The City of Flagstaff has received the Dark Sky Place of the Year award from DarkSky International, recognizing its long-standing efforts to protect night skies. This recognition comes after more than sixty years of work, beginning with Flagstaff’s creation of the world’s first outdoor lighting ordinance in 1958. The city was also designated as the first International Dark Sky City on October 24, 2001, following a proposal by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition.
Flagstaff remains the largest community by population with this designation and demonstrates that economic growth can coexist with nighttime environment conservation for residents and visitors. The city’s Code Compliance section is responsible for implementing dark sky regulations by reviewing permit applications, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and enforcing compliance when necessary. The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition supports these efforts through education and community events aimed at raising awareness about dark skies.
These initiatives have enabled important industries such as scientific research and astro-tourism at Lowell Observatory to thrive in Flagstaff. They also support research and military operations at facilities including the US Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station and Camp Navajo.
Both the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County have played leading roles in protecting nocturnal environments. In 1989, Coconino County adopted a lighting code restricting both spectrum and lighting amounts; Flagstaff followed soon after. The most recent update to the city’s outdoor lighting code occurred in 2023, addressing new technologies like LEDs while maintaining restrictions primarily to amber wavelengths due to research on blue light’s adverse effects on humans, wildlife, and plants.
Flagstaff officials and members of the Coalition also mentor other communities seeking Dark Sky certification by sharing expertise and best practices globally.
DarkSky’s Annual Awards recognize people, places, and communities working to reduce light pollution worldwide. More information about Flagstaff’s award can be found at https://darksky.org/news/announcing-the-2025-darksky-award-winners/.
In 2026, Flagstaff will mark 25 years as an International Dark Sky Place with public events hosted throughout the year by the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition. Details about ongoing conservation efforts are available at https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/4042/International-Dark-Sky , while information about best practices for night sky preservation and anniversary celebrations can be found at https://flagstaffdarkskies.org .
