Meet Lori Matthews
With a Master’s degree in Business Management and over 35 years of hands-on experience in the financial industry, I bring proven fiscal expertise and a results-driven approach to the Flagstaff City Council. My extensive background in finance has equipped me to comprehend the complexities of a municipality’s budget process, analyze economic trends, and ask the tough questions that keep our city thriving.
Since moving to Flagstaff in 2011, I’ve dedicated myself to serving our residents, drawing on my financial strengths to make a tangible impact. I served on the Flagstaff Shelter Services board and as interim Executive Director, where I applied my expertise to successfully expand services and secure critical grant and foundation support for vulnerable populations. I also founded ANEW Living, a nonprofit with an impressive 85% success rate in ending homelessness through innovative life skills and financial literacy programs—empowering individuals with the tools to achieve economic independence.
At Coconino Community College, I taught microeconomics and accounting, equipping students with practical financial knowledge to navigate real-world challenges. I am action-oriented and committed to tackling issues with sensible, fiscally responsible solutions that prioritize affordability and long-term stability.
With a proven record of asking tough questions and delivering effective, budget-conscious outcomes, I’m ready to keep fighting for Flagstaff’s future. Together, let’s build a thriving, affordable, and resilient community.
It’s been an honor to serve you as city council representative since 2022. I am currently collecting signatures to run for re-election in 2026. Please sign my online petition today. Make sure to have your driver’s license or voter ID handy.
Why Your Vote in Flagstaff City Council Elections Matters More Than You Think.
As your City Councilmember running for re-election, I’ve seen firsthand how the decisions made right here at City Hall shape our daily lives. When we think about elections, our minds often jump to presidential races or congressional seats. But here’s the truth that every Flagstaff resident needs to understand: the decisions made in our City Council chambers affect your daily life far more directly than almost any other level of government.
Local Government Touches Everything You Care About
Public Safety. Neighborhood Streets. Water Bill & Supply. Property Taxes & Services. Zoning.
Your voice on Growth matters. Flagstaff is growing. Council votes on zoning, affordable housing, and protecting our dark skies, and forest. We decide the City’s budget and allocations to Core Services and other programs.
While national elections draw the headlines, local elections often have remarkably low turnout. This means that a relatively small number of engaged citizens end up making decisions that affect everyone. Your single vote carries significantly more weight in a city council race than in almost any other election.
Flagstaff City Council is a Nonpartisan position
Flagstaff City Council races are proudly nonpartisan because fires and floods don’t check our voter registration. Potholes, water pipes, and park benches don’t care whether you’re red, blue, or purple. Partisan labels belong 200 miles south in Phoenix; up here the only color that matters is the green of our forests and the blue of our skies. Keeping party politics off the dais ensures every decision-every budget line, every zoning vote-starts with one question: “What is best for our Flagstaff community.” That’s the standard I’ve upheld for four years, and it’s the promise I’ll keep in you send me back.
Priorities and Accomplishments
Fiscally Responsible Leadership
I am committed to fighting for policies that balance Flagstaff’s essential needs with affordability for our residents and businesses. By prioritizing smart, sustainable solutions, we can invest in our community’s future without overburdening hardworking families and local enterprises.
Key Accomplishment: Reducing Water and Sewer Rate Increases
In 2024, a proposed 166% increase in water and sewer rates over five years—coupled with a perpetual 5% annual hike—was introduced as a solution to address a critical $300 million infrastructure shortfall. This plan threatened to impose an immense financial burden on our community.
I listened carefully to residents’ concerns, collaborated with key stakeholders, and navigated open meeting laws to foster consensus and find a better path forward. The result? We successfully reduced the increase to just 8.5% annually over five years—saving residents and businesses millions of dollars while still tackling our urgent infrastructure needs. This is the kind of responsible leadership Flagstaff deserves: practical, collaborative, and focused on real results.
Housing for All
Key Accomplishments in Advancing Affordability
Streamlining Development for Affordability: I’ve pushed for stronger affordable housing incentive programs to encourage development that serves our community’s needs.
I proposed a future agenda item (F.A.I.R.) to explore incentive programs for workforce housing development.
Additionally, I proposed a future agenda item to reform the city’s rezoning policy. Currently, developers must submit and receive approval for a site or concept plan before requesting a rezoning, a process that can take 2-3 years and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. My proposal seeks to allow developers to pursue rezoning first, reducing financial risks and encouraging more affordable and workforce housing projects.
Keeping Housing a Priority: I successfully advocated for adding the city’s 10-year housing plan to the weekly city council agenda, ensuring each agenda item connects to the plan for consistent focus and progress on this critical issue.
Sensible Water Rates: In 2024, I championed a significant reduction in proposed water and sewer rate hikes, easing the financial burden on families and businesses. By listening to residents and collaborating with stakeholders, we lowered a proposed 166% increase over five years to just 8.5% annually, saving our community millions while addressing critical infrastructure needs.
Join Me in Making Flagstaff Affordable for All
Together, we can build a future where every Flagstaff resident has access to affordable housing and a reasonable cost of living. Support my campaign by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word. Let’s keep Flagstaff a place we can all call home.
Advocating for Local Businesses
As a Flagstaff City Council candidate with over 35 years in the financial industry, I understand the challenges small businesses face in today’s economy. My commitment is to foster a thriving local economy by advocating for policies that empower entrepreneurs and small business owners. I’ve fought for practical, fiscally responsible solutions that help businesses grow while keeping Flagstaff affordable and vibrant.
Protecting Flagstaff’s Forest and Environment
Flagstaff is a national leader in forest health and fire mitigation, and I am dedicated to preserving this legacy. Our Ponderosa Pine Forest is the world’s largest and a treasure. I am committed to safeguarding them from the devastating wildfire risks seen in the past and from neighboring states.
Advocating for Balanced Climate Goals: I champion achievable climate goals that align with Flagstaff’s vision, striking a balance between environmental stewardship and economic vitality. My focus ensures we protect our environment while supporting the needs of our residents and businesses.
