The Camp Verde Town Council approved two memoranda of understanding regarding a purported housing shortage and a commitment to maintaining a healthy Verde River on Wednesday, Jan. 15.
The council unanimously agreed to adopt a memorandum of understanding between the Town of Camp Verde and The Nature Conservancy to work together to ensure a healthy and flowing Verde River and its tributaries.
Town staff have been working on regional collaborative projects including the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Settlement Agreement and Arizona Growing Water Smart Projects.
The town will now work with The Nature Conservancy on upcoming stormwater recharge projects, as well as possibly collaborating on a regional groundwater model to support the town’s Arizona Department of Water Resources application for an Adequate Water Supply designation.
Councilwoman Wendy Escoffier asked if the town would get the designation as a result of the memorandum. Utilities Director Jeff Low said that the partnership would help fund the groundwater model and that the memorandum was the first step in the process.
Town Manager Miranda Fisher announced the launch of the town’s 2025 Citizen Academy. Fisher said that a goal of the town’s strategic plan was to increase knowledge about town governance.
“The point is to educate participants, help them engage and also empower them to get involved in a variety of different ways,” Fisher said.
Applications are available both online and in person. The academy will take place from March 4 through April 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Business Resource and Innovation Center at 385 S. Main St. Each week will cover a different topic, such as public works, public safety and community development. The first week will cover town governance, including the roles and responsibilities of the town council and planning and zoning commission.
The council also unanimously approved a resolution about a national housing crisis urging the Arizona State Legislature to address the effects of short-term rentals on the supply of housing for Arizona residents.
