Casper highlights growth in State of the City speech

Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper focused on city growth in her State of the City address Thursday night.

Casper spoke about projects from 2018 including upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant, the new Broadway development and protecting water access with a water settlement agreement.

She then talked about future projects including the new Idaho Falls Community Hospital and the new education center at the zoo.

“And there are more projects on the horizon that we look forward to announcing in the coming months,” Casper said. “It’s a very exciting time for Idaho Falls and for our state as well. Idaho was recently named the fastest growing state in the nation. And Idaho Falls is doing its part.”

Casper mentioned the quality of life in Idaho Falls especially with the REcreate IF plan from the parks and recreation department, programs from the library and Idaho Falls Power. She also talked about the new pilot program for a fiber optic network and the new Small Modular Reactor program at the INL, which will give the city a 100 percent zero-carbon emissions power profile.

She then turned to the economy saying Idaho Falls does not need to worry about anxious economic whispers thanks to a strong economy from various areas including agriculture and tourism. However, the city has not escaped a housing shortage.

“We do have pent up demand for local real estate,” Casper said. “We hope local builders will hang in there and work with the supplies and labor we have.”

Finally, she talked about public safety. She said a new police headquarters is essential for the community. This year, the Police Department is also getting Idaho Falls’ first motorcycle patrol officers and working to improve suicide prevention services with a mobile crisis team.

Casper said, overall, the state of the city is strong and the future is bright.

“Idaho Falls is growing and the pace is brisk right now,” she said. “And through it all, we will continue to light your homes, provide the water, mow the lawns, offer wholesome entertainment and respond when you dial 911. That’s what we do.”

Mayor Casper also encouraged the community to get more involved and stay up to date by visiting city Facebook and web pages, contacting them by phone or email, and attending City Council meetings.