bounce back faster than a local diner can reopen. The businesses they built, the factories, apps, farms, and stores, will still put food on tables and roofs over heads long after the protest dust settles. Those companies aren’t the enemy; they’re the engine.

Thanks to the very market system you’re raging against, extreme poverty worldwide has plummeted from roughly 40 percent of the global population in 1980 to under 10 percent today. Over a billion people lifted out of destitution, not by marches or manifestos, but by entrepreneurs, trade, and yes, the “greedy” innovators who turned ideas into jobs. That’s not theory; it’s the lived reality of families in China, India, Vietnam, and right here in America who now eat better, live longer, and dream bigger than their grandparents ever could.

You’re not blind. You’re loyal to a story that feels good but doesn’t hold water. The skillful puppet masters count on that loyalty. They need you angry at the guy who signs your paycheck more than at the policies that choke opportunity. They need you marching instead of upskilling, protesting instead of building. Because while you’re out “showing them,” the real little guy, like the single mom who just lost her shift, the immigrant small-business owner whose windows got smashed in the last round of unrest, pays the price.

Billionaires don’t feel the sting the way our community does. They won’t skip a meal tonight, their portfolios go untouched by the disruption. But here in our little town of Prescott, where revenue streams remain flat while the 2027 budget draft balloons over 7%, these protests strike at the very heart of what you claim to protect.

Our local shops feel the pain, families lose precious wages, and essential services strain under the weight and hurt your neighbors, first responders, and the families you say you’re fighting for. This is who pays the price: not the insulated elite, but the everyday Prescott residents whose roofs, tables, and futures depend on a town that is struggling to afford basic services.

We’re not here to shame you. We’re here to wake you. Your passion is a gift the world needs, it’s just aimed at the wrong target. Channel it toward real leverage: skills that no one can outsource, businesses you start yourself, a community you can strengthen instead of disrupt. The system isn’t perfect, but tearing at its roots only starves the branches you stand on.

You deserve better than being cannon fodder for today’s revolutionaries. You deserve the dignity of honest work, rising wages, a comfortable retirement and the quiet pride of knowing your labor and experience built something that lasts. Stop letting the puppet masters pull the strings.

We hope you take this in the manner of which it is given, we hope you can finally see through this oldest con in history.

With fierce compassion and zero illusions,

The Prescott Pulse

It’s that time again, your friendly reminder from Prescott residents Linda Nichols and Cathy Messinger’s in their email campaign to help keep Prescott residents informed and motivated in their local governance.

Hello, City Council Watch Party Conservatives,

The agendas linked below will be considered by the Prescott City Council at its Study (1:00 PM) and Voting (3:00 PM) Sessions on Tuesday, April 28th.

Viewing & Participation

• The Study and Voting sessions may be viewed on Channel 64, Facebook Live or the City’s website: City of Prescott Live Meeting Feed

• Public comments for Council may be submitted through the city website: Public Comment Form and at the meeting in person

The Study and Voting sessions are open to the public.

The Study Session at 1:00 pm is open to the public but prohibits audience speakers. The topic of the study sessions is:

• Presentation & Discussion Regarding the Parks and Recreation Master Plan Survey Results

The Voting Session at 3:00 pm has the following on the Consent Agenda:

A. Approval of Meeting Minutes from the April 9, 2026 Open Meeting Law Training, the April 14, 2026 Executive Session, the April 14, 2026 Study Session, the April 14, 2026 Voting Meeting, and the April 21, 2026 Special Study Session.

B. Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-1979 Updating the Council Rules of Procedure to include a Council Virtual Attendance Policy.

C. Approval of City Contract No. 2026-084A1, an Amendment to City Contract No. 2026-084 with Fann Environmental, LLC for five (5) project improvements to the Sundog Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Amount of $601,301.00. Funding is budgeted & available in the Wastewater Fund.

D. Approval to Auction Items at Surplus Auction.

E. Approval of City Purchase Order No. 2260609 with Safeware, Inc. Utilizing the Cooperative Contract #159469 with OMNIA for the purchase of a portable X-ray scanner used to detect explosive devices in the field in the amount of $87,382.69. Funding is budgeted & available through Public Safety Sales Tax Initiative Funds.

F. Approval of City Contract No. 2026-191 for the Purchase of One (1) EZ Liner Model TSALC023 (Arapahoe) Truck Mounted Striping Machine from EZ Liner & Arrow Striping Equipment using Sourcewell Contract No. 050625-EZL, in the amount of $467,585.40. Funding is available in the Streets Fund.

G. Approval of Letter of Authorization Allowing Friendly Pines Camp to apply for county rezoning.

H. Approval of City Purchase Order No. 2260612 with Arizona Furnishings utilizing the Cooperative Contract #CTR067398 with the State of Arizona for the purchase of office furnishings for the library’s Technical Services workroom in the amount of $66,778.96. Funding is budgeted & available through Yavapai County Free Library Tax Levy Contribution.

I. Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-1982 dissolving the Workforce Housing Committee.

J. Approval of City Contract No. 2026-192 with HR Green for professional services for the General Plan updates as recommended by the Council Subcommittee for General Plan Review.

K. Approval of City Purchase Order No. 2260613 for reimbursement to Keystone at Prescott, LLC, in the amount of $111,347.53 for 18-inch Ductile Iron (DIP) CL350 Water Line Construction (City Contract No. 2023-003). Funding is available in the Water Fund.

And the following on the Regular Voting Agenda:

• WSA26-007: A Water Service Application Submitted by Michael Taylor

  Architects. Location: 130 N Cortez Street, APN 113-15-105A.

You may speak by filling out a form found in the back of the chambers and giving the completed form to Sarah Thornhill who sits on the dais.

It is important for Conservatives to attend in person if at all possible. Our voices and our participation need to be evidenced by our attendance. This is our city now and into the future, your engagement will help keep it the Prescott we love, “Everyone’s Hometown!” We hope to see you there!

For questions: click to email Linda Nichols or Cathy Messinger

In our April 16 article, Why You Should Decline to Sign Both ESA Ballot Initiatives to Protect Your Right to Choose Real Education we wrote about the two competing ballot measures for November 2026 that will slap new regulations on ESA families and why we recommend not signing them. You can read that post by Clicking Here.

In this post, we share a critical update that further demonstrates why these measures should be kept off the ballot. On April 24, the Arizona Free Enterprise Club posted on their X (formerly Twitter) platform exposing a key detail about the Protect Education, Accountability Now Committee: only 9% of its funding has come from Arizona donors. The post reads:

Campaign finance complaint filed against anti-school choice initiative for lying about source of funding!

The Protect Education Accountability Now Committee (PEANC)—the group behind the anti-ESA ballot initiative—claims only 9% of its funding is from out of state.

That’s false.

Their own campaign finance report shows the truth: 98% of their funding—nearly $4.5 MILLION—comes from out-of-state, all from the National Education Association in Washington, D.C.

Let that sink in.

This isn’t an Arizona movement.
It’s a DC teachers union trying to buy our ballot and take away school choice from Arizona families—while deceiving voters about who’s funding it.

They said 9%. The real number is 98%.

We’ve pulled the receipts. See for yourself.

Link to report: https://seethemoney.az.gov/PublicReports/2026/391ED116-B6BB-4E81-8005-A792BC8BCE78.pdf

Link to complaint: https://azfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/PEANC-Complaint-Redacted.pdf

Click Here to view the original post.

Thank you, Arizona Free Enterprise Club! Prescott families and voters didn’t ask for out-of-state donors paying for more government strings on their hard-earned tax dollars. They asked for a choice which ESA delivers without the indoctrination, without the abuse scandals, and without failing test scores. Don’t let well-funded special interests groups from Washington DC confuse voters with measures that chip away at parental rights.

To read our initial Decline to Sign article the two ESA crippling initiatives, Click Here.

Prescott’s anti-rodeo advocates have found their latest villain: equine urine and manure. Those nasty piles at the World’s Oldest Rodeo are flooding our precious watershed with E. coli and threatening Granite Creek and the Verde River. Never mind that organizers meticulously pick up and haul away every bit of it. Never mind that the rodeo lasts about 10 days with eight main performances and a variety of horsey events throughout the year. The horror!

Thankfully, the second community meeting for the Prescott Rodeo/Fairgrounds Master Plan, originally set for today, Monday, April 20, 2026 (4–7 p.m. at The Center, 1280 E. Rosser Street, has been postponed. The City of Prescott has rescheduled it to Monday, June 1, 2026, giving the steering committee and stakeholders more time to develop and review the draft site plans.

We’re saying “thankfully” because, with any luck, the current outrage du jour can be watered down and the real experts can be the adults in the room. That extra time also gives everyone a chance for a closer, more honest look at what GH2 Architects, LLC (also known as GH2 Equine Architects), hired by the city, is proposing.

As Levi Darby, Chairman of the Yavapai County Fair, bluntly put it during public comment at the April City Council meeting: when it comes to leading this master planning effort, “GH2 doesn’t know their head from their ass.”

Ouch. But when the guy who actually runs the County Fair says it out loud, maybe the rest of us should pay attention as to how the City of Prescott is spending our taxpayers’ dollars rather than our armchair environmental warriors.

What the Anti-Rodeo Advocates Aren’t Telling You About Poopgate

After reviewing Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) documents, City of Prescott watershed plans, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) reports, and related stormwater analyses, the rodeo grounds are consistently identified as one localized priority site for Best Management Practices (BMPs) due to event-related livestock activity and potential manure runoff into Miller Creek (a tributary of Granite Creek, which flows into Watson Lake).

For full details, the primary sources are publicly available on the City of Prescott and ADEQ websites:

• 2012 WIP: Click Here

• 2015 E. coli TMDL: Click Here

• 2020 Pollutant Reduction Plan: Click Here

No study quantifies or ranks the World’s Oldest Prescott Rodeo grounds as the dominant or “single largest” source of nitrogen (or total nitrogen) or E. coli. Pollution sources are described as widespread and distributed, with urban stormwater, septic systems, aging sewers, pet waste, and other nonpoint sources playing larger or comparable roles overall.

Meanwhile, these same voices champion “open space” so our wildlife can roam free: javelina rooting around, pronghorn bounding across the hills, bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, deer, and all the rest doing what nature does best, pooping wherever they please. No scooping required. No hauling away. Just pure, unfiltered contributions to the watershed, 365 days a year.

Shall we also mention these are the same folks who think it’s a good idea to allow the homeless, oops, the un-housed to camp in our open spaces? The irony is thicker than monsoon mud on a trail.

The Rodeo’s Tiny Footprint

The 2026 World’s Oldest Rodeo runs all through Fourth of July week, featuring thrilling performances of bareback riding, saddle bronc, barrel racing, team roping, and crowd-pleasing specialty acts like trick riding and the famous Clydesdales. It’s one of Prescott’s biggest revenue generators, and yes, a large source of cow and horse poop and urine.

