FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Flagstaff City Council has selected Moses Milazzo to fill the vacant council seat following the resignation of former Councilmember Anthony Garcia.
Milazzo is scheduled to be formally appointed and sworn into office during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 20, at 3 p.m. He will serve the remainder of the term, which runs through December 2028.
The appointment follows a competitive selection process that attracted 28 applicants. Candidates were required to submit an application, letter of interest, résumé, and written responses to questions. Each applicant also had an opportunity to introduce themselves publicly during a City Council meeting.
Following an initial review, councilmembers narrowed the field to five finalists, who participated in public interviews before the council made its final selection.
Milazzo has lived in the Flagstaff area for more than 18 years and brings a background in science, education, housing advocacy, and community leadership.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a Ph.D. in Planetary Sciences from the University of Arizona. He is also the founder and executive director of Other Orb LLC.
His community involvement includes leadership roles with the Flagstaff Housing Commission, Flagstaff Housing Authority, and Flagstaff Shelter Services, giving him experience addressing housing challenges and working with local organizations.
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett welcomed the selection, highlighting Milazzo’s experience and commitment to the community.
“We’re honored to welcome Moses to the city council. His extensive knowledge of housing issues, long-time service to the city, and devotion to this community will serve us well throughout his term,” Daggett said.
The mayor also thanked the other applicants for their willingness to serve, noting the strong field of candidates considered during the process.
Milazzo’s appointment comes just weeks before the November 2026 election. Unlike candidates competing for council seats in that election, Milazzo was selected directly by the sitting City Council through the vacancy appointment process rather than by a public vote.
The City previously announced that individuals running in the November election would not be considered for the vacant seat.
Once sworn in, Milazzo will serve through December 2028, giving him more than two years on the council as Flagstaff continues addressing housing affordability, growth, infrastructure, and other community priorities.
Application materials and other documents related to the selection process are available through the City of Flagstaff’s public meeting agenda portal.
