The following are News Snaps of last week’s Sedona happenings.
From an Oak Creek sewage spill to changes at a longtime dining destination, here’s a snapshot of developments affecting Sedona’s businesses, visitors and residents.
Sewage spill sends wastewater into Oak Creek
City crews stopped a sewer overflow Sunday evening after an estimated 1,000 to 5,000 gallons of untreated wastewater entered Oak Creek.
According to the Sedona Red Rock News, citing city officials, the problem was reported around 5:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at a shopping complex at 671 State Route 179. An apparent restaurant-grease blockage caused wastewater to escape through a manhole and enter a storm drain leading to the creek.
The discharge was stopped around 7:30 p.m. Water-quality testing was underway, but results were not available in the reporting reviewed for this edition. The extent of downstream effects and any guidance for recreational use remained unresolved.
Che Ah Chi makes way for new dining concepts
Enchantment Resort is preparing a new culinary chapter following the announced Oct. 19 closure of Che Ah Chi.
The resort says the restaurant’s closure is part of a transformation of its dining experiences, with new concepts expected in 2027. Names, a specific opening date and project costs have not been disclosed.
Other resort dining options remain available during the transition. Details about the replacement concepts, including access for diners who are not staying at the resort, have yet to be announced.
City invites businesses to offer winter deals
Sedona businesses have an opportunity to connect their winter specials with the city’s seasonal advertising campaign.
An Oct. 19 announcement invites tourism businesses within city limits to submit discounts, packages and other offers for promotion alongside the winter 2026-27 campaign. Submissions are being accepted on a rolling basis.
Businesses are encouraged to include a photograph, offer description, valid dates, terms and a website link. Promotional codes or trackable links can help participants measure the response.
Businesses outside city limits will be referred to the Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce for promotion through its channels.
Source: Greater Sedona Chamber of Commerce
Rental estimates show occupancy gains, lower rates
The latest AirDNA estimates offer a mixed view of Sedona’s short-term-rental market.
The company’s Oct. 20 update, covering data through September, reports approximately 3,725 active listings, down 21.4% from a year earlier. Estimated occupancy reached 57%, a reported year-over-year increase of 3.1%.
Average daily rates, however, fell 6.8% to $337. Revenue per available rental night declined 4.3% to $193.
The figures are proprietary estimates, not a count of rentals licensed within Sedona. AirDNA’s market boundaries may extend beyond city limits, making comparisons with city records and hotel performance important before drawing broader conclusions.
Housing proposals advance, but approvals remain ahead
Sedona’s housing efforts are moving forward one proposal at a time.
According to an Oct. 24 Sedona Red Rock News report, City Council declined to formally adopt the full Balanced Housing Strategy but directed staff to pursue housing proposals for two city-owned properties.
A community-land-trust partnership and possible down-payment assistance of up to $150,000 per buyer remain under development and require further approval.
Staff also recommended ending the voluntary short-term-rental deed-restriction and Rent Local programs because of limited participation. That recommendation is not a final decision.
For local workers and employers, the key questions remain practical: Who would qualify, what would housing cost and when could residents move in?