But here’s the key: The poop is all picked up, hauled off-site by private haulers, contractors, or the event organizers themselves. It is then taken to local farms, ranches, or permitted disposal/composting sites in the Prescott area or Yavapai County and turned into classic garden and farm favorite fertilizer because they’re rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter that improves soil structure.

ADEQ watershed reports and local creek-care guides list managed events like this as low-risk compared to diffuse, ongoing sources. Other short equine events at the rodeo grounds or nearby like the youth ranch rodeos, college rodeos, versatility shows, the Yavapai County Fair do add a bit more, but they’re also brief and managed. The grand total from all “rodeo-related” horse activity remains a blip on the annual radar.

City stormwater documents (including MS4 annual reports) describe the Rodeo Biobasin as functioning well to reduce E. coli and sediment loads from the grounds before runoff reaches Miller Creek. Visual monitoring and maintenance occur regularly, and it is cited as effective green infrastructure.

Now the Real Poop Show: Dogs, Backyard Horses, Cattle, and Wildlife

Yavapai County has an estimated population of about 253,000 people. Dog ownership in Arizona is high, let’s conservatively say 50,000–70,000 dogs county-wide. An average dog drops about 0.75 pounds of feces per day. That’s roughly 45,000 pounds every single day, or over 8,000 tons per year.

One gram of dog poop can contain millions of fecal coliform bacteria, including E. coli strains. And not every walker is a perfect scooper, especially on trails and in open spaces. Rain washes the rest straight into drains, creeks, and the Verde system. ADEQ’s Granite Creek TMDL and Prescott Creeks reports explicitly call out pet waste as a major documented contributor to E. coli impairments right alongside livestock and wildlife.

Then there are the private horses. The USDA 2022 Census of Agriculture shows 4,215 horses and ponies in Yavapai County. At 50 pounds of waste per day, that’s over 76 million pounds annually, tens of thousands of tons. Much is managed on hobby farms and acreages, but monsoon runoff happens. These are the very “horse properties” that define Prescott’s Western lifestyle, the same lifestyle open-space fans claim to love.

Cattle? 35,229 head in the county. A cow produces far more waste than a horse. Grazing on open rangeland adds a steady load.

And wildlife? Javelina, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions, pronghorn, deer, turkeys, and more are celebrated in every “protect open space” campaign. Their droppings are natural, unregulated, and uncollected. ADEQ reports note wildlife as a clear source of E. coli in our impaired waters.

Where Does the Insanity End?

If equine events are such an existential threat that we should rethink the World’s Oldest Rodeo, then consistency demands we address the real scale:

• Shut the Dog Park by Willow Lake where dogs poop and pee 365 days of the year?

• Outlaw backyard horses, cows, sheep, goats and zebras on private property?

• Fence off all grazing cattle and other livestock?

• Relocate the javelina, pronghorn and coyotes to… somewhere else?

• Ban dog walking unless they have a poop bag attached to their hind quarters?

Or perhaps issue every bobcat and mountain lion a little biodegradable poop bag and fine them for non-compliance. This absurdity writes itself.

E. coli from warm-blooded animals is a fact of life in any watershed with living creatures that include, yes, us pesky humans. Real solutions aren’t about canceling beloved community traditions like Prescott Frontier Days. They’re about practical stewardship: better scooping education, composting programs, riparian buffers, septic maintenance, and street sweeping. ADEQ and local plans already point in that direction.

The same folks fighting to preserve every acre of open space for “wildlife to roam free” are the ones clutching pearls over managed rodeo manure. They want the romance of the West, wide-open vistas, free-roaming animals, cowboy heritage, without any of the… well, natural byproducts.

Sorry, friends. You can’t have the pronghorn without the poop. You can’t cheer for open space while trying to sanitize one of the events that made Prescott famous and contributes heavily to our tax base.

The World’s Oldest Rodeo, entering its 139th year in 2026, isn’t the biggest polluter to our watershed, it’s a tiny, cleaned-up celebration of it. Let’s keep perspective, keep our sense of humor, and keep the rodeo. The javelina will thank us… in their own special way.

Prescott Pulse readers know the truth: Arizona public schools are failing our kids. Year after year, proficiency rates in reading, math, and science hover at or below 30-40% on state assessments, with the Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) scores showing Arizona fourth-graders at just 26% proficient in reading (Click Here). Families across Yavapai County and the state are pulling their children out in record numbers, not because they want to, but because they have to.

Sexual misconduct cases against educators have exploded, with the Arizona State Board of Education reporting sexual offenses as the top category of disciplinary actions (37-39% of cases in recent years) and total enforcement actions skyrocketed over 400% since 2012. (Click Here) Add in the relentless push of LGBTQ and trans ideologies in classrooms, and it’s no wonder parents are seeking better options.

Check out Arizona’s 2025 State Summative Assessment Results (AASA): ~40.5% proficient in ELA and ~33.6% in Math for grades 3-8. (Click Here).

It’s not just students walking away from Arizona classrooms, teachers are leaving in significant numbers too. According to the Arizona Department of Education’s (ADE) latest Teacher Retention Study, 14.4% of educators (approximately 8,600) who taught during the 2024-25 school year did not return to public schools the following year. Surveys of those who left cited the top reasons as: burnout (71%), lack of respect (69%), student behavior and discipline issues (63%), too many non-teaching intrusions (57%), and desire for higher pay (55%).

Anecdotal evidence (individual stories reported in news or advocacy pieces, no statewide tally) shows some public-school teachers have left to start or work in micro-schools, homeschool co-ops, or as independent tutors. Examples include micro-school founders who are former public teachers citing better pay, flexibility, and freedom from bureaucracy.

That’s where the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program comes in. It empowers families to choose private schools, homeschooling, tutors, or curricula that align with their values and their child’s needs. Over 100,000 Arizona students now use ESAs, and the results speak for themselves: Homeschooled students consistently outperform public school peers on college entrance exams like the SAT (average 1,190 vs. 1,060 for public schools) and ACT. (Click Here)

ESA vs Public School Costs to Taxpayers

For a non-disabled student in Arizona during the 2025-2026 school year, the average annual taxpayer cost for the majority of ESA participants fall in the $7,000–$8,000 range. In contrast, the total taxpayer cost (state + local property taxes + federal funds) for a non-disabled student in a traditional public district or charter school averages around $14,000–$16,000 per pupil statewide, resulting in roughly twice the per-student taxpayer expenditure compared to a typical non-disabled ESA student.

Note: We use non-disabled students as the example because it best illustrates the base funding rate that applies to both ESA and public school students. Awards and additional state/federal dollars for students with disabilities or special needs are significantly higher in both systems, but they all begin from this same base rate.

Independent audits confirm minimal fraud in ESA. Actual fraudulent or egregious spending sits at just 0.3%, according to the ADE’s own analysis (Click Here) which is far below waste in programs like Medicaid or food stamps.

Yet two competing ballot measures for November 2026 threaten to slap new regulations on ESA families and erode that hard-won freedom for them and saving tax payer dollars. Both are dressed up as “accountability” or “reform,” but make no mistake: they will hurt the very families who have already voted with their feet to escape a costly broken public system that is failing to educate their children.

Why Should Prescott Families Decline to Sign Both Petitions

Petition One: The Protect Education Act

The first, the deceptively called Protect Education Act (backed by the Arizona Education Association and Save Our Schools Arizona), is the more aggressive attack. If the ballot measure passes:

• It would impose a new income cap of $150,000 on most families starting in 2027-28, limiting access for middle-class households who simply want better educational environments and outcomes for their kids.

• It demands state-approved curriculum alignment, the same curriculum that is failing our public-school students.

• It forces unused funds back to public schools, and piles on testing and reporting requirements that treat responsible parents like criminal suspects.

This isn’t protection, it’s a backdoor effort to shrink the ESA program and funnel money back to the very schools families are fleeing.

Petition Two: Fortify Arizona

The second measure is from a new political action committee, Fortify AZ, who filed a ballot measure aiming at ESA reform as well. They have been backed by a major national school choice advocacy group, the American Federation for Children, often tied to out-of-state interests. If the Fortify Arizona ballot measure passed:

• It would skip the income cap but still burdens families with heavy-handed rules and a mandatory online payment marketplace run by the Department of Education.

• Require fingerprint clearance cards for every tutor or provider, national testing mandates for non-traditional students, and disqualification penalties that could punish honest parents over honest mistakes.

• It would also ban “luxury” items, a vague category that could ensnare everything from a family trip with educational value to basic supplies.

• The added bureaucracy would raise costs and paperwork for the very families already doing the heavy lifting, sacrificing a second paycheck, and fighting a failing system.

These initiatives ignore the facts. Audits prove ESA misuse is nowhere near the headlines some outlets push. Homeschooled and ESA kids are thriving academically while public schools stagnate, costing taxpayers twice as much. The real problem isn’t ESA parents; it’s a public education monopoly that a bloated bureaucracy has allowed proficiency to crater and safety erode.

Prescott families and voters didn’t ask for more government strings on their hard-earned tax dollars. They asked for a choice which ESA delivers without the indoctrination, without the abuse scandals, and without failing test scores. Don’t let well-funded special interests groups confuse voters with two “competing” measures that chip away at parental rights.

Decline to sign both petitions. Forward this email. Tell your neighbors the same. Arizona families deserve real educational freedom, not new regulations that punish success and reward failure. Our kids’ futures depend on it.

Welcome to your timely reminder about upcoming Yavapai County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meetings, including dates, times, locations, and the important issues on the agenda. Please mark your calendars for the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month. The first Wednesday is held in Prescott, and the 3rd Wednesday is held in Cottonwood. Prescottonians and other Yavaplex citizens need to show up and make our voices heard when progressive-leaning discussions arise.

The next Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 15, 2026. There will be a regular meeting at 9:00am. It will be held in person at the Yavapai County Administrative Services Building, 1015 Fair Street, Prescott, and livestreamed for those unable to attend. View the livestream regular meeting by Clicking Here.

Please Note the First Proclamation on the Agenda, Recognizing April as “Autism Acceptance Month,” in Yavapai County is a Problem.

The proposed proclamation “Autism Acceptance Month” states that “Yavapai County recognizes that effective communication is a foundational pillar of public health, empowering every resident with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve optimal physical and mental well-being.” However, this language is deeply concerning because it promotes passive acceptance of Yavapai County’s alarmingly high autism rates of approximately 1 in 36 children without addressing the underlying crisis.

