Many people living in Prescott are worried about the changes that the new 2025 General Plan will bring to their community and possibly others too. The plan includes ideas similar to those in California, which could make things more expensive.
Some residents oppose policies associated with the Trump administration. The plan suggests introducing rules to fight climate change, installing speed bumps and cameras to control speeding, requiring more trees to be planted, and increasing property taxes, among other things.
These issues will be voted on in November, and the city council will make a decision on May 27th.
Excerpts from the article:
Certain strategies of concern (out of over 300 proposed) outlined in the plan include developing and funding a transit system, changing wood burning stove and fireplace standards, redeveloping stormwater infrastructure to be “green” and more sustainable, changing new development ordinances, eliminating emissions in city-owned buildings, establishing electric vehicle infrastructure, redesigning local streets for lower speeds and multimodal use, and establishing a “Dark Sky” lighting code.
Specifically, the group cited concerns over the inclusion of language expanding discrimination or harassment protections to sexual orientation and gender expression or identity.
AZ Free News
Prescott Pulse also claims the proposed general plan goes beyond its intended scope of planning land use decisions (land, roads, water, and city growth) by introducing new property rights regulations and taxpayer burdens.
When a big overall plan is created every 10 years, like this one, we need to be careful not to make it too extreme or go beyond what's reasonable. Usually, the main worries are about water, land, roads, and growth of the area.
But trying to make a community do things they don’t want or don’t think are needed isn’t the right thing to do and isn’t fair. Plus, this plan might cause property taxes to go up. Who would support a plan that raises taxes, and why would they?
Governor Hobbs aims to turn Arizona into California, burdened with endless programs and crushing debt. California’s Medi-Cal is near collapse due to allowing illegal aliens to use it. Here, she pushes for more charging stations—despite many can't afford EVs and it raises emissions. It's manipulation: shaping plans to control and influence people against their will.
If more people oppose the council’s General Plan, it won’t pass, if not Arizonans will face unwanted programs. Local media won’t cover this accurately, as they lean left and often report only after decisions are made. They act as the “arm of the liberals,” leaving us stuck with policies we missed the chance to oppose.
Rasing Taxes in Arizona
Several officials in Arizona have expressed intentions to increase taxes, asserting that additional revenue is necessary.
However, according to the April 2025 newsletter published by the Arizona Tax Research Association (ATRA), numerous municipalities currently possess ample fiscal reserves, indicating that there is no imperative to implement tax hikes at this time.
Excerpts from the article:
ATRA’s analysis reveals that for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025, Arizona cities collectively budgeted $9.1 billion for their general funds, with nearly $4.2 billion—approximately 47%—allocated to cash reserves. This financial strength is attributed to consistent growth in sales and income tax revenues, bolstered by legislative changes and economic factors.
The association’s findings suggest that while state-level tax policy changes have influenced revenue dynamics, Arizona cities continue to enjoy a favorable financial position. As discussions around taxation and budgeting persist, ATRA advocates for transparency and accountability in municipal fiscal practices.
The question now is “who are those” that are trying to raise our taxes when we don’t need them raised?
I shall consistently extend my support to our military personnel, law enforcement officials, firefighters, and healthcare workers for their bravery in safeguarding our well-being.
G