Check Arrivals Spark Interest in Yavapai County

Newly-elected Yavapai County District 3 Supervisor Nikki Check was sworn in for her four-year term in Prescott on December 16. The first gathering of the new board will take place on January 8.

Check, the board’s sole Democrat, will collaborate with fellow newcomers Brooks Compton from District 1 and Chris Kuknyo from District 4. District 2 Supervisor James Gregory and District 5 Supervisor Mary Mallory will continue in their positions, with Gregory set to chair the board in 2025.

In the 2024 primary, Check won by a decisive margin, defeating Donna Michaels with 78% of the vote. She continued her success into the general election, narrowly beating Republican Lori Drake by a vote count of 12,763 to 12,537.

“Increasing public engagement in county processes is a big theme, and there are numerous opportunities,” Check stated. One major initiative will be the upcoming zoning ordinance update in 2025, which is expected to include a comprehensive outreach plan developed by Development Services.

Check emphasized the necessity of forming a committee for the zoning update, advocating for regional representation. “I believe having a committee with appointees from each region will ensure proper community engagement throughout the process,” she remarked. The goal is to reflect the visions of all communities in the updated zoning guidelines.

The county’s request for proposals highlights that many sections of the code have not seen updates since the 1960s, leading to outdated regulations. “This update is crucial for modernizing our standards and practices,” Check noted.

Within the coming weeks, Check plans to release a schedule of town hall meetings for 2025, aiming to inform and involve the public in county governance.

Check also addressed pressing water issues, aiming to revive the Yavapai County Water Advisory Committee. “Ensuring the Verde River remains perennial is crucial, and the zoning update is integral to addressing water conservation efforts,” she added.

On January 9, Check will meet a representative from Pima County’s Conservation Lands and Resources Department to explore the Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. She sees it as a potential model for Yavapai County’s conservation strategy, particularly regarding the management of state trust lands.

“It’s vital to develop a plan for expansive areas, especially the headwaters of the Verde River and the Big Chino Aquifer,” Check stressed.

Another priority includes engaging with the Verde Valley Master Transportation Plan (VVMTP). This initiative, led by the Verde Valley Transportation Planning Organization in collaboration with the Northern Arizona Council of Governments and municipalities like Sedona, aims to address the area’s transportation needs over the next two to three decades.

“Many people don’t understand the role of county supervisors,” Check said. “I view this office as an extension of the people’s voice. I encourage residents to share their ideas and concerns so that government remains responsive to their needs.”

Residents can reach Check’s office at district3@yavapaiaz.gov or by phone at (928) 649-6223.