Prescott Residents Voice Concerns About ‘Progressive’ Elements in New General Plan

By Staff Reporter |

Residents of Prescott are expressing concerns over the perceived progressive direction of the city’s 2025 General Plan. At a recent city council meeting, the latest draft of the plan was presented, fulfilling a state requirement for cities to propose growth-related plans every decade. These comprehensive plans must encompass maps, objectives, standards, and proposals related to land use and environmental considerations.

For communities with populations exceeding 50,000, additional mandates include plans for recreation, public safety, housing, and energy conservation. The Prescott plan emphasizes five core “livability” goals: resiliency and sustainability, community connection, great neighborhoods, economic competitiveness, and overall community quality.

Among the proposed strategies — over 300 in total — are notable initiatives such as the development of a transit system, enhancing stormwater infrastructure, and establishing electric vehicle infrastructure. Concerns have emerged regarding the funding dependence for these projects, particularly with local and federal budget uncertainties.

A citizen group called “Prescott Pulse” argues that the plan risks adopting policies reminiscent of those in California. They worry that mild conflicts with federal guidelines on diversity, equity, and inclusion may jeopardize crucial federal funding for housing, transit, and airport developments. Specifically, they object to provisions aimed at broadening protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Further, the plan’s environmental focus, including costs related to speed humps, lighting upgrades, and increased property taxes for climate initiatives, are drawing scrutiny. “Residents have become increasingly uninformed about city council actions until it’s too late,” a spokesperson for Prescott Pulse stated. “We are at a crossroads, with rising tensions between advocates for low growth and those who support strategic expansion.”

Prescott Pulse also highlights concerns that the proposed plan extends beyond land use, introducing new property rights regulations that could burden taxpayers. The general plan is set to appear on the November 4 ballot, with a city council decision anticipated on May 27.