Word on the Street

The Mayor's Missive | December 13, 2024

POTENTIAL PURCHASE PROVIDES ANOTHER ARROW IN OUR HOUSING QUIVER
The Council approved the purchase of a three-unit residential building and adjacent lot at 291 North 2nd Avenue in Ketchum during a special meeting earlier this week. The conditional agreement contains contingencies that allow the city to conduct a building inspection and explore financing options over the next 60 days. If the purchase is completed, we will pursue putting a Category Local deed restriction on the condominiums and then sell individual units to qualifying residents. This would allow us to recover a portion of the total purchase price and help house more local workers who struggle to afford market-rate property. We could then look to partner with a developer to construct more Category Local condos on the vacant land. This purchase and potential plan align with our Housing Action Plan and its stated goals to both preserve and create workforce housing.

FIRE DISTRICT TAKING SHAPE
With County Commission approval during their upcoming meeting, we will start the process of creating the legal fire district jurisdiction. This involves the commissioners determining the district boundaries and ultimately appointing initial commissioners. Once the district boundaries are confirmed by the commissioners, this information will be shared with the state tax commission. The process of full consolidation will take more than a year, but this is another significant step to achieving that goal.  

THANKS TO ONE AND ALL
As we close out another eventful year, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank our community for their participation in a multitude of city initiatives. From workforce housing to Main Street, parks to parking, and fire consolidation to comprehensive planning, there has been a lot on our plate. Not only have you paid attention, you have participated in the process. And we are collectively better off for your engagement and input! Thank you! I am sure next year will bring new challenges and new opportunities. I know I can count on your continued guidance as we navigate the year ahead.

Happy Holidays—let it snow!

Cheers,
Neil

To read the rest of Issue No. 165 of the Word on the Street, click here.