While we must provide compassionate support and services to affected children and their families, simply “empowering” residents to cope with these numbers reflects complacency rather than responsible public health leadership. True leadership requires urgent action to investigate why autism has risen so dramatically in recent decades and to implement concrete prevention strategies, rather than normalizing what should be treated as a preventable public health emergency.

Please Note the First Presentation by the Verde Valley Community Development Organization, Inc.

From our post on April 6th (Click Here) about the March 26th Yavapai County Board of Supervisors joint session with the Planning and Zoning Commission we wrote:

Republicans and conservatives in rural Arizona have long warned that “smart growth” tools like density bonuses, clustered subdivisions, and open-space mandates do not offer neutral planning. Instead, they actively steer development away from traditional, owner-driven rural living and push it toward higher-density, government-shaped communities.

It’s pushing the same American Planning Association (APA) playbook (Click Here) of clustered subdivisions (aka Tiny Homes) with “density bonuses” and promoting “essential worker” cluster housing. You can view the presentation by Clicking Here.

Please note interesting items from the consent agenda:

Agenda Item 19. Public Works - Approve Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) 25-0011419-I for Hassayampa River Bridge Design and Construction in the amount of $25,365.00 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26. YC Contract No. 2026-114 (District 1 - Supervisor Compton)

Agenda Item 20. Public Works - Approve ADOT IGA 25-0011421-I for Little Pine Creek Bridge Design and Construction in the amount of $126,227.00 during Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 and Fiscal Year (FY) 2027-28. YC Contract No. 2026-115 (District 4 - Supervisor Kuknyo)

Agenda Item 21. Public Works - Approve ADOT IGA 25-0011422-I for Pine Creek Bridge Design and Construction in the amount of $32,803.00 during Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26. YC Contract No. 2026-116 (District 4 - Supervisor Kuknyo)

Agenda Item 22. Public Works - Approve General Construction and Reimbursement Agreement with BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) for the Abandoned Old US 66 Overpass Demolition Project in the amount of $115,517.50. YC Contract No. 2026-112 (District 4 - Supervisor Kuknyo)

Some very interesting information can be found in the supporting documents (click on the item in blue on the agenda and it will pull up document(s).

Don’t bypass those supporting documents links in the descriptions of the agenda items, you never know what nuggets you might uncover.

• Access the full agenda, including links to supporting documents for each item by Meeting Agenda

• Chairman Compton - District 1 will present a Rural Wildcat Subdivision Update

Individuals may address the Board for up to three (3) minutes on any relevant issue within the Board’s jurisdiction. Fill out the green paper form and turn in to the Clerk of the Board. Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(I). But don’t expect a conversation, Board members can not discuss or take action on matters raised during the call to the public.

At the conclusion of an open call to the public, individual members of the board may respond to criticism made by those who have addressed them, and they may ask staff to review a matter or may ask that a matter be put on a future agenda.

At BOS meetings (and really, for life in general we say), audience members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes order, respect, and efficient proceedings. Even though you may be mad as hell and not going to take this anymore!

It’s that time again, your friendly reminder from Prescott residents Linda Nichols and Cathy Messinger’s in their email campaign to help keep Prescott residents informed and motivated in their local governance. These timely reminders to fellow conservatives about upcoming City Council meetings and what is on the agenda is amazing, thank you ladies!

Hello, City Council Watch Party Conservatives,

The agendas linked below will be considered by the Prescott City Council at its Executive (9:00 AM), Study (1:00 PM) and Voting (3:00 PM) Sessions on Tuesday, April 14th.

Viewing & Participation

• The Study and Voting sessions may be viewed on Channel 64, Facebook Live or the City’s website: City of Prescott Live Meeting Feed

• Public comments for Council may be submitted through the city website: Public Comment Form and at the meeting in person

The Executive Session is not open to the public, however, the Study and Voting sessions are open to the public. The council could reconvene after the Exec session to vote on topics in the session.

Topics of the 4/14 Executive Session at 9:00 am:

• A. Discuss & Consult with the City’s Attorneys and Necessary City Employees Regarding Negotiations for a Potential Purchase of Property for Open Space, Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38- 431.03(A)(7).

• B. Discuss & Consult with the City’s Attorneys for Legal Advice and to Consider the City’s Position and to Instruct its Attorneys and Necessary City Employees Regarding an Annual Litigation Update, Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3 and 4).

• C. Discuss & Consult with the City’s Attorneys for Legal Advice and to Consider the City’s Position and to Instruct its Attorneys and Necessary City Employees Regarding Possible Legal Consequences of Proposed Amendment to the City’s Water Policy, Pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.03(A)(3 and 4).

The Study Session at 1:00 pm is open to the public but prohibits audience speakers. The topic of the study sessions is:

• Presentation & Discussion Regarding the Annual Departmental Overview of the Prescott Police & Fire Departments Including Goals & Objectives, Accomplishments, and Public Safety Infrastructure Tax Projects.

The Voting Session at 3:00 pm has the following on the Consent Agenda:

• A. Approval of Meeting Minutes from the March 3, 2026 Special Study Session, the March 10, 2026 Study Session, the March 10, 2026 Voting Meeting, and the March 24, 2026 Special Council Meeting.

• B. Approval to Apply for and Accept Five (5) Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety Grants for Federal Fiscal Year 2027 as Follows: 1) $42,000 for Impaired Driving; 2) $42,000 for Police Traffic Services; 3) $28,614 for Occupant Protection; 4) $24,600 for Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety; and 5) $9,279 for Accident Investigation. All Grants are fully funded by the Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

• C. Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-1981 Setting the Annual Policy for Contracts with City Officials and City Employees for 2026-2027.

• D. Approval of Appointment of Members to the Building Safety Advisory & Appeals Board and the Prescott Preservation Commission.

• E. CSP26-001: Proposed Comprehensive Sign Plan for the Ponderosa Professional Plaza for the addition of a new 4ft x 6ft (24sf) freestanding directional sign within a common area; Location: APN: 800-98-002U, 919 12th Place. Property Owner: Real Estate 12th Place. Applicant: Morgan Sign Company.

• F. Approval of City Purchase Order No. 2260597 with Musco Lighting using Sourcewell Project 199030, Contract Number 041123-MSL for replacement of lights at Pioneer Park Hockey Rink in the Amount of $192,000.00. Funds are available in the Park Maintenance Operating Budget.

• G. Approval of City Purchase Order No. 2260583 with Drill Tech LLC for Emergency Repairs at Chino Well #5 in the Amount of $83,190.23. Funding is available in the Water Budget.

And the following on the Regular Agenda:

• A. WSA25-060: Water Service Application Submitted by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for a 16-Unit Campus Housing Project. Location: A Portion of APN 106-03-004, in T14N, R02W, Section 03, SE 1/4.

• B. WSA25-037: A Water Service Application Submitted by James R Griset. Location: 136, 138, and 140 Montezuma Street, APN 109-02-014A.

• C. WSA26-002: Water Service Application Submitted by Commerce Construction Co, LP. Location: State Route 89 and Jenna Lane, APN 102-05-033H.

• D. Adoption of Resolution No. 2026-1980 Declaring City-Owned Property Adjacent to the Prescott Regional Airport – Ernest A. Love Field be included as Airport Lands.

You may speak by filling out a form found in the back of the chambers and giving the completed form to Sarah Thornhill who sits on the dais.

It is important for Conservatives to attend in person if at all possible. Our voices and our participation need to be evidenced by our attendance. This is our city now and into the future, your engagement will help keep it the Prescott we love, “Everyone’s Hometown!” We hope to see you there!

For questions: click to email Linda Nichols or Cathy Messinger

Arizona Initiative I-08-2026, officially titled the “Free, Fair, and Secure Elections Act.” It is a citizen-initiated constitutional amendment filed by the group Protect the Vote Arizona (led by figures like campaign strategist Stacy Pearson). It was the third (and current) version filed on March 10, 2026, after earlier iterations, and it has been cleared for signature gathering. To get on the November 3, 2026, general election ballot, supporters must collect roughly 383,923 valid signatures by early July 2026. The only good news: It would affirm that only votes from eligible U.S. citizens count toward election results (restates existing law but elevates it to constitutional status).

Bottom Line: Decline to Sign!

There are just too many red flags, especially for amendments to the Arizona Constitution.

• In reading the description of the Act, it is in itself not “narrow” as it proposes all future changes to be.

• It codifies

  • vote centers,

  • early voting through the Monday before the election,

  • no excuse mail in voting

  • the existence of the permanent early voting list, and

  • prevention of shortening early voting timeframe

• It removes the proposed act from the constitutional oversight (which is probably unconstitutional on its face).

What Does the Petition Actually Say?

According to its language, if approved by a simple majority of voters in the 2026 November General election, it would amend the Arizona Constitution to do the following:

• Create a constitutional right to early in-person voting and vote-by-mail (no-excuse absentee voting). See Seth Keshel’s Captain K substack for why this is a BAD IDEA!

• Allow voters to request placement on a permanent early voter list so they automatically receive a mail-in ballot for every election for which they are eligible (constitutionally protects a permanent early voter list).

• Guarantee the ability to vote in person on Election Day at county voting centers. (codifies having vote centers vs. in the future returning to only precinct voting)

• Protect the early voting period, ensuring it runs at least until the Monday before Election Day (prevents the legislature from shortening or restricting it to say, the Friday before the Tuesday election, to help speed up results).

• Apply strict legal scrutiny to any future voting restrictions: Future laws limiting voting access would have to be “narrowly tailored and necessary to serve a compelling state interest” (this is the highest level of judicial review, making it much harder for the legislature to pass new limits on mail/early voting).

• Require the state to issue free voter ID cards to any eligible voter who doesn’t already have a driver’s license or other qualifying photo ID. (free=more taxpayer cost)

In short, the measure would lock current levels of voting convenience (early voting + no-excuse mail ballots) into the state constitution, taking the power to restrict them away from future legislatures and governors. The “secure” language in the title refers to the free-ID provision and the citizenship affirmation.

It is a direct response to ongoing partisan fights in Arizona: Republicans in the Legislature have repeatedly tried to tighten mail-ballot rules (e.g., requiring voters to request a ballot for every election, adding stricter ID or proof-of-citizenship requirements for mail ballots, or shortening early voting windows). This initiative would constitutionally block those changes.

The Many Downsides (Cons)

• Locks in the status quo, making reforms harder: Constitutionally protects a system that traditionally produces slow results. Future legislatures would find it extremely difficult to change rules even if problems arise, such as chain-of-custody issues, high administrative costs, or calls for faster certification.

• Higher costs for counties and taxpayers: More mail ballots mean more printing, postage, processing, and storage, all without new funding guaranteed.

• Potential security trade-offs: Expanded mail voting (especially permanent lists) raises risks of fraud, ballot harvesting, or errors that are harder to detect than in-person voting.

