Flagstaff City Council Candidate Nancy Baca
Nancy Baca’s Responses to the Flagstaff City Council Candidate Questionnaire 2026
Regulatory Relief: Flagstaff’s building codes and zoning processes can add significant time and expense to commercial projects. What specific zoning reforms or streamlining measures will you champion to reduce these burdens for local businesses?
NB: I support making Flagstaff’s zoning and permitting processes more predictable, efficient and transparent. Time is money, especially for small businesses. I would look for opportunities to streamline approvals, eliminate unnecessary duplication, expand administrative approvals for projects that already meet established standards, and establish clear timelines and accountability within the permitting process. I also support regularly reviewing our codes to determine whether regulations are accomplishing their intended purpose or simply adding time & cost. This does not mean eliminating appropriate safety, environmental or community standards. It means making sure those standards are applied consistently and efficiently. As someone who has worked in both the public and private sectors, I understand that regulations have real economic consequences. We should make it easier to invest, build and create jobs in Flagstaff while protecting the qualities that make our community special.
Regional Plan Realities: With the city implementing the voter-approved Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan, how will you balance strict environmental and smart-growth goals with the pressing need for affordable workforce housing and commercial expansion?
NB: I support the goals of the voter-approved Regional Plan, but we have to recognize that environmental sustainability and economic sustainability are connected. We cannot have a sustainable community if teachers, nurses, first responders, and young families cannot afford to live here. I would support thoughtful infill, appropriate increases in housing density and development in areas where infrastructure already exists. At the same time, we need to protect critical natural resources, open space and our water supply. My approach would be to evaluate proposals based on measurable impacts including water, infrastructure, transportation, housing and economic benefits rather than relying on blanket assumptions. Smart growth should mean building the right things in the right places, not simply limiting growth.
Employer-Assisted Housing: Would you support city incentives or public-private partnerships that make it easier for local employers to develop or subsidize housing for their own workforce?
NB: Yes. I support exploring incentives and public-private partnerships that encourage employers to help provide housing for their workforce. Housing affordability is one of Flagstaff’s biggest economic challenges, and we need more tools than government alone can provide. Incentives are a fundamental economic tool that serves to change the costs and benefits to achieve desirable outcomes. Employers have a direct interest in making sure their employees can afford to live in the community where they work. The city could consider incentives such as expedited reviews, density flexibility or other appropriate partnerships for employers willing to contribute to workforce housing. Programs should be carefully structured, transparent and evaluated based on measurable results. We should encourage innovation and collaboration rather than assume the city has to solve every housing problem by itself.
Minimum Wage Trajectory: Flagstaff's local minimum wage significantly exceeds the state standard, impacting low-margin industries like retail, hospitality, and dining. How do you plan to support small businesses navigating these high labor costs?
NB: Flagstaff businesses operate in a challenging environment, particularly restaurants, retail and other labor-intensive industries. I respect the importance of wages that allow people to support themselves, but we also have to recognize that labor costs affect prices, staffing levels and whether a small business can remain viable. The current minimum wage structure is the result of decision making by Flagstaff voters. The city should focus on what it can control: reducing unnecessary regulatory costs, making permitting more efficient, keeping fees predictable and helping businesses navigate city processes. I would also look for opportunities to support workforce development and productivity so businesses can provide competitive wages while remaining competitive. We need an economy where employees can earn a good living and local businesses can afford to employ them. As someone directly involved in the Flagstaff minimum wage study, I stand by the findings. The impact to Flagstaff has been mixed but the costs are clear.
Tourism & Economic Diversity: While tourism initiatives drive significant revenue, economic volatility remains a concern. What concrete strategies will you pursue to attract high-wage, non-tourism industries (e.g., biotech, clean energy) to the region?
NB: Tourism will always be a key industry for Flagstaff due to our proximity to some of the most stunning landscapes in the Southwest. Its economic impact is vital and helps stabilize city revenues. Economic diversity is also essential. Flagstaff should aggressively pursue industries that provide high-paying, year-round employment and align with our community’s values, including technology, biotechnology, forest management and manufacturing that can leverage our highly educated workforce. Economic development should focus on recruiting businesses that are compatible with our water resources, infrastructure and quality of life. I would also emphasize supporting existing local businesses and entrepreneurs rather than focusing exclusively on recruiting companies from outside the community. Our goal should be a diverse economy that creates opportunities for residents and makes Flagstaff more resilient.
Commercial Property Tax & Utilities: High commercial utility rates and property valuations strain local operations. What is your strategy for keeping city-controlled fees and taxes predictable for business owners?
NB: Businesses need predictability. I would support careful review of city-controlled fees, rates and charges to make sure increases are justified by actual costs and clearly communicated well in advance. The city should not use fees as a hidden way to increase revenue. We should regularly evaluate whether services can be delivered more efficiently and whether technology or process improvements can reduce costs. I also believe we need greater transparency about how utility rates and other charges are calculated. As someone who is numbers and details oriented, I would want to understand the underlying data before supporting increases. Responsible budgeting means recognizing that every additional cost imposed on a business can ultimately affect prices, wages, investment and jobs.
Public Safety Ballot Measures: Local businesses rely heavily on a safe, accessible environment for both customers and staff. What is your position on upcoming public safety infrastructure bonds, and how will you ensure transparent use of tax funds?
NB: I support investing in public safety and the infrastructure necessary to keep Flagstaff safe, accessible and resilient. I believe public safety measures have been underfunded for decades and support any attempt to rectify that. With that said, any bond measure should have clearly defined objectives, cost estimates, realistic timelines and regular reporting. I would support strong oversight to ensure money is spent as promised and that projects remain on budget. Public safety is more than police and fire. It includes emergency preparedness, wildfire mitigation, and sound infrastructure. My approach would be to prioritize essential services and make sure we have the resources to maintain what we build.
Transportation & Logistics: : Traffic congestion and winter road maintenance directly affect commercial logistics and customer access. How will you prioritize infrastructure spending to optimize traffic flow along major business corridors like Route 66 and Milton Road?
NB: Transportation spending should be based on where it produces the greatest benefit for residents and businesses. Route 66 and Milton Road are critical commercial corridors, and congestion affects workers, customers, emergency response and supply chain. I would prioritize projects that improve traffic flow, intersection efficiency and connectivity rather than simply adding capacity without addressing the underlying problem. We also need to adequately fund road maintenance and winter operations so businesses can continue functioning during severe weather. I would use traffic data, accident patterns, economic impacts and infrastructure conditions to prioritize projects. Every infrastructure dollar should improve safety, reliability or economic productivity and we should be able to demonstrate the results.