- History of Innovation
- Demographics
- Profile
- Partners
All files are PDFs (26–885 KB).
- Flagstaff Retail Analysis
- City of Innovation Brochure
- Flagstaff Facts
- Flagstaff Community Profile
- Flagstaff Demographic Profile
- Flagstaff Business Detail Profile
- Trade Area Demographic Profile
- Trade Area Business Detail
- Coconino County Profile
- Map of Enterprise Zones (City of Flagstaff)
- Map of Enterprise Zones (Coconino County)
- Enterprise Zone Program Summary
The turn of the century: Lowell Observatory and the discovery of Pluto
The USGS’ Flagstaff Science Center continues to serve as an independent fact-finding agency that collects, monitors, and analyzes natural resource data in the disciplines of geology, geography, water, and biology.
Flagstaff’s history of innovation achievement really begins with the founding of Lowell Observatory in 1896. Considered one of the major astronomical research facilities in the U.S., Lowell plays an important role in advancing our knowledge of the solar system and beyond. In 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered the planet Pluto here and, in 1977, the rings of Uranus were co-discovered. Other significant discoveries include the three largest known stars and the first Trojan of Neptune.
The 1960s and 1970s: Exploring the Moon
Flagstaff was also the site of a major lunar exploration program. The Flagstaff Field Center of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) was established in 1963 to study lunar geology and help train astronauts. Flagstaff was chosen because of its excellent atmospheric conditions and location among volcanic craters that provide a natural field “laboratory.” The Astrogeology Research Program played an important role in training astronauts during the 1960s and early 1970s. “Grover,” built here at the Flagstaff facility, was used for surface training. The first lunar astronauts — Neil Armstrong, Frank Borman, and Thomas Safford — studied moon geography at the observatory at Northern Arizona University.
Mars
Currently, the astrogeologists at USGS are active in the Mars Lander programs. They are instrumental in designing instruments for the landers and advise on their ongoing operation. [ Learn about the Mars missions at JPL… ]
Flagstaff’s emerging biotech center…
Today, Flagstaff is rapidly becoming an emerging hub for medical device manufacturing and bioscience innovation. Major players include W.L. Gore, which houses its medical products division here. This international company develops and manufactures implantable medical devices at its Flagstaff facility and employs 1,700 people. Machine Solutions provides innovative solutions to a variety of process, testing, and device design challenges. Founded here in 1999, MSI is a leading supplier to catheter and stent manufacturers worldwide. TGen North, a pathogen genomics and biodefense research facility, opened in 2007. This collaboration with Northern Arizona University uses the latest in genomic technology to develop smarter and faster diagnostics for infectious diseases, expanding our bioscience corridor. Other notable biotech firms include SenesTech, a platform biotechnology company specializing in nonsurgical methods for controlling rodent and wildlife populations — a breakthrough that could profoundly increase food production throughout the world.
