City Council Recap

Below are the highlights of the April City Council meetings and some decisions that may interest you:

• On April 14, 2026, City Council approved a construction contract to repair 49 sewer manholes across the City in an amount not-to-exceed $320,865.36. Repairs are expected to begin this summer.
• On April 14, 2026, City Council heard a tourism update including a review of the 2025 winter marketing campaign results and approved spending $151,900 on the summer destination marketing campaign. The campaign will be active May 1 through August 31.
• On April 22 and April 23, 2026, City Council held their annual Budget Work Session for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, following up from their Work Session on April 15, 2026. Council heard an overview of the operating budget, decision packages, expenditures, funding sources, capital improvement projects and other budget initiatives. The proposed budget for FY27 is $97,171,189, a 6% decrease from the FY26 budget of $103,029,695. Council will adopt the tentative budget on May 26 to set the maximum spending limit and will adopt the final budget on June 23.  
• On April 28, 2026, City Council discussed the results of the Western Gateway public opinion poll, which gauged Sedona registered voters’ interest in a 5,500-seat amphitheater (46.9% support and 42.5% oppose), housing and related elements at the 41-acres of city-owned property on Cultural Park Place in West Sedona. Council directed staff to bring back a non-binding, non-exclusive Letter of Intent for the Cultural Park 2.0 Committee to explore the possibility of reopening the 5,500-seat amphitheater to a City Council meeting on May 26. Council also expressed interest in a Request for Information process to be discussed on May 26 as well.
• On April 28, 2026, City Council approved a construction contract for $981,319 for the restoration of the Ranger Station Park. The project includes the installation of HVAC, plumbing, lighting, insulation and finishes in the house on the property and fans, lighting and cleaning of the barn interior, allowing both buildings to serve as usable community spaces. Construction is expected to begin this summer.
• On April 29, 2026, City Council held their first Community Conversation meeting on needs of families and seniors. These meetings aim to increase public participation, build positive relationships, create dialogue with the public on current issues and inform future policy decisions the Council makes. Over 60 people attended the first Community Conversation meeting. The meeting outcomes and future themes will be discussed at the May 26 City Council meeting.

Did you Know…

• That the Red Dirt Concert Series is back, and this year we are celebrating 10 years of concerts?! Join us at the beautiful Posse Grounds Pavilion every Friday evening in May for an incredible array of great acts! 2026 is our 10th year of Red Dirt Concerts, and to celebrate we've added an all-day festival to extend the fun! Enjoy five acts, food trucks, a beer garden and free raffle prizes at our Red Dirt Fest 10-year Celebration on Saturday, May 30 from 1 to 8 p.m.!

News

• ADOT began a guardrail replacement project along the SR-89A switchbacks in Oak Creek Canyon. The project is 13 miles north of Sedona, between Pine Flat Campground and Oak Creek Vista, and is anticipated for completion early August. Work will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. The project includes the replacement of 10,000 feet of guardrails, installation of concrete barriers, reconstruction of damaged curbs and gutters, and seeding and erosion control measures.
• We are hiring! Check out our job postings and join our team!

Events

• Join a Tourism Input Session on May 13 at the Hub at Posse Grounds Park to share perspectives on the future of tourism as it relates to the Sedona experience.
• The community is invited to an Artist Reception for painter Ruth Austin on May 14 from 4 to 6 p.m. at City Hall. Special musical guest is award-winning Chapman Stick player, Michael Kollwitz.
• The free Red Dirt Concert Series presents The Irie and Nubian Fyah on May 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Posse Grounds Pavilion. Bring your blanket and listen to amazing music with your friends and neighbors.
• Join us on May 18-19 at The Hub for the Sedona Housing Think Tank, a two-day working session focused on advancing actionable strategies for Balanced Housing in Sedona. Hear from national experts, local leaders and community members to move from ideas to implementation. Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!

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