Want a Sedona that works for its residents, not just hotels, traffic and unsustainable tourism? Join us and find out how you can help.
Sedona Residents Unite
We are a nonpartisan group (Democrats, Republicans, and Independents) of Sedona Residents who care about our city and what it is becoming. Learn what you can do to help.
Future of Tourism Management in Sedona
On April 5th, the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau’s Board informed the City of Sedona that they have decided to not renew their tourism contract with the City at the end of fiscal year (June 30, 2023). On April 12th, the City Council voted to establish a city-owned Destination Management Organization (DMO). Since that time, many “facts” and opinions have been stated on-line and in newspaper articles. We want to ensure that you get accurate information, so we have developed a summary of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). We have also reviewed the many newspaper articles (news and opinion pieces) and provided more information where necessary to provide balance or the necessary accuracy. Please take time to review these. If you have a question that is not addressed here, submit it to sedonaresidentsunite@gmail.com and we will add it to the list.
Current Sedona Tourism Economy
We hear all the time lately that the local economy is failing, conditions are dire, and that we are heading into a recession. So it is important to look back and see how the economy has performed over the past few years. It is easy to say that the sky is falling, but we need to take a look at the local economic performance over the longer term and short term to see how we are actually doing.
Look at the data for yourself in our exclusive white paper Sedona Arizona – So how is the local economy doing?
THE ISSUES WE’RE TACKLING
Unsustainable traffic and tourism are choking the life out of our small town. The City and Chamber are planning more of the same. Learn more.
Short-Term Rentals like Airbnbs have devastated the affordable rental market in Sedona. Families are losing homes they have lived in for 30 years. Neighborhoods are turning into hotels and businesses cannot find employees. Learn more.
Sedona is in a housing crisis. Short-term rentals are replacing long-term rentals, and the cost of long-term rentals has tripled in price. Schools have closed, and those that remain are in threat of closing. Businesses can no longer find employees, and people live out of their cars to keep their jobs. Learn more.
Uptown Parking Garage
The City has put the $18 million parking garage on hold pending an updated parking study!! Excellent!
A document developed by Mark TenBroek provides a great summary of the issue. It is attached for your reference. Learn more.
Red Rock News/Sedona.Biz Corrections
The Red Rock News and Sedona.Biz are critical source for information. We are lucky to have a small town newspaper and the Sedona.Biz. But sometimes they (or their Guest Columnists) get it wrong or are unclear. When they are, we will provide additional information, so that inaccurate/unclear information does not result in angst or confusion for residents.
Following are topics we are addressing. Follow the link provided:
Tourism Management – Chamber of Commerce and City of Sedona’s “divorce”
City Council Debates Freedom of Speech