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A Packed Room, A Divided Decision, and an Unexpected Ending
It’s been a whirlwind week. Last Tuesday, the community showed up in force to voice concerns about the acquisition and proposed 13-year lease of the Fair building. The room was packed, with Doug Stanhope even offering a bit of comic relief during the call to the public. Despite the overwhelming turnout and repeated calls for the council to press pause, the notice of intent on the ordinance to move forward with the acquisition was approved. Only Karen Schumaker and Lori Reynol
6 days ago2 min read
Help Shape the Conversation: Submit Your Questions for Local Candidates
As we head into the upcoming elections, we want to make sure our community is informed, engaged, and asking the questions that matter most. We’re inviting all members to submit questions for both mayoral and City Council candidates. This is an opportunity to help guide the conversation and ensure the issues important to our community are front and center. To make this easy, We’ve created a new Slack channel: #candidates_elections. You can drop your questions directly into the
6 days ago1 min read
PRESS PAUSE on the Fair Building!
The City is about to take on all the costs of a historic building (utilities, repairs, liability) for the next 13 YEARS …in exchange for below-market rent and just 8% of the space. What other private non-profit gets that kind of a sweetheart deal from the City? The Fair Building is NOT a fair deal! Email City Council Today - Before Tuesday's Vote! We’ve provided a simple message you can copy, paste, and send below. Your voice matters—especially now. Subject: Press Pause
Apr 51 min read
It's Time for Better Leadership
Bisbee City Council voted to pursue a costly visitor center in the Fair Building instead of accepting a turnkey space in the Convention Center for under $200 per month, redirecting bed tax funds away from tourism marketing. With tourism driving the local economy, critics argue the decision reflects poor priorities and are urging qualified residents to run for council in the upcoming election.
Mar 51 min read
February 2026 Update
Bisbee Forward warns that falling sales taxes and overnight stays signal financial risks for the city and urges residents to speak up at the Feb. 17 council meeting. We encourage community input on tourism strategy, spending decisions, and city priorities.
Feb 163 min read
Bisbee Forward Responds to "Hold" on DMO Negotiations
Bisbee Forward Responds to City ‘Hold’ on DMO Negotiations; emphasizing transparency, the importance of public discourse on Bed Tax decisions, and the need for collaboration to support Bisbee’s economic future.
Dec 9, 20252 min read
Setting the Record Straight: Bisbee Forward Responds to Bisbee Vogue Editorial
Bisbee Forward sets the record straight on oversight, funding, and our ongoing work to support Bisbee’s community and businesses.
Dec 1, 20252 min read
Bisbee Forward November 2025 Update
With lodging and sales tax trends continuing to decline, Bisbee Forward outlines why action is needed now, and how we are working with the City to move Bisbee toward economic stability.
Nov 21, 20254 min read
Bisbee Forward September 2025 Highlights and Community Progress
Bisbee Forward is growing! Updates on our board, workgroups, events, and community initiatives you won’t want to miss.
Oct 8, 20253 min read
Bisbee Forward Featured on KGUN-TV
In case you missed it, Bisbee Forward was recently featured in KGUN-TV discussing our goals to increase tourism and support the local economy. Read the full article here.
Sep 18, 20251 min read
Meet Bisbee Forward
Bisbee Forward presented to City Council on the state of Bisbee’s tourism economy, highlighting declines in visitor spending and the need for a data-driven strategy to attract overnight visitors and boost sales tax. Representing 60+ local businesses, we offered to partner with the City at no cost to review marketing efforts, develop an updated tourism plan, and track results to ensure measurable economic benefits for the community.
Aug 8, 20251 min read
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