City Council Candidate Forum 2026
Flagstaff City Council Candidates Gather at the Murdoch Center
How It Worked
On September 10th we held a candidate Forum here at the Murdoch center. The candidate forum began at 5:00 PM with a brief welcome from Sean Golightly, followed by opening statements from all five candidates, who each had four minutes to speak while the audience listened without interruption. Right after, the candidates joined a five-minute panel question, responding to one shared prompt. At 5:40, everyone transitioned into the main interactive portion of the evening: 7-minute sit-downs. Five tables were set up, each with its own question and room for up to six participants. Candidates rotated from table to table, spending seven minutes at each with a one-minute transition in between, while participants could stay put or move to another table as long as it wasn't full. Once the rotations wrapped up around 6:25, everyone returned to the main area for a short transition, and the night closed with four-minute closing statements from each candidate.
What We Heard
Residents came ready with questions. Conversations touched on the issues that shape daily life in Flagstaff: housing and affordability, the southside plan, public safety, small business, and community spaces. Candidates shared their priorities and responded directly to what neighbors wanted to know.
Photo Gallery
Local elections decide the things you feel most: your streets, your rent, your parks, your neighborhood. City Council votes shape Flagstaff far more directly than most people realize. Showing up to meet the candidates is one of the easiest ways to make your voice count.
Ready to vote? Check your registration status and find election information through the Coconino County Elections Office. Then tell a neighbor to do the same.
The Southside Community Association is nonpartisan. We don't endorse candidates. We do believe every neighbor deserves the chance to be informed, heard, and ready to vote.
Thank You
Thank you to every candidate who joined us, and to every neighbor who took time out of their evening to be part of it. You made the Murdoch Center what it's meant to be: a place where community happens.
Keep an eye on our page for upcoming events at the Murdoch Center. We'd love to see you there.
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