Coral Evans

Coral Evans

Flagstaff elects its first African-American mayor. Coral Evans unseats a two-term incumbent.

While the rest of the country seems to be ready for conservative leadership, Flagstaff has gone the opposite direction.

Many in Flagstaff are concerned about how fast the city is growing to accommodate an ever-expanding university.

A self-described “girl of the projects,” Evans ran on a platform of responsible growth,  stressing the importance of affordable housing and water.

Two city council members were also unseated by more liberal opponents.

Outgoing Mayor Jerry Nabours told the Arizona Daily Sun, he expects a “no-growth” approach by the new council. He said, quote, “Flagstaff as we know it has changed.”