A tale of five cities
Officials address impacts of growth
By MEGAN THOMAS
Express Staff Writer
John Gaeddert, president of the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber and Visitor Bureau, welcomes guests to the State of the Cities and County breakfast. Photo by Willy Cook
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During the State of the Cities and County Breakfast presented by the Sun Valley Ketchum Chamber and Visitor Bureau on Friday, Sept. 17, elected officials gathered to offer their perspective on the state of Blaine County communities.
The breakfast brought together Blaine County?s five mayors and Blaine County Commissioner Dennis Wright to review government accomplishments, reflect on challenges and come together to address concerns facing the county.
The officials confirmed that growth continues to be the biggest concern facing the region.
?The trend is very apparent in the county as a whole,? Hailey Mayor Susan McBryant said.
According to the discussions, the growth has moved to the southern end of the county, putting the most pressure on Carey and Bellevue to provide affordable housing, government services and maintain the scenic region?s quality of life.
?As mayor, I couldn?t in my wildest dreams have imagined the double or triple growth,? Carey Mayor Rick Baird said.
Baird explained that growth challenges the small rural town to ?ensure Carey is the community that drew us there in the first place,? Baird stated.
According to Bellevue Mayor John Barton, his town has experienced similar growth. He said the town?s population has doubled over the last 12 years, stretching the water supply, raising property values and straining the city?s finances.
?One of Idaho?s oldest cities is just now coming of age,? Barton commented. Despite the obstacles Barton concluded that Bellevue is ?pretty well positioned to face the challenges we have.?
As the presentations moved to northern Wood River Valley towns, it became apparent that growth continues at a more manageable rate.
McBryant described the growth in Hailey as ?healthy,? with a rise in residential developments, a well-balanced mix of businesses and public parks. She said the city is actively dealing with the negative impacts from traffic. ?I find myself very lucky to be leading at this time.?
Other officials said Hailey?s positive momentum carries north to Ketchum and Sun Valley.
Ketchum Mayor Ed Simon focused on the Wells Fargo land exchange that he said will invigorate the downtown core.
Sun Valley?s Mayor Jon Thorson emphasized the need to address transportation and community housing issues shared throughout the county.
As the panel fielded questions from the audience, the focus of the discussion moved to the importance of working together as a collective body. The officials agreed that the cooperative effort is in place.
