By Andy Tobin, Opinion Contributor

One of the greatest strengths of rural Arizona has always been our ability to come together, face challenges head-on, and find solutions that protect both our heritage and contribute to our future. Prescott is admired for this trait, always has been. Our community sits at the center of a conversation that will define the next generation: how to grow responsibly, protect our water, and keep Prescott affordable for families and newcomers alike. Not unlike the previous generation of pioneers and transplants

It's important to get the facts right. Often, emotional reactions can be alleviated with good faith communication, professional research, and fact-finding. Accuracy and coordination avoid untimely disruption to cooperative planning. Prescott's Hometown reputation has always been one of quality, affordability, respect for its historical makeup, and a welcoming atmosphere.

It’s time for Prescott to focus on what really matters: planning together with accurate information, grounded in science and transparency. We are responsible for the area’s success 20 years from now, just as our predecessors have successfully prepared us for today.

Prescott is one of the few Arizona cities to hold a 100-year Designation of Assured Water Supply by the Arizona Department of Water Resources, reaffirmed in 2024 through updated local hydrological modeling. Per-person water use has been declining every year since 2008. Well done to the citizens and leadership. The State of Arizona has certified that over 60% of our reclaimed water is recharged into the aquifer, thereby strengthening our long-term supply. Our leaders have well planned for growth without losing what makes Prescott special. Nobody wants to see reckless development. What we do need is growth done right—or, as I prefer to call it, planned progress and setting a sound example. That means housing that allows teachers, tradespeople, service workers, public safety, and our kids and grandkids to stay here. It means infrastructure that’s funded with development investment, not by just raising taxes on current residents. It means that road improvements, emergency access, low-impact landscaping, permitting efficiencies, drainage planning, and other enhancements will be built into every phase of growth. If we don’t build thoughtfully, we don’t just stop growth—we push it out into unplanned sprawl, burdening our region.

The new information circulator, Prescott Truth, will help ensure that debate on growth and infrastructure is rooted in facts—not fear. Fellow community leaders will come together to launch Prescott Truth, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to providing residents with clear, fact-based information about water, growth, and affordability. Prescott Truth is committed to transparency, accountability, and engagement. It’s not about taking sides; it’s about equipping our neighbors with the facts they need to make informed choices and correcting unfounded or emotionally charged commentary.

Our nation, my generation, has saddled our children with 37 trillion in debt, lifelong university loans inflated beyond imagination unaffordable healthcare/deductibles/insurance, automobile prices through the roof, no chance to own a home, even a starter home to grow a family and finally, we demand more from them to fund our retirement social security payments that long ago needed correcting. We have dumped on our nation’s soon-to-be next greatest generation by selfishly building our own wealth. Let's not keep digging the hole; let's create the great Western lifestyle we loved when our lives were youthful. Let's promote growth that includes our future generations’ welfare above our own. What is clear is that our young families can’t afford to live here anymore. Responsible housing growth contributes to affordability for the very people who make this community work

Smart growth doesn't make traffic worse; new investment pays for safer roads and traffic alternative upgrades—not taxpayers. Water, housing, and infrastructure are community issues—not partisan battles. We are deeply proud of and love our rural lifestyle. We are independent and deeply connected to this place. The generations coming soon behind us share the same love for our lifestyle as we do; let's give them a chance to experience it. We can do better. Let's ignore the scare tactics and come together as a community to build a future that keeps our area livable, affordable, and sustainable.

We will grow; some things will never be the same. Our scenery, our environment, and our history will be altered for the better, and our next generation will look to raise their families right here, just as we did, creating new memories, just as we did. Let's help them. Prescott Truth will work to do this and more, delivering the facts and truth that matter to our community. You can learn more and see all sources for this information at PrescottTruth.org.