Flagstaff Voters Will Decide on Safety Measures

Residents will vote on two propositions this midterm election to increase public safety funding and facility capacity.

Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration featuring a geometric public building facade on a mountain slope, representing city infrastructure policy. — Flagstaff voters will weigh two midterm propositions in 2026, targeting significant funding increases for public safety personnel and facility infrastructure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you support increasing local taxes to fund additional police and fire staffing in your area?

Flagstaff voters will face two ballot propositions in the 2026 midterm election aimed at addressing rising emergency call volumes. Proposition 404 would fund new public safety personnel, while Proposition 405 proposes a bond to expand facilities and replace aging infrastructure.

Why it matters

The measures respond to a doubling of annual fire department calls over the last two decades, as current staffing levels struggle to meet increasing demand. With 2,500 new residents expected in the Lake Mary area, city officials seek to align public safety capacity with regional growth.

Proposition 404 would impose a tax of 50 cents per $100 spent to fund 77 new positions, including 28 paramedics and 40 wildland firefighters. Proposition 405 is a bond initiative dedicated to building a Lake Mary fire station and replacing an 80-year-old facility.

The details

Proposition 404 aims to support a department that currently responds to roughly 1,600 calls per month. Meanwhile, Proposition 405 targets capital improvements, including an evidence warehouse and expanded police facilities, to support the required minimum daily staff of 23 people.

20 years ago, the annual fire call volume was 9,000.
Fire departments responded to 1,600 calls last month.
Voters will decide on the propositions during the 2026 midterm election.

Political Context

Opponents often challenge municipal bond initiatives and tax increases by citing the potential burden on household budgets and the necessity of the proposed infrastructure. Disagreements typically arise regarding whether existing tax revenue should be reallocated before seeking new funds from voters.

If Proposition 404 passes, residents will see a 50-cent tax increase for every $100 spent to fund new public safety positions. The outcome of Proposition 405 will dictate whether the city proceeds with major capital construction projects for fire and police facilities.

The takeaway

Voters face a choice between maintaining current public safety infrastructure or investing in expanded personnel and facilities to match city growth. Residents should review the specific financial implications of the tax and bond proposals before casting their ballots.