Advocacy

The Flagstaff Trails Initiative (FTI) plays a critical role in advocating for a connected, sustainable, and inclusive trail system that serves the full spectrum of users—hikers, runners, mountain bikers, equestrians, and more. Our approach recognizes that Flagstaff’s trails are shared resources, and long‑term success depends on balancing diverse user needs while protecting the natural environment.

Connecting the Community and Land Managers

FTI serves as a bridge between the public and land management agencies, ensuring that information flows clearly in both directions. We help communicate agency plans, constraints, and project timelines to the trail community, while also elevating user feedback, priorities, and concerns to decision‑makers.

By bringing these perspectives together, FTI helps:

• Improve transparency in trail planning and management
• Align projects with community needs and values
• Reduce user conflicts through better communication and design

Facilitating Regional Coordination

A cornerstone of FTI’s advocacy work is the Quarterly Flagstaff Trails Coordination Meeting, which we organize and host. These meetings bring together key stakeholders, including:

• City of Flagstaff
• Coconino County
• U.S. Forest Service
• Arizona State agencies
• Local and regional nonprofits such as the Flagstaff Bike Organization (FBO) and other trail organizations

This forum provides a structured opportunity to:

• Share updates on upcoming trail construction and maintenance projects
• Identify gaps and emerging needs across jurisdictions
• Coordinate funding opportunities and partnerships
• Align priorities to maximize impact across the regional trail network

Advancing a Unified Vision

Because Flagstaff’s trail system spans multiple jurisdictions and landowners, no single entity can address all needs independently. FTI fills this gap by providing a neutral, collaborative platform focused on the long‑term success of the entire trail system.

Through advocacy and coordination, FTI helps ensure that:

• Trail investments are strategic and system‑wide, not isolated
• Resources are directed to high‑priority, high‑impact projects
• All user groups have a voice in shaping the future of trails
• Flagstaff continues to be recognized as a premier trail community