What higher-reward jobs would you like to see more of in flagstaff?
After enjoying this thought-provoking thread and even the inevitable critiques of it
https://www.reddit.com/r/Flagstaff/s/7e0BBWDF6H
What jobs do you wish there were more of available in flagstaff, and why?
Backstory 1: I just read the book “Collective Illusions” by Todd Rose, who has also done fascinating podcasts with Mel Robbins, Mike Rowe and others, and would love to hear what you wish for individually vs what you believe your community thinks? I will add more backstory if we get some responses…
My Summary, YMMV:
This post was intended to elicit discussion on IF we want better jobs in flagstaff (some do not) and if so, what would we be willing to do or change both as individuals and as a community. Some discussion devolved into individual criticisms, but my summary by theme:
Backstory 2: The 2023 failed vote for Proposition 480 - the Hospital Relocation. The community rejected an $800m proposal to build a new hospital and community around ft tuthill. Some voices wished it had moved forward and would have addressed overcrowding concerns and generated new jobs, while others expressed doubts of the merits and wished for better community involvement. I did not hear any thoughts yet on how such a plan could be improved for future consideration. Our elected city council who I dont find particularly business friendly did approve the plan, but voters rejected it.
Backstory 3: Datacenters? As the extreme example of changes the community could consider to support job growth, it predictably was rejected here. So what other ideas such as shipping centers would we consider, or do we stick with status quo and just wish more jobs materialized?
Backstory 4: I submitted my own experience for building my career and asked what others were willing to do or change for themselves. I commend those who made personal commitments to pursue jobs in the trades and remote work, it IS possible out there but yes tradeoffs must be made, such as establishing yourself elsewhere first (said several).
In short, I honestly dont feel the community commitment yet to support many new types of jobs. The previous post had good ideas on how the city and county could encourage and improve job growth, but without stronger individual citizen support and push, I just dont see it being any different than the past decade. Thanks to all who contributed constructive feedback! Peace Out.