• Implementation details left vague: The initiative sets broad rights but leaves specifics (exact procedures, deadlines, enforcement) to statute or future litigation, which could create confusion or court battles.

Overall, this is a classic “access vs. integrity” election-reform fight. Proponents say it protects democracy by keeping voting convenient and out of politicians’ hands. Opponents say it entrenches inefficiencies and makes genuine security upgrades nearly impossible. If it qualifies, you’ll see dueling arguments in the official voter pamphlet next year. The Secretary of State’s site (where the PDF lives) will eventually post the full ballot language if it makes the ballot. Click for current petition language.

On March 26, 2026, the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors held a joint session with the Planning and Zoning Commission. The focus was an overview of Yavapai County Development Services and a consultant’s administrative draft for updating the county’s subdivision regulations that have been pretty much unchanged for nearly 60 years. Staff highlighted operational improvements, while discussion touched on growth, permitting, housing, and design standards. On face value, everything sounds like responsible governance, but Prescott Pulse heard alarm bells. Click here for a full transcript of the meeting.

Before we get started, we wanted to get you acquainted with the presenters, their presentations and terms used in them:

Mark Lusson, Assistant Director of Yavapai County Development: Mark Lusson is the operational leader of the department that processes all building permits, subdivisions, and zoning matters in unincorporated Yavapai County. He is the primary staff person who interacts with the Board on day-to-day development issues and operational updates.

Logan Simpson: On February 19, 2025, the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors formally awarded Logan Simpson a $499,905 three-year contract (YC Contract No. 2025-043) to rewrite the county’s Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, and Subdivision Regulations so they align with the 2032 Comprehensive Plan. Logan Simpson is an environmental planning, design, and consulting firm with offices in Arizona and Colorado. Click Here to access their website.

Roger Eastman, lead consultant and project manager for the Yavapai contract. Eastman has been the primary presenter for Logan Simpson at multiple Board of Supervisors and Planning & Zoning Commission meetings, including the March 26, 2026 joint session.

Andrea Crary, MPH Associate Resilience Planner, Logan Simpson: Andrea Crary appears to be the project update coordinator for the Yavapai County Development Zoning and Subdivision Regulations project. She has produced three flyers covering:

• An overview of subdivision regulations in Arizona - Click Here

• The concept of clustered subdivisions - Click Here

• Wildland-urban interface considerations - Click Here

These flyers have been distributed to everyone who has signed up to receive project updates via this link – Click Here

We will address our concerns with these documents later in the article. However, one issue stands out immediately: the citizen’s request and delivery for the County’s project update information is being sent to and by the consultant, Ms. Crarey, rather than through an official county representative. Notably, the consultant includes her pronouns in her email signature block.

American Planning Association (APA): The APA is the professional trade group and idea factory for planners nationwide. Its publications are treated as authoritative “best practices” by many local governments, including Yavapai County right now. Whether that’s a positive update or a concerning shift toward managed growth is the core debate in the current subdivision regulations process.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). An ADU’s purpose is to add secondary housing units on existing single-family lots as a fast, low-land-use way to increase supply. In Yavapai County right now, it is a key part of the state-driven push for more “attainable” housing alongside the clustered subdivision policies.

Here’s a Quick Summary of the Meeting

Assistant Director Mark Lusson reported that Development Services employs 75 staff across Prescott and Cottonwood offices. Recent accomplishments include remote video inspections (reducing travel by thousands of miles and hours), migration to new OpenGov permitting software (set for July go-live), adoption of the 2024 building code alongside local municipalities, and “express permits” for simpler applications.

Lusson noted strong permit activity reflects a healthy housing market and reinvestment in properties. The department logged its third-busiest year for single-family home permits (around 500 issued), and the “Home of My Own” program has helped deliver 63 completed workforce housing units with free designs. For more information on the Home of My Own project, Click Here.

Consultant Roger Eastman of Logan Simpson presented a high-level administrative draft of the updated subdivision rules. Proposed changes include a clearer table of contents, updated design standards for streets/lots/open space, wildfire mitigation ideas, a new Technical Review Committee for inter-agency coordination, and optional “clustered” subdivisions with density bonuses for preserving open space, connecting to sewer, or other features.

Density bonus incentive: To encourage clustering, the homes are grouped closer together on smaller individual lots or building envelopes. Does the term “Tiny Homes” ring a bell? Ones that can’t accommodate a family comfortably, and most of the time require the homeowner to lease the land it sits on? How about 15 minute cities?

Much of the discussion came from Supervisor Chris Kuknyo who raised practical concerns about infrastructure strain, repeated waivers for road standards in phased projects, lot splits potentially circumventing fuller review, ridgeline development, vegetation clearing, and the need for road maintenance agreements. He and others questioned “unimpeded” urban expansion language and stressed making growth pay its fair share for utilities infrastructure rather than burdening existing residents.

Kuknyo also emphasized the need to plan proactively for growth rather than react with more rules, ensure new development contributes fairly, and avoid turning rural character into something denser and more regulated. We agree!

Other participants supported innovative housing like containers or tiny homes in appropriate contexts and code flexibility for truly remote areas. Other supervisors and commissioners added points on water recharge, gray water systems, construction impacts, and balancing rural flexibility with safety. Several noted state laws (on ADUs, housing, and construction hours) limit local options, creating frustration over the Board of Supervisor’s loss of control.

Our Analysis: There’s an Exact Language Overlap Between the Meeting, County Newsletter, and APA Template

• Roger Eastman, Logan Simpson: Presented “clustered subdivisions” as an optional tool with density bonuses to preserve open space, sensitive land, floodplains, steep slopes, grasslands, and wildlife habitat. Showed before-and-after illustrations of conventional large-lot layouts vs. clustered homes on smaller footprints with large common open space. Explicitly tied it to Firewise principles and incentives (e.g., extra units for sewer connection or public access). Click Here

• Yavapai County/ Logan Simpson’s March Newsletter: Lists “New Clustering Provisions” as a major update in the proposed Yavapai Development regulations: “Consistent with the 2032 Comprehensive Plan, new standards are included to allow for clustered subdivision development to ensure the protection of environmentally or culturally sensitive features. Clustering is further incentivized with density bonuses.” Click Here

• APA QuickNotes: This is literally the blueprint. It defines “conservation subdivisions” (the term the county is adopting as “cluster subdivisions”) as devoting “at least half of its potentially buildable land area to undivided, permanently protected open space.” It promises “the same or a greater density of residential dwelling units while protecting sensitive environmental features.” The four-step design process described in the APA document (identify conservation areas → select home sites → connect with streets/trails → establish lot lines) matches Eastman’s presentation exactly, right down to the incentives for deviating from standard lot sizes, frontages, and setbacks. Click Here

This is not organic local policy, it is the standard APA “smart growth” / conservation subdivision model being imported verbatim into Yavapai County regulations from progressive, United Nations policy initiatives

Conservative Perspective: Managed Growth Over Opportunity

Republicans and conservatives in rural Arizona have long warned that “smart growth” tools like density bonuses, clustered subdivisions, and open-space mandates do not offer neutral planning. Instead, they actively steer development away from traditional, owner-driven rural living and push it toward higher-density, government-shaped communities.

From a conservative viewpoint, this approach doesn’t create genuine prosperity. Instead, it ensures a steady supply of affordable housing by treating essential workers as people who need subsidized modest homes, while doing little to grow the private economy that would raise wages for everyone. Strong single-family building permit numbers (third-busiest year in 20+ years) show the market already supports traditional growth. The consultants response is to layer on incentives for clustering and smaller units rather than cut red tape and pursue high-paying jobs.

The board’s public rhetoric in the meeting, especially Kuknyo’s concerns about infrastructure, wildcat splits, and “unimpeded” development, sounded appropriately skeptical of runaway growth.

We agree on the need for more affordable housing, but we believe a truly balanced approach must also prioritize attracting companies that offer higher-paying jobs enabling residents to climb the property ladder and pursue the American Dream through homeownership and generational wealth-building.

Bottom line for Prescott Pulse readers: Yavapai County is not talking about free-market growth and high-paying private-sector jobs. It could be adopting the national APA playbook of clustered subdivisions with density bonuses and promoting high density “essential worker” housing. The county’s website does acknowledge economic development and “quality/high-paying jobs,” but the emphasis is overwhelmingly on workforce development, training, and housing.

There is no dedicated economic development department page with business incentives, site-selection tools, marketing campaigns, or targets for industries like tech, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing. Instead, efforts are channeled through the Workforce Development Board and regional partnerships which aligns with the broader progressive pattern outlined above.

What’s Next

A follow-up joint session is expected before the draft goes fully public in May/June 2026. Residents should review materials in the links we’ve provided, attend hearings, and submit comments to ZoningCodeUpdate@yavapaiaz.gov.

Encourage supervisors to:

• focus on private property rights

• Streamlining and reducing existing regulations

• enforcing existing rules fairly

• holding new development accountable for infrastructure costs and other direct impacts

• resisting state overreach and

• rejecting anti-growth fear narratives that could harm the county’s future.

The Prescott Pulse will keep you informed as this process proceeds.

Welcome to your timely reminder about upcoming Yavapai County Board of Supervisors (BOS) meetings, including dates, times, locations, and the important issues on the agenda. Please mark your calendars for the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays each month. The first Wednesday is held in Prescott, and the 3rd Wednesday is held in Cottonwood. Prescottonians and other Yavaplex citizens need to show up and make our voices heard when progressive-leaning discussions arise.

The next Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 1, 2026. There will be a Special meeting at 8:30am, and the regular at 9:00am. It will be held in person at the Yavapai County Administrative Services Building, 1015 Fair Street, Prescott, and livestreamed for those unable to attend. View the livestream special meeting by Clicking Here. View the regular meeting by clicking here.

Please note interesting items from the consent agenda and executive session agenda:

• Consent Agenda Items 10-13 and 19, and Action Item 3, relate to our 2026 elections.

• There will also be an update from the newly reconstituted Water Resources and Open Space Committee.

Some very interesting information can be found in the supporting documents (click on the item in blue on the agenda and it will pull up document(s).

Don’t bypass those supporting documents links in the descriptions of the agenda items, you never know what nuggets you might uncover.

• Access the full agenda, including links to supporting documents for each item by Special Meeting Agenda Regular Meeting Agenda

Individuals may address the Board for up to three (3) minutes on any relevant issue within the Board’s jurisdiction. Fill out the green paper form and turn in to the Clerk of the Board. Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.01(I). But don’t expect a conversation, Board members can not discuss or take action on matters raised during the call to the public.

At the conclusion of an open call to the public, individual members of the board may respond to criticism made by those who have addressed them, and they may ask staff to review a matter or may ask that a matter be put on a future agenda.

