Recently named Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chair Mary Mallory shared her vision for the immediate and long-term future for the county and its communities.
She said recent growth made setting realistic goals a priority for county officials: “Given increased gains in our county as evidenced by the census — from 211,033 in 2010 to 236,209 in 2020 — we’ve got to face some key issues. People are moving here from all over the U. S. and the world.”
She said, “With almost 12% growth, we simply must make solving water issues a major priority. We must address the aging wastewater treatment systems and other out-of-date water facilities. But now, we’ve some ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds available to help meet that need.
“Same is true with improving broadband access throughout the county. Rural residents need access to broadband
to survive in today’s technological environment. ARPA can help with that, too.”
Mallory said she and her board colleagues and county staff are planning the budget for the next fiscal year. They also are setting specific priorities during coming meetings, especially as they establish a state-required Comprehensive Plan for land use.
“I want to be clear that in establishing that plan, we want citizen input,” Mallory said. “That plan will be our roadmap.
We want it to reflect where and how we should grow and what we should protect.”
Mallory cited eight elements to be included in the plan: land use, growth areas, transportation, water resources, energy: land use, growth areas, transportation, water resources, energy, open space, environmental and cost of development.
“I cannot be more emphatic. We want to hear from the public so that we supervisors represent your views on creating a road map for the future,” she said.
Mallory was appointed to the board in July 2019. District 5 voters later elected her to the position in 2020. She was named board chair Jan. 1. Her earlier public servant experience included serving on the Prescott Valley Town Council starting in 2011.
Anyone wanting their voice to be heard can visit the Yavapai County Comprehensive Planning website at www. planningyavapai2032.org to complete online surveys.
Photo by Ray Newton.
