Sedona’s Road to a Brighter Future: Progress, Unity, and Exciting Changes Ahead!

By Bear Howard

Bear Howard Chronicles 

Listen to narration by Ai.

One notable recent development is the recommendation from the City’s marketing committee, the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB), to continue the partnership between Sedona and the local Chamber of Commerce for managing the Uptown Visitors Center. This center has served as the heart of Sedona’s “Welcome to Sedona” outreach, offering personalized, face-to-face interactions with visitors since the 1950s.

Additionally, TAB approved a $100,000 request to acquire and install electronic visitor information kiosks, adopting a digital approach to assisting visitors. However, it does raise the question of why the city is “reinventing the wheel” when the chamber’s powerful website, VisitSedona.com, launched in 1998, already provides comprehensive and helpful information for tourists.

Highlights of Progress and Development

A significant milestone was reached when the city council resolved its dispute with Olson Development, the developer of Oak Creek Heritage Lodge on Schnebly Hill Road. This project, situated on land zoned for hospitality, is expected to generate millions in bed and sales taxes, benefiting the city and local businesses. The resolution also signals the end of community division over the project, paving the way for a harmonious future with a new neighbor.

The city is also nearing the purchase of land along Highway 179, just beyond Los Abrigados, to protect access to Oak Creek. This acquisition could serve as the foundation for a future “creek walk,” enhancing Sedona’s natural beauty and providing improved access for residents and visitors.

The Forest Road extension is nearing completion and is set to open by early spring. This crucial east-west connection from Uptown to SR 89A and West Sedona will offer a safer route for Uptown residents, particularly during emergencies like fire evacuations. The extension is part of the City’s comprehensive Sedona in Motion (SIM) plan, which aims to mitigate the negative impacts of tourism during peak seasons and improve walkability and safety. Future projects under SIM include a roundabout at Brewer and Ranger Roads, the extension of Ranger Road, and additional connections to the Forest Road extension.

Sedona’s History Walk initiative has made significant progress. New historical and informational displays are going to be installed along the walkway connecting Uptown to the “Y” and the Gallery District. Planned enhancements include additional path lighting, making this walk even more enjoyable and informative for both locals and visitors. These efforts complement Sedona’s broader push to become more “walkable and bikeable.”

Another exciting development is the city’s efforts to annex The Dells, a 400+ acre area located four miles west of town. This move allows the city greater control over future development, ensuring growth aligns with Sedona’s vision. The city also plans to build a vehicle maintenance facility near the wastewater treatment plant, though no immediate plans exist for the 200+ acres south of SR 89A.

Exciting Updates and Community Improvements

One of the most innovative updates is Sedona’s micro-transit system, which offers a $2.00 door-to-door service throughout most of the city. Already operational, discussions are underway to extend service hours into the evening, further enhancing convenience. More details are available at SedonaShuttle.com.

On the culinary front, Sedona’s vibrant restaurant scene continues to grow. A new addition, “Costa by Madrid – Modern Latin Cuisine,” has opened next to The Shorebird, adding to the town’s reputation as a dining destination. For a city of under 10,000 residents, Sedona consistently attracts top-tier culinary talent, with visitors playing a significant role in sustaining this thriving scene. Learn more at: CostabyMadrid.com.

Other changes in additions to the culinary front include a new restaurant with a big wraparound bar to take the place of where Soundbites was located, perhaps changes to the restaurant called Oaxaca in uptown, some new restaurants in the village, and more.

The affordable housing project on Shelby Road, known as the Villas on Shelby, is about to begin construction. This development will add 30 critically needed workforce apartments. Looking ahead, the city is preparing to break ground on several other affordable housing projects in 2025-26, including sites on Sunset Road and other properties acquired for this purpose. These efforts are part of the city’s strategy to incentivize and assist in mitigating the challenges in project financing by partnering with developers to build and manage these essential housing developments.

The city has also launched the year-long master planning process for the Cultural Park, officially referred to as the Western Gateway. This 40+ acre property will be planned with extensive community input, likely including market-rate and affordable apartments, senior housing, recreational facilities, and more. Details are available at PlanSedona.com.

The long-awaited historic Ranger Station Park on Brewer Road is set to open in the coming months. The park features creative play areas for children, outdoor activities for adults, and future additions such as permanent restrooms, informational displays, and renovations to historic Forest Service buildings for community use.

Renewed Collaboration and Looking Ahead

The once-fractured relationship between the City of Sedona and the Chamber of Commerce is gradually transitioning into a more collaborative partnership. The chamber, a cornerstone of Sedona’s business community since the late 1940s, is focusing on a regional approach, including working with other Verde Valley organizations and cities to strengthen the area’s tourism and economic strategies. Similarly, the city’s new tourism department, led by a professional in marketing and management, is crafting a fresh Sedona image to attract respectful and responsible visitors. Exciting developments from this department are anticipated in 2025.

Finally, Posse Ground Park has seen substantial improvements, including eight new pickleball courts, a bocce court, and planned upgrades to the pavilion’s seating and lighting to enhance outdoor events.

A Bright Future

Despite challenges, 2024 has been a successful year for Sedona. Thanks to the city council’s focus on progress and the support of our visitors, who largely fund these initiatives, Sedona continues to evolve as a community.

Happy holidays to all! As we look forward to the new year, let’s celebrate our accomplishments and embrace the exciting changes ahead. Sedona is truly becoming a better place to live, work, and visit.