At BOS meetings (and really, for life in general we say), audience members are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that promotes order, respect, and efficient proceedings. Even though you may be mad as hell and not going to take this anymore!

Prescott residents can breathe a sigh of relief: the Arizona State Land Department has officially canceled the April 2, 2026 auction of more than 600 acres on the western flank of iconic Badger “P” Mountain.

The near-miss began years ago when local activist Howard Mechanic, through his Social Justice Charitable Foundation, applied to the State Land Department to purchase the trust land. What started as a request for an easement tied to his adjacent property quickly ballooned into a full-blown application for the entire 609-acre parcel. Mechanic later admitted he hoped to strike a deal with the City of Prescott to “preserve” portions of the mountain, conveniently advancing his own nearby development interests in the process.

Senator Mark Finchem’s Intervention

In a strongly worded letter dated March 11, 2026, Arizona State Senator Mark Finchem voiced his opposition to the upcoming auction, urging Commissioner Robyn Sahid of the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) to suspend the sale and open an extended public comment period. Click Here to read his full statement.

Finchem also complained about the short 30-day protest window under A.R.S. § 37-301, which ended on February 8, 2026, leaving many residents feeling sidelined. Finchem wrote:

“I am asking that you suspend this sale, and a public comment period be opened for an extended period of time to give those who will be most affected by the sale, and subsequent development to provide invaluable feedback,”

Senator Finchem’s Official Announcement of the Auction Cancellation

On March 27, 2026, Finchem issued his official statement on the successful cancellation of the Badger Mountain auction, posting it on his website (Click Here) and sharing the update on X.

Finchem also advocates for broader reforms, referencing SB 1336, a bill going through the 2026 legislative process, including requirements for conceptual land use plans to allow greater public input.

What SB 1336 Will Mean Going Forward

SB 1336 continues the State Land Department until July 1, 2030, while creating a new State Land Oversight Board to provide independent oversight of the department’s operations, rulemaking, timelines, and compliance. The bill adds stronger requirements for timely lease renewals, fair reimbursement for improvements, due process protections for applicants and lessees, licensing time frames, and improved transparency in managing Arizona’s state trust lands.

It also updates land use and disposition planning processes and subjects the department more fully to the Administrative Procedures Act. Legislative findings cite past revenue losses and poor processes, with the goal of ensuring more accountable and efficient management of trust lands for public beneficiaries.

No matter where you live in Arizona, getting SB 1336 passed and signed into law is critical to reforming the State Land Department, increasing transparency and accountability, and ensuring our state trust lands are managed responsibly for the benefit of public beneficiaries. To learn more about where SB 1336 is in the legislative process, Click Here.

In conclusion, thanks in large part to Finchem’s letter and community pressure, the immediate auction for Badger Mountain is gone and stays in its current state for now. But because it’s trust land, it could potentially be re-listed for auction in the future unless further protections, like SB 1336, are put in place.

Contact your state representatives today and urge them to support SB 1336. You can find your legislator by Clicking Here.

It’s that time again, your friendly reminder from Prescott residents Linda Nichols and Cathy Messinger’s in their email campaign to help keep Prescott residents informed and motivated in their local governance. These timely reminders to fellow conservatives about upcoming City Council meetings and what is on the agenda is amazing, thank you ladies!

Hello, Concerned Watch Party Conservatives,

THERE IS NOT A REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON MARCH 24TH, HOWEVER, THERE IS A SPECIAL EXECUTIVE AT 2:30PM AND A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AT 3:00PM (NOT SURE WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS BUT IF YOU KNOW PLEASE LET US KNOW, THX.)

SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA

The following Agenda will be considered by the Prescott City Council at its Special Meeting pursuant to the Prescott City Charter, Article II, Section 13. Notice of the meeting is given pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes, Section 38-431.02. One or more members of the Council may be attending the meeting through the use of a technological device.

Viewing & Participation

This meeting may be viewed on Channel 64, Facebook Live or on the City’s website: City of Prescott Live Meeting Feed. Public comments for Council may be submitted through the City website: Public Comment Form.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION

A. Presentation, Discussion & Direction Regarding the City’s Workforce Housing Strategy and Implementation Plan. Recommended Action: This item is for discussion and direction only. No formal action will be taken. You can read the presentation by Clicking Here.

B. Presentation, Discussion & Possible Action Regarding a Development Agreement with Woda Cooper Development, Inc., and City Commitments in Support of the Developer’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Application, Including Potential Fee Waivers, Infrastructure Participation, or Other City Support. You can read the presentation by Clicking Here.

Recommended Action: MOVE to approve the Development Agreement with Woda Cooper Development, Inc., approve City commitments in support of the developer’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit application, and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and related documents.

ADJOURNMENT

Note: This information is as of 3/23/2026 any updates between now and the meeting can be found on the city’s website by Clicking Here.

Hope to see you there!

For questions or getting on their email list, contact: Linda K. Nichols - lknichols360@yahoo.com or Cathy Messinger - cathym1950@gmail.com

At the Prescott Pulse, we stay laser-focused on the stories and happenings right here in Prescott and Yavapai County. But when it comes to making sense of global events, we steer clear of the mainstream media noise, the social media hysteria and turn to sources with a real finger on the global pulse. One standout is Coffee & Covid by attorney Jeff Childers. His sharp, no-nonsense analysis cuts through the spin. His latest post from yesterday, “Whose War?” (Thursday, March 19, 2026), offers an excellent, insightful take on the escalating Iran conflict, from internal regime fractures to the Strait of Hormuz drama and Trump’s strategic leverage.

We highly recommend the full article if your looking to understand some of the nuance and background strategies happening in the Middle East at warp factor 10 every day! Here’s an excerpt from Thursday’s post:

The question bears repeating: who actually closed the Strait of Hormuz on March 4th? Not Iran. Some unnamed IRGC general just sent a few emails threatening ships. CENTCOM immediately disputed the claim. But then the strait closed anyway, and not because the Iranian navy had blockaded it. The strait closed because seven insurance companies sent notices….The European insurance framework forces insurers to exit rather than reprice when conflict risk becomes unmodelable. Cancellation takes 72 hours, but rebuilding coverage takes months…

Follow me here. The insurance companies that closed the Strait are European. The regulatory framework that forced their hand is European. In other words, Europe’s own regulatory architecture turned off Europe’s own energy supply. And America, standing comfortably on the other side of the Atlantic with a full tank of gas, watched it happen…

But here’s the thing. The United States doesn’t need the Strait of Hormuz. Thanks to President Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” policies, we are now a net energy exporter. We produce 24.2 million barrels of oil per day, more than Saudi Arabia and Russia combined. Nearly zero American crude transits Hormuz. Seventy percent of the oil that does pass through the strait goes to Asia —China, India, Japan, and South Korea— and most of the rest goes to Europe.

Through direct or indirect influence over production in Canada, Guyana, and post-Maduro Venezuela, the Washington Times reported that Washington now controls roughly a fifth of global output. One-fifth of all global oil is now controlled by the USA.

Don’t miss this. The “crisis in the Strait” is transforming the global energy market, and every road leads back to the USA. Every European LNG contract signed during the crisis is a contract that won’t go back to Qatar when the strait reopens. Every Asian refinery that switches to American crude is a customer that won’t return to the Gulf.

This war will eventually end, but the new energy relationships it is creating are permanent. Trump isn’t just squeezing allies into burden-sharing. He’s rewiring the global energy map with American producers at the center — and his 2026 National Defense Strategy said that was the plan, in writing…

Suppose when Trump wins the Iran war, and reopens the strait without European help, he then turns to American voters and says, “I asked them to help protect the oil that they need, and they said no— so remind me why we are paying $800 billion a year to defend them?” That’s not a fringe argument anymore. It has become a permission structure.

Every European refusal is a brick in the anti-NATO wall that President Trump has been trying to build for thirty years. The German defense minister who sneered that “this is not our war,” may have just written America’s NATO exit speech— using Europe’s own words. It reminds me of that moronic California legislator who tweeted “f—ck off” to Elon Musk during the pandemic when he was begging them to reopen his car factory. Tesla moved to Texas. Europe, take note.

No American president has ever held the hand Trump holds now: a documented, public, undeniable refusal by every major NATO ally to assist the United States during an active military operation… It’s a specific, documented, contemporaneous accusation on the record: we needed a little help from our allies, we asked, and they said no. During a war. A war that affects their own interests. The allies who refused to send minesweepers and escorts just handed the President the leverage to restructure the entire Western alliance on his terms— and they did it voluntarily, on camera, in front of the entire world.

But John Konrad’s “Hormuz Hypothesis” goes even deeper than mere NATO leverage. He noted that Trump’s 2026 National Defense Strategy, published in January, explicitly identifies American energy dominance as a pillar of national security— not an economic policy, as a defense doctrine.

Read the Full Article by Clicking Here.

When the Prescott Pulse leans into a controversial issue, we do it with genuine curiosity of what the story is really all about. We roll up our sleeves, chase down the facts, weigh documented concerns from every side, and share our findings even if our stance could invite pushback. The proposed Embry-Riddle training runway on the Perkins Ranch is the issue du jour. It has sparked passionate, and at times, heated debates in our community. So giddy up and let the trail ride begin.

Let’s Start with Some History

According to historical documents, Marion Alexander Perkins, his wife Annie, and their six children (sons Rob, Nick, and Ben; daughters Katie Annie, Valeria Exa, and Fannie) left Fort Davis, Texas in 1898, driving a combined herd of about 1,500 head of cattle (approximately 700 owned by M.A. Perkins) toward the Arizona Territory. The group included around 40 people (family, hired hands, and support crew) along with 50 horses and mules, seven wagons, four buggies, and a chuck wagon. The multi-year journey covered well over 800 miles of rugged trail driving, with some segments shortened by rail transport to avoid waterless desert stretches.

Perspective alert: Today’s travelers have a melt down if there’s no phone service for 30 minutes, but our ancestors could drive cattle for years like it was just another Tuesday.

The drive began with a 60-mile leg to Van Horn, Texas, followed by a crossing of the Rio Grande near El Paso and a short rail haul to San Marcial, New Mexico. From there, the herd was trailed westward on foot across New Mexico, with a temporary stop and backtrack near Luna in 1899 while the Arizona ranch purchase was finalized. After pushing through deserts, mountains, and river crossings, the family arrived at the Baker-Campbell Ranch on the Verde River in November 1900, and established what became the Perkins Ranch, a six generation family operation that continues today.

