EIAA April Meeting Report: Idaho Falls Mayor Jared Fuhriman

By NAI Commerce One Multi-Family Specialist Doug Powell

Mayor Jared Fuhriman spoke to the Eastern Idaho Apartment Association this month about current events in Idaho Falls. Topics included AREVA, downtown redevelopment, the “North Loop” power line project and growth of the city. Renee McGee, director of planning and zoning for the city, ably assisted him. During his presentation he answered numerous questions. Specifically the Mayor noted:

• The Mayor strongly supports an open door policy and relishes feedback from the constituents of Idaho Falls. He was very clear that the city works for the citizens of the town. City government is fiscally conservative and currently has no debt. The model “pay as you go” is the operative business plan.

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF) has been extended from the west side of the Snake River to the east to cover downtown redevelopment. This will support additional redevelopment, which includes the Memorial Drive green belt, additional parking and upgrading existing buildings.

• The AREVA project is moving forward and approval appears eminent with groundbreaking projected for next spring. This project will ultimately bring approximately 1,200 construction and 300+ permanent jobs to Idaho Falls. The project may be expanded, which is more good news for the area.

• Location of the “North Loop” power transmission lines remain under study, but according to the Mayor, this development is essential to the continued growth on the west side and for redundancy in supply the east side of town.

• INL is proposing an expansion of four more buildings located in the technology park adjacent to the CAES building. This will bring additional jobs and further enhance the area’s reputation for research on energy efficiency and nuclear development. This project is projected for completion over the next five years.

Renee Magee, Director of the Idaho Falls Planning Department indicated that while Idaho Falls is caught up in the national recession, growth continues at a steady rate of 1% to 1.5% per year. A rate to bodes well for continued, effective management of infrastructure development within the city.

While permits are down 35% year over year, it appears that demand is slowly returning as evidenced by an 80 unit multi-family development under construction at 12th and Hoopes and a $5 million expansion by ERMAC.

In concluding his remarks the Mayor indicated his optimism for the bright future of Idaho Falls and the city’s ability to sustain the quality of life that is the joy of the folks lucky enough to live in this part of the country.
Doug Powell can be reached at (208) 525-8088 or by email.

September Meeting of the Eastern Idaho Apartment Association

The Eastern Idaho Apartment Association's September meeting will feature Donna Oe, President and CEO of the Idaho Falls Better Business Bureau. Donna will discuss how landlords and businesses can protect themselves and their investments from identity theft, fraud, and schemes.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 9th at 1075 Utah Avenue in the 1st floor conference room of the James Madison Taylor building in Idaho Falls. Networking starts at 6 p.m. with the program at 7.

The EIAA meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month. For membership information, please contact NAI Commerce One multi-family specialist Doug Powell at (208) 521-6971.

Heart of Idaho Century Ride

Eastern Idaho cycling enthusiasts are looking forward to the inaugural "Heart of Idaho Century Ride" on August 22nd. The event is being hosted by The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho to celebrate the exhibit "Cycles of Sam".

There are 25, 50, 62 mile options in addition to the century. The event will also feature a bike festival from 11 to 4 pm at Snake River Landing with food, a bike rodeo, a bike parade, and art projects for adults, families & kids as they cheer for the returning Century riders.

NAI broker Brent Butikofer, his wife, and six children plan to do the 25 miler, and marketing director Kaly Shippen is planning to do the 50 mile option.

NAI's multi-family specialist Doug Powell is the chair of the fundraising committee for this event, and he and his wife Kathleen are also sponsors. An art and history enthusiast, Doug was also recently elected to serve on the Museum of Eastern Idaho's Board of Directors.

For more information on the event or to register, please visit the Heart of Idaho Century Ride Web Site.

Eastern Idaho Apartment Association July Meeting

The Wednesday, July 8th meeting of the Eastern Idaho Apartment Association will feature Dave McNamee, account executive from Interstate Collections, an ACS company. Dave has been in the collection industry since 1973 and will discuss collection issues relevant to the rental property business. The meeting will be held in the James Madison Taylor building 1st floor conference room at 1075 Utah Avenue in Idaho Falls. Networking begins at 6 p.m. with the program at 7. If you have questions, please contact NAI broker Doug Powell at 208.521.6971. Doug serves as Treasurer for the Association.