Idaho Falls

MAYOR’S MINUTE by Jared Fuhriman State of the City O ne year ago, in this chamber, I came before you to deliver my annual State of the City address. I pointed out that we were fortunate in that previous city leaders—along with your current mayor and council—have maintained a fiscal policy of “pay as you go” and “not going into debt.” That philosophy has allowed us to weather this economic uncertainty. I am, therefore, pleased to report once again “Local hotel rev- enues increased significantly in 2010, as more and more vacationers traveling through our region use Idaho Falls as a place to stop and enjoy our local amenities.” tonight that the city’s financial outlook remains fiscally strong and monetarily sound. Adding to this overall positive economic sign is our distinction as the regional hub of east- ern Idaho, the location of the Idaho National Laboratory in our community, Areva’s planned multi-billion dollar development of its Eagle Rock Enrichment Facility west of Idaho Falls and our “Gateway Status” to both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Tourism is still an untapped resource which we must fully explore. Local hotel revenues increased significantly in 2010, as more and more vacationers traveling through our region use Idaho Falls as a place to stop and enjoy our local amenities. Despite the slow economic recovery, construc- tion activity and valuation has risen in Idaho Falls. A 12-month comparative analysis shows a 95 percent increase in construction valuation in 2010, resulting in an increase of $18,694,692. In addition, the total number of permits issued also increased 7 percent, adding an increase of $94,833 in fees. This amounts to a 30 percent increase in total revenue to the city in 2010, as compared to 2009. Looking back at some of our accomplishments in 2010, I’m please to say that our Public Works Division was able to complete many improve- ment projects such as: a major infrastructure upgrade of South Capital Avenue was completed, and with additional stimulus funds which were 70 Prospectus IDAHO FALLS 2011 number of exciting projects which I will be talk- ing about in the coming weeks ahead, such as Ryder Park with its fishing pond, the installa- tion of lights at the soccer complex west of the airport, upgrade of the “D” Street Underpass, additional overlays on our city streets, and additional downtown parking, which will come with the demolition of two buildings this spring across from the City Hall Annex. With the sign- ing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, and the Downtown Redevelopment Agency in place, this allows the Memorial Drive Master Plan and Realignment Project to now move forward. I would like to thank the Idaho Falls City Council for their dedication and commitment in serving our community, and our City Division Directors, along with all of our City Employees, who go above and beyond their daily routine in keeping our city functioning. I would also like to thank our local citizens— everyday people making a difference, such as the three Taylorview Junior High School students, who took the initiative to come before the city council with petitions from friends and neigh- bors to build a safe walking bridge across the Idaho Canal located near their school. Then there are the three local teens, who saved a woman’s life and assisted our local firefighters in preventing what could have easily developed into a major blaze. The City of Idaho Falls is in good hands and in strong shape, and we are more than ready to meet whatever challenge lies ahead. made available, approximately 52.7 lane miles were seal-coated. Also, the Holmes Avenue reconfiguration was initiated and completed, resulting in a safer flow of traffic along this busy thoroughfare. As we look forward to 2011, there are a

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