Marion and Annie raised their six children on the land, though two daughters tragically died of scarlet fever in 1902. At its peak, the original Perkins holdings sprawled across much of what is now the Prescott Airport area, reaching north to Williams and east into the Cottonwood Verde Valley. Many of today’s familiar local ranches, including the Deepwell Ranch (passed down through Robert Perkins’ family), trace their roots directly to that original Perkins landholding.

The 2003 Pre-Annexation Agreement and the Vision for a Private Runway

In the early 2000s, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University approached then Perkins Ranch President, Thomas York “Tom” Perkins (Son of Marion Nicholas “Nick” Perkins) about a “touch-and-go” practice strip. He liked the idea. When Chino Valley incorporated approximately 10,000 acres of the ranch under then-Mayor Dan Main, the family signed a pre-annexation agreement (finalized around 2003).

In exchange for bringing the land into town limits, Chino Valley promised four key commitments: water rights, fire and police protection, road maintenance, and, most importantly to the Perkins family, an airstrip in the “big windmill pasture” on the ranch’s eastern boundary, as a long-term lease with Embry-Riddle.

Perkins acted on what he believed was a binding “handshake deal” and bladed a basic dirt runway, causing the town to issue a cease-and-desist, leading to court action. The judge ruled the pasture had to remain cattle grazing land because the agreement used the word “grandfathered.”

The Perkins Ranch in Present Day

Tom Perkins, the current president of Perkins Ranch Incorporated and a fourth-generation family member, grew up on the ranch before enlisting in the U.S. Army straight out of high school in 1982. He served 30 years, beginning as a tank crewman on M60A1s before becoming a helicopter pilot, the last 25 years spent flying attack helicopters. He retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 5 (CW5), one of the Army’s rarest and most respected technical aviation ranks.

His nephew Shane, the fifth-generation “real cowboy” and ranch manager, now oversees day-to-day cattle operations, while Shane’s children represent the sixth generation and are already working the land.

Today the ranch encompasses roughly 70,000 acres (including Forest Service and state leases) and about 10,000 private acres within Chino Valley town limits. The Perkins run approximately 400 head of cattle, grazing from June through October on the high desert pastures. Tom’s 93-year-old mother, Margaret “Marge” Perkins, a living historian of the region, still rides out to the property and recalls the original handshake agreements that is still shaping its future.

Where the Runway Vision Sits Today

The project is modest by design: a private, 390-acre practice airstrip approximately 6,000 feet long located 6½ miles east of Highway 89 and the Safeway in Chino Valley. The nearest homes or communities sit 2–3 miles away. It will be fenced off from cattle grazing, built entirely with private funds (no taxpayer dollars), and limited to Embry-Riddle student training flights, primarily 10 to 18 small Cessna 172 aircraft per day during weekday daylight hours.

There will be no commercial passenger terminal, no large jets, and no public airport operations. To view the plans of the airfield sent to us by the Perkins family Click Here.

When the Perkins family recently re-engaged with the city to honor the original intent, the proposal advanced through planning and zoning and passed the Chino Valley Town Council 5–2. But it also created a firestorm of opposition. Failing to get the Perkins runway project stopped by City Council, residents have initiated a possible referendum requiring roughly 400 signatures.

Addressing the Concerns of the Opposition to the Runway

As with every controversial issue we’ve covered, strong emotions often overshadow the facts, or lead to their misinterpretation. We understand completely; we cherish this region just as deeply as our neighbors do. But when opposition to the proposed Embry-Riddle training runway calls for overriding the Perkins family’s private property rights, we draw a firm line. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the key claims raised by opponents, alongside direct responses from the Perkins family and supporting public records, so you can weigh the evidence for yourself.

“It’s a massive new airport bringing passenger jets and constant noise.”

It is a private practice strip for Embry-Riddle students where only small single-engine trainers practice touch-and-go’s. It functions as a “relief field” to ease congestion at Prescott Airport, routing training flights away from populated areas. Flights are not 80–140 per day; the actual number is far lower and concentrated in late morning and early afternoon. Weekends and Sundays see minimal activity because students and instructors have days off.

“Planes will fly right over town and destroy our quality of life.”

The runway sits 6½ miles east of central Chino Valley. From town, the aircraft are barely visible and inaudible. The closest residences are miles away, and the flight paths are designed to stay over private ranch land and Granite Creek.

“Lead fuel will poison the aquifer, cattle, and children.”

The aircraft use the same 100LL (low-lead) fuel already burned by every training plane operating out of Prescott Airport today. The federal government is mandating a phase-out by 2030, and Embry-Riddle has been at the forefront of the transition to unleaded aviation fuel.

“The strip will use up too much water needed elsewhere.”

The strip itself uses negligible water, far less than a single housing development would consume. Perkins notes that the aquifer has dropped from 100 feet to 300 feet depth (due to cyclical drought and residential growth, not ranching or aviation). Placing homes on the same 390 acres would drain the aquifer more dramatically than an airstrip ever could.

“Cattle and horses will be terrified; the ranch will be ruined.”

Ranch manager Shane Perkins and his predecessor gather cattle right next to Prescott Airport fences with planes landing and taking off all day. The animals are completely unbothered. The proposed strip will displace only about six head of cattle, easily managed by culling older cows, as is done every fall already.

“It will raise taxes for a new fire station.”

Perkins made multiple concessions: gifting land for a potential station, offering to build it, and finally agreeing to pay the Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority (CAFMA) directly for coverage. The fire chief confirmed no new station or tax increase is needed for the remote location.

Why the Project Matters to the Perkins Family and the Community

For the Perkins family, the runway lease is not about abandoning ranching, it is the economic tool that allows them to keep ranching. Arizona ranching has always been marginal: high expenses, low margins, and devastating estate taxes when land passes between generations. Many neighboring ranches have been subdivided into housing developments precisely because families could no longer afford to hold the land. The lease provides diversified revenue for the Perkins while preserving 99% of the ranch as open grazing land and wildlife habitat.

Embry-Riddle freshman Zoe Perkins (Tom’s granddaughter and 5th generation Perkins) summed it up from a student perspective: the strip would give student pilots more safe practice repetitions in an area currently saturated (Prescott Airport) which reduces training costs and increases flight time. For the broader community, it keeps thousands of acres in agricultural use rather than rooftops and does not increase groundwater demand. Most importantly, it honors a 20-year-old promise made during annexation.

Our Closing Remarks

Every investigation we do brings its own rewards. This particular deep dive not only deepened our appreciation for the area’s layered history, but also gave us the privilege of connecting with the remarkable Perkins family, whose longstanding roots in this region have shaped so much of what we know and love today. Their devotion to God, country, family, and community is what made Prescott, Prescott.

In the end, we see this Embry-Riddle practice runway as a genuine win for everyone involved.

1. The Perkins family secures the diversified revenue needed to sustain generations of ranching on their historic land, preserving a way of life that has defined this region since 1900.

2. The broader community continues to enjoy vast open spaces and grazing lands rather than facing inevitable subdivision into housing developments.

3. Embry-Riddle gains a safe, convenient reliever site to expand student pilot training and reduce congestion at Prescott Airport.

4. Chino Valley receives much-needed additional tax revenues from private development, helping fund infrastructure without burdening residents.

We would ask those currently collecting signatures for a referendum to pause and reconsider submitting them. Sometimes the best path forward isn’t blocking progress, but embracing a balanced solution that honors promises, protects our rural character, and benefits the entire Quad Cities area. Thank you for considering.

War on Rocks - The Real Reason DataRepublican Is So Effective

Our recommended read (link to the full article below) by John Konrad (@johnkonrad), a former US Merchant Marine ship captain, CEO of maritime news site gCaptain, Pentagon press correspondent, and author of Fire on the Horizon, explores the roots of political anger through Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication framework.

He posits that anger/rage stems from assuming others’ intentions, a tactic the left has institutionalized via critical theory shortcuts like labeling opponents as “racist” or “bigoted” to avoid nuanced debate. Konrad explains how these assumptions create a cycle of derangement, where people prioritize quickly made moral judgments over factual information needing time to research, leading to entrenched divisions.

Some Background on the Players

For those of you new to X or the names in this recommended read, let us digress. Konrad’s piece centers on a recent scandal involving Ryan Evans (@EvansRyan202), founder and editor of the influential defense policy publication War on the Rocks, who doxxed (publicly gave the legal full name) an anonymous X commentator (@CynicalPublius), escalating a deluge of online backlash. For conservatives, the key takeaway is a recommended strategy shift: instead of defensive rebuttals or motive-attribution, focus on “cold hard facts” without speculation, as exemplified by @DataRepublican.

@DataRepublican is a pseudonymous conservative data analyst and tool builder known for rigorous fact-checking and political mapping, praised by figures like Elon Musk and Charlie Kirk for her incisive breakdowns. She herself was doxxed within the past year.

Bridging What Divides Us

This approach strips away assumptions about intent, forcing each person to confront self-narratives and internal inconsistencies, which can dissolve anger more effectively than arguments. By emphasizing verified truths and avoiding intent-guessing, conservatives, or anyone else for that matter, can redirect conversations toward genuine understanding, breaking the shortcut cycle that fuels polarization.

This is a clear, practical guide to de-escalating tense conversations while firmly holding your principles, perfect for school boards, local politics, or community debates in Prescott and Arizona. It’s a longer read, but stick with it: the strategies you’ll gain are well worth the time.

Call to Action: try to refrain from public re-posting and/or comments that divide Republicans in this primary and general election season. Our next article will give practical examples to help all of us bridge our unnecessary and destructive divide.

War on Rocks - The Real Reason DataRepublican Is So Effective

Why Truth Hurts More Than Any Lie

The @EvansRyan202, @WarOnTheRocks (WOTR) doxxing of @CynicalPublius (CP) scandal just unlocked an answer I have been searching two decades to find. It’s also why @DataRepublican (DR) is THE most effective voice on X today.

My father was the most loving man I ever knew. A devout Catholic who said grace before every meal. A Cornell graduate who moved our family to the South Bronx because he believed his education was wasted if it didn’t serve the people who needed it most.

He also had PTSD from Vietnam. And when the rage came, it came without warning. One moment he was the gentlest man in the room. The next, every object on the kitchen table was on the floor and you stood very still because the person in front of you was someone else entirely. Read the Full Article by Clicking Here.

In a strongly worded letter dated March 11, 2026, Arizona State Senator Mark Finchem has voiced his opposition to the upcoming auction of approximately 609 acres of state trust land on the western side of Badger Mountain, urging Commissioner Robyn Sahid of the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) to suspend the sale and open an extended public comment period. Click Here to read his full statement.

