Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Page public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in business jobs
Contour Airlines Service Performance
Contour Airlines provides commercial air service at Page Municipal Airport, and its monthly report was on the agenda. Riders and local businesses depend on this service for connections.
Tourism rebound in September
After five straight months of declines, September hotel occupancy ticked up about 4.7%, thanks mostly to international visitors — good news for the city's tax revenue, though one month doesn't make a trend.
Small business support and recruitment
The board wants to survey local businesses about their needs — staffing, equipment, marketing, training — and hold stakeholder meetings beyond just chamber members. A prior survey got only ~20 responses, so reaching people is the challenge. Customer service training came up repeatedly.
Facade Improvement Program amendments
The updated program — $100,000 in pilot-year funding, clearer facade definition, half the funds reserved for retroactive projects — should launch within about 30 days, helping downtown property owners spruce up buildings.
Balloon Regatta sponsorship and promotion
With 56 balloons signed up, Paul Meehan urged the board to land one major annual sponsor — like Albuquerque's fest attracts — to help small businesses host the event and draw more visitors. An influencer will document this year's event for next year's promotion.
Tourism visitation and marketing
Visitor numbers at Carl Hayden and the Chamber hub are down, and international travelers are still far below the 4.5 million pre-COVID peak. Franz cited visa costs, expensive food and tours, and geopolitical factors; the board discussed whether the city or state tourism office could advocate for relief.
Glen Canyon Dam tours remain closed
Board members and the Conservancy director discussed why the popular dam tours haven't returned — an RFP was pulled during federal downsizing and the dam is short on security staff. Visitors keep asking for the tours, which would bring revenue and an indoor activity option.
Facade Improvement Program
Downtown beautification is moving toward a construction-manager-at-risk bid with construction hoped for 2027, and the facade program got $100,000 (down from $200,000) for next fiscal year. Councilor Hammond wants this board reviewing both before council does.
Upcoming development project pipeline
The new planning director told the board several development projects are in the queue and will come before the commission over the next couple of months, with meetings expected more frequently than in the past.
New Airport Concessionaire Agreement
The draft concessionaire agreement would raise Avis's monthly cost from $5,000 to roughly $9,000, cut parking from 25 spaces to 15, and eliminate the vehicle staging curb. Owners of the 50-year-old franchise say that math drives them off the airport, and the board agreed to send the lease back for serious re-review.
Airport Landing Fees
Page Municipal Airport is one of the few in the country with no landing fees. Councilor Hammond wants to explore a fee program to build a reserve for airport upgrades that could boost the local economy — two council members showed interest so far.