SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock offers Sedona the best of times and the worst of times in the ongoing dispute between the Chamber of Commerce destination marketing program and its local government control in a tale of one city.
Sedona AZ – The following phrase suggesting radical opposites is from the opening paragraph of the famous Charles Dickens’ novel, “A Tale of Two Cities:”
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity …”
Considering the number of ongoing disputes here in Sedona (perhaps beginning, but most assuredly not the ending) was the idea of becoming an incorporated city. Of course that argument was settled by the voters, and the City of Sedona designation became official.
However one ongoing tug of war has existed and continues to this day and it is the extent, if any, to which the Sedona Chamber of Commerce has controlled local government. Logically it stands to reason that a member-driven, non-profit organization should not be playing the role of acting as a tail wagging the dog (City of Sedona)… especially since its primary function is to serve Chamber of Commerce members, many located outside the “city limits” and thus are unauthorized to vote, charge Sedona city sales tax, or allegedly make viable decisions within incorporated Sedona boundaries. Old news? Of course.
However a huge mistake occurred at the time Sedona was seeking a source for a “destination marketing” contract and, instead of following the guidelines set forth to obtain bids by way of RFP (Requests for Proposals) and under intense opposition, a contract was approved with what realistically was the “regional” Chamber of Commerce and war, figuratively speaking, was declared.
This conflict quite possibly has recently been resolved by the Chamber of Commerce giving written notice they would not be renewing its contract as Sedona’s official Designated Management Organization (DMO).
Sedona has newcomers on the City Council. They are smart. They are asking a lot of questions. They are astute. But perhaps best of all, they recognize Sedona residents and respect City Limits as their jurisdiction. They have also expressed interest and intent to cooperate with regards to the spirit of regional communication and indicate willingness to seek and share ideas with other Verde Valley communities, but at the same time always to respect the limitations of their jurisdiction.
At recent meetings, the Sedona City Council has graciously spoken well of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce while at the same time maintaining their position relating to the current differences of opinion existing regarding goals and direction of a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) under which the Sedona Chamber of Commerce had been under contract. That apparently was the basis by which the C of C made their decision to not renew the contract with Sedona.
Conflicts between Sedona Arizona residents and its city councils began after a council awarded a destination marketing contract to a local non-profit membership-driven organization tasked with promoting its paid members businesses and commercial interests, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. The contract’s negative impact on city residents quality of life issues before, during and after the pandemic, resulted in contentious local elections and city council meetings. In 2023, after newly elected city council members joined existing, the Chamber program was agendized for discussion, review and action.
Recently the following was on a city council agenda:
3.a. AB 2930 Discussion/possible direction/action regarding next steps towards the development of a municipal destination marketing and management program, including a Resolution designating the City of Sedona as the official Destination Marketing Organization.
Because as it appears the transition of a DMO will revert to where many think it should have been in the first place, City Hall, a great deal of thought and logical strategy is being considered, particularly from the newer faces on City Council beginning, but not ending with hiring a professional consultant for direction.
City Council members display a sincere desire to support the premise that tourism needs to have a positive result. The majority of the city council members favor taking a slower approach, while the mayor stated that he “Can’t support waiting.”
Was expressing the need to work for “all Sedona residents and businesses” in fact a confirmed admission that during years gone by residents have, indeed, been shunned and perceivably treated like irrelevant nuisances? Is it fair to relate the overblown credit bestowed upon the Chamber of Commerce and Lodging Council as being the direct source of Sedona’s tax revenue? Has overextended and, perhaps, unprofessional pursuits actually been the cause resulting in out of control tourism creating overuse and disintegration of our most spectacular attraction, Sedona’s beauty, as well as local quality of life being shunned in the process?
Is it the obligation of Sedona government to promote businesses? No. Tourism should have positive results. Hasn’t too much time already been wasted on a “messy relationship” with the Chamber of Commerce? Yes.
It was suggested and agreed upon that most likely it will be good for the Chamber to do their own thing because, among other reasons, their vision is not the same as that of incorporated Sedona, which as presently stated is to “work for Sedona residents and businesses.” Residents, as stakeholders, should no longer be shunned and treated like second-class citizens or flatlanders.
With the task of tackling the logical decision to relocate the official DMO under the roof at Sedona City Hall, a new focus will be directed on the beauty of the area with a realistic approach and recognition of its capacity and thus indicating the need to include a method of educating our visitors. “Brand Sedona” and allow the Chamber of Commerce to deal with commercialization to benefit its members? The suggestion of an Advisory Board consisting of both residential and business participation to work in conjunction with the proposed hiring of a consultant was well received.
Newer members on the Sedona City Council were prudent in inquiring about return on investments. To-date nothing has been made available to speak to the success or failure of the contract with the Chamber of Commerce. For example, was the end result merely the extensive miles of backed up traffic? Who knows? What about success, failure, return on investment, use and participation of the newly created Sedona Transit System?
But all things considered, it seems logical to accept that certain changes, no matter what they are, will result in perhaps “the best of times” for some while for others they will, from their perspective, complain about suffering through “the worst of times.”
However, when seeking an answer about Sedona’s investment in the transit system, most assuredly not a profit producer, perhaps the answer will not be known unless transparency is practiced.
By establishing an appropriate Sedona City Designated Management Organization and, to include an “official” City of Sedona Visitors Center to rightfully represent ALL Sedona licensed businesses, then . . . at that time . . . won’t the City of Sedona finally revert to being the “dog” who rightfully takes control of wagging its own “tail”?
The best of times?
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https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16kpdy2G5A/ (offsite link)
I know those people living at the bus stop overhangs are really living it up…..taking a piss behind a building is awesome!!