The land, slated for public auction on April 2, 2026, with a minimum bid of $5.3 million, has sparked significant community concern over potential development that could disrupt Prescott’s cherished natural landscape. Finchem highlights complaints about the short 30-day protest window under A.R.S. § 37-301, which ended on February 8, 2026, leaving many residents feeling sidelined. Finchem wrote:

“I am asking that you suspend this sale, and a public comment period be opened for an extended period of time to give those who will be most affected by the sale, and subsequent development to provide invaluable feedback,”

Finchem suggests alternatives like maintaining the land in lease status for agricultural use or imposing deed restrictions to preserve its value, arguing that ASLD’s fiduciary role doesn’t preclude coordination with local jurisdictions. He points to procedural appeals under A.R.S. § 37-215 and precedents like delayed sales in Scottsdale in 2024 due to permit issues.

Finchem also advocates for broader reforms, referencing SB 1336, a bill aimed at enhancing transparency and oversight of the ASLD, including requirements for conceptual land use plans to allow greater public input.

As the auction approaches, the fate of Badger Mountain remains a hot topic, balancing revenue generation for state beneficiaries against preserving Prescott’s environmental and cultural assets.

A huge shout-out to our dedicated Prescott Pulse reader, Anita! She reached out with a heartfelt email asking if we could help spread the word about the upcoming auction of land on Badger Mountain, home to our beloved iconic “P” that watches over our community. Anita, your wish is our command!

On April 2, 2026, the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) is set to auction off roughly 609 acres of pristine state trust land along the mountain’s western slopes. These parcels have stayed largely wild and untouched for more than a century and been a rare piece of Prescott’s natural heritage. That little historical detail got us curious (as these things usually do around here), so we dove into the story behind the land because we feel understanding its past is the best way to fight for its future.

Let’s Take a Step Back in Time: The Origins of Arizona’s Trust Lands

When Arizona became the 48th state on February 14, 1912, the federal government allocated about 10.5 million acres under the Enabling Act of 1910. These “trust lands” were not gifted for public parks or preservation but as a financial endowment to support public institutions, chiefly K-12 education, which receives over 90% of the proceeds.

The specific 3 parcels in question, (Click Here) trace their roots to this original grant. Historical records from the U.S. Geological Survey and ASLD archives show the area as rugged desert terrain, used sporadically for cattle grazing under state leases since the 1920s. By the 1940s, topographic maps depicted minimal development, with the land serving as a buffer between Prescott’s growing residential areas and the adjacent Prescott National Forest.

In the post-World War II era, Prescott’s population boomed from around 6,000 in 1950 to approximately 48,000 by 2025 which prompted a piecemeal development around the mountain. Yet the state parcels remained in trust, generating modest revenue through grazing permits and, more recently, a communications tower lease. Environmental assessments, including a Phase I report completed in 2023 by Western Technologies Inc., (Click Here) confirm no significant contamination or structures, highlighting the land’s pristine state with natural features like the Badger Mountain Trail.

The push for sale began with an application from Prescott local, Howard Mechanic of the Social Justice Charitable Foundation. This nonprofit’s interest triggered ASLD’s evaluation process, leading to the auction announcement. While details on Mechanic’s exact plans remain limited, city officials noted that discussions occurred with him in 2025, but no formal proposal was submitted for City Council consideration, and the site lies outside city limits.

There is no public evidence confirming specific intentions to build homes, though his involvement in nearby development and water efforts has been referenced in local reports. Unlike city or federal lands, trust parcels must be sold or leased to maximize returns for beneficiaries, a mandate upheld by the Arizona Constitution and court precedents like the 1987 case Kadish v. Arizona State Land Department, (Click Here) which reinforced the department’s fiduciary duties.

This history underscores a key tension: While locals see Badger Mountain as a community asset, the state views it as an underperforming investment. Sales like this have funded Arizona schools to the tune of billions since 1912, but they often clash with modern values of conservation, as seen in past disputes over lands near the Superstition Mountains or Santa Rita foothills.

The Current Auction: Protest Window Closed, But Options Remain

The public auction notice for No. 53-123800 was first published in the Prescott Daily Courier on January 9, 2026. Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 37-301, this triggered a 30-day window for written protests challenging the auction terms, such as appraisals or environmental compliance. That deadline fell on February 8, 2026, meaning, as of March 11, 2026, it has indeed passed. No valid protests were reported to have halted the process, and ASLD has proceeded with preparations for the April 2 event at their Phoenix office (with remote bidding available).

The minimum bid is $5.3 million, based on appraisals reflecting the land’s Business General zoning by the City of Prescott. Potential buyers could develop it for commercial or residential uses. Unlike comments made by our mayor at a recent City Council meeting warning of potential bulldozing by those awful “developers” the Prescott Pulse is not engaging in fear-mongering tirades. We’re focused on facts and community-driven solutions for those who want to preserve this landmark.

In a recent update, the City of Prescott issued a statement on March 6, 2026 (Click Here), clarifying that it has no control over state trust land auctions and does not decide which parcels are sold. The city emphasized that the Badger Mountain portion of the Circle Trail is protected under a lease until July 31, 2064, and it may pursue easements or purchases with any new owner, including for the iconic “P.”

Effective Measures to Protect Badger Mountain Now

With protests off the table, citizens must pivot to higher-level interventions. Here are the most impactful steps, prioritized by feasibility and precedent:

1. Appeal to the ASLD Board of Appeals: Even post-protest, file an appeal with the Governor-appointed Board if you can demonstrate procedural flaws, such as inadequate public notice or appraisal errors. Appeals must be submitted within timelines outlined in A.R.S. § 37-215—typically before the auction—and could lead to a remand or cancellation. Contact ASLD at (602) 542-4631 or via their website (land.az.gov) to request forms. Precedents include delayed sales in Scottsdale (2024) due to permit issues.

• Petition the Governor and Legislators: Gov. Katie Hobbs has faced calls to intervene in trust land sales before, though she’s been reluctant without strong legal grounds. Rally support by emailing her office (engage.az.gov) or your state representatives to urge withdrawal “in the best interest of the trust” under A.R.S. § 37-236. Phone numbers below.

• Amplify Public Pressure and Awareness: Host town halls, write op-eds (like this one), and use social media (#SaveBadgerMountain) to build momentum. Contact ASLD Commissioner directly or attend the auction to voice concerns. While not legally binding, widespread opposition has led to cancellations, as in a 2024 Phoenix site pulled for zoning issues.

Time is short, so act before April 2. Contact your representatives and make your voice heard.

• Frank Fletez of the Arizona State Land Department: 602-542-3321

• Dallin Kimble, Prescott City Manager Office: 928-777-1435

• AZ Senator Mark Finchem: mfinchem@azleg.gov or 602-926-3631

• AZ Rep Selina Bliss: sbliss@azleg.gov or 602-926-4018

• AZ Rep Quang H. Nguyen: qnguyen@azleg.gov or 602-926-3258

Once again, a heartfelt thank you to Anita for reaching out about this the Badger Mountain issue, your passion for our community truly inspires us all. If you, our fellow readers, have stories, concerns, or happenings in Prescott that deserve attention, we invite you to contact us at Prescott Pulse. Drop us an email via prescottpulse@gmail.com, and let’s work together to keep our city informed.

It’s that time again, your friendly reminder from Prescott residents Linda Nichols and Cathy Messinger’s in their email campaign to help keep Prescott residents informed and motivated in their local governance. These timely reminders to fellow conservatives about upcoming City Council meetings and what is on the agenda is amazing, thank you ladies!

Hello, Concerned Conservatives/Republicans of Prescott - Prescott’s Watch Party,

This is a reminder that the next Prescott City Council meeting is Tuesday, March 10th. Mark your calendars and if at all possible, plan to be present so the council can see and hear from the conservative side of our city! Here is a schedule overview:

• There is no 9:00 AM Executive Session scheduled for March 10th. Note: This meeting is never open to the public.

• Study Session is scheduled for 1:00 (agenda attached below) - This meeting is open to the public, however, there is no public speaking at this meeting. Agenda includes:

1) Call to order, and Roll Call,

2) Discussion: Regarding a VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE POLICY for the MEMBERS of CITY COUNCIL!! My interpretation: The City Council members will not appear in person at the city council meetings. Hmmm, very curious!

3) The City Transfer Station Master Plan - 90% Design Council Presentation.

• Voting Session is scheduled for 3:00 (agenda is attached below, this meeting is most important to attend in person, and attendees are allowed to speak during specific times). The agenda includes but is not limited to:

1) Call to Order/Roll Call/Announcements/Invocation/Pledge.

2) Call to the Public (see the protocol in the agenda attached below).

3) Consent Agenda.

4) Consent Ordinance: Discuss a lease option to at 406 W. Goodwin Street to use for municipal court and additional city offices.

5) Regular Agenda (overview);

A) Discuss a water services application between Lakeview Lane and Mogollon Road South of Willow Creek Road.

B) Amend the City of Prescott’s Land Development Code section 4.9.4(B) by deleting the comment box found under 4.9.4B - Compatibility Review Guidelines and amend 4.9.4C - Parking and Loading by adding new language to replace the old language: and providing a severance provision.

C) Request for Rezoning from minimum lot size single family 35,000SF and single-family minimum lot size of 9,000SF to Business General on a total of 3.6 acres and a minor general plan amendment from low-medium density residential to commercial for the expansion of existing school (at Prescott Seventh-Day Adventist Church) to include grades 9-12.

D) Continued item: Discussion and possible action regarding updates to Article IX Section 6 of the Prescott City Charter “Majority to Elect in Primary” for approval at a Future Election; Review of Recommendations from the Charter Review Committee regarding proposed Charter Revisions; and possible adoption of Resolution N0. 2026-1977. Providing notice of a special election to be held November 3, 2026.

E) Presentation and possible action regarding the city’s Workforce Housing Strategy and Implementation Plan.

6) Adjournment
___________________________________________________

Missed this session? It is worth watching in the archives which includes comments at the end. Listen here Events • • CivicClerk

Public Portal • CivicClerk

CivicClerk events and agendas for citizens

NOTE: City Council meetings may be viewed on the City’s website or on TV channel 64. Also, you can find them on YouTube. It is preferred that, if possible, you attend in person to show the council that you are a concerned Conservative/ Republican constituent. If you would like to write the council members, you can send an email with your comments or questions to: city.council@prescott-az.gov. It will also go the Dallen Kimble, Prescott’s City Manager.

Please keep in mind, the more you can attend the more you will understand moving forward...become an engaged citizen! Bring a family member or friend who is a Conservative or Republican! Get involved in the decision-making process within your city! Feel free to send this email forward. If you would like to be removed from this distribution, please just let us know.

Note: This information is as of 3/6/2026 any updates between now and the meeting can be found on the city’s website.

Hope to see you there!

