Updates

Tuesday's council meeting covered a lot of ground. Some of it was routine. Three items were not. Below are our key takeaways. View our summary here and as always, if you have the time, watch the full council meeting here. There's an Open Council Seat in Ward 1. Apply Now! Council member Lori Reynolds resigned. The council accepted her resignation and begins taking applications immediately. Whoever is selected will serve a full two-year term — this is not a placeholder appoint

On May 5, 2026, the Bisbee City Council voted to enter into a contract with Hackett Advertising Public Relations Interactive, LLC (HAPI) — a Scottsdale-based for-profit marketing firm — to manage the City’s Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) services for $4,000/month. Bisbee Forward, the only nonprofit to submit a proposal, and therefore the only entity eligible to serve as a DMO, was passed over despite offering to do the work pro bono. Our intention has always been st

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Bisbee Forward is growing! Updates on our board, workgroups, events, and community initiatives you won’t want to miss.

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.