Bear Howard Chronicles:
Sedona, AZ — Growth in Sedona is not just a possibility—it’s a certainty. And of course, by growth, I’m not referring to population, it’s going down. The city of Sedona is landlocked, with minimal real estate available for much of anything. But I’m sure we’ll see some apartment construction in the future, along with more mega-mansions. And other than the hotels that are on the table right now, I don’t see any more in the city limits anyway. But let’s take a look at some compelling numbers about growth from a 20,000-foot level:
- Projected Growth in Maricopa County:
- Annual Growth Rate: 1.6%
- Expected Population Increase: 333,957 people between 2022 and 2026
- Maricopa, AZ, is currently the fifth fastest-growing area in the nation, with a 7.1% increase in residents as of July 1, 2023, bringing the population to 4,615,909 in 2024, the 4th most populated county in the nation.
Arizona is projected to remain the 14th most populous state in the U.S., with an anticipated 2.8% increase in population by 2025 and 5.1% by 2030. Given that Sedona is just a 1.5-hour drive from Phoenix via an expanded Interstate 17, it’s clear that visitor growth is on the horizon. And by the way, the median age in Maricopa County is 37.4 years old – the perfect age for people wanting to hike in the red rocks or visit the wine country of the greater Verde Valley.
So, how do we manage the influx of visitors from the valley and the millions coming from around the globe to experience Sedona? The answer lies in spreading the tourist traffic across the broader Verde Valley region and Northern Arizona. Perhaps we need to refer to the area with three words – “Sedona Verde Valley,” not just the term Verde Valley or Greater Sedona, but combine the words to describe the region as a whole.
With Sedona lodging often maxed out on many weekends and only four Sedona new or expanding hotels on the horizon (about 230 rooms)—likely the last due to limited property zoning for lodging and land suitable for a “resort-style” hotel—it’s imperative to encourage visitors to explore beyond Sedona itself.
The regional cities of Sedona, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, and Jerome—along with Camp Verde—need to step up and accommodate growth in new visitors. Most hotel guests are already enjoying the beauty of federal “forest” lands or exploring the Verde Valley, returning to Sedona and VOC in the evening if that is where they are “sleeping.”
About 90% of the lodging in the Sedona Verde Valley area is in Sedona and VOC. A new eighty-room Hampton Inn is opening up in Cottonwood next month, and another hotel has been proposed near Out of Africa. Such growth in lodging to accommodate visitor traffic and overnight guests makes sense. Let’s spread the wealth (and traffic).
A collaborative vision is essential. Local businesses, DMO’s and the Chamber of Commerce’s need to unite to manage growth and preserve our area’s unique charm. The burgeoning wine industry in the Verde Valley, coupled with Cottonwood’s thriving restaurants and new hotels, provides an excellent opportunity to attract visitors to the region.
Regional marketing is the key. There is so much to see and do beyond the iconic red rocks of Sedona. We need to promote the wine industry, tasting rooms, and National Monuments, showcasing the rich diversity of experiences available throughout the valley. By encouraging visitors to explore the entire area, we can alleviate some of the traffic pressure on Highway 89A and SR 179. Encouraging overnight guests in Sedona and VOC to leave the area to explore the greater Verde Valley during the day makes sense.
The Sedona Chamber has wisely rebranded itself as the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce. This is a positive move forward.
The evolution of the Cottonwood Chamber of Commerce has been rebranded as the Greater Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce representing the cities of Camp Verde, Cottonwood, and Clarkdale, is also a sign of regional thinking in the making.
Together, we can turn this impending growth into an opportunity for prosperity, ensuring that all communities in the valley benefit from the incoming wave of visitors. Let’s embrace this change and work collaboratively to shape the future of Sedona and its surrounding areas.
Our message: “If you are heading north this weekend, come to the “Sedona Verde Valley,” — A world of adventure awaits.”
• Images AI generated
Sincerely,
Bear Howard
Sedona.biz Unpaid Field Reporter and Philosopher