Sedona City Council election 2026: Rich Gay profile and essay7 min read

June 23, 2026

A software company executive, political newcomer Rich Gay is one of five candidates running for three open seats on the Sedona City Council.

Candidate Profile

Sedona City Council candidate Rich Gay
Time in Sedona: I have lived in Sedona for four-and-a-half years, in Uptown.
Professional/personal background: 65-year-old Uptown Sedona resident and the founder of a software company.

What is your vision for the Western Gateway / Sedona Cultural Park?

My vision for the Western Gateway / Sedona Cultural Park is to transform the 41-acre site into a true resident-focused civic and cultural hub. This should include generous open spaces, community event areas, artist installations, a Native American museum and art center and strong connections forming a “golden triangle” with Tlaquepaque and Uptown. Any plan must protect red rock views, preserve natural open space and maintain our small-town character.

Do you support or oppose the restoration of the Georgia Frontiere Performing Arts Pavilion?

Regarding the Georgia Frontiere Performing Arts Pavilion, my support is conditional. I believe the residents of Sedona should decide its future. As your councilman, I will advocate for putting the final decision to the voters. I would only support restoration — or any redevelopment of the site — if it is funded entirely by private sources with zero taxpayer dollars. Any proposal must also clearly demonstrate how it will mitigate traffic, noise, sound spillover and parking impacts, while integrating arts and cultural uses and protecting the site’s natural views and open spaces.
We must get this right. The Cultural Park should serve Sedona residents and enhance our quality of life — not add to congestion or overdevelopment.

Do you support crossings over Oak Creek outside city limits? What other alternative routes do you support and how would you pursue them?

I support exploring viable Oak Creek crossings such as Chavez Crossing and Red Rock Crossing as part of a broader traffic relief strategy, but only if they are carefully planned with strong community support, full environmental review, strong mitigation of impacts on neighborhoods and natural areas and clear funding — ideally led by Yavapai County with minimal burden on Sedona taxpayers.
As your councilman, I will aggressively pursue all practical options: Pushing Yavapai County and the Arizona Department of Transportation for faster action on crossings and alternative routes, while championing immediate improvements to shuttle service that can deliver results now. We need coordinated, multi-jurisdictional effort that puts Sedona residents first — not endless studies.

How will updates to the city of Sedona’s Land Development Code address affordability, residential and commercial development while still balancing what makes Sedona unique?

Updating the Land Development Code is a critical opportunity to restore balance. The current code, combined with high city fees and sewer connection costs, makes workforce housing unaffordable. According to a [Jan. 13], 2023, Sedona Red Rock News story, Sedona’s building codes alone add an estimated $100,000 to $200,000 to the cost of each new home.
We must address the needs of families and workers without destroying Sedona’s scenic beauty and open spaces. I support encouraging a mix of smaller-scale housing options such as duplexes, triplexes and townhomes — plus second-floor units above commercial spaces. We should simplify the code, reduce excessive regulations and fees and add flexibility so attainable housing can actually be built. I will also expand the underused down payment assistance program with deed restrictions to keep units for year-round residents.
Affordability and preserving Sedona’s unique character are not opposing goals — responsible growth that protects open spaces can achieve both.

What plans do you have to alleviate traffic congestion?

My top priority for alleviating congestion is dramatically expanding and improving our cross-town shuttle system with reliable connectors linking Camp Verde, Cottonwood, the Village of Oak Creek, Uptown, Tlaquepaque and north into the canyon. Getting more tourists and regional commuters out of their cars is the most practical, resident-friendly way to reduce daily gridlock on our roads. I will work closely with ADOT, Coconino County and Yavapai County to pursue immediate improvements such as better signal timing and safety enhancements, while continuing to advocate for longer-term solutions like Oak Creek and Red Rock crossings. This collaboration will include transparent engagement with Sedona residents through public meetings so they have real input on solutions. Public safety is non-negotiable: I will prioritize wildfire risk reduction — including stronger defensible space requirements and vegetation management — along with improved emergency evacuation planning and routes to protect our community in times of crisis.
Residents should not have to live with constant congestion. Practical, multi-jurisdictional action that puts Sedona families first is long overdue.

Essay

My name is Rich Gay and I am running for Sedona City Council as part of the “Sedona Residents First” slate. I am a 65-year-old Uptown Sedona resident and the founder of a software company that managed large, complex projects. I bring proven skills in project management, fiscal responsibility and delivering results for stakeholders.
Sedona is at a crossroads. For too long, Sedona City Hall has made major decisions with insufficient transparency and resident input. From the proposed homeless car park near Sedona Red Rock High School and the unannounced rollout of Flock traffic cameras to the aggressive push for high-density housing and the council’s lawsuit to block a resident vote on the Sedona Cultural Park, many residents feel their voices are ignored. Unanimous council votes on major issues have left residents feeling dismissed and labeled as NIMBY — “Not In My Back Yard” — when they speak up.
It is time to put Sedona residents and local businesses first — ahead of tourists, developers and outside interests. As your council member, I will fight every day to restore trust in city government.
My priorities are clear:

First, restore transparency and accountability. I will champion regular town-hall meetings, public tracking of budgets and projects and voter approval for any capital expenditure over $5 million.
Second, enforce real fiscal responsibility. Projects like the Uptown parking garage must not balloon in cost while delivering fewer Uptown parking spaces. I will demand stronger contracts, detailed upfront planning, competitive bidding and an end to wasteful consultant spending.
Third, protect and elevate our small-town character and cultural heritage. Sedona was once a destination for artists, filmmakers and musicians. I will lead the creation of a formal Cultural Master Plan and a revitalized Cultural Park as part of a “golden triangle” connecting Tlaquepaque and Uptown. This includes supporting arts, festivals, a Native American museum and art center and a true civic hub while protecting Sedona’s last large open space.
Fourth, tackle worsening traffic congestion with practical solutions. My top priority is dramatically expanding our cross-town shuttle system with reliable connectors linking Camp Verde, Cottonwood, the Village of Oak Creek, Uptown, Tlaquepaque and the canyon. I will also work with the Arizona Department of Transportation, Coconino County and Yavapai County on immediate improvements and longer-term relief.

We must also manage growth responsibly — addressing workforce housing needs through a mix of smaller-scale housing options such as duplexes, triplexes and townhomes — plus second-floor units above commercial spaces — while promoting native plant landscaping and protecting our iconic red rock trails from overuse and illegal OHV activity. Affordability and preserving open spaces are not opposing goals.
These priorities are rooted in one guiding principle: Preserving the natural wonder and quality of life that make Sedona special. I am running because Sedona’s residents deserve a council that listens, delivers practical solutions and truly serves the people who call this community home. I respectfully ask for your vote so we can restore trust and keep Sedona special for the people who live and work here.