USAntibiotics expects to “produce enough amoxicillin products to meet 100 percent of the nation’s demand for these essential medications” under its Walmart pharmacy deal. Walmart pharmacies will offer the U.S. manufactured amoxicillin, while McKesson provides the antibiotic through its national distribution services, according to the press release. It will be made in Bristol, Tennessee.
Thank you, President Trump administration. You kept that promise. Good job Walmart. No more amoxicillin shortages, go to work on the other hospital and pharmacy shortages.
Under Biden Harris, 20 million people came here spreading diseases, driving up cost of living, while they could send truackloads of cash back across border and manufacture Meth here but not amoxicillin?
Correction by NYT –
“The New York Times issued a correction Thursday, admitting it had wrongly attributed an antisemitic remark to Charlie Kirk (https://www.foxnews.com/category/media/charlie-kirk) when the late Turning Point USA founder was actually critiquing the comment.
As part of its story (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/11/us/charlie-kirk-views-guns-gender-climate.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare) on where Kirk stood on key political issues in the wake of his assassination, The Times reported Kirk was “repeatedly accused of antisemitism.” Kirk was a staunch supporter of Israel and has been praised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (https://www.foxnews.com/category/person/benjamin-netanyahu).
“An earlier version of this article described incorrectly an antisemitic statement that Charlie Kirk had made on an episode of his podcast. He was quoting a statement from a post on social media and went on to critique it. It was not his own statement,” the New York Times wrote beneath the report. (End copy and paste)
(Offsite link) But then there’s this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSaJexQIRvI (Offsite link)
(Offsite link) https://youtu.be/6q8Y-xA_I7o (offsite link) sharing because Sedona readers need to hear truths no need watching if you can’t handle truths
Wishing all who celebrate, a Shana Tova, a happy Jewish New Year – 5786!
(Offsite link) https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nKiS4xVtaww (offsite link) Chuck and Hakeem have lost their minds. Nonsense
(AI summary of online posts and news) Yesterday, President Trump revealed a voluntary agreement with Pfizer in the White House Oval Office, requiring the company to sell all prescription drugs to Medicaid at its lowest global prices starting in 2026. The deal introduces Trump RX a government website offering 50% to 100% discounts on popular medications such as EUCRISA, ZAVZPRET, and XELJANZ, while Pfizer commits $70 billion to USA manufacturing and research. This initiative stems from President Trump’s May 2025 executive order and July pressure letters threatening tariffs, addresses US drug prices being 422% higher than other developed nations. (AI summary)
Education Department operations continue during shutdowns, which begins at midnight. Federal financial aid keeps flowing, student loan payments still due. Employees responsible for Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, colleges and universities aid packages, will be working. Certain employees involved with rulemaking around changes to student loans, part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, will be working.
Democrats jumping ship to vote for Winsome Sears, the black immigrant ex veteran now Lt. Governor after white liberals put up a white liberal with ideas to turn off gas and oil and allow illegal immigration in the state. Go Winsome! Stop woke progressives at the ballot box!
Do your homework news!!! Government doesn’t pay except once a month or every two weeks. This paycheck to paycheck scenario is hysterically funny. Government workers earn more than you do for the same job and they will get paid for time off for shutdown.
Young Democrats leaving parents socialists belief systems! New polls say young Democrats despise leftist parents and grandparents. Wow. They aren’t as brain dead as we thought. lmao
saw poll Democrats less than 23% support by minorities with 18% by over 40 white men
city full of no kings terrorists fat chicks & old Hillary loving white women altHeimer thugs lmao
20 hostages freed and on way to hospitals and can you believe Democrats and traitors here are protesting? Protesting freedom? God have mercy on their satan inspired unrighteousness souls. God bless Trump and Steve Witkoff and Netanyahu and everyone who made this happen. President Trump called Steve Witkoff the lynchpin in the negotiations and lavished great praise on him. He said “Witkoff is the Henry Kissinger that doesn’t leak.” This Democrat is registering to vote for Donald Trump and Republicans. Goodbye loser party.
NO ONE here applauds this outcome? (deleted by editor) racist Nazis pro Hamas anti Semites living under those rocks . Vote with your wallet and get away and stay away from disgusting place . (Deleted by editor)
Nine months of Democrat Party Politicians obstructionism but Republicans lowered cost of living and secured freedom for Biden Harris Hostages globally and cut government fraud and abuse. Enough said, eh? Canada is in need of cleaning up its corrupt institutions and immigration systems.
You’d be amazed how much government you’ll never miss. – Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels (also was former White House Budget Director)
Aren’t you the same Bob that didn’t know that SS increase is based on the consumer price index for the Previous year.. what a genius.. I love most of the posting on this site low IQ racist homophobes you gotta love it
I love the storytelling on this comment section.. oh my God, man.. lying and story telling on the site are so Humorous.. thanks for the belly laugh. You must think we’re all stupid and moronic. Either that or there’s a lot of sick twisted people out there… as I said “love when your Stupidity shines bright. Thnk you
Headlines here in Oregon read senate Democrats vote against defense, teachers union takes your money without educating your kids, Walmart still beats Mamdani-Mart, senate Democrats vote against American people 10 times , etc etc. Sedona needs to eliminate its dependence on my taxes. Subsidize paid uber transportation inside n outside city by taxing businesses, middle and upper classes here. Like in Mamdani New York the middle n rich and businesses must pay for trailer park people. City here takes over roads, businesses. Socialism Rules.
@joannwit. We’re not missing one single thing. Post office open, social security checks on time. Fed Ex delivers and because government doesn’t own our stores, we’ve got plenty of food. Who knew???!!!! The America voting for Trump admin knew.