ROAD TRIP: ISO ARIZONA STORIES

posted by Michael Chihak

Ninety percent of Arizona's population is concentrated in cities, and most of that in the two big metro areas, Phoenix and Tucson.

But there's a lot going on among that other 10 percent and in the dozens of far-flung communities across the state. A crew from Arizona Week is heading out there this week to gather information for upcoming programs.

We hope to be surprised with what we find, but we also have some ideas that we'll try to bring home. Here's a short list of the ideas:

-- In the White Mountains, we will talk with businesspeople and the heads of business organizations about how the economy is doing in the aftermath of the Wallow Fire. How did the fire affect the summer tourism season? And how will the fire's after effects, which could linger for years, change the business landscape?

-- In northeastern Arizona, we hope to talk with officials of the Navajo Nation, as they build on economic enterprises, with casino gaming under way and plans to expand it. The nation also has formed a chamber of commerce to represent businesses and is looking at energy resource expansion, all aimed at lowering the high unemployment rate on the nation.

-- Along the Interstate 40/Route 66 corridor, we will talk with business officials about summer tourism and how the economy and gasoline prices have affected it. Is traffic down? Are people staying closer to home? How is the hospitality industry doing?

-- In Flagstaff, we will interview Mayor Sara Presler about the city budget, the economy and business in and around Flagstaff and other matters. How is the summer visitor season? What has Flagstaff done to keep up city services in the face of lower revenues? How are cuts at Northern Arizona University affecting the community?

There's more, but those are the key targets for now. Look for one of these topics to bubble to the surface in time for Friday's broadcast of Arizona Week.