For questions or getting on their email list, contact: Linda K. Nichols - lknichols360@yahoo.com or Cathy Messinger - cathym1950@gmail.com

Senator Mark Finchem, our Arizona State Senator representing District 1, is a dedicated champion of conservative principles, love him or hate him, his record speaks volumes. In the current legislative session, he sponsored and co-sponsored key legislation advancing priorities that matter to Arizona families and communities. These include:

• Election integrity measures to enhance ballot security, cybersecurity standards for election equipment, and transparent processes to restore trust in our elections.

• Protecting children, such as sponsoring SB 1095 to prohibit gender transition procedures for minors while allowing legitimate medical exceptions.

• Supporting veterans, including efforts like complimentary hunting/fishing licenses and veterans’ court grant programs.

• Securing our border, with bills appropriating funds for fencing in high-crossing areas, requiring immigration verification for public benefits, and boosting cooperation with federal authorities.

• Streamlining judicial structures and promoting greater accountability through reforms in public safety, judiciary, and elections committees.

As a member of committees like Judiciary & Elections, Public Safety, Appropriations, and Federalism, Senator Finchem continues to fight for secure borders, safe communities, strong families, and accountable government. His work reflects a commitment to putting Arizona first, delivering results on the issues conservatives care about most.

He has held over 10 Town Hall evening events across Yavapai County to both inform and hear from constituents what matters most to them. From watching over the rodeo funding to make sure it is spent as the legislature intended to addressing real concerns about Prescott’s progressive General Plan draft. We are not used to this level of involvement but it is a welcome change.

Re-electing Senator Finchem is essential to continue this vital work: protecting Arizona’s sovereignty, defending family values, ensuring economic stability, and safeguarding our freedoms, property rights, and equal opportunity against government overreach and fraud. The first crucial step is rallying to help him collect the necessary petition signatures by the March 23, 2026 filing deadline to secure his spot on the ballot. Click Here to sign his petition. Visit votefinchem.com to volunteer and make your voice count.

Senator Finchem List of Legislation Sponsored or Co-Sponsored

We’ve grouped Finchem’s bills into categories based on their titles and known contexts from legislative records. Some bills fit multiple categories, but we’ve assigned them to the most relevant one. For each category, we’ve listed the relevant bills with brief descriptions inferred from titles and public summaries, followed by an explanation of their importance to conservative values.

Election Integrity

These bills focus on enhancing transparency, security, and restrictions in elections to ensure fair processes. These bills aim to prevent voter fraud, reduce foreign interference, and promote transparency, aligning with conservative priorities of secure borders (including electoral ones) and limited government overreach in manipulating outcomes. By safeguarding the “one person, one vote” ideal, they uphold individual rights and prevent the dilution of citizen voices.

Bill Number and Brief Description

• SB1037 - Restricts internet connectivity for voting equipment and outlines custody requirements to prevent tampering.

• SB1038 - Makes cast vote records public to increase transparency.

• SB1040 - Requires voter registration rolls to be accessible online for public verification.

• SB1057 - Implements fraud countermeasures, including the use of paper ballots for auditable elections.

• SB1647 - Prohibits foreign contributions in elections to prevent external influence.

• SCR1005 - Constitutional resolution prohibiting foreign contributions in elections.

• SB1654 - Appropriates funds for end-point monitoring in elections to detect irregularities.

• SB1655 - Allows jurors to opt for election worker duty, potentially increasing community involvement in elections.

Preventing Fraud

These bills address measures to prevent fraud in elections, legal systems, financial matters, and public activities. They are written to promote ethical conduct in professional and public spheres, reduce waste of taxpayer dollars through inefficiency or deception, and protect economic stability.

Bill Number and Brief Description

• SB1039 - Increases funding and investigations for attorney discipline to deter legal misconduct and fraud.

• SB1057 - Fraud countermeasures in voting, including paper ballots to prevent electoral fraud (crosses with election integrity).

• SB1075 - Establishes a review commission for foreign entities owning land, to prevent fraudulent or harmful foreign investments.

• SB1093 - Classifies riot planning and participation as racketeering, targeting organized fraudulent or disruptive activities.

• SB1649 - Creates a digital assets strategic reserve fund, potentially to protect state finances from fraud in emerging technologies.

Protecting Children

These bills emphasize child safety, family rights, protections against exploitation, and restrictions on certain medical procedures for minors. Many involve reforms to the Department of Child Safety (DCS) and family courts to ensure fair processes in child-related cases. These bills support pro-life and pro-family stances by opposing irreversible medical procedures on minors, combating trafficking, and reforming systems to prevent government overreach in family matters. They align with beliefs in moral responsibility, community safety, and educating children in core American values like civics and self-protection.

Bill Number and Brief Description

• SB1077 - Makes it a violation for online services to facilitate prostitution, with enhanced penalties for child involvement to combat sex trafficking.

• SB1081 - Regulates attorney appearances in DCS (child safety) cases for better oversight.

• SB1095 - Prohibits gender transition procedures for minors, with medical exceptions.

• SB1139 - Limits therapeutic interventions and experts in family court to protect fair child custody decisions.

• SB1146 - Requires reports in DCS periodic review hearings for child welfare cases.

• SB1147 - Regulates post-decree experts in family court to ensure balanced child-related rulings.

• SB1149 - Mandates periodic review hearings in DCS cases to monitor child safety.

• SB1177 - Prohibits public funds for gender transition procedures.

• SB1329 - Holds family court professionals liable for misconduct to protect children from flawed processes.

• SB1330 - Grants right to jury in family court, enhancing due process in child-related disputes.

• SB1424 - Requires firearm safety instruction in public schools to educate children on safety.

• SB1475 Makes students ineligible for interscholastic activities if involved in criminal offenses, promoting school safety.

• SB1572 - Mandates civics instruction in public schools to foster informed youth.

• SB1644 - Requires mandatory reporting in family court to flag potential child abuse.

• SB1653 - Awards fees and costs in family court to encourage fair resolutions for child custody.

• SB1656 - Sets requirements for professional personnel in family court to improve child protection standards.

• SB1657 - Caps attorney fees in family court to make processes more accessible for families.

• SB1658 - Allows jury trials for legal decision-making in family matters, potentially benefiting child outcomes.

• SB1754 - Addresses parent complaints in special education via the Arizona Department of Education (ADE).

Benefits to Veterans

These bills provide direct support, funding, or specialized services for veterans, focusing on court programs, mental health, and employment benefits that aid reintegration into civilian life. These bills reflect a commitment to patriotism, fiscal accountability by focusing aid on deserving groups, and family stability by addressing mental health and employment issues that affect veteran households, thereby upholding traditional values of duty, sacrifice, and community welfare.

Bill Number and Brief Description

• HB2960 - Establishes a veterans’ court fund and grant program to support specialized courts for veterans facing legal issues, often related to service-connected challenges like PTSD.

• SB1036 - Sets standards for unemployment benefit eligibility, which can benefit veterans transitioning from military service by ensuring fair access to support during job searches.

• SB1630 - Provides home and community-based services for individuals with serious mental illness, including veterans who may qualify for enhanced mental health support.

Immigration

Immigration control is a key conservative priority, emphasizing national security, sovereignty, and the rule of law. These bills promote secure borders, prevent illegal entry or overstays, and encourage assimilation through standards like language proficiency. They align with values of protecting American jobs, reducing strain on public resources, and maintaining cultural cohesion, while opposing unchecked migration that could undermine community safety and economic stability.

Bill Number and Brief Description

• SB1157 - Appropriates funds for fencing in high-crossing border areas to enhance physical border security.

• SB1520 - Requires state agencies to share data related to immigration status for enforcement purposes.

• HB2443 - Mandates English proficiency for commercial driver licenses, aiming to ensure safety and assimilation.

• HB2446 - Requires English proficiency for motor carriers, similar to HB2443, focusing on transportation standards.

• SB1426 - Streamlines forcible entry and detainer processes for unlawful occupants, often linked to squatting issues in immigration debates.

Judicial Structure

These bills are written with goals of reducing government bloat, enhancing accountability, and ensuring courts adhere to constitutional principles without external influences. They promote efficiency, limit judicial overreach, and uphold the separation of powers, aligning with values of limited government, fiscal prudence, and protecting individual liberties from unelected bureaucracies or biased rulings.

Bill Number and Brief Description

• SB1056 - Eliminates vacant government positions to streamline bureaucracy.

• SB1071 - Repeals the Arizona Rangers program, restructuring auxiliary law enforcement.

• SB1148 - Grants the Supreme Court authority over attorney licensing for better oversight.

• SB1283 - Eliminates Division Two of the Appeals Court to consolidate judicial resources.

• SB1573 - Prohibits judicial determinations based on religious sectarian laws, ensuring secular rulings.

• SB1645 - Expands performance audits by the Auditor General for greater government transparency.

• SB1646 - Addresses absences of state elected officials, potentially with accountability measures.

• SCR1010 - Defines impeachable offenses to clarify judicial and executive removal processes.

Fiscal Appropriations

These bills involve direct appropriations, funding allocations, reimbursements, or measures that impact state finances, such as creating funds or adjusting spending. Fiscal responsibility is fundamental to conservative values by prioritizing balanced budgets, taxpayer protection, and efficient use of public funds. These bills focus on targeted appropriations for essential services like security and healthcare while avoiding wasteful spending, aligning principles of small government, economic freedom, and ensuring that state resources support core functions without expanding entitlements or unnecessary programs.

Bill Number and Brief Description

• SB1086 - Adjusts reimbursement rates for noncontracting providers in AHCCCS (Arizona’s Medicaid program) to manage healthcare costs.

• SB1156 - Appropriates funds for short-term detention holds, supporting law enforcement operations.

• SB1157 - Appropriates funds for border fencing (crosses with immigration).

• SB1649 - Establishes a digital assets strategic reserve fund to invest in and protect state financial assets.

• SB1654 - Appropriates funds for end-point monitoring in elections (crosses with election integrity).

• SCR1004 - Requires voter approval for photo enforcement systems, potentially affecting revenue from fines.

Note: Some bills, such as SB1445 on water quality testing, SB1648 on elderly compensation, and HCR2047 on foreign policy recognition, do not fit neatly into these categories and remain uncategorized.

In conclusion, Senator Mark Finchem’s has earned our support. From fortifying election integrity and shielding children from harm to bolstering veteran support and securing our borders, makes him an indispensable voice in the Arizona State Senate. As the only Republican candidate running for District 1 in the 2026 election, it’s imperative that we rally behind him now to gather the required signatures and ensure he’s on the ballot; otherwise, the Democratic candidate will advance unopposed to November, potentially handing over control of this crucial seat without a fight.

Don’t let that happen, join the effort today at votefinchem.com to volunteer, sign the petition, give his bills a thumbs up on RTS (Click Here) and keep Arizona strong, free, and true to its values.