Prescott City Council Turns Down Controversial ‘Woke’ General Plan Following Strong Public Opposition

By Ethan Faverino |

The Prescott City Council has rejected a proposed General Plan, dismissing what critics labeled as “woke policies.” Had it passed, the plan would have appeared on the upcoming election ballot.

This General Plan featured initiatives such as Vision Zero, road diets, and expensive energy options, which opponents argued would alter the city’s character rather than align with community values. Vision Zero aims to eradicate traffic fatalities, but detractors claim it ultimately seeks to phase out fossil fuel vehicles.

Road diets propose reducing vehicle lanes to introduce more bike lanes and wider sidewalks, reflecting a shift in urban planning priorities.

Mayor Phil Goode and two council members voiced strong opposition, citing a disconnect between the plan’s directives and Prescott’s conservative ethos. Goode emphasized concerns that these policies could transform Prescott into a city resembling Los Angeles or San Francisco.

The original proposal failed to secure the necessary five votes for a ballot referral, while a revised version, which made few changes yet kept many original policies, also fell short with a 4-3 vote.

The Council faces a pressing deadline to finalize a General Plan that accurately encapsulates the community’s needs for future growth. Failure to reach a consensus soon may result in missing the opportunity for inclusion in this fall’s election.

Mylie Biggs, an Associate of Government Affairs for the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, commended the council’s decision. “This is a major win for the people of Prescott,” she stated, urging other Arizona cities to heed this example in evaluating their own General Plans.

Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.